Air conditioners alone can’t beat extreme heat, scientists warn

As the world gets hotter, air conditioners are becoming more important than ever. They help people stay safe during heat waves and can even save...

Scientists turn old EV batteries into more powerful next-generation batteries

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries may have a much brighter future than simply being recycled into basic materials. Researchers at the University of California San Diego...

Natural aquifers could revolutionize cooling for AI data centers, study finds

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow, so does the number of data centers needed to power it. These facilities run around the clock and...

Why airplanes still limit carry-on batteries to 100 Wh

Many travelers carry smartphones, laptops, tablets, power banks, and other electronic devices when flying. While these devices are convenient, the lithium-ion batteries inside them can...

New water-powered battery could power wearables—and even destroy sensitive devices

Scientists have developed a new type of battery that runs using moisture from the air instead of the liquid chemicals found in most batteries. The...

Simple underwater cones could make wave energy much more efficient

Ocean waves carry enormous amounts of clean, renewable energy. Unlike sunlight and wind, the sea is almost always moving, making wave power an attractive...

New solar hydrogen system converts over 31% of sunlight into clean fuel

Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in the future of clean energy because it can store renewable electricity and produce no carbon...

Scientists create 3D-printed zinc battery that stores seven times more energy

As more countries use solar panels and wind turbines to generate electricity, finding better ways to store that energy has become increasingly important. Researchers at...

Scientists turn plastic bottles into high-quality battery material

A plastic bottle that would normally end up in a recycling bin or landfill could one day help power electric cars, smartphones, and renewable...

Tiny lithium atom could power the next generation of optical technology

Scientists have discovered a simple way to greatly improve the performance of a tiny carbon-based molecule that could one day be used in faster...