Fuel-free solar sails could power the next generation of spacecraft
Space exploration usually brings to mind rockets burning through vast amounts of fuel to escape Earth and journey through the solar system.
But what if...
Scientists tap sunlight to lift new flyers into near space
High above our heads, between 50 and 100 kilometers (30–60 miles) above the Earth’s surface, lies the mesosphere—a part of the atmosphere that remains...
How a slime-like material could transform battery recycling
From smartphones to electric cars, lithium-ion batteries power much of our modern world.
But while they are essential for clean energy and portable power, they...
Quantum tech could help pilots navigate safely without GPS
For more than 20 years, GPS has quietly powered much of our modern world—from guiding airplanes and ships to timing financial trades and running...
Scientists discover a cool way to supercharge solar panels
In hot climates, solar panels often suffer from a major problem—overheating.
While they rely on sunlight to generate electricity, too much heat can actually reduce...
This smart material could bend, bounce, and take a hit without breaking
A team of scientists led by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has developed a remarkable new soft material that can absorb strong impacts, change...
Smart mattress could help prevent deadly bedsores in bedridden patients
Researchers at UCLA have created a new kind of mattress that could make a big difference for people stuck in bed for long periods.
This...
Why clean energy can’t reach your EV—yet
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often seen as a key solution in the fight against climate change.
But a new study from Northwestern University warns that...
Smart sound shield lets air in, keeps noise out
Imagine a device that can block annoying noise—like that from fans, air conditioners, or busy offices—without stopping the flow of fresh air.
A research team...
Scientists shrink spectrometer to fit inside a phone camera
Imagine being able to analyze the chemical makeup of food, water, or even your skin using just your phone.
Thanks to a breakthrough from researchers...