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Category: energy – Page 16

Study finds cell cytoskeleton mimics critical phenomena seen in earthquakes and metals

Prof. Michael Murrell’s group (lead author Zachary Gao Sun, graduate student in physics) in collaboration with Prof. Garegin Papoian’s group from the University of Maryland at College Park has found critical phenomena (self-organized criticality) that are reminiscent of the earthquakes and avalanches inside the cell cytoskeleton through self-organization of purified protein components.

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have found that the cell’s cytoskeleton—the mechanical machinery of the cell—behaves much like Earth’s crust, constantly regulating how it dissipates energy and transmits information. This self-regulating behavior enables cells to carry out complex processes such as migration and division with remarkable precision.

Even more striking, the study draws parallels between the behavior of microscopic cellular structures and massive celestial bodies, suggesting that the principles of criticality—where systems naturally tune themselves to the brink of transformation—may be universal across vastly different scales of nature.

RGB multiplexer based on lithium niobate enables faster, more efficient light modulation for laser beam scanning

As technology advances, photonic systems are gaining ground over traditional electronics, using light to transmit and process information more efficiently. One such optical system is laser beam scanning (LBS), where laser beams are rapidly steered to scan, sense, or display information.

This technology is used in applications ranging from barcode scanners at grocery stores to laser projectors in light shows. To process a wider range of signals or enable full-color output, these systems utilize multiplexers that merge the red, green, and blue (RGB) laser beams into a single beam.

Traditionally, this was achieved by directly modulating each laser, turning them on and off to control the output. However, this approach is relatively slow and energy intensive. A recent study by researchers at the TDK Corporation (Japan) reports the development of a faster and more energy-efficient RGB multiplexer based on thin-film (TFLN).

New device converts plastic waste into fuel using catalyst-free pyrolysis

As tons of plastic waste continue to build up in landfills every day, Yale researchers have developed a way to convert this waste into fuels and other valuable products efficiently and cheaply. The results are published in Nature Chemical Engineering.

Specifically, the researchers are using a method known as pyrolysis, a process of using heat in the absence of oxygen to molecularly break materials down. In this case, it’s used to break plastics down to the components that produce fuels and other products. The study was led by Yale Engineering professors Liangbing Hu and Shu Hu, both members of the Center for Materials Innovation and Yale Energy Sciences Institute.

Conventional methods of pyrolysis often use a to speed up the and achieve a high yield, but it’s a method that comes with significant limitations.

This MIT spinout’s electric bricks store heat hotter than lava

MIT spinout Electrified Thermal Solutions has inked a deal with HWI, a member of Calderys and one of the biggest refractory suppliers in the US, to make electrically conductive firebricks – electric bricks, or E-bricks – that store and deliver extreme heat using renewable electricity.

The innovative partnership is all about scaling up Electrified Thermal’s Joule Hive Thermal Battery, which conducts clean power and stores it as heat up to a scorching 1,800C (3,275F). That’s hot enough to drive even the most energy-hungry industrial processes like steelmaking, glass, or cement production.

The E-bricks enable factories to ditch fossil fuels and run on renewables without sacrificing performance or reliability, and at a lower cost.

Research shows how sulfate ions increase the lifespan, performance of aqueous batteries

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have uncovered a critical molecular cause keeping aqueous rechargeable batteries from becoming a safer, economical option for sustainable energy storage.

Their findings, published in Science Advances, reveal how water compromises battery life and performance and how the addition of affordable salts—such as zinc sulfate—mitigates this issue, even increasing the battery lifespan by more than ten times.

One of the key determinants of the lifespan of a battery—aqueous or otherwise—is the . Chemical reactions at the anode generate and store the battery’s energy. However, parasitic degrade the anode, compromising the battery lifespan.

Cosmic Death Spiral: Astronomers Catch Planet in Final Orbit Before Destruction

A team of astronomers led by Macquarie University has monitored the orbital decay of an extreme exoplanet to gain new insights into how stars dissipate energy. The exoplanet TOI-2109b, found 870 light-years away in the Hercules constellation of the Milky Way, stands out as one of the most extreme

Spin waves observed directly at nanoscale for first time

For the first time, spin waves, also known as magnons, have been directly observed at the nanoscale. This breakthrough was made possible by combining a high–energy-resolution electron microscope with a theoretical method developed at Uppsala University. The results open exciting new opportunities for studying and controlling magnetism at the nanoscale.

Cost Effective way of Converting Hemp Waste into Ethanol Fuel

Breaking the cellulose and hemicellulose chain has for a long time been a very expensive process. Now with research and this new system it can be done in a rather simple and cost effective manner.

For long, the most expensive part of making cellulosic ethanol has been to be able to break this molecule chain, making it non-competitive with corn ethanol. With this new technology, cellulosic ethanol can compete with corn ethanol as cellulosic ethanol is more environmentally friendly alternative.

To learn more about the basics of cellulosic ethanol and starch ethanol, see the article linked below.

This is the latest and greatest innovation in the world of cellulosic ethanol production. It shows potential for significant cost savings and proving to be even more profitable than corn ethanol.

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