How do superconductors work? A physicist explains what it means to have resistance-free electricity

Superconductors are materials that can transmit electricity without any resistance. Researchers are getting closer to creating superconducting materials that can function in everyday life.

Mishkat Bhattacharya, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
March 24, 2023 • ~6 min

Bridges, bike lanes, electric car chargers and more: 5 essential reads on the infrastructure bill

What will the US$1.2 trillion infrastructure bill pay for? Here are some of the things it will help build, fix or remove.

Jennifer Weeks, Senior Environment + Energy Editor, The Conversation • conversation
Nov. 8, 2021 • ~7 min

Puerto Rico has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build a clean energy grid – but FEMA plans to spend $9.4 billion on fossil fuel infrastructure instead

Four years after Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico, federal money to rebuild its electricity system is finally about to flow. But it may not deliver what islanders want.

Rachel Stevens, Professor of Law & Staff Attorney, Vermont Law School • conversation
Oct. 4, 2021 • ~8 min

Physicists hunt for room-temperature superconductors that could revolutionize the world's energy system

Generating energy usually means wasted heat. Semiconductors let the electrons flow with zero waste – but so far scientists only know how to get them to work at ultra-low temperatures.

Pegor Aynajian, Associate Professor of Physics, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
June 3, 2020 • ~9 min

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