Oil companies are going all-in on petrochemicals – and green chemistry needs help to compete

As global oil consumption drops, oil companies are pivoting to petrochemicals, and could crowd out bio-based alternatives.

Constance B. Bailey, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, University of Tennessee • conversation
May 25, 2021 ~10 min

The sun's atmosphere is hundreds of times hotter than its surface – here's why

Alfvén waves, first proposed 80 years ago, could explain why the sun's atmosphere is so much hotter than its surface.

Huw Morgan, Reader in Physical Sciences, Aberystwyth University • conversation
May 24, 2021 ~8 min


How much energy can people create at one time without losing control?

Scientists are working on ways to make lots of energy by converting matter into energy. The trick is keeping the process under control. One possibility is nuclear fusion – the Sun's power source.

Xuejian Wu, Assistant Professor of Physics, Rutgers University - Newark • conversation
May 17, 2021 ~6 min

‘Molecular glue’ makes perovskite solar cells tougher

A "molecular glue" strengthens a key weak point in perovskite solar cells. The advance makes them tougher, more efficient, and more reliable.

Kevin Stacey-Brown • futurity
May 7, 2021 ~9 min

Massive flare seen on the closest star to the solar system: What it means for chances of alien neighbors

Astronomers just measured the largest flare ever from Proxima Centauri, humanity's closest neighboring star. These flares could be bad news for life trying to develop on a planet orbiting the star.

R. O. Parke Loyd, Post-Doctoral Researcher in Astrophysics, Arizona State University • conversation
May 3, 2021 ~6 min

Installing solar panels over California's canals could yield water, land, air and climate payoffs

Installing solar panels over California's 4,000 miles of canals could generate less expensive, renewable energy, save water, fight climate change – and offer a solution for the thirsty American West.

Brandi McKuin, Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz • conversation
May 3, 2021 ~10 min

Floating solar farms could cool down lakes threatened by climate change

Earth's floating solar power capacity has grown one-hundredfold in the last five years.

Giles Exley, Associate Lecturer of Energy and Environment, Lancaster University • conversation
April 13, 2021 ~6 min

Technology innovation gives government leverage to drive down emissions fast – here's how

Technology innovation is one of the Biden administration’s most powerful tools for accelerating progress on climate change. Recent successes in renewable energy and batteries show how this can work.

Jessika E. Trancik, Associate Professor, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology • conversation
April 7, 2021 ~8 min


The US is worried about its critical minerals supply chains – essential for electric vehicles, wind power and the nation's defense

Right now, the nation is almost entirely dependent on other countries for minerals that are used in everything from wind turbines to strike fighters and satellites.

Morgan Bazilian, Professor of Public Policy and Director, Payne Institute, Colorado School of Mines • conversation
April 6, 2021 ~9 min

The US needs a macrogrid to move electricity from areas that make it to areas that need it

The US electricity grid is actually five regional grids, and it's hard to share power between them. A macrogrid could bridge the gaps, making electricity cheaper and more reliable.

James D. McCalley, Professor of Electrical Engineering, Iowa State University • conversation
April 5, 2021 ~9 min

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