Jessica McMathis

Good vibrations: New nanogenerator shows promise for self-powered electronics

By Jessica McMathis / February 25, 2014

A team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has discovered a way to charge your smartphone battery even when you’re away from your charger.

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Self-cleaning coating solves solar’s soiling problems

By Jessica McMathis / February 24, 2014

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new “low-cost superhydrophobic coating” that counteracts sun-blocking contaminates that settle on photovoltaic surfaces.

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Perovskite structure photovoltaics key to new solar-cell production process

By Jessica McMathis / February 20, 2014

Engineers at UCLA have discovered an innovative process that uses photovoltaic materials in the production of “highly efficient” solar cells.

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DOE announces $3 million for geothermal energy R&D, rare-earth element supply

By Jessica McMathis / February 19, 2014

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $3 million to research and development of low-to-moderate-temperature geothermal resources in the United States, as well as to support domestic supply of “critical materials.”

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Turning trade-offs to pay-offs—Business, manufacturing leaders to converge, connect at CLS 2014

By Jessica McMathis / February 18, 2014

The 4th Ceramic Leadership Summit (CLS), April 7–9 in Baltimore, Md., will bring manufacturing and business executives together to tackle business strategies for success.

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Video: Apple set to harness the power of sapphire

By Jessica McMathis / February 14, 2014

Reports indicate that Apple is manufacturing sapphire crystal screens to be used in future devices—but will they stand up to some of the strongest materials on Earth?

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Study: Spending declines at federal R&D centers

By Jessica McMathis / February 13, 2014

A new survey from the National Science Foundation found that spending at the US’s 39 federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) declined in 2012.

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Engineers Week is coming—are you ready?

By Jessica McMathis / February 10, 2014

Engineers Week (Feb. 16-22) is a time to celebrate the craft and contributions of engineers and an opportunity to offer diverse and distinct activities that expose students, educators and parents to all that a career in engineering offers.

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Black, white, and “green” – when it comes to the most cost-effective roof, what’s it all mean?

By Jessica McMathis / February 7, 2014

Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley Lab have found that in comparing the economic costs and benefits of three different roof types—black, white, and “green” (vegetated)—white roofs are the most cost-effective.

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Video: CeramTec’s ceramic inrun track to propel ski jumpers at Sochi’s Winter Games

By Jessica McMathis / February 5, 2014

Germany based CeramTec has built an alpine ski jump with ceramic materials and innovative technology.

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