Electronics

Breakthrough in organic solar cell research could pave the way for cheaper solar power

By Faye Oney / January 19, 2018

Researchers have discovered that a layer of fullerenes can enable electrons to travel farther in organic solar cells. Their findings are a major breakthrough in organic solar research, and could lead to less expensive solar power in the future.

Read More

Lithium ion movement inside nanoparticles could be key to faster-charging, longer-lasting batteries

By Faye Oney / January 16, 2018

By observing lithium ion movement in nanoparticles, researchers have discovered that instead of increasing, they reverse at a certain point. Their discovery could be a breakthrough in faster-charging and longer-lasting batteries.

Read More

CES 2018 unveils latest tech to the world, from voice assist toilets to ceramic 3-D printers

By April Gocha / January 12, 2018

With more than 180,000 attendees and 4,000+ exhibitors, the Consumer Electronics Show is one of the largest tech shows in the world—which also means it’s a prime place for companies to unveil their newest concepts, gadgets, devices, ideas, and prototypes to try to wow the world.

Read More

Glass, graphene combine in origami-inspired bimorph to power ‘robot exoskeleton’

By Faye Oney / January 9, 2018

Inspired by origami, researchers have created a tiny robot exoskeleton that bends and moves in response to chemical or thermal changes. These tiny machines can be used in electronics applications as well as semiconductor manufacturing.

Read More

Carbon nanotubes offer safer method of implanting electrodes into brain

By Faye Oney / January 2, 2018

Scientists at Rice University have developed a device that uses microfluidics to implant carbon nanotube fibers into brain tissue. Their device could help scientists learn more about cognitive processes and improve therapies for patients with neurological disorders.

Read More

Solar window changes from transparent to tinted while generating electricity

By Faye Oney / December 19, 2017

Researchers have developed a photovoltaic device that generates electricity from sunlight that passes through thermochromic windows. Their device could provide power to buildings, smartphone batteries, and other electronics.

Read More

The road to REE independence: Rare-earth elements discovered in U.S. coal basins

By Faye Oney / December 8, 2017

A collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy, academia, and business has resulted in the discovery of high concentrations of rare-earth elements in several U.S. coal basins. The success of this discovery could eventually reduce the U.S.’s dependence on imported rare earths.

Read More

Video: 7 of Tesla’s unknown inventions that put him ahead of his time

By Faye Oney / December 6, 2017

You know Tesla the car. But do you know Tesla the inventor? Nikola Tesla was a brilliant inventor who developed dozens of ideas and innovations, many of which are used today. Watch the video to learn about some of his little-known inventions, some of which never saw the light of day.

Read More

Video: Do you know all about perovskites?

By April Gocha / November 29, 2017

On earth, most perovskite structures are found within the planet’s mantle, and they’re found in high abundance—perovskites make up 93% of the lower mantle’s mass and 38% of earth’s total mass, according to a recent Science Magazine video.

Read More

Fisker is setting sights on solid-state battery tech to boost electric vehicle range, reduce charging time

By April Gocha / November 28, 2017

Electric car maker Fisker has plans to use a new solid-state battery technology to drive its electric vehicles to offer vast improvements over driving range, charging time, energy density, and battery cost.

Read More