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Monthly Archives: June 2009

Carbonized Chicken Feathers Better Than Carbon Nanotubes at Storing Hydrogen

Delaware University scientists have found that not only the latest hi-tech nanotubes or metal composites can store hydrogen effectively, but also a substance that's been around for millions of years, naturally: carbonized keratin.

Italian Researchers Inventing New Type of Solar Concentrator

Roberto de Luca and Aniello Fedullo from the University Salerno of Italy invented a new solar concentrating device they say is inspired by the Ear of Dionysus. According to the legends, Doinysus's ear had an elliptical cave so he could hear even the weakest whispers of a prisoner in one of the cave's foci.

Sony Ericsson Says Solar Powered Cell Phones Not So Green

Not long ago, I presented some cell phones that, among their many functions, also incorporated a small solar panel, for flexible charging and green purposes. Well, those green purposes prove themselves being not so green, if we take into account recent studies.

Highly-Integrated Organic Photovoltaic Modules Developed by Mitsubishi

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokki Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), have created a new highly-integrated organic photovoltaic module.

Tiny Biological Fuel Cells Could Power Future Implants

Scientists at the University of Georgia have discovered a new way to grow molecular wire brushes that conduct electrical charges. According to the researchers, this discovery is the first step in developing fuel cells for devices such as cochlear implants, prosthetic limbs and pacemakers.

63% Efficient Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Developed by NGK

Highly efficient hydrogen fuel cells are wanted due to the high price the existing ones have so far. So, being efficient means less money spent on them, and more market share for hydrogen. SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cell) are a type of hydrogen fuel cell that use solid (not liquid) electrolyte to do their job, while being much more efficient.

Sainsbury's Using Parking Cars' Kinetic Energy to Power Up

Sainsbury's, from Gloucester, UK, is the first supermarket to use the kinetic energy coming from the cars entering their parking lot to (partially) power their shop.

Trains Polluting More Than Airplanes in the U.S.?

A recent study reveals shocking figures telling that, basically, traveling by train pollutes the environment more than traveling by airplane. How can that be?

World's Thinnest Superconductor Ever Created

Dr. Ken Shih and some of his physicist colleagues, have reported the development of the thinnest superconducting metal layer ever created, a superconducting sheet of lead only two atoms thick.

Remarkable Lifetime Results for EV Batteries

Scientists from Southern California Edison (SCE) have developed an tested for two and a half years a lithium-ion battery sub-pack with very encouraging results. The battery tested survived 180,000miles with no significant deterioration.