Starting from scratch, researchers have built a battery with proteins instead of lithium
It is metal-free, it degrades on demand for recycling—and does an end-run around the ethical and environmental problems that plague lithium-ion
May 2021 13
Prachi Patel
Prachi Patel is a Pittsburgh-based freelance journalist who writes about energy, materials science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and computing. Writes for Scientific American, IEEE Spectrum, Chemical & Engineering News, and MRS Bulletin. Find her at www.lekh.org.
May 2021 6
In a big step towards sustainable fashion, scientists create a biodegradable, carbon-capturing textile from algae
Made using a 3D printer, this is the first example of an engineered photosynthetic material that is tough enough for a t-shirt—or an artificial leaf
Apr 2021 29
Why do 1 in 5 electric vehicle owners switch back to a gas-powered car?
When researchers dug into the question, they found some unsurprising reasons—such as charging difficulty; and some unexpected ones—such as gender and dwelling type.
Apr 2021 22
An ingenious off-grid water purifier inspired by pufferfish runs on nothing but sunlight
A team of chemical and biological engineers developed a spongy, jello-like material that absorbs clean water and spits it out when warmed by the sun
Apr 2021 15
Food scientists devise a clever way to recycle beer waste into food and fuel
By extracting the proteins and fibers in spent grain, researchers show that we can drink our beer and eat it too
Apr 2021 8
Researchers make concrete greener and stronger with scrap tires
The technique upcycles low-value rubber waste into the high-value carbon nanomaterial, graphene—keeping tires out of landfills and making concrete more sustainable
Apr 2021 1
Bioplastic made from wood waste is durable yet degradable
The simple, sustainable process to make the plastic films requires only lumber mill waste and green solvents
Mar 2021 24
Footsteps could light up homes with power-generating wooden floors
Researchers have found a way to convert the renewable construction material into a renewable energy producer.
Mar 2021 18
Jet fuel made from food waste could slash flying emissions far more than virgin biofuels
A cost analysis showed that the fuel could be produced for as little as $2.50 per gallon
Mar 2021 11
A kelp elevator could speed up seaweed’s route to biofuels
By making kelp grow four times faster, a simple technology could provide the massive amounts needed for affordable, ocean-based biofuel and other climate solutions
