What if we could capture carbon emissions at low cost, using a common polymer found in dinnerware and utensils? Researchers at UC Berkeley and Stanford have developed a method for using melamine to capture carbon dioxide from smokestacks and vehicle exhaust, with efficiency comparable to more expensive materials. This breakthrough could help achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the researchers are exploring ways to improve the carbon capture efficiency even further.

The world's shift towards electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will require a huge demand for critical metals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and platinum. This demand will have economic and supply-chain consequences, according to new research from Cornell University. Discover how countries can manage this demand and promote a circular economy for critical metals.

Are you interested in using your creativity and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on the world? Then a career in chemical engineering might be right up your alley! Chemical engineering is a field that combines knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to design and develop new products and processes. As a chemical engineer, you could work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, food and beverage, and more. For example, you might work on developing new medicines to treat diseases, or on designing more efficient and sustainable ways to produce energy. One exciting aspect of chemical engineering is the potential for innovation and discovery. For example, chemical engineers have been instrumental in developing new materials like graphene, which has the potential to revolutionize industries from electronics to transportation. In terms of day-to-day duties, chemical engineers might be involved in everything from designing experiments and analyzing data to overseeing production processes and troubleshooting problems that arise. There are also many areas of specialization within the field, such as materials science, process design, and environmental engineering. To become a chemical engineer, you'll typically need to earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Some popular undergraduate programs include the chemical engineering programs at MIT, UC Berkeley, and the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to technical knowledge, there are a few personal attributes that can be helpful in a career in chemical engineering. These include strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. As for job prospects, chemical engineering is a field with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. Some notable employers include companies like Procter & Gamble, ExxonMobil, and DuPont, as well as government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. In conclusion, if you're interested in using your scientific knowledge to make a difference in the world, a career in chemical engineering might be the perfect fit for you. With plenty of opportunities for innovation and growth, this field offers the chance to make a real impact on society and the environment. So why not explore this exciting career path today?

Scientists at A\*STAR's IMRE have successfully upcycled PET plastic waste into polymer electrolytes, which are key components for safer LiBs. This paves the way for a future powered by more sustainable energy, creating a circular economy while combating the mounting plastic waste issue. The team aims to advance the technology for upcycling waste plastics on a larger scale to create components for eco-friendly batteries.

MIT researchers have discovered a way to reduce concrete's carbon footprint by introducing baking soda into the manufacturing process. This new method could potentially mineralize up to 15% of the carbon dioxide associated with cement production, without altering the material's mechanical properties. The resulting concrete sets more quickly and doubles its mechanical performance. This breakthrough could pave the way for the development of carbon-neutral construction materials.

Batteries are a crucial part of our modern lives, powering everything from our smartphones to our cars. But the production and disposal of batteries have significant environmental impacts, from toxic chemicals and heavy metals to greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, there are sustainable options and alternatives to batteries that can help mitigate these negative effects. One such option is kinetic energy, which converts motion into electricity. For example, the piezoelectric effect harnesses energy from pressure, while the triboelectric effect converts friction into electricity. Another alternative to batteries is supercapacitors, which store energy in an electric field rather than a chemical reaction. They charge and discharge quickly and have a longer lifespan than traditional batteries. These sustainable options and alternatives to batteries are being researched and developed by leading academics in the field of materials science and engineering. Dr. Jennifer Lewis, a professor of biologically inspired engineering at Harvard University, is leading a team that is working on creating 3D-printed energy storage devices using a hydrogel-based ink. Meanwhile, Dr. Yi Cui at Stanford University is researching how to improve the energy density and safety of solid-state batteries. By exploring academic topics like materials science and engineering, students can learn about the properties of different materials and how they can be manipulated to create sustainable technologies. You can also learn about the environmental impact of technology and how sustainable alternatives can mitigate these effects. In conclusion, sustainable alternatives to batteries offer exciting opportunities for innovation and environmental sustainability. By exploring academic topics related to these technologies, high school students can gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind sustainable energy and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Discover the fascinating story of how a broken soda fountain led to the creation of ICEE, the science behind its slushy texture, and the complex chemistry of its flavor syrup. Explore the avalanche-like physics of how ICEE solidifies and the Joules-Thomson effect that makes it puff up. Learn about the inventor, Omar Knedlik, and how his entrepreneurial spirit led to the mass production of his invention, eventually renamed Slurpee by 7-Eleven.

Glass is a material that we use every day, but have you ever wondered how it works? Glass is made from silicon dioxide, which is heated until it becomes a flowing liquid. As it cools, the molecules lose energy and become an amorphous solid, allowing light to pass through without being scattered. The subatomic level of glass is what makes it transparent, as the electrons in glass are spaced far enough apart that visible light can't provide enough energy for them to jump between them. This unique property has made glass an essential material for many uses, from windows to lenses. Understanding the science behind glass can help you appreciate the importance of this material in modern civilization.

Are you fascinated by the design and construction of towering skyscrapers, magnificent bridges, and sprawling road networks? Do you want to be a part of the team that creates the infrastructure that shapes our world? If so, then studying Civil Engineering at the undergraduate level might be the perfect fit for you! Civil Engineering is a field of study that involves the design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment. This includes everything from buildings and bridges to roads and water systems. Civil Engineers use their technical skills and creativity to solve complex problems and create structures that are safe, efficient, and sustainable. In recent years, there have been several exciting innovations in the field of Civil Engineering. For example, researchers have developed new materials that are stronger and more durable than ever before. They have also used cutting-edge technology like drones and 3D printing to improve the efficiency of construction projects. Some of the most inspiring academic figures in the field include Dr. Henry Petroski, who has written extensively on the history of engineering failures, and Dr. Linda Hanagan, who is a leading expert on sustainable infrastructure. At the undergraduate level, students in Civil Engineering typically take courses in subjects like structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and transportation planning. They may also have the opportunity to specialize in areas like environmental engineering or construction management. Some exciting examples of real-life Civil Engineering projects include the construction of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Panama Canal expansion, and the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site in New York City. After graduation, there are a wide range of potential career paths for Civil Engineers. They may work for government agencies, construction firms, or consulting firms. Some popular industries for prospective employment include transportation, energy, and water resources. Notable potential employers include the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bechtel Corporation, and Arup Group. Other careers that may be relevant to Civil Engineering include architecture, urban planning, and environmental science. To succeed in this field of study, it is helpful to have strong math and science skills, as well as an interest in problem-solving and design. Effective communication and teamwork skills are also essential, as Civil Engineers often work on projects with large, interdisciplinary teams. If you're ready to take on the challenge of creating the infrastructure of the future, then studying Civil Engineering may be the perfect choice for you!

"Reverse Ocean Acidification: A Solution to Our Carbon Dioxide Problem?" - As carbon dioxide emissions continue to threaten our planet, researchers at MIT may have found an innovative way to remove the gas from ocean water in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The versatility of their membrane-free electrochemical cell process could even lead to overall net negative emissions, reversing ocean acidification caused by carbon dioxide buildup.

The future of resource extraction lies in space exploration. Asteroids, leftovers from the formation of the planet 4.5 billion years ago, contain rare and precious materials such as platinum, iron, and nickel. The mining industry on Earth is harmful to the environment and people, but space mining could provide a clean and sustainable alternative. Cheaper space travel is necessary to make asteroid mining profitable, and scientists and economists are working on solutions such as electric spaceships. Once a stable asteroid is secured, space mining and processing equipment can extract valuable materials through a process that uses giant mirrors to focus sunlight and heat up asteroid rock. Even a small percentage of a single asteroid's mass in precious metals could be worth billions of dollars. The benefits of space exploration and asteroid mining are vast, and the possibilities for discovery and innovation are endless.

MIT engineers have developed ultralight fabric solar cells that can quickly and easily turn any surface into a power source. These durable, flexible solar cells are much thinner than a human hair and can be glued to a strong, lightweight fabric, making them easy to install on a fixed surface. They can be integrated onto the sails of a boat, adhered onto tents and tarps in disaster recovery operations, or applied onto the wings of drones to extend their flying range. This groundbreaking technology generates 18 times more power-per-kilogram than conventional solar panels, making it a promising solution to the present urgent need to deploy new carbon-free sources of energy.

Can we develop a mechanical method to detect explosives as effectively as bomb-sniffing dogs? Researchers from MIT Lincoln Laboratory are using a mass spectrometer to measure explosive vapors and understand the requirements for creating an operational explosive detection system that could work in tandem with the canine fleet to improve current airport security systems. The team's research is supported by the Department of Homeland Security's Detection Canine Program and the Next-Generation Explosives Trace Detection program. This innovative research could lead to a faster and more streamlined passenger experience and support the development of technology that remains resilient against evolving security threats

Researchers have powered a microprocessor for a year using blue-green algae and ambient light! This system, comparable in size to an AA battery, has the potential to be a reliable and renewable way to power small devices. The growing Internet of Things needs power, and this system generates energy instead of simply storing it like batteries. The algae system is made of common and recyclable materials, making it easily replicable.

Teflon, a material that doesn't stick to anything, was stumbled upon accidentally in 1938 by a chemist named Roy Plunkett. Teflon's properties make it perfect for things that need to be slippery, chemical-resistant, or waterproof, which means it has a lot of applications. It can be found all over the place, from raincoats to industrial ball bearings to artificial joints. The incredible properties of PTFE, the chemical name for Teflon, come from its molecular structure. It's a polymer, meaning it's made of long chains of repeating units of atoms strung together. PTFE has tight carbon-fluorine bonds that ignore the normal, intermolecular forces that help substances stick to each other. Even the famously adhesive feet of geckos usually can't get a grip on it. Learning about the properties of materials like Teflon can inspire independent exploration of science and engineering, which can lead to exciting career opportunities in fields like materials science and chemical engineering.

New research shows that the cost of annual flooding in the UK could increase by up to 23% over the next century due to climate change, unless all international pledges to reduce carbon emissions are met. The study, led by the University of Bristol and Fathom, highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate the impact of climate change on the risk of flooding across the UK. The research also identifies the areas of the UK where risks will increase the most, including densely populated cities such as London, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

Traditional diamond mining is a billion-dollar industry with significant environmental impact, releasing large amounts of carbon emissions and causing damage to local ecosystems worldwide. However, carbon-negative diamonds are produced through a process that actually captures carbon emissions from the atmosphere, making them a much more sustainable alternative for the jewellery industry.  Aether Diamonds, a major player in this industry, uses direct-capture technology for diamond production in a two-step process. First, a reactor is used to extract the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while this raw carbon material is placed in another reactor that kickstarts the diamond-growing process. The resulting diamonds are visually indistinguishable from traditionally-mined diamonds and have the same physical and chemical properties, but have been produced with a much lower carbon footprint.  This ingenious solution reimagines existing carbon-capture services, where firms are paid by various multinational corporations to capture their carbon emissions, by recycling this extracted carbon dioxide for an inventive purpose. By eliminating 20 tons of carbon dioxide for every 1-carat diamond produced, each diamond can actively contribute to carbon emission reduction efforts.  Beyond the jewelry industry, researchers have used a similar process to produce important industrial materials from carbon. Dr. Stuart Licht, a chemistry professor at George Washington University, is a leading academic in this field of renewable technology. His patented technology, the Solar Thermal Electrochemical Photo (STEP) energy conversion, captures carbon dioxide using renewable solar energy to create carbon nanofibers. This material provides a lighter and stronger alternative to metals like steel, and is used in luxury sports cars, aeroplanes like the Boeing Dreamliner, and high-end athletic equipment. These creative uses of carbon-capture technology offer a promising future, especially with carbon-negative diamonds for the sustainable fashion industry. Beyond that, these diamonds also offer a more ethical alternative — sustainable diamond production avoids the international human rights abuses and violence that traditional diamond mining has been linked to.  All in all, carbon-negative diamonds have the potential to revolutionize the sustainable fashion industry and beyond, and are a fascinating scientific innovation with many exciting future implications.

Chocolate is not just an art, it's also a science. Discover how chocolatiers use the complex physics of chocolate to create the perfect texture, taste, and appearance. Learn about the six-phase polymorphic crystal structure of chocolate and how chocolatiers manipulate it through tempering. Explore the similarities between chocolate and carbon and how chocolatiers use their knowledge of physics to regulate the spread of flavor in their creations. Join master chocolatier Richard Tango-Lowy and physicist Joshua Erlich on a journey through the fascinating world of chocolate physics.

Are you fascinated by cars and how they work? Do you dream of designing the next generation of vehicles that will take the world by storm? If so, then Automotive Engineering might be the perfect field of study for you! Automotive Engineering is an exciting and dynamic field that combines elements of mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering to create the vehicles of tomorrow. From designing engines and transmissions to improving fuel efficiency and safety features, Automotive Engineering covers a wide range of fascinating topics that will keep you engaged and inspired throughout your studies. One of the most interesting aspects of Automotive Engineering is the constant innovation and research that is taking place in the field. From developing new materials that are stronger and more lightweight to improving hybrid and electric vehicle technology, there is always something new and exciting happening in the world of Automotive Engineering. Some of the most well-known figures in the field include Ferdinand Porsche, who designed the iconic Porsche 911, and Elon Musk, who is leading the charge in developing electric and autonomous vehicles through his company Tesla. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to study a range of modules that cover topics such as vehicle dynamics, engine design, and materials science. There are also opportunities for further specialisation in areas such as aerodynamics, alternative fuels, and vehicle safety. After graduation, there are a wide range of potential career paths available to Automotive Engineering graduates, including roles in vehicle design, research and development, and manufacturing. Some of the most notable employers in the field include Ford, General Motors, and BMW, as well as government agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense. To succeed in Automotive Engineering, students should have a strong foundation in math, physics, and chemistry, as well as an interest in mechanical and electrical systems. They should also possess strong problem-solving skills and be able to work well in a team environment. So if you're ready to take your love of cars to the next level, consider studying Automotive Engineering and be a part of shaping the future of transportation!

Scientists at MIT have developed a process that could significantly reduce the cost of using carbon capture to fight global warming by drawing CO2 out of seawater. The process could appeal to small nations whose economies rely on tourism, aquaculture, and fishing industries that could be severely damaged by climate change. Another company, Captura Corp., is also working on a similar process and has received financial support from Saudi Arabian Oil Co. and a $1 million grant from a carbon removal XPRIZE competition.