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.

Perovskite solar cells are a game-changer in the world of renewable energy. These cells are made from a material called perovskite, which is a type of mineral that can be easily manufactured and is highly efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. Did you know that perovskite solar cells have been shown to be more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity compared to traditional silicon solar cells? In just a few short years, the efficiency of perovskite solar cells has increased from just 3.8% to over 25%! This rapid improvement is thanks to the work of leading academics in the field, including Professor Henry Snaith of the University of Oxford, who was one of the first researchers to demonstrate the potential of perovskite solar cells. Not only are perovskite solar cells more efficient, they are also much cheaper to produce than traditional silicon solar cells. This means that they have the potential to make renewable energy more accessible to people all over the world. So what makes perovskite solar cells so special? It all comes down to their unique structure. Unlike silicon solar cells, which have a rigid structure, perovskite solar cells have a flexible structure that allows them to absorb more light. This flexibility also means that they can be made into different shapes and sizes, making them easier to integrate into a variety of applications, from rooftop solar panels to portable solar chargers. In conclusion, perovskite solar cells are a promising technology that has the potential to revolutionize the renewable energy industry. With their high efficiency and low cost of production, they are poised to make a significant impact on the world's energy supply and help to combat climate change. Whether you are interested in science, engineering, or the environment, there is something for everyone in the world of perovskite solar cells. So why not take a closer look and discover the possibilities for yourself?

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.

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.

Lightning is a fascinating natural phenomenon that has puzzled scientists for over 260 years. While the basics of lightning formation are known, scientists still don't fully understand how it forms. Lightning is like a zap of static electricity but on a much larger scale. It occurs when positive and negative charges build up in storm clouds, and a spark jumps between these areas. Learning about the science behind lightning formation can be intellectually stimulating and practically useful, as it can help us understand and prepare for thunderstorms. While there are still many unanswered questions, exploring this topic through reading and self-directed projects can be an exciting endeavor for high school students curious about the world around them.

The Sun's magnetic fields may seem distant and unimportant to our daily lives, but they actually have a huge impact on Earth. Understanding the science behind solar flares and coronal mass ejections can not only satisfy your curiosity about the world around you, but also help you prepare for potential disruptions to power and communication. Even better, studying these concepts can lead to the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing the stunning auroras, a natural phenomenon caused by the interaction of charged particles with Earth's magnetic field. Don't miss out on the chance to explore these fascinating topics and discover the wonders of our universe.

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?

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.

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.

Are you passionate about the environment and looking for a career that can make a positive impact on the planet? Look no further than a career in renewable energy! Renewable energy is the future of energy production and involves harnessing the power of natural resources such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy. As a renewable energy professional, you will be at the forefront of the fight against climate change, working to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and create a more sustainable future. In this exciting and dynamic field, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that can have a real impact on the world. From designing and building wind turbines and solar panels to developing new energy storage solutions, the possibilities are endless. As a renewable energy professional, your duties may include conducting research, designing and implementing new technologies, managing projects, and working with clients to develop sustainable energy solutions. There are also many different areas of specialization within the field, such as solar energy, wind energy, and bioenergy. To get started in this exciting field, you will typically need a degree in a relevant field such as engineering, environmental science, or physics. Some popular undergraduate programs and majors include renewable energy engineering, sustainable energy systems, and environmental studies. In addition to technical skills, there are also several personal attributes that can be helpful in this field, such as a passion for sustainability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well in a team. The job prospects in renewable energy are excellent, with many exciting opportunities available in both the public and private sectors. Some notable employers include Tesla, Google, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. So if you're looking for a career that can make a real difference in the world, consider a career in renewable energy. With the potential to work on cutting-edge projects and help create a more sustainable future, it's a career that can truly be fulfilling and rewarding.

Are you interested in exploring the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on our daily lives? Look no further than Stanford University's latest research on energy-efficient memory storage for AI training. In a recent breakthrough, researchers at Stanford found a material that could revolutionize the way we store data using electron spin directions, resulting in faster and more efficient processing. This new memory storage method, known as spin orbit torque magnetoresistive random access memory (SOT-MRAM), could enable AI training on devices like your phone or smartwatch. Check out the full article in Nature Materials to learn more!

The periodic table may seem like just another table of information, but it is so much more. It is a tool that scientists use to understand the world around us. By organizing all the chemical elements in order by atomic number, the periodic table creates a recurring pattern of properties called the periodic law. This allows us to predict the behavior of elements we haven't even discovered yet! Through the history of the periodic table, we can see how scientific discoveries and technological advancements build upon one another. Learning about the periodic table not only expands your scientific knowledge but also helps you develop analytical and critical thinking skills. By exploring this fascinating topic, you may even be inspired to pursue a career in science and help advance our understanding of the world.

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.

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.

Fiber optics is a revolutionary technology that has transformed long-distance communication. Unlike traditional copper wires, fiber optic cables carry pulses of light, which represent digital data. These cables can transmit an enormous amount of information over great distances, with minimal power loss. Fiber optics has enabled the creation of the internet, which has become a planetary computer connecting people across the globe. However, the vast majority of internet traffic is processed in data centers, where electrical cables waste half their running power as heat. To address this problem, researchers have developed integrated photonics, a technology that uses ultrathin silicon wires to guide light. This allows for the creation of tiny photonic chips that plug into servers and convert electrical signals to optical and back, enabling power-efficient fiber connections. Integrated photonics also has the potential to break open wireless bandwidth limitations and make hyperfast wireless connectivity a reality. By learning about fiber optics and integrated photonics, students can gain a deeper understanding of the technology that powers the internet and the potential for future innovation.

Get an inside look into the physics of freestyle skiing and snowboarding! Discover how professional skiers create lift-off force and control their rotational momentum mid-air to execute their incredible feats of manoeuvrability. Explore the challenges of incorporating twisting and learn about the crucial role of posture in executing aerial tricks. Join us in uncovering the secrets of landing safely after these jaw-dropping stunts.

Shine a laser on a drop of blood or wastewater and identify bacteria present in minutes. Stanford researchers have developed a new test that uses an innovative method, combining inkjet printing, nanoparticles, and artificial intelligence to reveal unique optical fingerprints of bacteria, leading to faster and more accurate microbial assays. The breakthrough promises better diagnoses of infection, improved use of antibiotics, safer foods, enhanced environmental monitoring, and faster drug development.

Plastics have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, but few of us know the history behind this versatile material. The first plastic was created in 1863 by an American named John Wesley Hyatt, who invented celluloid, made from cellulose found in wood and straw. This discovery led to a cascade of new plastics, including bakelite, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylics, and nylon. Plastics have replaced other materials like wood, glass, and fabric in furniture, clothing, and packaging. While plastics have brought convenience and cost-effectiveness, they have also created staggering environmental problems. Many plastics are made of nonrenewable resources, and plastic packaging was designed to be single-use, but some plastics take centuries to decompose, creating a huge buildup of waste. By learning about plastics, students can understand how science and innovation have shaped our world, and they can explore ways to address the environmental problems associated with plastic use.

As a society, we rely heavily on oil, but this addiction has led to environmental disasters like oil spills. However, nature has a way of cleaning up after us. Microbes, tiny bacteria that evolved to take advantage of oil and gas seeping from the sea floor, have been eating up oil spills for eons. In fact, a big bloom of microbes ate most of the 4.1 million barrels of oil spilt by BP's Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico. These microbes are not only oil-eaters, but they also eat plastics, making them a potential solution to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Scientists are working on enhancing microbes' ability to eat oil and plastic, which could help us clean up our messes faster. Learning about these microbes and how they can benefit us is not only intellectually stimulating, but it also has practical implications for our planet's health.

"Rocks are becoming rocks again!" says chemist Peter Psarras from the Clean Energy Conversions Lab (CECL) at the University of Pennsylvania. Psarras and his team are turning waste from industrial mines into magnesium carbonate through a carbon-neutral and inexpensive process, with the goal of storing CO2. With five partner mines, the CECL lab, funded by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, is exploring the environmental potential of mine tailings and determining the scalability of the carbonation process. Join Psarras and the CECL in their mission to tap into the "moved mountain" of waste and be inspired by their cutting-edge technology.