Sustainability

Green cars of the future

The Michelin Challenge Design competition made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2002. 



Hovering isn’t difficult if you’re top heavy

Did you know that top-heavy structures are actually far more likely to maintain their balance while hovering in the air compared to those with a lower center of gravity?

Implications unclear as ocean microbe balance changes

As the oceans warm, the microbes and plankton that live in them are set to be affected drastically - but scientists say they have no idea whether the changes will fuel climate change or work to counter it.

New battery could lead to cheaper solar power

A new type of lithium battery developed by the University of Southampton and lithium battery technology company REAPsystems is claimed to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar power.

The rise of micro hybrids

A recent report from Lux, a firm specializing in emerging technologies, makes the bold claim that by 2017 micro-hybrids "will dominate the automotive market," gaining 42 percent of the overall light-duty vehicle market.



Satellite data shows sea level rise

While glaciers globally are shedding billions of tons of ice each year, the Himalayas aren't, a study shows.  

Renewables will bring golden age of free energy

Most people understand that once solar panels are paid off, the energy they provide is free. But what about on a national level? 



Team beefs up solar cell efficiency

University of Cambridge scientists have developed a new type of solar cell that could increase the maximum efficiency of solar panels by over 25 percent.

Google praised by Greenpeace for energy record: Apple, not so much

Google's support for a stronger US clean energy policy and EU clean energy targets has seen it leap to the top of Greenpeace's annual Cool IT Leaderboard.

This electric ride does it on just one wheel

With the rush to introduce all manner of electric vehicles to the public, we've seen an explosion of transportation ideas over the last few years. 



US wind power shows strong growth in 2011

Wind energy continues to power ahead in the US. 



Plastic-eating fungus could help deal with landfill

A team from Yale University has discovered a fungus deep in the South American rainforest that can live entirely on plastic - offering hope for new methods of waste disposal.

Tesla revs up the Model S hype machine

Outside of the Toyota Prius or the Chevy Volt, Tesla is the best known name in the ever-growing world of alternative fuel vehicles. 



Whiskey charts course from drink to biofuel

When it comes to green, Scotland has more than that famous lush greenery going on. 



Putting electric motors on a diet

Dionysios Aliprantis has a few problems with the current state of electric motors.