Matter and Its Interactions

Earth

The weird sky glow called STEVE is really confusing scientists

Researchers are trying to figure out the recipe of atmospheric conditions that creates this aurora-like light show.

Materials Science

Let’s learn about graphene

Scientists have been trying to understand and harness this material’s superpowers since its discovery in 2004.

Climate

Chemists make device to destroy planet-warming methane pollution

It can slash diffuse sources of this extremely potent greenhouse gas, such as from livestock barns and other sites.

Archaeology

Iron Age grave in England points to a possible woman warrior

The grave holds a sword. It hints the buried woman fought or helped plan raids some 2,000 years ago in what’s now southwest England.

Tech

Synthetic biology aims to tackle disease and give cells superpowers

DNA machines and protein-mimicking nanotech could replace broken machinery in cells or even lead to made-from-scratch synthetic life.

Tech

Balsa wood transistors could usher in ‘greener’ electronics

Researchers in Sweden coaxed wood to conduct electricity, then used it to make a climate-friendlier building block of electronics.

Chemistry

Pollution power? A new device turns carbon dioxide into fuel

Scientists made a device that converts the greenhouse gas into formate. This salt can then run a fuel cell to make electricity.

Tech

Offshore wind farms could do far more than just make clean power

Offshore wind farms cost more than onshore ones. But their ability to make ‘green’ hydrogen and capture carbon dioxide could help this wind power pay off.

Environment

New ultrathin materials can pull climate-warming CO₂ from the air

To slow global warming, we’ll need help from CO2-trapping materials. Enter MXenes. They’re strong and reactive — and they love to eat up CO2.

Physics

Heat makes water evaporate. Now it appears light can, too

 In the lab, shining light on water made it evaporate faster. This never-before-seen effect, if real, might be happening naturally all around us.

Tech

Particles from tree waste could prevent fogged lenses, windshields

A new coating made from a renewable resource — water-loving nanoparticles made from wood — could keep glass surfaces fog-free.

Tech

Bits of trees can make and store energy for us to use

This cellulose and lignin, two major building blocks of trees, could lead to greener electronics.