Silver mirror triples efficiency of perovskite solar cells

Perovskites are one of the most promising new materials for solar cell technology. Now engineers at the University of Rochester have developed a way to more than triple the material’s efficiency by adding a layer of reflective silver underneath it.

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Feedback loops are overlooked engines of climate change, says study

Researchers have identified 27 feedback loops demonstrating how one effect of climbing temperatures leads to events that further reinforce global warming and the initial event itself. The findings make immediate climate action even more crucial.

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Inhalable powder designed to boost the lungs’ virus-blocking mucus

If there's one thing that the past few years have made us of aware of, it's the danger of respiratory viruses. An inhalable powder may one day help temporarily protect against them, by working with the natural layer of mucus in users' lungs.

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Asphalt additive could continuously keep roads ice-free

Ice on roads isn't a good thing, but neither are the eco-unfriendly chloride-based salts used to melt it. Scientists have developed a greener and more effective alternative, however, that could be mixed into the asphalt and remain active for years.

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MIT team makes a case for direct carbon capture from seawater, not air

The oceans soak up enormous quantities of carbon dioxide, and MIT researchers say they've developed a way of releasing and capturing it that uses far less energy than direct air capture – with some other environmental benefits to boot.

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Engineered wood is stronger, fights climate change by capturing CO2

With the world focused on addressing climate change, scientists have had to get creative when it comes to developing sustainable building materials that tackle CO2 emissions. A team has now engineered wood that is stronger and traps carbon dioxide.

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Proposed planetary system classifications suggest ours is the rarest

Astronomers have classified planetary systems into four distinct categories, based on the sizes and arrangements of their planets. As it turns out, the architecture of our own solar system is the rarest kind.

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Ultrafast photoacoustic imaging provides new insights into brain function

Scientists at Duke University have developed an ultrafast photoacoustic imaging system capable of capturing the functional and molecular changes that occur in major brain disorders such as stroke, dementia, and acute brain injury.

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NASA’s “evolved structures” radically reduce weight – and waiting

Evolution has shaped the load-bearing skeletons of animals over aeons with incredible precision. Now, an accelerated simulation of the evolution process is helping NASA create stronger, lighter parts for its spacecraft projects – in record time.

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Fish can recognize themselves in a photo, says new study

The myth that goldfish have only a three-second memory might sell short their mental capabilities. A new study shows some fish can recognize themselves in a photo, meaning they join a pretty exclusive club of animals known to have some self-awareness.

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