Cheap, common kitty litter clay captures methane from the air

Carbon dioxide may hog the headlines as a climate change villain, but methane is actually a far more potent greenhouse gas. An MIT team has now demonstrated a new way to remove methane from the air, even at very low concentrations, with a common type o… Continue reading Cheap, common kitty litter clay captures methane from the air

“Quantum tornadoes” mark crossover from classical to quantum physics

The universe is governed by two sets of seemingly incompatible laws of physics – there’s the classical physics we’re used to on our scale, and the spooky world of quantum physics on the atomic scale. MIT physicists have now observed the moment atoms sw… Continue reading “Quantum tornadoes” mark crossover from classical to quantum physics

“Quantum tornadoes” mark crossover from classical to quantum physics

The universe is governed by two sets of seemingly incompatible laws of physics – there’s the classical physics we’re used to on our scale, and the spooky world of quantum physics on the atomic scale. MIT physicists have now observed the moment atoms sw… Continue reading “Quantum tornadoes” mark crossover from classical to quantum physics

MIT-designed “flying saucer” may one day hover its way across the Moon

Although we generally think of flying saucers as craft used by aliens in sci-fi movies, MIT scientists are now proposing utilizing one of their own design to explore the Moon. The vehicle would hover above the lunar surface via the force of electrostat… Continue reading MIT-designed “flying saucer” may one day hover its way across the Moon

World’s longest flexible fiber battery design could stretch a kilometer

Energy storage devices that bend, flex and can be worked into fabrics could have a big part to play in the future of wearable electronics, and MIT engineers have just produced one with some unique properties. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is onl… Continue reading World’s longest flexible fiber battery design could stretch a kilometer

2023 mission to Venus will skim the acidic clouds for signs of life

Is there microbial life floating around in the clouds of Venus? Scientists have long pondered this question and soon we may get some answers. A new report outlines the Venus Life Finder Missions, starting with a cloud-skimming mission in 2023 to search… Continue reading 2023 mission to Venus will skim the acidic clouds for signs of life

MIT’s Oystamaran robot could boost the oyster-farming industry

There are several methods of oyster farming, one of which involves raising the molluscs in bags that float on the ocean’s surface. Those heavy bags need to be frequently flipped over, so a team of MIT students has designed an “Oystamaran” robot to make… Continue reading MIT’s Oystamaran robot could boost the oyster-farming industry

Ice-cream-like electrode may unlock cheap storage for renewable energy

Devices known as flow batteries attract a lot of attention from scientists looking for affordable solutions for grid-scale energy storage, but are they affordable enough? A team at MIT believes there is room for improvement on this front, and has devel… Continue reading Ice-cream-like electrode may unlock cheap storage for renewable energy