Soft surfaces keep water liquid well below freezing limit

We all learned in elementary school science that water freezes at 0 °C (32 °F) – but it’s actually not quite that simple. New experiments from the University of Houston have shown that tiny droplets can remain liquid right down to -44 °C (-47.2 °F), if… Continue reading Soft surfaces keep water liquid well below freezing limit

Organic-based EV battery turns to ethanol for a boost in energy density

While on the face of it, the lithium-batteries that power electric vehicles play an important role in our ongoing shift to sustainable transport, they aren’t without environmental problems of their own. Batteries that use organic, readily available mat… Continue reading Organic-based EV battery turns to ethanol for a boost in energy density

“Mining” bacteria turn toxic copper ions into useful metal

Copper is one of the most widely used metals, but extracting and refining it into a useful form can be energy intensive and requires harsh chemical treatments. But now, researchers at the University of Houston have discovered bacteria that naturally co… Continue reading “Mining” bacteria turn toxic copper ions into useful metal

Self-powered patch monitors and treats damaged hearts

Over the years we’ve looked at many implantable patches that can be used to treat damaged hearts, but a new example developed at the University of Houston is claimed to take these into new territory. Described as the first of its kind, the rubbery patc… Continue reading Self-powered patch monitors and treats damaged hearts

Ancient tectonic plate discovered beneath Canada, geologists claim

The face of the Earth has changed drastically over its life, with plates shifting and sinking. Now, geologists at the University of Houston claim to have found the remains of an ancient tectonic plate beneath Canada that was pushed under the surface te… Continue reading Ancient tectonic plate discovered beneath Canada, geologists claim