Developing Nations Put Nuclear on Fast-Forward
Fast reactors can shrink nuclear-waste stockpiles, but can designers tame the inherent hazards?
Energy
Safer Nuclear Power, at Half the Price
Transatomic is developing a new kind of molten-salt reactor designed to overcome the major barriers to nuclear power.
Japan's Economic Troubles Spur a Return to Nuclear
Some of the nuclear power plants shut down after the Fukushima disaster could restart soon.
Self-Healing Concrete Uses Sunlight to Fix Its Own Cracks
Researchers have demonstrated a way to give concrete surfaces the ability to heal when small cracks appear, an advance that could allow bridges and other structures to last longer.
BMW’s Solution to Limited Electric-Vehicle Range: a Gas-Powered Loaner
BMW’s approach to quelling range anxiety differs markedly from the tactics of other automakers.
A Battery That Stretches to Three Times Its Size
Stretchable batteries that can be recharged wirelessly offer a power source for wearable electronics and health monitors.
Research Hints at Graphene’s Photovoltaic Potential
Newly observed properties mean graphene could be a highly efficient converter of light to electric power.
New Method Could Cheaply Convert Natural Gas to Chemicals
A ceramic membrane could unlock the potential of methane-conversion catalysts and help make use of natural gas that currently goes to waste.
Musk Says Tesla Will Pay Off Its Loans in Half the Time
Tesla’s CEO claims the company is a success, and partially credits the DOE loan program.
What ARPA-E Can’t Do
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy is highly popular, but its impact so far has been minuscule.
