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.
Energy
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.
Cree Introduces an LED Bulb Edison Would Love
Cree introduces an LED bulb that mimics the design and shape of traditional incandescent bulb to entice consumers to try LEDs.
Sun Catalytix Seeks Second Act with Flow Battery
The MIT spin-off had hoped to enable the hydrogen economy in developing countries, but is now at work on a flow battery using “designer molecules.”
Obama’s Pragmatic Pick for Energy Secretary
MIT’s Moniz wants action on climate change, but can also work with the fossil fuel industry.
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.
Engineer Plants to Reflect Light Back into Space
Announcing this year’s so-crazy-it-might-work award from the ARPA-E Summit.
ARPA-E Head Sharpens Focus on Life After Grants
The ARPA-E agency has increased its focus on commercializing energy research but it’s a concern the DOE has yet to fully address.
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.
