DOE Opens Innovation Hub for Critical Materials
Led by Ames National Lab, DOE researchers will look for alternatives to rare earth metals used in wind turbines, hybrid cars, lights, and other energy products.
Energy
Innovation on Display at Detroit Auto Show
Unveilings, prototypes, and concept cars that have people talking.
Ford: Our EVs Play Well with Smart Appliances
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Ford demonstrates a model smart home to highlight the benefits of connected appliances and charging cars at off-peak times.
The Curious Mathematics of Domino Chain Reactions
A toppling domino can push over a larger domino but how much bigger can the next one be? One mathematician thinks he’s worked out the secret behind domino chain reactions
Mosaic Crowdfunds Solar, Starting at $25 a Pop
Startup Mosaic goes live with a group financing service to provide money for small-scale solar projects.
Promised Land Brings Fracking to the Big Screen, but Offers Little Insight
The new movie is short on details. Here are the key environmental issues with fracking, and how to deal with them.
For Energy Startups, a Glass Half Full or Empty?
As a group, clean-tech startups are struggling. Here are some of the technology and business trends that will shape startup activity this year.
Wind Tax Credit Survives in Fiscal Cliff Deal
The tax deal brokered in Congress extends a wind energy tax credit for another year but manufacturers had already begun to scale back due to the uncertainty and slowing growth.
Hope for Electric Vehicle Battery Manufacturers
Those who can switch to making lithium ion hybrid batteries could tap a fast-growing market.
Photonic Crystals Reinvent Tungsten Light Bulbs
Photonic crystals of tungsten emit visible light but without the same wasteful emission of infrared, say researchers aiming to reinvent the light bulb
