Science briefs
Researchers at the Graduate Schools of Engineering and Science at the University of Tokyo, Japan, have developed a new fluorinated cyclic phosphate solvent (TFEP) electrolyte as a safer alternative for the ethylene carbonate (EC) currently used in Li-ion batteries.
Better gas storage
New highly porous materials can store significantly more hydrogen and methane than conventional adsorbent materials at safer pressures and lower costs, claim US researchers.
OTC Covid-19 test
A smartphone test for Covid-19 is being developed by pharma company Sanofi. The test aims to allow individuals to self-test and find out whether or not they are infected within a few minutes.
Bacteria and nanowires convert carbon dioxide
Chemists have created a hybrid system of bacteria and nanowires that captures energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic molecules and oxygen.
US Particulates Ruling
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it will not strengthen standards for particulate matter pollution, against the recommendations of independent experts and EPA’s own scientists.
Oxford vaccine promise
A Covid-19 vaccine trial under way at the University of Oxford will recruit 510 volunteers, who will receive the new vaccine or a control vaccine for comparison. Healthy individuals aged between 18 and 55 are now receiving the vaccine jab in initial Phase 1 trials.
Sticky batteries
While technology improvements are rendering wearable electronic devices ever lighter and smaller, there is an urgent need for innovative new power sources that can stretch and bend with the body, while being safe and durable.