Latest experiments more than doubles fusion energy output
Forward-looking: While the path to practical fusion energy remains long, the recent advances at the National Ignition Facility have emboldened researchers. The facility's ongoing progress is a testament to decades of persistence – and a sign that the age of controlled fusion ignition is no longer a distant dream.
Forward-looking: Researchers have unveiled a small but powerful modification to the Linux kernel that could significantly reduce energy consumption in data centers. The proposed alteration comes at a crucial time, as computing currently accounts for about 5 percent of the world's daily energy use, with data centers being major contributors to this consumption.
Why it matters: Over 25 million tons of single-use polystyrene packaging is manufactured annually on a global basis. However, only a tiny fraction gets recycled, with the vast majority ending up in landfills after serving its purpose. Now, scientists have developed an ingenious way to recycle polystyrene – by converting its static electricity into usable power.
Why it matters: As the world continues its shift toward cleaner energy sources, a discovery of a massive lithium deposit in Arkansas could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation and energy storage. But challenges in its extraction and production must first be addressed.