Researchers have created a polymer “Chinese lantern” that can snap into more than a dozen curved, three-dimensional shapes by compressing or twisting the original structure. This rapid shape-shifting behavior can be controlled remotely using a magnetic field, allowing the structure to be used for a variety of applications. The basic lantern object is made by cutting a polymer sheet into a diamond-like parallelogram shape, then cutting a row of parallel lines across the center of each sheet. This creates a…

Made from eco-friendly elements, this innovative material holds promise for energy storage, hydrogen production, and environmental remediation Meeting global energy demands while mitigating environmental harm remains a major challenge, as many current solutions rely on expensive and toxic noble metals. In a recent study, researchers from Japan successfully developed a novel copper–cobalt oxide composite anchored on nitrogen-doped carbon nanostructures. Synthesized via a simple method, this material excels in energy storage, environmental remediation, and water splitting—offering a low-cost and sustainable alternative…

Researchers investigate clean and efficient new method for iron production Researchers investigate clean and efficient new method for iron production MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (09/29/2025) — A research team at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has investigated a new method to produce iron, the main component of steel. For the first time, the researchers were able to observe chemical reactions and iron formation in real-time at the nanometer scale. This breakthrough has the potential to transform the global iron…

Global electricity consumption is rising at an unprecedented pace. According to the International Energy Agency, electricity is projected to account for more than 50% of global energy use within the next 25 years, compared to the current 20%. This creates a pressing need for sustainable, efficient energy conversion methods, particularly advanced solar technologies. “To meet the demand, there is a significant and growing need for new, environmentally friendly and efficient energy conversion methods, such as more efficient solar cells. Our…