Mimicking how plants convert sunlight into energy has long been a dream for scientists aiming to create renewable energy solutions. Artificial photosynthesis is a process that seeks to replicate nature’s method, using sunlight to drive chemical reactions that generate clean energy. However, creating synthetic systems that work as organically as natural photosynthesis has been a significant challenge until now.
In a paper published in Scientific Reports journal, the researchers report the potential of the lesser mealworm (the larvae of a darkling beetle species, known scientifically as Alphitobius), to consume plastic.
The icipe researchers tested the ability of the lesser mealworm to consume polystyrene, one of the major microplastics that is fast accumulating both in land and water bodies. Polystyrene waste comes from the commercial application of its most common form, styrofoam. This material is used in food storage containers, packaging of equipment, disposable plates and cups, and insulation in construction. Various methods, including chemical, thermal and mechanical, are used to recycle polystyrene. However, these approaches are expensive and they also produce toxic compounds that are harmful to human, environment and biodiversity.
“Our study showed that the mealworms can ingest close to 50% of the styrofoam. We aim to conduct further studies to understand the process through which mealworms consume polystyrene, and whether they gain any nutritional benefits from the material,” says Evalyne Ndotono, an icipe PhD scholar.
“We will also explore the mechanisms of the bacteria in the lesser mealworm in the degradation of plastic. We want to understand if the bacteria are inherent in the mealworms, or if they are a defence strategy acquired after feeding on plastic.”
Additionally, the scientists will research the ability of the lesser mealworm to degrade diverse types of plastics and to convert it into useful, safe products.
“The first involved integrating the hole-selective materials and the perovskite layers, to simplify the manufacturing process. The second involved replacing traditional organic materials, such as fullerene and bathocuproine, with tin oxide, an inorganic electron transport layer, in a process known as the atomic layer deposition method,” per PV’s description.
Labspeak aside, the big takeaway is that the changes resulted in a 25% efficiency, meaning the cells can turn a quarter of the sunlight hitting them into energy. What’s more, they maintained 95% of their efficiency after 2,000 hours of operation, per the report.
“The device structure reported in this study represents the most simplified architecture in the current field of perovskite solar cells, offering significant advantages for industrialization,” study co-author Gao Danpeng said in the story.
He has frequently voiced concerns over the Biden administration’s approach to immigration and the economy, and claimed free speech would be at risk with another Democrat presidency.
As one of the president-elect’s most important backers, the tech billionaire donated more than $119m (£92m) to fund a Super PAC aimed at re-electing Trump.
He also spent the last weeks before election day running a get-out-the-vote effort in the battleground states, which included a daily giveaway of $1m to voters in those states.
Cause and effect. We understand this concept from an early age. Tug on a pull toy’s string, and the toy follows. Naturally, things get much more complicated as a system grows, as the number of variables increases, and as noise enters the picture. Eventually, it can become almost impossible to tell whether a variable is causing an effect or is simply correlated or associated with it.
Toyota known for its hybrid innovation, has been cautious with fully electric vehicles (EVs), only launching its first EV, the bZ4X, in 2022.
Solid-state batteries are smaller and more durable, making them well-suited to daily fast charging and capable of carrying additional weight, like extra passengers or cargo. This technology has been difficult to scale up, but Toyota’s strong financial base and reputation for reliability position it uniquely to introduce these advanced batteries to the mainstream.
Historically, Toyota’s innovative, consumer-friendly designs, such as fuel-efficient cars in the 1970s and hybrids in the 1990s, have revolutionized the auto industry. Now, Toyota’s solid-state battery development could do the same, potentially transforming EVs from niche to mainstream by offering greater efficiency, performance, and convenience.
A new process for removing CO2 from the environment has been facilitated by a cobalt-copper catalyst.
An international research team has fabricated a 1 cm2 perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell that utilizes a top cell based on a perovskite absorber integrating inorganic copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN).
A co-deposition strategy of CuSCN and perovskite is firstly developed to solve the key technical…
A Saudi-Chinese research team has fabricated a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell without a hole transport layer (HTL) in the perovskite top cell. This innovative strategy, based on the co-deposition of copper(I) thiocyanate and perovskite in the top cell absorber, was intended at solving typical issues of HTLs in tandem devices.
Tesla has created a new racing vehicle with a non-fuel engine, one that doesn’t rely on electricity or hydrogen to deliver sustainability and high performance.
Award-winning architect Lenka Petráková is pioneering a new way to tackle ocean pollution with an ambitious project named “The 8th Continent.” Her innovative design aims to recycle ocean plastic while functioning as a completely self-sustaining floating structure. If realized, it could mark a significant advancement in global conservation efforts.
“The 8th Continent” is an intricate, five-part structure designed to float on the ocean, equipped with greenhouses, living quarters, and biodegradable waste collectors. It represents more than just a plastic-collection unit; it’s a potential catalyst for restoring damaged marine ecosystems.
Designed to thrive amidst the ocean’s plastic tides, Petráková’s concept could provide a regenerative solution for our polluted waters.
