LED technology helping artists reconnect with audiences during COVID
The 150 Media Stream public art installation in Chicago is a high-tech alternative to live performances during the pandemic.
Fueling cars with food waste isn’t science fiction
Missouri S&T researchers say biowaste like food scraps and manure could be converted into renewable natural gas to fuel vehicles.
Innovative underwater research robot is more efficient and less disruptive
The buoyancy-propelled silent glider could travel for weeks or months between charges, Purdue researchers say.
‘Magic’ system cools buildings while harnessing solar heat
Researchers' design combines passive radiative cooling with solar water heating — all without requiring electricity.
Virtual 3D models help visualize more sustainable cities
Chicago-based Cityzenith creates real-time "digital twins" — three-dimensional replicas of buildings and infrastructure.
Creating a better blue-green algae for sustainable fuel
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are studying cyanobacteria as a potential source for cleaner energy.
Powerful magnet could allow a closer look inside cleantech materials
A prototype helps create high-power X-ray beams that could allow scientists to more deeply examine lithium-ion batteries, for example, to...
Report examines tech’s ‘valley of death’ — and how to bridge it
Better training and performance measures could reduce barriers to successful DOE technology commercialization.
Solar awnings could charge your car while you shop
A Michigan Tech study found that solar-powered charging stations in Walmart parking lots could power electric vehicles for 90% of...
Ohio researchers seek ways to turn coal waste into sustainable building materials
The U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded a total of $1 million in grants for the Ohio University team.
Midwest lags in EV policies, but Minnesota leads in new report
State policy drives electric vehicle adoption, report authors say. Here’s where Midwest states stand.
This malleable material makes 3D printing fast and flexible
With a light-activated liquid polymer, Northwestern engineers add a twist to 3D printing.
How electric cars can promote environmental justice, not gentrification
In Chicago, electric vehicle infrastructure is concentrated in affluent areas. Northwestern University students hope to change that.
How X-rays can help researchers figure out how to extend lithium batteries’ lifetimes
Researchers at Purdue University in Indiana and Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois were recently on a team led by the...
Blinded by the light: Chicago startup’s technology saves your eyes — and energy, too
Trying to see your smartphone screen in bright sunlight is not only frustrating, it uses a lot of energy. Chicago-based...
Research tackles a nagging cleantech development question
Pictorial representation of joint experimental and computational study of materials. The research team addressed the structure of interfaces. Image by...
Someday you might live in a mushroom house
Do you ever stop to really think about what materials your home is constructed from and the environmental impact? Scientists...
Lights, no camera, action: Study recommends energy saving during virtual meetings
It’s no secret that the pandemic prompted a surge in video chat use even though the technology has existed for...
Midwest businesses receive innovation honors at CES
Yesterday I told you about General Motors’ big electric vehicle reveals at CES, the annual Consumer Electronics Show. Today I’m bringing you some...
Midwest transportation tech makes a mark at CES
There is a lot going on this week in America, and it is slightly overshadowing what would typically be a huge...
Capturing CO2 and using it, too
Happy Tuesday, everyone. For years, scientists have been documenting the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, to climate...
Predictions point to accelerated distributed energy growth in 2021
Welcome back to the work week, folks. Our news roundup begins with several stories about utilities’ technologies. First up: insight...
On the cheap: Lowering the cost of biofuel production
Good Friday afternoon. Today’s top story is from Ohio State University, where scientists developed a cheaper way to use plants to create...
Trash talk: EPA warns of looming cleantech waste surge
♻️ RECYCLING: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a report detailing challenges America will face in the near future with safely recycling and disposing of...
More stable nanoparticle could benefit hydrogen fuel cell development
🔬 RESEARCH: University of Illinois Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory researchers discovered that a type of catalyst made up of multiple elements is more stable...
The future is electric: 2021 predictions for Midwest electric transportation businesses
Good Tuesday afternoon, everyone. With the new year comes a new round of trend predictions. Although 2020 threw us for...
Project boosts alternative vehicle fueling infrastructure installations across Midwest
Welcome back from the holiday break and to a new year. Let’s jump right in and catch up on Midwest...
Uncharted waters: Software helps water utilities boost efficiency and reduce data errors
This is it, readers. Not only is it Friday, but it’s the last time you’ll see Centered for a couple...
Energy-harvesting chip to let electronics power themselves
⚡ ENERGY HARVESTING: NTS Innovations, based in East Peoria, Illinois, says it has achieved a big milestone in developing a...
Astronauts veg out with tech help from Wisconsin
🚀 SPACE: Astronauts aboard the International Space Station recently harvested their first crop of radishes grown with technology developed by Sierra Nevada...