Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have made strides forward in realizing industrial conversion of bicarbonate solution made from captured carbon to a formate solution, a green fuel. Their new electrochemical cell, with a porous membrane layer in between the electrodes, overcomes major issues suffered in reactive carbon capture (RCC) and achieves performances rivaling energy-hungry gas-fed methods. Processes like theirs directly add value to waste streams and are key to realizing net zero emissions.
New design for cells turning carbon dioxide into a green fuel

MIT Researchers develop improved validation method for more accurate spatial predictions
Researchers at MIT have tackled a perplexing issue in spatial prediction validation, which is critical for fields like weather forecasting and environmental health. Traditional validation methods often fail because they don’t account for the unique characteristics of spatial data, leading to inaccurate forecasts. The research will be presented at the International Artificial Intelligence and Statistics Conference.
Breakthrough algorithm lets you do speech recognition offline
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new algorithm that eliminates the need for an internet connection to use speech recognition. This algorithm is proficient at decoding speech without requiring substantial memory allocation. It forgets what it doesn't need in real-time by employing a clever strategy.
Recovering gold from e-waste
A research team from Cornell University has created a method to recover gold from e-waste and repurpose it as a catalyst for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into organic materials. This innovative approach provides a sustainable solution for recycling a portion of the 50 million tons of e-waste produced annually, of which only 20% is currently recycled. The team utilized vinyl-linked covalent organic frameworks (VCOFs) to efficiently extract gold ions and nanoparticles from circuit boards in discarded electronics.
New nanoscale force sensors made from luminescent nanocrystals
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have created new nanoscale force sensors using luminescent nanocrystals. These "all-optical" sensors change their intensity and color in response to mechanical stress and can be fully probed with light, eliminating the need for wires or physical connections. This innovation is set to greatly improve the sensitivity and dynamic range of optical force sensors, with potential applications in robotics, cellular biophysics, medicine, and space travel.