A novel type of air conditioning technology that can cool and heat more sustainably and more economically than current commercial systems is being developed in Saarland, Germany. The technology, which makes use of the elastocaloric effect, works without volatile refrigerants, oil or gas. In elastocaloric systems, heat transfer is achieved simply by mechanically deforming thin wires and sheets of nickel-titanium alloy. The research team led by Professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki from Saarland University is now developing prototype systems for use in vehicles. The aim is to have achieved commercialization within five years. The team will be at the international trade fair Hannover Messe from 31 March to 4 April in Hall 2 (Saarland Innovation Stand B10), where they will be showcasing their prototype elastocaloric refrigerator.

An in-depth technical analysis by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) has evaluated the impact of the INNA megaproject on the facilities at the Paranal Observatory, Chile — and the results are alarming. The analysis reveals that INNA would increase light pollution above the Very Large Telescope (VLT) by at least 35% and by more than 50% above the south site of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO-South). INNA would also increase air turbulence in the area, further degrading conditions for astronomical observations, while vibrations from the project could seriously impair the functioning of some of the astronomical facilities, like the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), at the Paranal Observatory.

We conceptualize bioresource upgrade for sustainable energy, environment, and biomedicine with a focus on circular economy, sustainability, and carbon neutrality using high availability and low utilization biomass (HALUB). We acme energy-efficient technologies for sustainable energy and material recovery and applications. The technologies of thermochemical conversion (TC), biochemical conversion (BC), electrochemical conversion (EC), and photochemical conversion (PTC) are summarized for HALUB. Microalgal biomass could contribute to a biofuel HHV of 35.72 MJ Kg⁻¹ and total benefit of 749 $/ton biomass via TC. Specific surface area of biochar reached 3000 m² g⁻¹ via pyrolytic carbonization of waste bean dregs. Lignocellulosic biomass can be effectively converted into bio-stimulants and biofertilizers via BC with a high conversion efficiency of more than 90%. Besides, lignocellulosic biomass can contribute to a current density of 672 mA m⁻² via EC. Bioresource can be 100% selectively synthesized via electrocatalysis through EC and PTC. Machine learning, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis are essential to various upgrading approaches of HALUB. Sustainable biomaterials, sustainable living materials and technologies for biomedical and multifunctional applications like nano-catalysis, microfluidic and micro/nanomotors beyond are also highlighted. New techniques and systems for the complete conversion and utilization of HALUB for new energy and materials are further discussed.

Recent weeks have vividly illustrated that stock markets respond quick to policy changes in tariffs. Just how fast the stock market can react to news is shown in a new study from the University of California San Diego’s Rady School of Management, which finds that earnings reports can move stock prices in milliseconds, triggering immediate and significant stock price movements.