• Science

    Why Aren't Batteries Better Yet?

    By Posted on 8.13.2008 16 Comments

    PopSci reader VectorAKA2004 raises a good question: "I wonder why batteries are lagging behind portable technologies. We advance cell phones and all kinds of things so far and still barely have the power to run them. We have yet to create batteries that can efficiently store solar energy, or other renewable energy sources." What do you think? Discuss in the comments. Submit your science and technology questions to fyi@popsci.com.

    8.26.2008 at 10:19am - Comment by brad

    also thought i'd state that batteries that wear out will always keep you coming back for more. even if they figure out a battery with a long life, it will be manufactured to fail at some point to keep consumers coming for more.

  • Science

    Why Aren't Batteries Better Yet?

    By Posted on 8.13.2008 16 Comments

    PopSci reader VectorAKA2004 raises a good question: "I wonder why batteries are lagging behind portable technologies. We advance cell phones and all kinds of things so far and still barely have the power to run them. We have yet to create batteries that can efficiently store solar energy, or other renewable energy sources." What do you think? Discuss in the comments. Submit your science and technology questions to fyi@popsci.com.

    8.26.2008 at 10:14am - Comment by brad

    what about the theory of using crystals (quartz comes to mind) to store or amplify energy? just thought i'd toos it out there.

  • The Environment

    We're Going to Live in the Trees

    By Jaya Jiwatram Posted on 8.25.2008 16 Comments

    The ultimate in green living is almost here. Think bus shelters, street lamps, and even houses -- all grown from trees. The process of shaping living trees to create objects, referred to as arborsculpture and pooktre, is well known among hobbyists (a simple Web search shows plenty of results for the art form). Now, researchers at Israel's Tel Aviv University are teaming up with eco-living company Plantware to create commercial structures on a larger scale.

    8.26.2008 at 09:45am - Comment by brad

    This just shows how ignorant the world is becoming. What will be the considerations for: fire risk, infestation (bugs or fungi), insurance policy, remodeling/add-on for family growth, water needs, soil content, use of A/C or heat, fireplaces, your house absorbing oxygen at night.....The downside is far greater than the upside.



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