Researchers from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in display technology by creating pixels the size of a virus. These tiny pixels have been used to develop the world’s smallest light-emitting diode (LED) displays, which are smaller than a grain of sand.

This innovation is significant because, as display technology advances, the trend has been to increase pixel density in order to enhance image quality. The more pixels that can fit into a given space, the sharper and more detailed the image. Currently, micro-LEDs, made from II-V semiconductors, are used for creating small pixels, but miniaturizing these components becomes expensive and inefficient as their size decreases. To overcome this, the Zhejiang University team explored a promising alternative: perovskite.

We’ve all become accustomed to enjoying music and audio through speakers, relishing the freedom to move around the room or share the experience with others at concerts or movies. But as the world becomes more connected and personal audio listening grows, wireless headphones have become a must-have, allowing us to enjoy audio discreetly without disturbing those around us.

However, what if you could enjoy private audio without the need for headphones, wires, or any wearable devices at all? That’s the innovative promise behind Penn State University’s groundbreaking “Audible Enclave” technology. This new tech uses ultrasonic waves to create pockets of sound that are only audible to someone in a specific location, offering a personal listening experience without the need for headphones or any additional hardware.

When it comes to electric skateboards, some brands go for a sleek, retro design that hides the tech underneath, while others fully embrace their futuristic vibes. Parsec’s Aero Pro definitely belongs to the latter category, boasting a design that looks like it was plucked straight from The Matrix.

The Aero Pro features a carbon fiber deck, dual rear-wheel-drive motors, and a high-tech drivetrain that combines cutting-edge materials with serious performance. Built for those who crave the power and style of tomorrow’s tech, the Aero Pro comes equipped with a T800 carbon fiber deck, dual Hobbywing 5250 motors, 7075-T6511 aluminum trucks, S136H steel axles, and 80-mm polyurethane wheels. With a top speed of 27 mph (43 km/h) and the ability to accommodate riders up to 250 lb (113 kg), it’s a board designed to push the limits.

A significant hurdle to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has always been the time it takes to recharge them. This week, Chinese EV maker BYD revealed a breakthrough in charging technology with a charger that can recharge an electric vehicle almost as quickly as filling up at a gas station.

While the range of electric vehicles has dramatically improved over the years, most still offer about half the distance per charge compared to a full tank of gas. This limited range, combined with the fact that public charging stations are much less common than gas stations and take much longer to charge vehicles, has contributed to the widespread issue of “range anxiety.” Even though fast chargers can provide 200 miles of range in approximately 15 minutes, the time required to recharge remains a major sticking point for many consumers.

Star Catcher Industries has announced a significant achievement in its pursuit of space-based energy transmission, successfully beaming concentrated solar energy over 100 meters to satellite solar arrays on the ground at EverBank Stadium in Florida. The March 21 demonstration marked the first real-world test of the startup’s vision for a space-based power grid, one that eliminates the need for customer satellites to be retrofitted or outfitted with custom receivers.

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Star Catcher aims to revolutionize energy delivery by harnessing solar power in space and transmitting it wirelessly to Earth. “This demonstration marks the first end-to-end test of our space power beaming technology, proving we can collect and transmit energy with the precision needed for space applications,” said Andrew Rush, co-founder and CEO of Star Catcher. “Today’s success takes us one step closer to eliminating power constraints in space and unlocking new capabilities for satellites and the customers they serve.”

A groundbreaking new technology known as thermal energy storage (TES) is set to transform the future of energy storage. At the heart of this innovation is an advanced thermal emitter that captures heat and converts it into electromagnetic radiation, which is then transformed into electricity through photovoltaic cells. Compared to conventional batteries, this system offers a more scalable and sustainable alternative. If successful, it could pave the way for a more efficient and eco-friendly energy storage solution, potentially replacing existing, less reliable systems.

Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power hold great promise for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, but they come with one major obstacle: intermittency. Since these energy sources depend on weather conditions and time of day, their availability is often unpredictable. This unpredictability can lead to instability in power generation, creating challenges for managing electrical grids. To address these fluctuations, large-scale energy storage systems are essential to balance supply and demand.

The intensifying global climate crisis has prompted an urgent push for innovative solutions, one of which lies in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Among the highest emitters of carbon dioxide globally, the cement industry has long been a significant contributor to climate change. However, scientists are now harnessing this excess carbon dioxide to turn it into a sustainable solution.

A team from Northwestern University has made a groundbreaking discovery, finding a way to create carbon-negative building materials using seawater, electricity, and CO2. Their method captures CO2 and transforms it into materials like concrete and cement, while permanently storing the carbon and producing clean hydrogen gas in the process. Drawing inspiration from nature, their technique mimics how coral and mollusks form their shells. Rather than using biological energy like these organisms, the process substitutes it with electrical energy to drive chemical reactions in seawater.