A new type of polymer film has been created that generates electricity when it’s exposed to water vapor. The material, which changes shape when it absorbs water, repeatedly curling up and down, was created by researchers at MIT.

The high cost of entry is just one of the many barriers preventing electric vehicles from making a mainstream impact. Automakers are exploring many options for reducing the cost of EVs, and a new study from Europe suggests that car companies could offset the extra cost of lightweight aluminum with smaller battery packs.

The Lancet has reported that air pollution is the second fastest-growing causes of death in the world. The Lancet is a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. It is one of the world’s best known, oldest, and most respected general medical journals.

In my quest to eat more whole grains in 2013, I’ve discovered a new favorite — black japonica rice.

Solar Frontier has developed solar cells that achieve 19.7% efficiency using CIGS technology, and without the use of cadmium.

So you’ve resolved to expand your healthy menu choices this year. Wonderful! This burger recipe offers a healthier ‘fast food’ lunch option, along with indulgent vegan deliciousness. Fair warning, though: you may not be able to stop after eating just one!

These raw brownies are rich in superfoods, but decadent enough for all your fancy dinner parties. This recipe is adapted from A Dash of Compassion.

Manicotti with Pesto Cashew Cheeze

The electric solar sail, or ESAIL, is a ‘sail’ that provides propulsion for a spacecraft simply by using the solar wind, no fuel whatsoever. Invented only very recently, in 2006, a prototype has not yet been created. But now one of the primary limitations have been overcome, the production of the 1-km-long ESAIL tether, something which had been considered impossible by most global experts in ultrasonic welding.

A breakthrough in the efficiency of LEDs has been made thanks to new research that investigated how fireflies create their light. By utilizing a newly discovered pattern of jagged scales on the fireflies’ abdomens, LEDs 55% more efficient than previous designs have been created.

A new and somewhat unexpected way to create very high-efficiency organic solar cells has been found. Rather than working solely to increase the purity of a solar cell’s two domains — acceptor and donor — researchers found that if impure domains are made smaller, this also increases efficiency levels.

Creamy and sweet squash is nourishing and makes for a perfect meal on a chilly day! Add quinoa (or other grains) to make it more filling.