World’s first commercial sand battery begins energy storage in Finland
The company claims an efficiency factor up to 99 percent, a capability to store heat with minimal loss for months on end, and a lifespan in the decades.
Technology & innovation
This archive covers technology and innovation breakthroughs that improve lives, protect the environment, and expand human possibility. From medical devices to clean energy tools, the stories here focus on what’s working and who’s making it happen.
Airbus flies first helicopter with both engines burning 100% green fuel for the first time ever
Sustainable aviation fuel just powered both engines of an Airbus H225 helicopter at the same time — a first for any rotorcraft, anywhere. Earlier tests had only run SAF in one engine at a time, so flying twin engines on 100% SAF marks a real leap toward proving the fuel works under the demanding, variable loads helicopters face. Airbus says SAF at full concentration can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel, and the company is aiming to certify 100% SAF across its commercial aircraft and helicopters by 2030. For missions like search and rescue or medical evacuation, where batteries can’t yet deliver, this is one of the most promising paths to cleaner skies.
Revolutionary new photoimmunotherapy lights up and wipes out cancer cells
Experts are predicting that this new photoimmunotherapy will be the world’s fifth major cancer treatment following surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Zero-emissions hydrogen cargo airship prototype planned for 2025
H2 Clipper claims it’ll cost a quarter of what today’s air freight services cost per ton-mile, making it an economically disruptive way to move bulk cargo as well as an opportunity to decarbonize trans-continental logistics operations.
New biodegradable, plant-based, spray-on coating offers alternative to plastic food wrap and containers
The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days, according to the study from Rutgers University.
New Chinese EV boasts groundbreaking 578-mile range
The Chinese manufacturer, NIO, claims the new ES7 can go 578 miles on a charge. By comparison, Tesla’s leading Model Y has a range of only 330 miles.
U.S. FDA approves first alopecia drug that restores hair growth in many patients
It is the first approved treatment for alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that affects about 7 million people in the United States.
Korean scientists develop “nanomachines” that can penetrate and kill cancer cells
This new method directly kills cancer cells via mechanical movements without anticancer medication, in contrast to the capsule-type nanocarriers that deliver therapeutic drugs.
China builds world-first full-function space solar verification tower
Xidian University in Xi’an has built a 75 meter-tall ground verification system to perform and test all phases of space-based solar power generation and transmission.
Energy Dome launches world’s first CO2 battery energy storage facility in Sardinia
These “CO2 batteries” can store renewable energy over long periods and release it quickly, at less than half the cost of big lithium batteries.