A team of engineers at MIT have developed a method that embeds specialized nanoparticles into any type of plant in order to make it glow for up to four hours. Although the research is still in its early stages, the team hopes to one day shake up the lighting industry. “The vision is to make a plant that will function as a desk lamp—a lamp that you don’t have to plug in. The light is ultimately powered by the energy metabolism of the plant itself," said Michael Strano, professor of chemical engineering at MIT and an author of the study, in a press release. "Our work very seriously opens up the doorway to streetlamps that are nothing but treated trees, and to indirect lighting around homes." [MIT]
On Dec. 15, Tesla opened a 10,900-square-foot storefront in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. The new showroom not only houses Tesla's electric cars, but also a selection of the company's energy products, including its solar roof shingles, and Powerwall battery and energy storage system. "The new showroom ... further connects the state of New York to the company’s mission of a sustainable energy future," said Tesla in an emailed press release. [Tesla]
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method of fabricating metal circuits using electrohydrodynamic printing technology, which could lead to more cost-effective manufacturing practices for flexible electronics. [North Carolina State University]
Oil and gas company BP has announced plans to invest $200 million in solar development and management company Lightsource over the course of the next three years—an addition to BP's existing Alternative Energy business, which currently focuses on wind power, biofuel, and biopower. [BP]
Daniel Esposito, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering, and a team of researchers have developed a new photovoltaic-powered electrolysis device that can float on open water. Dubbed a "solar fuels rig," the device would produce hydrogen fuel from sunlight and water. [Columbia Engineering]
Virgin Hyperloop One—formerly known as Hyperloop One, until the company entering a partnership with business magnate Richard Branson's Virgin Group in October—has broken a new speed record, reporting in a press release that a full-scale test pod reached speeds of 240 mph. "All components of the system were successfully tested including the airlock, highly efficient electric motor, advanced controls and power electronics, custom magnetic levitation and guidance, pod suspension, and the vacuum," said the same release. [Hyperloop One]
