Environment articles

artificial plants environment clean energy photosynthesis artificial plant biosolar cell

Artificial plant purifies indoor air and doubles as a power source for small electronics

Big if True: Cyanobacteria were the first organisms on Earth to develop the ability to produce oxygen. Through photosynthesis, they convert light into chemical energy and oxygen. According to a team of US researchers, cyanobacteria could even serve as a powerful air filtration system when integrated into a new "artificial plant" concept.
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Virginia data centers consume too much water, and things will only get worse with AI

A thirsty potato: According to private records obtained by the Financial Times through freedom of information requests, data center facilities in Virginia have experienced a significant increase in water consumption in recent years. The rise of generative AI could exacerbate this issue, potentially contributing to an environmental disaster in the making.
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Low-cost innovation regulates building temperatures while slashing energy use

Sweating Planet: Rising temperatures are transforming vast regions of the planet into unbearably hot environments. While air conditioning is effective at cooling indoor spaces, it is also an enormous drain on energy resources. As a result, scientists are seeking innovative solutions that can provide comparable cooling without consuming excessive energy or resources.