Keep up with the weather
AI and robots help researchers build better batteries. The researchers used a machine learning model called Dragonfly and a robot called Clio to help them design new electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. (Electrolyte is the liquid that helps move charge in a battery.) Better electrolytes could mean faster charging for electric vehicles. (MIT Technology Review)
Nord Stream methane leaks are a climate disaster, but fossil fuel production emits more. Russian pipelines have leaked about 300,000 metric tons of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Global oil and gas production emits this amount every 1.5 days. (Bloomberg$)
Another electric aircraft company is conducting test flights. Eviation’s prototype, Alice, took to the skies over Washington state last week. (Seattle Times) But batteries are still a long way from powering the planes of the future; to learn more about why, see my August article on the subject.
This is how communities must rebuild after Hurricane Ian. Climate change makes hurricanes more intense and more common: Hurricane-prone areas can help limit future damage by building more coastal defenses, following smarter building codes, and in some cases moving forward. (New York Times $)
Just for fun
It’s officially fat bear week!! Every year, Katmai National Park in Alaska invites us all to judge which of its brown bears is the fattest. So make your voice heard – vote here and enjoy this delightful Washington Post data visualization of just how fat these bears really are.
That’s all friends! Thank you so much for reading, and if you have any ideas or suggestions for this newsletter, please feel free to drop me a line. Until next time!
Casey
