No matter how energy efficient a gadget is, it is ultimately limited by its energy source – the ever pervasive lithium ion batteries.
 
That is what we thought, until now. Researchers from the Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea, have crafted a miniaturized solid oxide fuel cell which could revolutionize existing battery technology. It can be used in every gadget starting from mobile phones to drones. What’s even better, the technology can be scaled up for use in electric vehicles too.
 
The researchers claim that this new fuel cell is the world’s first to combine porous stainless steel with thin-film electrolyte and electrodes that are "of minimal heat capacity."
 
The result is a dramatic increase in durability (lithium-ion’s biggest weakness) and performance. In real world terms this could translate to smartphones requiring a charge once a weak and drones that can fly for a straight one hour.
 
Once they hit the shelves, we can kiss goodbye to battery related anxieties and embrace increased battery longevity.
 
 

In efforts that further the realms of reusability, battery manufacturing giant Energizer has broken fresh grounds with the first of its kind disposable batteries from their recycled counterparts. This naturally raises the next logical question of what about their rechargeable cousins?
 
Well, as of today, they are here. Energizer has now introduced new rechargeable AA and AAA batteries made from their former selves.
 
The company has disclosed that 4% of the new rechargeable batteries are sourced from used power packs, including those from hybrid cars. This means the Toyota Prius that you own today could one day potentially power a kid’s toy.
 
Although the current reusability of 4% is a far cry from Energizer’s goal of manufacturing batteries which source 40% of their parts from recycled materials by 2025, it nevertheless is a start in the right direction.
However, keeping the concept of materiality in mind since reusing batteries from your wireless mouse does not make any material impact on the health of the planet, regardless being more ecologically conscious is certainly a step in the right direction.
 
Anything that helps fight e-waste and excessive mining is contributing, in its small way, in saving our precious planet.

With 3D printing being the rage in today’s cutting edge manufacturing process, the increase interest in 3D scanners is a matter of only a logical conclusion. CowTech has proven that you do not have to sell your heart and kidney to one.

CowTech has released a 3D scanner that it calls Ciclop. It’s an open source 3D scanner which comes equipped with two lasers and a Logitech webcam which can capture images in 720p, all for a price of $100.

CowTech’s Ciclop has the same resolution of 0.5mm as the lot pricier Digitizer from MakerBot. This version is based on another of its $400 product – the BQ Ciclop, but thanks to a few neat tweaks it has seen a price drop of $99. It even shares the same open-source software as the BQ Ciclop.

Before you can start using it, you will need to print some of its parts from your own 3D printer. The Ciclop uses an Arduino shield and other not so expensive parts, thus the overall cost of ownership is significantly lower. Even a small 3D printer which has a print bed of at least 115mm x 110mm x 65mm will do. If you have handled other DIY projects you will excel at this.

With the Ciclop, expect to capture details of object measuring as little as 200mm wide and 205mm tall. What is even better is that the Ciclop can complete the capture in just a matter of 2 to 8 minutes.
Following its rousing kickstarter campaign, expect the $99 kit to arrive early in April.