Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan have one-upped themselves in their quest to solve our microplastic problem. They report a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose, the world’s most abundant organic compound. The new plastic is strong, flexible, and capable of rapid decomposition in natural environments, setting it apart from other plastics marketed as biodegradable.
How many stories have you seen about batteries with the term “game changer” in it?
Can you honestly look at the world today and say with a straight face that the game has not changed with regards to battery tech?
Compare electric cars and battery-powered computer runtime from 20 years ago, 10 years ago, and 5 years ago. It’s crazy! I just worked all day on my laptop without plugging it in and the battery isn’t even half dead. I can go anywhere to work and don’t require an outlet. The game has changed. This advancement in battery tech is ongoing and has not stopped.
That is definitely true. And it is also true that YouTubers and other tech news outlets have been promising that new battery tech will make EVs work just like gas cars and you won’t have to suffer any inconvenience or trade offs. Just wait a few years and all the problems will go away. Or maybe it will be hydrogen again this year.
Meanwhile progress is a slow grind that gets better incrementally every year. Real step changes are pretty rare. But not according to headlines.
I’m happy with the progress and cheer for more. But am going to continue to be skeptical of the “game changers” until they show up in the market and prove themselves out.
Can you honestly look at the world today and say with a straight face that the game has not changed with regards to battery tech?
Compare electric cars and battery-powered computer runtime from 20 years ago, 10 years ago, and 5 years ago. It’s crazy! I just worked all day on my laptop without plugging it in and the battery isn’t even half dead. I can go anywhere to work and don’t require an outlet. The game has changed. This advancement in battery tech is ongoing and has not stopped.
That is definitely true. And it is also true that YouTubers and other tech news outlets have been promising that new battery tech will make EVs work just like gas cars and you won’t have to suffer any inconvenience or trade offs. Just wait a few years and all the problems will go away. Or maybe it will be hydrogen again this year.
Meanwhile progress is a slow grind that gets better incrementally every year. Real step changes are pretty rare. But not according to headlines.
I’m happy with the progress and cheer for more. But am going to continue to be skeptical of the “game changers” until they show up in the market and prove themselves out.