GoKawiil
Tech News
NASA has published details of its SPEARS project, which is developing batteries using solid ceramic or polymer materials instead of liquid electrolytes found in standard lithium-ion cells. The goal is to create batteries that can endure the Moon's extreme temperature swings, from 212°F daytime highs to minus 328°F lows at the lunar south pole, for use in future Artemis missions and Mars exploration.
DARPA has launched a $73 million initiative to create long-lasting, dried versions of plasma, platelets, and red blood cells for battlefield use. The program aims to have these dried blood products ready for field deployment by 2029, though researchers still face open questions about the safety and effectiveness of synthetic blood alternatives.
When an EV battery is taken out of a car — due to reduced range, a fault, or crash damage — technicians inspect and test it to decide its next stage of life rather than discarding it. Depending on its condition, individual modules may be repaired and the pack reused in another compatible vehicle, or the battery may be repurposed for stationary energy storage or sent for recycling. Severely damaged packs, such as those from total-loss crashes, are harder to salvage.
A technology explainer outlines the core distinctions between alkaline batteries, the disposable AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt cells used in low-draw gadgets like remotes, and lithium-ion batteries, the rechargeable cells found in smartphones, laptops, cameras and power tools. It also flags that disposable 'lithium AA' batteries are a 1.5-volt alkaline substitute and should not be confused with rechargeable lithium-ion packs, even though both use lithium-based chemistry.
Envision Energy, a Chinese renewable energy firm, has installed over 100 GW of wind power globally and is expanding into markets like Germany, Brazil, and Australia. Meanwhile, Chinese battery developers such as WeLion New Energy are making significant advances in solid-state battery technology, achieving high energy densities and working on semi-solid-state options. These developments highlight China's prominent role in advancing climate tech innovations.
During Prime Day 2026, Amazon features discounts on various phone accessories, including cables, wallets, and portable batteries. Prices have generally increased across electronics, making some deals less competitive than in previous years, but still offering savings for shoppers in need of upgrades.
WIRED has published a roundup of Amazon Prime Day deals covering phone cases, chargers, storage, batteries and other mobile accessories. The outlet notes that although discounts are live, overall electronics prices have risen, so savings are generally smaller than in previous years.
Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk report that patients on their GLP-1 drugs show slower biological aging according to molecular 'aging clocks' measuring DNA changes and protein levels. Separately, MIT Technology Review named Energy Dome among its 10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch for 2026, citing its system that stores renewable energy using compressed carbon dioxide rather than underground caverns.
When the shield icon appears on a Galaxy device, it signifies that Battery Protection is enabled, limiting charging to prolong battery health. Users can select different modes, from basic to maximum, which control the charge cutoff point to reduce battery aging. This feature aims to mitigate the faster degradation caused by maintaining high charge levels over time.
A selection of ten companies are developing advanced solutions such as mobile flood barriers, solid-state batteries, and nuclear reactors to combat climate change. These firms exemplify key shifts in climate technology, including energy-intensive AI infrastructure. The list aims to highlight the most impactful players tackling urgent environmental issues.
Moment Energy, founded in 2019 in Vancouver, is transforming used electric vehicle batteries into energy storage solutions. The company is expanding its operations in North America, aiming to categorize its repurposed batteries as domestic products and secure safety certifications from UL. This move comes amid ongoing trade tensions and a growing demand for sustainable energy storage options.
BasiGo, an electric vehicle company founded in 2021 and based in Nairobi, offers a comprehensive service package for its electric buses, including leasing, maintenance, insurance, and charging infrastructure. Unlike traditional manufacturers, BasiGo does not produce its own buses but assembles imported vehicles from China and provides support through trained staff and a partnership with CATL for batteries. The company aims to lower the high upfront costs of electric buses for Kenyan operators by offering a pay-as-you-go leasing model, which could significantly reduce transportation emissions in Nairobi.