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MIT study finds computational load for widespread autonomous driving could be a huge driver of global carbon emissions

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The data centers that house the physical computing infrastructure used for running applications are widely known for their large carbon footprint; they currently account for about 0.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, or about as much carbon as the country of Argentina produces annually, according to the International Energy Agency.

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MIT engineers create 2D polymer that self-assembles into sheets

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Using a novel polymerization process, MIT chemical engineers have created a new two-dimensional polymer that self-assembles into sheets, unlike all other polymers which form one-dimensional chains. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT and the senior author of the new study. —Michael Strano.

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ExxonMobil expands participation in MIT Energy Initiative’s low-carbon research; Mobility of Future study

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ExxonMobil said extended its support of the MIT Energy Initiative’s (MITEI) low-carbon energy research and education mission by renewing its status as a founding member for another five years. With its renewed membership, ExxonMobil will expand its participation in MITEI’s Low-Carbon Energy Centers.

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MIT study finds stiffer roadways could improve truck fuel efficiency

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Now, a study by MIT researchers suggests that small changes in roadway paving practices could reduce that efficiency loss, at little to no cost. The study examined state-by-state data on climate conditions, road lengths, materials properties, and road usage, and modeled different scenarios for pavement resurfacing practices.

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Study finds the wettability of porous electrode surfaces is key to making efficient water-splitting or carbon-capturing systems

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Now, a study at MIT has for the first time analyzed and quantified how bubbles form on these porous electrodes. The work is described in the journal Joule , in a paper by MIT visiting scholar Ryuichi Iwata, graduate student Lenan Zhang, professors Evelyn Wang and Betar Gallant, and three others. —Beta Gallant.

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MIT researchers propose mechanism for overcoming bottleneck in electroreduction of CO2

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Researchers at MIT have identified , quantified, and modeled a major reason for the poor performance of electroreduction processes to convert CO 2 to fuel or other useful chemicals. The findings could spur progress on developing a variety of materials and designs for electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion systems. —Soto et al.

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MIT, Brookhaven team develops simple method for stabilizing interfaces in solid-state lithium-ion batteries

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Some studies have used special coatings to improve the bonding between the layers, but this adds the expense of extra coating steps in the fabrication process. Even though the amount of carbon dioxide present is vanishingly small in air, measured in parts per million, its effects turn out to be significant and detrimental.