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  • An illustration depicting how the new material works – normally, the manganese atomic ions (purple circles) and the disulfur molecular ions (figure-8s) are separated (left of frame). But under pressure, they move closer together (right of frame) changing the conductivity of the material
    Materials
    Weird compound jumps from conductor to insulator and back under pressure
    Researchers have discovered a material that can switch between an insulator and a conductor freely, even at room temperature. The material, a compound of manganese and sulfide (MnS2), starts off as an insulator but becomes conductive under pressure.
  • The winning house, LISI, by the Vienna University of Technology features a lace-like UV curtain and large patio living spaces (Photo: Jason Flakes (Nomoi)/U.S. Department of Energy)
    Architecture
    Team Austria wins Solar Decathlon 2013
    Team Austria (Vienna University of Technology) has been announced the overall winner of Solar Decathlon 2013 after the closest competition in the history of the event. Second place went to University of Nevada Las Vegas, with the Czech Technical University achieving third place overall.