water technology

In the not-too-distant future, astronauts could be drinking water harvested from their own urine, courtesy of a Dune-inspired system integrated into their spacesuit. If nothing else, it should certainly beat just peeing into a diaper.

While “don’t mess with Texas” may have originated as a littering campaign catchphrase, scientists from the southern state have aimed that mantra at waterborne bacteria, creating a drinking cup that kills pathogens that cross its electric field.

In a highly unexpected approach to renewable energy, researchers in Korea have developed a low-cost, easily-manufactured advanced membrane that actually generates electricity as it turns wastewater, seawater or groundwater into drinking water.

Water level sensors serve an important purpose in rivers, warning of floods and unsafe recreational conditions. A new one is claimed to be not only more robust and reliable than others, but also considerably less expensive.

As microplastics pollution and potable water scarcity both worsen, it's becoming increasingly important to find efficient ways of filtering and desalinating seawater. A new aerogel definitely holds some promise, and it's made from egg whites.

The new BluOasis BluMobile trailer puts deployable solar power, lithium battery storage and water-making capabilities atop a military-grade off-road trailer, giving RVers, overlanders and remote workers more off-grid autonomy. It even sleeps four.

The Living Vehicle is already one of the most capable off-grid trailers money can buy. For 2023, it's loading up on even more self-sufficiency, adding an optional water generator that makes clean water from ambient humidity, even in the desert.

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a sort of “solar umbrella” which could radically reduce the amount of land needed for industrial evaporation ponds.

Nearly two billion people lack access to clean drinking water. To address this problem, researchers from UC Berkeley and MIT have created a solar-powered device that can harvest water from air, even in places like the desert.