Latest news with #PolytechnicUniversityofMilan
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists break out infrared tech to solve issue holding back next-gen solar panels: 'This makes the technology promising not just in the lab'
In a major leap for clean energy, scientists have figured out how to make solar panels that are lighter, more efficient, and — for the first time — durable enough for everyday use. A research team led by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland, has developed a new method for making perovskite solar cells more stable in real-world conditions. The results, published in Joule, are exciting for solar fans everywhere. Perovskites have long been considered the future of solar. Unlike traditional silicon panels, they are ultra-light and low-cost and can be printed onto flexible surfaces. Think solar-powered windows, walls, or even wearable electronics. But until now, they've had one big flaw: They don't hold up well to sunlight and heat over time. According to this study in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Milan, that might be about to change. The researchers found that by adding a molecule called TEMPO to the perovskite layer and hitting it with a quick infrared pulse — just half a second long — they could repair tiny defects in the material. This new process gives the panel efficiency of over 20% and maintains it for months under typical working conditions. "The proposed method is fast, solvent-free, and compatible with roll-to-roll processing, similar to that used in the printing industry. This makes the technology promising not just in the lab, but also for future industrial-scale production," explained Rafael Ferragut, researcher, teacher, and co-author of the study. For consumers, this could mean a new generation of solar products that are cheaper, lighter, and more versatile. These panels could help homeowners and cities break free from high, unpredictable utility bills by giving them more control over when and where they generate power. It also means reducing planet-warming pollution that harms public health and the environment. While the tech may still be in development, this breakthrough brings us one step closer to a future where clean energy is embedded into everyday life — literally. Installing solar panels is the ultimate home energy hack because it can bring your cost of energy down to or close to $0. EnergySage provides a free service that makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations. For those not ready to buy, leasing is a great option. Palmetto's LightReach program locks in low energy rates for homeowners who want to switch to solar without paying high upfront costs. Community solar programs are another alternative for people who can't install panels but would like to benefit from lower energy costs and a more stable power supply. What is the biggest factor you consider when planning a vacation? Cost Distance from home Whether it's family-friendly Sightseeing and entertainment Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Find Secret Leonardo da Vinci-Drawn Tunnels
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: An underground tunnel network long rumored thanks to drawings by Leonardo da Vinci under Milan's Sforza Castle are proven to exist. Ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning revealed that the historic passages made famous by a Leonardo da Vinci drawing is just one of multiple tunnel sections. Experts plan to create a digital twin of the castle's underground system for museum visitors. The artworks of Leonardo da Vinci are vast and storied. 'The Last Supper.' 'The Vitruvian Man.' The 'Mona Lisa,' for goodness sake. But even amongst such a storied and well-studied body of work, there can still be a few surprises left to discover. And recently, a team of researchers discovered one of those surprises—one drawing of a castle tunnel from a 1400s-era castle. See, the drawing was of Sforza Castle, and it included depictions of numerous underground tunnels—tunnels that had never been found. The team—which included experts from Polytechnic University of Milan, Codevintec, and Sforza Castel—teamed up to employ ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning that mapped multiple feet under the castle. In doing so, they discovered not only that the tunnels Leonardo alluded to in his drawings existed, but that they may only be a small piece of an intricate system weaving throughout the site. 'The ground-penetrating radar enriched the 3D model with data on known, but inaccessible, spaces, bringing to light unknown walkways and ideas for further studies on secret passages,' Francesca Biolo, researcher at Polytechnic University of Milan, said in a statement. The castle took on new life in the 1400s when the duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, reconstructed an ancient site. He turned it into the Sforza Castle, complete with towers, courtyards, and frescoed-lined halls. In 1494, Francesco's successor, Ludovico Sforza, built on the castle's tradition and hired Leonardo da Vinci to create art for the castle. According to Art Net, in his effort to complete that project, Leonardo ocumented the castle's unseen tunnel system, as recorded in Codex Forster I. Experts believe the tunnels were once likely used for military operations, but other portions of the system could have included personal touches as well. One passageway, for instance, connects the castle to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church built by Francesco that houses Leonardo's 'The Last Supper.' It is also the site of Sforza family burials, which may have afforded those living in the castle quicker access to the tombs of loved ones, such as Ludovico's wife, Beatrice d'Este. Nowadays, the castle complex is home to three different museums—Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, the Museum of the Rondanini Pieta, and the Museum of Ancient Art. While the underground system may not currently be fully accessible, the ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning used to confirm its presence could still unlock a fresh perspective on the Sforza Castel's underground world. 'The goal is to create a digital twin of the Sforza Castle, a digital model that not only represents the current appearances of the castle but also allows you to explore the past, recovering historical elements that are no longer visible,' Franco Guzzetti, professor of geomatics at Polytechnic University of Milan, said in a statement. Adding augmented reality to the virtual paths could invite visitors to explore the underground environments and inaccessible historical places in a fresh museum experience. The artwork of Leonardo has enabled the delight of modern audiences yet again. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sketch by Leonardo da Vinci Leads to Secret Ancient
An underground tunnel network long rumored thanks to drawings by Leonardo da Vinci under Milan's Sforza Castle are proven to exist. Ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning revealed that the historic passages made famous by a Leonardo da Vinci drawing is just one of multiple tunnel sections. Experts plan to create a digital twin of the castle's underground system for museum visitors. The artworks of Leonardo da Vinci are vast and storied. 'The Last Supper.' 'The Vitruvian Man.' The 'Mona Lisa' for goodness sake. But even amongst such a storied and well-studied body of work, there can still be a few surprises left to discover. And recently, a team of researchers discovered one of those surprises—one drawing of a castle tunnel from a 1400s-era castle. See, the drawing was of Sforza Castle, and it included depictions of numerous underground tunnels—tunnels that had never been found. The team—which included experts from Polytechnic University of Milan, Codevintec, and Sforza Castel—teamed up to employ ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning that mapped multiple feet under the castle. In doing so, they discovered not only that the tunnels da Vinci alluded to in his drawings existed, but that they may only be a small piece of an intricate system weaving throughout the site. 'The ground-penetrating radar enriched the 3D model with data on known, but inaccessible, spaces, bringing to light unknown walkways and ideas for further studies on secret passages,' Francesca Biolo, researcher at Polytechnic University of Milan, said in a statement. The castle took on new life in the 1400s when the duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, reconstructed an ancient site. He turned it into the Sforza Castle, complete with towers, courtyards, and frescoed-lined halls. In 1494, Francesco's successor, Ludovico Sforza, built on the castle's tradition and hired Leonardo da Vinci to create art for the castle. According to Art Net, in his effort to complete that project, da Vinci documented the castle's unseen tunnel system, as recorded in Codex Forster I. Experts believe the tunnels were once likely used for military operations, but other portions of the system could have included personal touches as well. One passageway, for instance, connects the castle to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church built by Francesco that houses da Vinci's 'The Last Supper.' It is also the site of Sforza family burials, which may have afforded those living in the castle quicker access to the tombs of loved ones, such as Ludovico's wife, Beatrice d'Este. Nowadays, the castle complex is home to three different museums—Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, the Museum of the Rondanini Pieta, and the Museum of Ancient Art. While the underground system may not currently be fully accessible, the ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning used to confirm its presence could still unlock a fresh perspective on the Sforza Castel's underground world. 'The goal is to create a digital twin of the Sforza Castle, a digital model that not only represents the current appearances of the castle but also allows you to explore the past, recovering historical elements that are no longer visible,' Franco Guzzetti, professor of geomatics at Polytechnic University of Milan, said in a statement. Adding augmented reality to the virtual paths could invite visitors to explore the underground environments and inaccessible historical places in a fresh museum experience. The artwork of da Vinci has enabled the delight of modern audiences yet again. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
