Professor Hong Chul Moon's team at KAIST has developed RECM technology, a smart window system with three modes—transparent, colored, and reflective—that actively controls light and heat transfer, significantly improving energy efficiency and urban comfort by reducing indoor temperatures and glare, with potential applications in buildings and transportation.,
Storing certain items like electronics, food, important papers, and valuables in outdoor sheds is risky due to temperature fluctuations, pests, and security issues. Items such as food, fabric, electronics, and paint should be kept indoors or in climate-controlled environments to prevent damage or safety hazards.
New heat pump models showcased at CES 2024, including Bosch's IDS Ultra, aim to address the inefficiency of heat pumps in frigid temperatures, making them suitable for colder climates. These advancements are crucial for America's electrification and decarbonization efforts. Heat pumps work by transferring thermal energy from the air or ground to heat or cool homes, but struggle in extreme cold due to freezing coils. Despite the initial cost, federal tax credits and rebates are available to offset expenses, making heat pumps a more viable and sustainable option for home climate control.
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City has been home to half a million leaf-cutter ants since December 2022. The ants, harvested in Trinidad and nurtured in Oregon, had to adjust to the cold and dry climate of New York City. Museum employees had to make adjustments to create a suitable environment for the ants, including installing a humidifier and providing a variety of leaves for foraging. Despite the challenges, the colony has thrived and grown, with the ants successfully rebuilding their fungal gardens. The museum continues to make tweaks to the exhibit to ensure the ants' well-being during the winter months.
Tesla's 2023.12 software update includes features such as customizable scroll wheel functions, voice recognition language options, and the ability to make Zoom calls using the interior cabin camera. The update also adds Apple Music streaming and a new "Manual" app for quick access to the owner's manual. Other changes include improvements to the browser, tire pressure card, and reverse camera, as well as the addition of Thai voice navigation and a handwriting keyboard.