Michigan is taking legal action against major oil and gas companies, accusing them of colluding to suppress competition from cleaner energy technologies like solar power and electric vehicles, according to Ars Technica. Simultaneously, researchers are making strides in energy storage, with a new fluid capable of storing solar energy for months, as reported by Ars Technica. These developments come amidst a backdrop of rising demand for weight-loss drugs and ongoing scientific discoveries, as highlighted by Vox and Nature News.
Michigan's lawsuit, joining nearly a dozen other states, differs from previous climate-related cases by focusing on the alleged suppression of competition, rather than deception or misrepresentation of climate change risks, Ars Technica reported. Legal experts suggest this strategy could be a "game changer" if the state can overcome initial dismissal attempts by the industry defendants.
In the realm of energy innovation, researchers are exploring molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage. This approach aims to trap solar energy within the bonds of a molecule, allowing it to be released as heat on demand, months later, according to Ars Technica. This could provide an alternative to the burning of fossil fuels, which currently meets two-thirds of global energy demand for heating.
The demand for weight-loss drugs, such as GLP-1s, has surged, with user numbers more than doubling since 2024, Vox reported. While these drugs are relatively new, and long-term effects are still being studied, common side effects include fatigue and nausea. As more people use the drugs, more side effects are being reported.
Other notable developments include a new study suggesting that Mars was warm and wet billions of years ago, contradicting previous theories, Ars Technica reported. This finding, based on geological evidence, has implications for the potential development of life on Mars. Furthermore, the news this week covers a wide range of topics, including delays in NASA's Artemis mission, rising gas prices, and advancements in cell therapy, according to Nature News.
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