Researchers have made a breakthrough in molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage, a method of storing heat using molecules, potentially offering a new alternative to fossil fuels for heating, according to multiple reports. Simultaneously, the state of Michigan is taking legal action against major oil and gas companies, alleging they suppressed competition from cleaner energy sources like solar power and electric vehicles. These developments come as the demand for weight-loss drugs, such as GLP-1s, continues to rise, with users more than doubling since 2024, according to Vox.
The MOST energy storage breakthrough, detailed in Ars Technica, involves a new approach that overcomes previous limitations like poor energy storage and the use of toxic solvents. Heating accounts for nearly half of the global energy demand, with two-thirds of that met by burning fossil fuels. The new method could store solar energy and then release it as heat months later. While the concept has been around for decades, it has struggled to gain traction.
Michigan's lawsuit, also reported by Ars Technica, accuses oil and gas companies of driving up energy costs by colluding to suppress competition from cleaner technologies. The state's approach is different from other climate-related lawsuits, which often focus on misrepresenting climate change risks. Legal experts suggest this strategy could be a game changer if Michigan can overcome initial dismissal attempts by the industry defendants.
The rise in popularity of GLP-1s, as highlighted by Vox, has led to a surge in demand for weight-loss drugs. This rapid expansion has resulted in new side effects emerging, including fatigue and nausea, which are common during use. Dr. Sera Lavelle, a clinical psychologist, noted the emergence of new side effects as more people use the drug.
These developments, as summarized in a multi-source report from Vox, highlight the dynamic shifts occurring across various sectors, from energy and healthcare to legal battles and technological advancements. The convergence of these stories underscores the evolving landscape of energy, health, and legal challenges facing the United States.
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