Introduction: The Critical Role of Cooling in a Warming World From preserving food in supermarkets to safeguarding medical supplies in hospitals, refrigeration is the unsung hero of modern infrastructure. Yet, as global temperatures rise and energy demands surge, the environmental cost of traditional cooling systems has become impossible to ignore. …

Plastic waste is often viewed as the poster child for modern excess—a glaring symbol of our throwaway culture. But a global movement is underway to flip this narrative. Innovators across industries are upcycling discarded plastics into everything from stylish sneakers to durable street furniture. Yet one innovation stands out for …

The Unseen Guardians Orbiting Earth When Hurricane Maria tore through Dominica in 2017, overhead satellites from both Russia and France were able to capture before-and-after images within mere hours. These images laid bare the devastation’s contours, enabling relief agencies to prioritize aid delivery and rescue operations. This rapid-response capability has …

In the hidden world of atoms, even the tiniest changes can spark colossal transformations. Imagine a material that switches from being an insulator to a superconductor—transmitting electricity without any resistance—in less time than it takes light to travel a millimeter. This might sound like science fiction, but it’s a real …

Modern defense platforms rely on mission-critical systems like C5ISR (Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance), FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), and ELMS (Electrical Load Management Systems) to deliver peak performance, precision, reliability, and tactical superiority. These systems must operate …

The sun scorches the cracked earth in Northern Benin. Here, pastoralists and farmers face off over dwindling water supplies—a scene mirrored in dozens of fragile states where climate pressure intensifies social tensions. Thousands of miles away, in Geneva, the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions unfolds. Security Council delegates lean …

The next frontier of human exploration isn’t just about reaching the Moon—it’s about building the systems that will allow us to thrive there. As both governments and private companies push to establish a lasting presence on the lunar surface, one of the greatest technical challenges is maintaining seamless communication, navigation, …

As the world confronts the accelerating impacts of climate change—rising temperatures, extreme weather, and collapsing ecosystems—the need for transformative solutions has never been more urgent. While decarbonization often focuses on energy systems, transportation, and agriculture, a less visible yet critical technology is emerging at the forefront: photonics—the science of generating, …