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New Frontier in Sustainable Batteries

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Lithium-ion batteries dominate modern society due to their high energy density, light weight and rechargeability, powering smartphones, electric vehicles and large energy storage systems. However, they come at a high cost because of their rare earth mineral components and the environmental damages associated with mining them.

To offer a sustainable and ethical alternative, scientists are developing sodium-ion batteries, which are less expensive and use abundant sodium instead of scarce lithium. Although they function similarly, with charged sodium particles moving between two electrodes, they store less energy and degrade faster than lithium-ion models.

Researchers at the University of Surrey,  in England, discovered that sodium vanadium oxide performs significantly better when its naturally occurring water is left inside the battery instead of being removed during manufacturing. This simple modification nearly doubled the battery’s charge capacity, quickened charging and maintained stability over 400 charge-discharge cycles.

An additional bonus to leaving natural water inside sodium vanadium oxide is that the battery continues to function effectively within saltwater environments and is able to desalinate the seawater. Future systems might be able to provide cost-effective, dual-function units that provide sustainable energy storage and clean drinking water.


In-Print National Content Global Brief Global and Health Briefs October 2026
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The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

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