Science Breakthroughs in 2011: Cancer Vaccines, 3-D Printing, and More

MIT researchers designed a new lithium ion battery that could eventually allow electric cars to compete with gasoline vehicles. By transforming the solid, active components of a conventional battery to semi-solid sludges that can be pumped through the system, the size of batteries can be cut in half. This leaner and less expensive battery design could someday replace the large, heavy, and expensive batteries that currently power electric cars.