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One of the biggest upcoming challenges for electric cars is having an adequate supply of lithium batteries.A new report by Benchmark Minerals, first cited by CleanTechnica, shows battery makers are working quickly to meet growing demand for new lithium-ion battery cells from automakers.solar street light lithium battery

According to the company's Battery Factory Data, battery suppliers ramped up their forecast supply from 922 gigawatt-hours in 2023 to 965 in February, an increase of 4 percent in February alone. Extrapolated to an annualized forecast, that would increase battery supplies available in that year by 50 percent this year alone.It's unclear, of course, whether growth in supply forecasts will continue soaring on that trajectory for the rest of the year, but constraints in battery supplies have already emerged as a likely obstacle to planned electric-car production by the middle of the next decade.

The Volkswagen Group alone has ramped up its investment in developing future electric cars to $50 billion by 2023. Other automakers including BMW, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler.So far, most electric car batteries have come from just a handful of suppliers, including Korean LG Chem, Nissan's SAIC, CATL, Panasonic (for Teslas), Samsung, and SK Innovation.

That has left some automakers planning big investments in electric cars at the mercy of battery suppliers and led to delays in some products and likely to lower production of some models than the automakers could sell.

The Benchmark Minerals report shows production capacity for lithium-ion battery growing to almost 1.6 terawatt-hours by 2028.

I’m not sure how we missed it, but in May, the inventor of the lithium-ion battery received the Royal Society’s prestigious Copley Medal.

Professor John Goodenough from the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin received the medal, the world’s oldest scientific prize. Already a fellow of the Royal Society, Goodenough was honored for his exceptional contributions to materials science, especially his discoveries that led to the invention of the rechargeable lithium battery. In case you’ve been living under a rock, lithium-ion batteries are a big part of the re-emergence of electric vehicles, improvement of grid storage, and the compact size of smartphones — all things that have made immeasurable impacts and will continue to.Lithium Battery Cell voltage

Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society, said, “Professor Goodenough has a rich legacy of contributions to materials science in both a fundamental capacity, with his defining work on the properties of magnetism, to a widely applicable one, with his ever-advancing work on batteries, including those powering the smartphone in your very pocket. The Royal Society is delighted to recognise his achievements with the Copley Medal, our most prestigious prize.”

Over decades, the professor has worked on a variety of projects that have had big impacts, including work that led to the invention of Random Access Memory, or RAM, an critical component in modern computing. Professor Goodenough continues to work on new battery technology at UT Austin. Though his lithium-ion breakthrough provided a reliable, rechargeable battery, there are still shortcomings that Professor Goodenough aims to overcome with his latest work on solid-state batteries.The Copley Medal was first awarded by the Royal Society in 1731, 170 years before the first Nobel Prize. As the latest recipient of the Royal Society’s premier award, Professor Goodenough joins an elite group of men and women, such as Benjamin Franklin, Charles Darwin, Louis Pasteur, Albert Einstein, and Dorothy Hodgkin, who have been awarded the Copley Medal for their exceptional contributions to science and engineering in the past. In recent years, recipients include eminent scientists such as Peter Higgs, the physicist who hypothesized the existence of the Higgs Boson, as well as DNA fingerprinting pioneer Alec Jeffreys, and Andre Geim, who discovered graphene. Last year’s winner, Professor Jeffrey Gordon, was honored for his contributions to understanding the role of gut microbial communities to human health and disease.

Video It's never easy to crack into a market with an innovative new product but makers of the "world's first smart fingerprint padlock" have made one critical error: they forgot about the existence of screwdrivers.Electric Cabinet Lock manufacturers

Tapplock raised $320,000 in 2016 for their product that would allow you to use just your finger to open the "unbreakable" lock. Amazing. Things took a turn for the worse when the ship date of September came and went, and backers complained that the upstart has stopped posting any updates and wasn't responding to emails nor social media posts.

But after months of silence, the startup assured El Reg that everything was still moving forward and the delays were due to "issues with manufacturing in China."

Fast forward 18 months and finally – finally – the $100 Tapplock is out on the market and it is… well, how do we put this kindly? Somewhat flawed.

No less than three major problems with the lock have been discovered that make it less than useless because presumably people intend to use the lock to secure valuable things.

One of the first things to note is that the Tapplock used zinc aluminum alloy Zamak 3: something that it claims lends the lock "unbreakable durability." Unfortunately, as materials engineers are happy to point out, aluminum may be a lovely lightweight metal and this alloy does provide an enviable degree of detail when die cast, but it is not exactly the best choice for something that is supposed to be unbreakable.

It isn't very strong, it melts at high temperatures, and it is quite brittle. It looks cool. But it's more suited for its more common use: door handles. It will be easy to cut through this lock with bolt cutters.

Smart locks are a popular addition to many modern homes. Some locks can be controlled with Bluetooth connectivity, some with keypads, some with remote controls, and some with all three.
Although this electronic touchpad keyless entry door lock from MiLocks arrived in a plain shipping box, it includes everything needed—except for the installation tools—for adding this lock to your door.electromagnetic lock manufacturers

MiLocks apparently saves money by not adding glamour to their plain shipping boxes, which is perfectly acceptable if you ask me.

The electronics contained inside the external door lock are rather simple; all that's included is a keypad with some LEDs and a cable. The door lock, itself, the metal plate, and the metal enclosures are all impressively sturdy, but one should expect no less given their purpose in life.

Removing the keypad from the door lock was quite simple. Only a few strips of double-sided tape secures the keypad in place.Separating the membrane keypad from the PCB (and its pushbuttons) was a matter of merely unpeeling the keypad from the PCB. The figure below shows the thirteen pushbuttons. The eight LEDs have also been called out.

The pushbuttons, by the way, are not soldered to the PCB but are simply held in place by the membrane keypad, itself.This is the normal design approach when using such snap doom tactile switches, like these (PDF).

The remaining electronics—including the "brains" of this smart door lock—reside inside the in-the-house portion of this door lock assembly. The four AA batteries are easily accessible by sliding the battery cover out of the way. Also located underneath the battery cover are the controls (pushbuttons and switches) for programming the door lock.

With the metal plate removed, we can see the gears, the DC motor, wires, switches, and of course the PCBs. And with all the electronics removed from the door lock enclosure, we can see how simple of a design this electronic touchpad entry system really is.

The smarts of this electronic touchpad keyless entry system consists of only two PCBs, one of which includes the Bluetooth circuitry that uses an apparent OTS (off the shelf) module. The other PCB provides a home for the brains (the microcontroller), the FETs (which are used for dictating the direction of the current flow and, thus, the direction of the motor), and the buzzer.

A mix of testosterone and olive oil known as “the oil” was in use in elite cycling from 1998 to 2007, the US Anti-Doping Association (USADA) claims.

Testosterone is an anabolic agent that can increase muscle mass and strength. It is also used in small doses to promote muscle recovery from strenuous exercise and increase endurance.Oxiracetam

But what was the olive oil for?

USADA documents explain that the form of the steroid in “the oil” was Andriol, which consists of testosterone undecanoate and is designed to be mixed with oil and taken orally.

“This way the drug can be absorbed into the lymphatic system without being transported to the liver, making the drug more effective and reducing the prospect of liver damage” they say.

When asked to speculate on why olive oil was used instead of other edible oils, a person close to the investigation told Olive Oil Times a possible reason is it “helped athletes avoid rousing suspicions from authorities should their apartments, cars, or hotel rooms be searched.”

“Because it can easily be concealed in bottles labeled as typical olive oil and with the same color and taste, even if Andriol is dissolved within” the source said.

“The oil” is mentioned in various parts of a huge dossier recently released by USADA and containing its evidence for its sanction of lifetime ineligibility and disqualification against cyclist Lance Armstrong, who maintains his innocence.

Among the references is that of cyclist Tyler Hamilton, who reported that the olive oil-testosterone mixture “was to be squirted under the tongue to get a recovery boost after races.”

Olive extracts and exercise recovery

There is no reference to any of olive oil’s many proven health benefits being cited as a reason for its use, but the hydroxytyrosol in olive oil is nevertheless said to promote muscle health.

According to a patent application from Dutch inventors, it can help protect muscles during exercise, promote recovery from injuries, and relieve muscle soreness.

“The olive extracts can decrease the accumulation of lactic acid present post-exercise, and can also work by maintaining glutathione levels” they say.

This medication is used in men who do not make enough of a natural substance called testosterone. In males, testosterone is responsible for many normal functions, including growth and development of the genitals, muscles, and bones. It also helps cause normal sexual development (puberty) in boys. Testosterone belongs to a class of drugs known as androgens. It works by affecting many body systems so that the body can develop and function normally.Carphedon powder

Testosterone may also be used in certain adolescent boys to cause puberty in those with delayed puberty. It may also be used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women.

How to use Testosterone Enanthate Vial

This medication is given by injection into the buttock muscle as directed by your doctor, usually every 1 to 4 weeks. Do not inject this medication into a vein. Dosage is based on your medical condition, testosterone blood levels, and response to treatment.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use a calendar to mark the days you will receive an injection.

After a cycle of anabolic steroids, your body requires post cycle therapy (PCT). This will help to counteract all the negative effects of the drugs and to fight rising estrogen levels. Without a PCT, not only will you experience liver toxicity, but you’ll lose all of your gains and only have low Testosterone to show for it.

Nolvadex is one substance which is popular with bodybuilders as part of their post cycle therapy treatment. It might help to reduce the damage caused by steroids, but what you might not realize is that Nolvadex has a whole host of side effects all its own. Read on to find out more.9-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole

What is Nolvadex?
Nolvadex began as a breast cancer medication known as ‘Tamoxifen’. It helps stop the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. But how did a drug for breast cancer wind up in the hands of steroid users?

Well, Nolvadex has two primary characteristic that caught the attention of the bodybuilding community. As a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), Nolvadex has been shown to prevent estrogen binding. Couple that with the benefit of increasing your natural testosterone levels and it soon becomes clear why muscle-bound men and women use it.

How to use Nolvadex
Due to its anti-estrogenic and pro-testosterone effects, bodybuilders tend to take Nolva both during and immediately following a cycle. As mentioned above, this ensures that estrogen isn’t able to bind and testosterone levels stay high.

Natural levels of Testosterone are going to be incredibly low after a cycle of steroids. It can take up to 12 months for them to be fully restored, assuming they’re not suppressed long-term by estrogen. Nolvadex can help to fight off estrogen while promoting an increase in Testosterone production.

A typical Nolvadex dosage is between 10 and 40 mg, depending on size, goals and the length of the cycle. Since it’s a medication, you won’t find Nolvadex sitting on your store shelf; however, it’s possible to buy Nolva online. When trying to buy this popular PCT, many users find Nolvadex marketed as ‘Nolva’.

5 Nolvadex side effects
Sure, it’s a popular PCT and users claim it’s a necessity after a steroid cycle, but what you may not realize is Nolvadex can cause a whole host of other issues, making it just as problematic as the steroid cycle itself. Let’s review the 5 most troubling Nolvadex side effects.

1. Gains… What gains?
One of the main reasons bodybuilders take steroids is to increase a hormone called Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1). IGF-1 is one of the best ways to stimulate growth hormone production inside the body; promoting a seriously anabolic playground for your muscles to enjoy.

If you’re going to put yourself and your organs through all the side effects that come with steroids, you better make it worthwhile. But if you’re taking Nolva, you’re going to be sadly disappointed.

Studies show that subjects taking a 20 mg dose (10 mg twice a day) of Nolvadex experienced a significant drop in IGF-1 levels.

2. Non-existent libido
Guys, this one is for you: Despite claims that Nolvadex can jumpstart your Testosterone levels, it can also kill your sex drive.

Subjects in numerous studies, not to mention plenty of forum users, complained about having a severely low libido when taking Novaldex. For some guys, their non-existent libido was enough to make them drop from the study. Yikes!

Testosterone replacement therapy can help slow the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in men, a new study shows.

Men with COPD tend to experience shortness of breath, leading physicians to prescribe them long-term steroid-based medications. While these medications help treat pulmonary symptoms, they are also associated with testosterone dysfunction.L-theanine powder

Accordingly, previous studies have shown that men with COPD have low testosterone levels, which could lead to a worsening of the condition.

“Previous studies have suggested that testosterone replacement therapy may have a positive effect on lung function in men with COPD,” Jacques Baillargeon, the study’s author and a professor in preventive medicine and community health at University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, said in a press release.

The study, set to be published in the journal Chronic Respiratory Disease, was designed to determine whether testosterone replacement therapy (in which patients are prescribed testosterone) could help reduce the risk of hospitalization due to respiratory disease in middle-aged and older men with COPD.

Baillargeon noted that “we are the first to conduct a large-scale, nationally representative study on this association.”

Baillargeon and his colleagues used the Clinformatics Data Mart dataset, which comprises one of the largest commercially insured populations in the United States. They examined data from 450 men ages 40-63 with COPD who began testosterone replacement therapy between 2005 and 2014.

Researchers also used the national Medicare database to study data from 253 men age 66 and up with COPD, and who initiated testosterone replacement therapy between 2008 and 2013.

Researchers found that patients who underwent testosterone replacement therapy had a greater reduction in respiratory hospitalizations when compared to patients who did not receive the therapy.

“Specifically, middle-aged testosterone replacement therapy users had a 4.2 percent greater decrease in respiratory hospitalizations compared with non-users,” Baillargeon said. “Older testosterone replacement therapy users had a 9.1 percent greater decrease in respiratory hospitalizations compared with non-users.”

As discussions around performance enhancing drug scandals, doping and potential multi-game suspensions continue to plague Major League Baseball and some of its top talent; Health Talk recently talked with U of M experts about how human growth hormone (HGH) and testosterone actually affect performance.Lorcaserin powder

We sought out University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy pharmacology and drugs of abuse expert David Ferguson, Ph.D., and Bradley S. Miller, M.D., Ph.D., a pediatric endocrinologist with the University of Minnesota Medical School who has studied growth and development associated with HGH.
Ferguson: Definitely. Testosterone is listed in the textbooks for performance enhancement and HGH, while newer to the game, is also listed. Football, baseball, the Olympics and many other sports list both as performance enhancers, although football still isn’t testing for HGH.

Health Talk: So both HGH and testosterone can enhance performance. Do they work in similar ways?

Ferguson: The two function differently. Testosterone is a steroidal hormone that causes fairly rapid increases in lean muscle mass and strength. It’s a small molecule that’s primarily responsible for growth, and it influences and enhances male characteristics such as muscle and bone mass, aggression, and facial hair among other things. Testosterone is very potent when taken orally as a pill, applied topically as a gel, or injected with a syringe. The consequences of abuse are well documented to produce long-term effects in users. HGH, on the other hand, is a protein. HGH activates a receptor that tells cells that cause growth to turn on. It’s a large protein, as opposed to a small molecule. Additional HGH is introduced to the body via an injection… not pills or gels.

Miller: HGH introduces a slower onset of strength than testosterone might. HGH tells the body to use calories to build muscle and bone. If you were deficient, you would store them as fat. Studies have shown you recover from injury associated with athletics more quickly.
Ferguson: Testosterone use is very well documented. There are really good tests out there to detect it’s abuse.

Miller: You can measure levels and ratios of growth hormones in the body to detect HGH. But you’d have to catch somebody the day they take HGH, because it has a pretty quick half-life. Levels come down pretty quickly once you stop taking it. Mayo Clinic researchers are currently looking into better ways to detect it.

Health Talk: Both HGH and testosterone are available with a prescription. What are their appropriate uses?

Ferguson: Testosterone can help restore libido in older men, which can help with erectile dysfunction. It is commonly used in replacement therapy to alleviate metabolic disorders or deficiencies in people young or old.

Miller: HGH, on the other hand, is responsible for growth. It has a lot of uses in pediatrics and in people with growth-related disorders. For example, it can help cancer patients—especially children—regain growth after chemotherapy