UCLA researchers have developed LCDs with photovoltaic polarizers that can turn light wasted by the screen back into energy for the phone. Since screens use the most battery power, the technique could lead to significant increases in battery life.
Juntos Finanzas, a budget-by-text program started at Stanford with a group of janitorial workers, is part Mint.com, part Weight Watchers. Now it's making real changes in the lives of lower-income workers.