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Researchers from the University of Bristol, in partnership with the UK Atomic Energy Authority, have presented an innovation that could transform the world of energy: a new battery that lasts more than 5,000 years. The secret of this technology lies in the use of radioactive carbon in diamond, creating a practically infinite and extremely safe source of energy.
The new battery uses carbon-14, a radioactive isotope famous for its half-life of 5,700 years, widely used in archaeological dating. During its beta decay process, carbon-14 releases a small but constant amount of electrons, generating energy. To ensure safety and efficiency, the researchers encapsulated the material in artificial diamonds, created by a specialized plasma process. This protection ensures that the battery is sustainable and suitable for a range of long-lasting applications.
Promising And Practical Applications
Thanks to the use of radioactive carbon in diamond, the new battery is ideal for scenarios where battery replacements would be impractical or impossible. Here are some of the possible applications:
Medical Implants: devices like pacemakers and hearing aids could function for decades without needing replacement, eliminating frequent surgeries.
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A geologist teaching students to map the bottom of the Baltic Sea identified something unusual on sonar in 2021: a line of stones meandering for almost 1 kilometer at a depth of 21 meters, revealing the largest megastructure of the Stone Age ever found in Europe, about 11,000 years old, built by hunters when the Baltic Sea did not yet exist.
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Mongol ship sunk 745 years ago emerges in excavations with sword, arrows, and relics from the 1281 invasion of Japan, destroyed by the first “kamikaze” in history.
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Brazil develops a 50-meter boat capable of producing its own fuel at sea by transforming water into green hydrogen through electrolysis; this unprecedented project seeks energy autonomy and could redefine naval propulsion.
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The Arctic is shrinking and in March 2026 recorded only 14.3 million km² of ice at the peak of winter, one of the lowest levels since 1979, reducing the planet’s ability to reflect heat and accelerating global warming.
Space and Underwater Exploration: space probes, sensors in deep waters, and other equipment could operate for centuries, even in extreme conditions.
Tracking and Monitoring: tags on satellites and space debris will remain active for decades, revolutionizing monitoring systems.
According to Sarah Clark from the UKAEA, “diamond batteries offer a safe and sustainable way to provide continuous levels of microwatts of power,” highlighting the versatility and safety of radioactive carbon in diamond.
A Promising Future For The New Battery
Although the commercial viability of the new battery still needs to be explored, researchers believe it could be a game-changer in various industries, from medical technology to space exploration. Professor Tom Scott from the University of Bristol states that the team is eager to work with industry partners to expand the possibilities of this technology.
This innovation not only redefines the concept of durable batteries but also signals a revolution in energy storage. With the use of radioactive carbon in diamond, humanity is taking an important step towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
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