Today’s Solutions: January 23, 2026

More than 100 years ago scientists and business leaders feuded over the incipient U.S. electrical grid: Should it rely on alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC)? Both are used to transmit electricity—DC flows steadily in one direction, whereas AC varies direction periodically. Thomas Edison championed DC as the better option—and even publicly electrocuted stray animals with AC to convince the public that it posed a danger. By the early 20th century AC prevailed, however,

Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

5 questions for assessing your own emotional intelligence

When it comes to working with others, Marcel Schwantes believes emotional intelligence (EQ) is everything. As leaders, when we are being impulsive, shortsighted, reacting ...

Read More

Liquid metal turns CO2 emissions into solid carbon at the source

Capturing carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere is a key part of our global strategy to combat climate change. In an effort to ...

Read More

Eating less meat could help oceans and waterways by reducing nitrogen

It’s difficult for us to consider the long-term, downriver consequences of the simplest of our actions. It isn’t because we’re indifferent; it’s because there ...

Read More

Climate justice is intrinsic to COP27’s success. Here’s how to address it

The Conference of the Parties (COP) in Egypt this year is crucial. In Glasgow last year, countries pledged increased climate financing and committed to raising their goals, but ...

Read More