Tech universe: Monday, June 21

Adding crystals to solar panels could increase efficiency by two thirds. Photo / Supplied

A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.

MORE LIGHT THAN HEAT: The average solar cell loses most of its electrons as heat, so it's only around 30% efficient. Adding in tiny crystals of lead and selenium could keep light in line and boost efficiency to 66%. It may not be a win, but it could be a draw. Bright ideas - and solar flair - at Scientific American

MOOD-ALTERING CLOTHES: Sensors in your clothing can assess your mood then send you messages, music or video to perk you up or calm you down. That's fine till the clothes start telling you their mood: "I'm feeling a bit worn today." Tech News Daily on talking trousers.

PILLS ON WHEELS: The new Forth Valley Royal Hospital will have a fleet of robots delivering pills, taking away dirty laundry and other tasks. Rosie Jetson's here, but still no flying cars. More at BBC..

DARK LASERS: Lasers come in red, green, and blue. Now there are dark lasers too. Pulses of dark should improve the transmission of light through fiber optic cables. Let there be dark!

DON'T EAT YOUR VEG: The latest in green power sources is cooked vegetables. Energy from treated boiled potatoes is up to 50 times cheaper than from ordinary batteries. Who ate the batteries out of the remote? High tech chip wrap-up here.