Hyperloop, Urban Rush, Rice University, CMI.

Hyperloop update: The project appears to move forward, as Hyperloop Transportation Technologies signed agreements with Cologne-based Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum and global engineering design firm Aecom. It exchange for their engineering know-how, the latter companies will have the option of purchasing stock options.
wired.com

In a rush: Together with bike manufacturer Canyon, industry designer Florian Mayer has thought up a design study of an e-bike concept for urban cyclists called ‘Urban Rush.’ Its ‘e-boost technology’ is said to allow for more acceleration at traffic lights, minimizing the difference in speed between bike and cars during the acceleration phase.
technologicvehicles.com

Platinum alternative: Researchers at Rice University have improved a cost-effective approach to create metal oxide-induced graphene (MO-LIG). They are using direct laser scribing to embed various typed of metallic nanoparticles in graphene, which could therefore be an alternative to costly platinum in catalysts for i.e. fuel cells.
greencarcongress.com

Rare earth recycling: The U.S. Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Institute (CMI) has developed a recycling technology for rare earth materials. It is said to be able to extract more than 90 percent of neodymium, dysprosium and praseodymium from permanent magnets. U.S. Rare Earth is the first who will apply the technology.
hydrogenfuelnews.com