Utility poles and wires on Topeka Street near Southampton Street in Boston.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff In early November, state Representative Mark Cusack found himself in a difficult position. Environmental advocates were apoplectic about a climate bill the new chairman had authored that would weaken the state’s historic climate goals. But the well-funded energy industryhad an...

Utility poles and wires on Topeka Street near Southampton Street in Boston.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff In early November, state Representative Mark Cusack found himself in a difficult position. Environmental advocates were apoplectic about a climate bill the new chairman had authored that would weaken the state’s historic climate goals. But the well-funded energy industryhad an...

It is not unusual to draw inspiration from nature to create something spectacular. In fact, we’ve seen it countless times in art, designs, and several innovative technologies. Now, an Australian research team has proven that solar panels are a waste of time, and that technology inspired by flying butterflies is intended to power the future....