TBT: Scientists made a nearly invincible lithium-ion battery

PLUS: The best WIRED stories from this month a year ago. View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions 01.21.21 Lithium-ion batteries have shaped the modern world, but the smallest defect can result in exploding gadgets. Researchers have set out to mitigate that danger with the belief a safer battery was possible. Now they've created a new one that can be cut, shot, bent, and soaked without an interruption in power. Read more about the nearly invincible lithium-ion battery, plus more of the best WIRED stories from this month a year ago below.   Scientists Made a Nearly Invincible Lithium-Ion Battery This new type of battery can be cut, bent, soaked, shot, and lit on fire—and it still powers up just fine. The Best Stories From This Month, Last Year The Mandalorian Is the Only Smart Soldier in the Star Wars Galaxy It took decades, but the galaxy finally has a tactical and operational genius.  Release the Kratom: Inside America's Hottest New Drug Culture Many use kratom to quit opioids; others just want to get high. There's a push to regulate the plant-derived drug—but experts disagree on its safety. How to Secure Your Wi-Fi Router and Protect Your Home Network Router security has improved a bunch in recent years, but there are still steps you can take to lock yours down even better. Chris Evans Goes to Washington The actor's new project, A Starting Point, aims to give all Americans the TL;DR on WTF is going on in politics. It's harder than punching Nazis on the big screen. Space Photos of the Week: Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse! We're not sure when this star will go supernova, but one thing is certain: It'll be spectacular. Mind Control for the Masses—No Implant Needed A wave of startups wants to make brain-computer interfaces accessible without needing surgery. Just strap on the device and think. GET WIRED Winter Sale! Get 1 year of WIRED access for $10 $5. Tech news and analysis you won't find anywhere else. Subscribe now.     This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or manage your newsletter subscriptions