According to UPI.com, scientists may be coming closer to producing environmentally friendly, magnetic refrigerators. Imperial College London researchers say magnetic refrigeration technology could provide a "green" alternative to traditional gas-compression refrigerators, requiring up to 30 percent less energy without the use of ozone-depleting chemicals or producing greenhouse gases.

"This is an exciting discovery because it means we may one day be able to tailor-make a material from the 'bottom up' … so it ticks all the boxes required to run a magnetic fridge," said Professor Lesley Cohen, one of the researchers. "This is vitally important because finding a low-energy alternative to the fridges in our homes and work places is crucial for cutting our carbon emissions and tackling climate change."

A magnetic refrigeration system works by applying a magnetic field to a magnetic material, causing it to heat. That heat is removed from the system by water, cooling the material back to its original temperature. When the magnetic field is removed the material cools even further, and it is that cooling property that researchers hope to harness for a wide variety of applications.

The research, led by James Moore, is reported in journal Advanced Materials. Readers should keep their eyes out for future developments of this unique and ground-breaking technology.

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