Written by Sara Spary, CNNScientists have developed a light-reflecting "ultra-white" paint, which they say could negate the need for air conditioning and even reduce carbon emissions , if used on a mass scale. Unlike traditional paint, the "ultra-white" paint is made with a chemical compound called barium sulfate, which is also used in the production of cosmetics and photo paper. The barium sulfate particles are made up of varying sizes, which "scatter" the sun's rays and can even cool immediate surrounding surfaces. An infrared camera image shows how a sample of the new, ultra-white paint cools the surrounding area. The challenge would be encouraging commercial take-up, he said -- and to do that, manufacturing of the paint would need to be scalable and affordable.

Source: CNN April 16, 2021 14:25 UTC