Barocal shows a cheap way to cool food using plastic crystals and squeezing

A squeezed solid could replace noisy refrigeration

Researchers say barocal could enable refrigeration without traditional greenhouse-harming refrigerants. By applying pressure to “plastic crystals,” the material shifts state and absorbs heat, potentially offering a cheaper and nonpolluting alternative to today’s cooling systems. If results scale, it could disrupt everything from home fridges to cold storage for food and drinks.