The Japanese chemist played a key role in the discovery of electricity-conducting plastics, largely by accident.

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Legislatures in nearly a dozen states have voted to legalize use of the technology, which can help homeowners reduce their rising electricity costs.

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With opposition to the centers mounting, many Democrats and a growing number of Republicans are campaigning against them.

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The power grid relies on thousands of aging, hand-built transformers. If enough fail, the blackout could last years.