Feature Tech Sparing the rare earths Potential shortages of useful metals inspire scientists to seek alternatives for magnet technologies By Devin Powell August 12, 2011 at 10:13 am - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to print (Opens in new window) Print The Toyota Prius isn’t exactly a muscle car. But the magnets under the hood certainly pack a punch. A potential shortage of several rare earth metals (some shown) has spurred research into technologies that don’t require them. Images-of-elements.com