In the ever-changing landscape of global wealth, Pony Ma, the co-founder of Tencent Holdings, has recently reclaimed the title of China’s richest individual, boasting a staggering net worth of over A$65 billion. This places him at the 27th spot on the global scale of billionaires, as indicated by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Close competitors for
Technology
As Europe grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, the construction sector emerges as a crucial player in the battle to reduce carbon emissions. Recent research published in the *Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews* journal brings to light a compelling vision for the future of construction in Europe. The study posits that by adopting
Wearable technology is rapidly progressing, offering new ways to monitor health and fitness metrics in real-time. One of the most significant strides in this field has been the emergence of wearable and implantable devices capable of tracking biological signals. These innovations represent a convergence of electronics engineering and biological sciences, facilitated by the development of
The remarkable global surge in the utilization of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has more than doubled over the last four years. While this growth has facilitated advancements in technology and energy storage, it has also raised serious concerns regarding the environmental impact of discarded batteries, which contain a myriad of hazardous substances. As these batteries reach
In recent years, the world has witnessed an unprecedented rise in the adoption of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power. A report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights a critical juncture in this renewable revolution, as government action is pivotal in ensuring that these growing energy sources are seamlessly integrated
As the world grapples with the escalating crisis of climate change, the need to transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources has never been clearer. One promising avenue of research is the direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful products, particularly fuels. Among the groundbreaking developments in this field, a pioneering artificial photosynthesis
TikTok, the immensely popular video-sharing platform, finds itself at the crossroads of legal and political turmoil in the United States as it faces potential banishment due to its Chinese ownership. The stakes are high, not only for TikTok’s operations within the US but also for the principles of free speech and national security that this
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced remarkably in mimicking human creativity, particularly in image generation. However, consistent accuracy in generated images has remained a hurdle, with noticeable flaws such as asymmetrical features and unrealistic shapes often marring the output. These issues have drawn attention to a new method developed by researchers at Rice University, known
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to expand into nearly every sector, the imperative for advanced computational resources becomes increasingly urgent. Central to this progression is the need for high-performance memory devices capable of handling vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently. Traditional memory solutions are struggling to keep pace with the demands of modern AI
In August 2023, a remarkable incident involving a Tesla Semi truck illuminated the complexities of handling electric vehicle accidents. This situation drew significant attention not only due to the vehicle’s advanced technology but also because of the unique challenges that arose during firefighting efforts. The incident unfolded in California when the truck, which was operated
As global energy demands escalate, there exists an urgent necessity for innovative energy storage solutions. Traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been the cornerstone of rechargeable energy technologies. However, the increasing consumption of these batteries has led to a depletion of critical raw materials. Lithium and cobalt, the primary components of LIBs, are rapidly being exhausted,
Proper power grounding systems are crucial for maintaining the safety and reliability of critical electrical subsystem infrastructure, such as substations. These systems provide a low-resistance path for electrical fault currents to flow into the earth, ultimately preventing electrical shocks, fires, and damage to essential equipment. Soil resistivity plays a significant role in the design of
In a groundbreaking study led by Prof. Ye Hong and his research team at the University of Science and Technology of China, a novel alumina ceramic bionic wick has been developed for cooling high-performance electronic chips. Drawing inspiration from the stomatal array found in natural leaves, the researchers aimed to address the challenges posed by
In a landmark case involving Apple and Ireland, the 13-billion-euro tax dispute has reached a pivotal moment with an upcoming ruling by a top EU court. The conflict dates back to 2016 when the European Commission alleged that Ireland provided Apple with preferential tax treatment, allowing the tech giant to avoid paying billions in taxes.
Swedish electric car battery maker Northvolt recently announced that it would be reducing its workforce as part of scaling back operations to focus on its main gigafactory in Sweden. This decision comes at a time when the sales of electric cars are declining in Europe, and the region is significantly behind China in battery production.