The construction industry has long been scrutinized for its substantial environmental impact, particularly in terms of carbon emissions. As the United Kingdom strives to meet legally binding targets for net zero emissions, innovative solutions are urgently needed. A recent study conducted by experts from the University of Dundee and spearheaded by the Mineral Products Association
Technology
Soft robotics is an emerging field that intertwines with numerous sectors ranging from healthcare to search-and-rescue missions. The integration of soft robots and wearable electronics presents unique challenges, particularly in ensuring these devices are functional while maintaining flexibility and resilience. Without a doubt, the need for advanced electronics capable of stretching without compromising performance has
Despite decades of investment and policy initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy, Australia still finds itself heavily dependent on coal and gas power generation. This reliance raises pressing questions about what the true obstacles are preventing the transition to cleaner alternatives. While the technology to generate renewable energy exists, the challenges arise primarily after generation,
Recent developments at Swansea University have paved the way for a groundbreaking tool aimed at optimizing the synergy between agriculture and solar energy production. The significance of this research lies in the potential for semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV) materials to not only generate solar power but also enhance crop growth. Published in the journal Solar RRL,
In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, the ability to manage heat effectively in electronics has become paramount. From smartphones to electric vehicles, every device generates heat as a byproduct of operation. This heat can lead to degradation in performance and shorten the lifespan of electronic components, necessitating innovative thermal management techniques. Traditional cooling methods, such as
The electric vehicle (EV) industry has been evolving rapidly, driven by the pressing need for sustainable transport solutions. Recent breakthroughs in charging technology are set to significantly ease the logistical hurdles traditionally associated with replenishing vehicle energy. The research team at UNIST, characterized by a convergence of visionary thinking and cutting-edge engineering, has introduced a
The burgeoning field of emotion recognition is witnessing transformative advancements that promise to enhance various sectors, from healthcare to entertainment. Traditional methods of emotion detection have largely relied on static imagery, restricting the analysis of emotional nuances that evolve over time. Newly published research by Lanbo Xu from Northeastern University in Shenyang, China, presents an
Research continues to explore innovative materials and technologies that can significantly enhance the way we interact with our environment. One such development is the advent of flexible tactile sensors that promise to revolutionize how biomechanical signals are monitored from the human body. Recently, Peking University researchers unveiled a sophisticated set of modular tactile sensors employing
The quest for high-precision positioning in urban environments has long been hindered by a multitude of factors including signal obstructions, multipath effects, and interference from tall structures. Traditional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) implementations, particularly Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) systems, have struggled to deliver the accuracy and reliability required in these complex settings. The dense urban
The global shift towards sustainability and net-zero emissions has made hydrogen a focal point of clean energy discussions. Australia stands at the threshold of this transformation, with the recently introduced National Hydrogen Strategy that seeks to position the country as a key player in the low-emissions technology arena. This comprehensive plan, unveiled by Federal Climate
In a world increasingly defined by advancements in automation, the evolution of robotics has long been constrained by traditional motor-driven mechanisms. For nearly 70 years, inventors and researchers have developed machines intended to replicate human movement and adaptability, yet these creations share a fundamental limitation: they rely on motors that are over two centuries old.
The emergence of sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has led to an unprecedented rise in the quality and accessibility of digital content manipulation, particularly through deepfake creations. These generated images and videos have become not just intriguing feats of technology but also significant concerns for misinformation and authenticity in our digital world. A recent study
In a significant labor dispute that underscores the ongoing tension between employees and management, Boeing’s blue-collar workforce has taken a stand, opting to strike rather than accept a proposed wage contract that they deemed insufficient. This move, involving approximately 33,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), has emerged from a
The worldwide transition towards sustainable energy sources has heightened the demand for efficient energy storage solutions. As society steps away from fossil fuels, technologies that can effectively store renewable energy have become paramount. However, traditional lithium-ion batteries face significant challenges due to their reliance on lithium, an increasingly scarce and expensive resource. This has prompted
Microchips have become an integral part of our existence, powering everything from our smartphones to the vast networks of the Internet of Things (IoT). As technology advances, the demand for more efficient, powerful, and smaller microchips continues to escalate. In this quest, scientists at Berkeley Lab are investigating a groundbreaking phenomenon known as negative capacitance,