An international team led by researchers at Pennsylvania State University has developed a new reactor design that efficiently converts carbon dioxide and renewable electricity into methane – the primary component of natural gas – while scaling the system up by roughly an order of magnitude without sacrificing performance. The study demonstrated that microbial electrosynthesis … [Read more...] about New reactor design produces renewable methane from carbon dioxide
Technology
Cambridge student cracks formula for Guinness World Record-breaking fidget spinner
A University of Cambridge student and spinning top hobbyist has used physics and precision engineering to design a ‘next-level’ fidget spinner and set a new Guinness World Record for the longest ever spin. James Goh, 23 – whose fascination with gyroscopes began when he saw the iconic spinning top in Christopher Nolan’s 2010 sci-fi film Inception – spun the device for 30 … [Read more...] about Cambridge student cracks formula for Guinness World Record-breaking fidget spinner
Nuclear generator could power future NASA mission to Uranus
Florida-based company L3Harris Technologies has finalised the design of a next-generation nuclear-based power source for future NASA deep space missions, potentially powering an orbital mission to Uranus. Its Next-Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (Next Gen RTG) recently cleared its critical design review (CDR), paving the way for a new era of outer solar system … [Read more...] about Nuclear generator could power future NASA mission to Uranus
New approach designs healthcare robots with, not for, the people who use them
A new study led by researchers at Cornell University has approached the question of whether healthcare robots actually make care easier for the people who give and receive it by inviting healthcare workers, long-term care residents and community members to help design the robots themselves. The research documents a 14‑week ‘co-design’ project in which nurses, doctors, … [Read more...] about New approach designs healthcare robots with, not for, the people who use them
Robots and AI to help shipbuilding stay on track
An international team is working to develop a system within which autonomous robots and AI models could help shipyard workers catch when a ship’s built structure differs from design drawings, allowing workers to fix problems or adapt sooner. With funding from a US$6.2million grant from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the collaboration … [Read more...] about Robots and AI to help shipbuilding stay on track