Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new method to extract the gold metallic layer of a CD, without toxic chemicals, and repurposed into biosensors for wearable devices.
Spanish scientist José Antonio G. I. developed a prototype system to extract hydrogen from tap water without electrolysis. Pressurized air injected into a tank of water, ferrosilicon, and sodium hydroxide causes a chemical reaction to extract the hydrogen through two additional tanks that can produce 30 litres of hydrogen per minute. Allowing hydrogen to be generated at the point of consumption removes the need for hydrogen transportation.
Switzerland have given go-ahead for the construction of the first 70km of a new underground autonomous cargo delivery system called Cargo Sous Terrain (CST) at a cost of $3 billion. The full 500km network is expected to cost $35 billion and be complete by 2045. Electric induction power cargo pods will travel on rails in the underground tunnels at 30km per hour.
Engineers at Cornell University have demonstrated how facial expressions can be detected and recreated using sonar on a wearable placed on each side of the head. A machine learning model analyses the sonar echo produced from a speaker and microphone on each ear to detect changes in skin on the face. The system effectively recognises facial expressions with the same detail as a camera.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have built and testing a solar jet fuel generator. The solar tower uses solar power, water and CO2 from the atmosphere to generate a carbon-neutral jet fuel mix that can be converted into ynthetic fuels.
Students at Eindhoven University of Technology have built a carbon net-zero electric car prototype which includes a CO2 scrubber in the front grill. Built from sustainable, recycled and/or reusable materials and components, with solar cells to extend range, the electric car can also scrub 2kg of CO2 for every 20,600km driven.
Researchers in Finland have commercialised sand battery technology that can store heat energy from excess generation. The excess electricity is used to heat air, and energy is then transferred from the air to the sand using a heat exchanger. The sand battery has been deployed in the town of Kankaanpää in western Finland and is used to power the central heating system for the district.
Researchers at the University of Yamanashi have demonstrated the ability to clone a mouse from a freeze-dried skin cell. The process could replace the need to store cell samples for cloning in expensive and sometimes unstable liquid nitrogen.
Researchers in the University of California have developed a method of artificial synthesis that is 400% more efficient at growing plant mass, in the dark. Using a two-step electrocatalytic process, carbon dioxide, electricity and water are used to created acetate. Plants can then feed on the carbon in the acetate to grow without the need of sunlight.
