• Book review: 'The Seven Measures of the World' by Piero Martin

    The Seven Measures of the World (Yale University Press, £18.99, ISBN: 9780300266276) is a guide to the natural world through seven units of measurement: the metre, the second, the kilogram, the kelvin, the ampere, the mole, and the candela. With these seven measurements, Martin argues, we can understand the universe. The book begins with a sketch of a moment from our recent history: 1960. Elvis was at the top of the charts, the Beatles had just formed, and, at the 11th General Conference of Weights and Measures, the SI system of measurements was adopted: “At last humanity had a coherent architecture for measurement, whose seven basic units defined a complete and universal language for measuring not only our own small world but all of nature, from the most obscure subatomic recesses to the…

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  • Britishvolt buyer misses payment deadline, raising doubts about deal

    EY, the administrators of Britishvolt, has claimed that Australian firm Recharge Industries has defaulted on its agreement after missing the final instalment of a total payment of £8.57m, which was due on 5 April 2023.  “The sale to the buyer had not been completed as the final amount of deferred consideration was due to be paid on 5 April 2023,” EY told creditors last week. “The buyer purchased the company’s business and assets for £8.57m. This amount was payable in a number of instalments. “The final instalment remains unpaid and overdue. As a result, the buyer is in default of the business sale agreement.” Recharge Industries has denied the accusations, stating: “ We dispute we are in default. ” The Australian start-up agreed to buy the defunct battery maker in February after Britishvolt…

  • Antarctica biodiversity faces devastation without rapid emission reductions

    Researchers have warned that without drastic and immediate action, Antarctica’s fragile environments “may well be subject to considerable stress and damage in future years and decades”. The study, published in Frontiers in Environmental Science, reviewed evidence of extreme events in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, including weather, sea ice, ocean temperatures, glacier and ice shelf systems, and biodiversity on land and sea. “Antarctic change has global implications,” said lead author Professor Martin Siegert, from the University of Exeter. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero is our best hope of preserving Antarctica, and this must matter to every country – and individual – on the planet.” He also warned that rapid changes in Antarctica could place many countries in breach…

  • Ofgem urged to scrap energy price cap to boost market competition

    The EPC was originally brought in under Theresa May’s government as a time-limited intervention to protect customers from price-gouging from energy firms. But a report from the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), a centre-right think tank, said that since the 2022 energy crisis began, the EPC now functions as the “de facto price” for 29 million households, or almost the entire market. Ofgem has also introduced policies that actively disincentivise firms from trying to attract new customers, the CPS added, which has effectively frozen the energy market, creating higher prices for consumers. It called on the government to remove the EPC in its current form while strengthening protections for those who genuinely need support. The research shows that for nearly two years, almost all tariffs…

  • Commercial space station could succeed ISS

    The transatlantic joint venture aims to develop, build and operate a space station that brings together A merican and European interests in space exploration, the company said.  Starlab was among the initial concepts selected by Nasa to receive $160m (£126m) in funding in 2021 as part of a project to design the station that would replace the ISS as the base for international space missions. Two years later, Airbus Defence and Voyager Space have announced they will continue working on the project, with Airbus stepping up from the role of technical consultant to become Starlab’s co-owner. Other partners include Hilton  and Nanoracks, another Voyager Space company. Coming soon to a low-Earth orbit near you... @VoyagerSH and @AirbusSpace have signed an agreement to pave the way for a…

  • Increased antibiotic resistance linked to higher air pollution

    North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia have the highest levels of antibiotic resistance, while Europe and North America have the lowest. Almost half a million premature deaths in 2018 were linked to antibiotic resistance potentially resulting from air pollution, costing global economies an additional $395bn. The study from researchers at Zhejiang University in China suggests that meeting World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines by 2050 could reduce antibiotic resistance by 17 per cent and prevent 23 per cent of associated premature deaths, which would deliver annual economic savings of $640bn (£500bn). Although the misuse and overuse of antibiotics are the main drivers of antibiotic resistance, evidence suggests that particulate matter PM2.5 can contain antibiotic…

  • Most domestic abuse cases feature spyware and remote monitoring, MPs warn

    MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee launched an inquiry last year to consider the potential harms of connected technology such as smart speakers, virtual assistants and wearable fitness trackers. It is estimated that there are roughly nine connected devices in every household in the UK, while by 2050 there will be 24 billion interconnected devices worldwide. Evidence to the Committee suggested that most domestic abuse cases now include the use of spyware, with perpetrators monitoring movements and collecting recordings and images of victims and survivors. In a report, it called on the government to make efforts to improve the skills of law enforcement and the response of the criminal justice system, while boosting awareness of specialist services tackling violence against women…

  • Most Britons want energy grid to be expanded to support renewables

    Carried out by Survation on behalf of RenewableUK, the poll found that nearly two-thirds of people (64 per cent) support the development of new infrastructure, while only 5 per cent oppose it. Support was found to be even higher among those who voted Conservative in the last general election, with 71 per cent in favour and 6 per cent opposed. Last week Nick Winser, the former boss of the National Grid, warned that if the UK did not improve its electricity transmission system it risks being unable to take full advantage of new wind and nuclear power facilities. This was something that was reflected in the poll, with 51 per cent of people agreeing that the lack of new grid infrastructure was the biggest barrier to making the most of new renewable energy sources. The polling also showed…

  • UK’s new car market surges with one EV being registered every minute

    This marks a turnaround from earlier this year, when the growth in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) fell due to high energy costs and concerns over insufficient charging infrastructure. According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the new car market grew 28.3 per cent in July, with 143,921 new vehicles registered. Despite challenging economic conditions, the market has enjoyed non-stop growth for a full year as supply chain challenges have eased, production has increased and deliveries have been fulfilled. In 2021, the sector saw its worst July output since 1956 as it struggled with ongoing staff shortages associated with the ‘pingdemic’, on top of strained semiconductor supplies. A year later, though, the chip shortage began to ease, leading…

  • Scientists design ‘game-changing’ batteries that work without external pressure

    The team has been able to create a stand-alone thin-film version of lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON), a solid-state electrolyte.  The free-standing versions of LiPON (FS-LiPON) film underwent several functional battery tests that showed it was able to promote a uniformly dense lithium metal electrochemical deposition under zero external pressure.  Lithium metal batteries have been a topic of interest for many years due to their high energy density. However, their practical application has been limited due to safety concerns and lithium’s tendency to form dendrites, which can cause short circuits and reduce the battery’s lifespan. LiPON has been described as “potentially game-changing” as it could allow for the development of a new type of lithium metal battery that functions with…

  • London Mayor expands scrappage scheme for vehicles not compliant with ULEZ

    Last month, the Tories narrowly held on to the seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip in a by-election that Labour expected to win. Many commentators chalked the party’s loss up to the unpopularity of the ULEZ scheme in London’s outer boroughs. Khan said that expanding the zone at the end of this month “was a difficult but necessary decision” and vowed not to back down. Owners of non-compliant vehicles will face a £12.50 charge when driving into the zone. Air pollution is estimated to be responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths in London each year while causing other long-term conditions such as stunted lungs and asthma. Car and motorcycle scrappage funds were initially prioritised for low-income and disabled Londoners. But the latest scrappage grants will provide up to £2,000 to all…

  • Cornwall tests lifesaving drone service

    The drone service is is being tested at Crantock Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, as part of an operational lifeguard service.  The trial is being carried out by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and the RNLI, with drones developed by Eagle Eye Innovations (EEI).  The drones, manufactured by Swell Pro, are waterproof and capable of improving observation of people in the water, broadcasting pre-recorded and live messages via a Tannoy system, and have the potential to deploy lifesaving equipment such as inflatable buoys.  “The River Gannel that runs through the middle of Crantock Beach makes access across the broad expanse of beach and to the water’s edge difficult for our patrol vehicles,” said Peter Dawes, RNLI lifeguard operations manager.  “The drone will allow the lifeguards…

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  • Report finds renewables expansion requires UK electricity network revamp

    Nick Winser, who now provides independent advice to ministers on electricity network issues, said that, while challenging, speeding up the delivery of strategic electricity transmission lines is “vital and achievable”. Winser also suggests that new power lines could be built in half the time compared to current infrastructure. He has put forward a set of recommendations to reduce timescales for delivering onshore transmission network infrastructure to seven years to help deliver energy security more quickly. It currently takes around 12 to 14 years to get new big transmission lines up and running, the report said – around twice the time it takes to put up a large wind farm. The energy security secretary, Grant Shapps, welcomed the report, saying he will consider the recommendations before…

  • India restricts laptop, tablet and PC imports to boost domestic production

    The Indian government has restricted imports of personal computers, laptops, palmtops, automatic data processing machines, processors and mainframe computers with immediate effect. In a notice issued on Thursday, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said that companies would, with immediate effect, need a “restricted imports” licence to ship such devices into India. “Import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra small form factor computers and servers falling under HSN 8741 shall be ‘restricted’,” the notice said.  The rule is similar to one issued by the Indian government in 2020, which regulated inbound TV shipments. The restriction will not apply to visitors carrying these devices in their baggage. In addition, imports up to 20 items per consignment for…

  • US bids goodbye to the incandescent light bulb

    The ban on ‘normal’ light bulbs has come into force in the US 16 years after it was initially announced.  The new rules forbid the manufacture and sale of incandescent bulbs, with companies that violate the ban facing a maximum penalty of $542 (£427) per bulb.  However, an update to the law made last year allows consumers to continue to use the incandescent bulbs they already own. The manufacture of i ncandescent appliance lamps, black lights, bug lamps, holiday lights, plant lights, flood lights and traffic signals will also continue to be allowed. The incandescent light bulb was patented by Thomas Edison in the 1800s and was used for almost 150 years until a ban on the technology was issued in 2007 during the George Bush administration. The measure was rolled back by President Donald…

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  • Businesses that integrate robots see profits fall in the short term, study finds

    The team studied industry data from the UK and 24 other European countries between 1995 and 2017 and found that, at low levels of adoption, robots have a negative effect on profit margins. However, at higher levels of adoption, robots can help to increase profits. This U-shaped phenomenon is due to the relationship between cost reduction, development of new processes and innovation of new products, the study suggests. While many companies first adopt robotic technologies to decrease costs, this process can be easily copied by competitors. However, as levels of adoption increase and robots are fully integrated into a company’s processes, the technologies can be used to increase revenue by innovating new products. Firms using robots are likely to focus initially on streamlining their processes…

  • Nigeria cuts Niger’s electricity supply following coup

    The move could be part of the sanctions that Ecowas – the West African trade bloc – agreed to impose on Niger following the military coup that ousted the elected president Mohamed Bazoum a week ago.   “Since yesterday, Nigeria has disconnected the high-voltage line transporting electricity to Niger,” a source at Nigerian Electricity Company ( Nigelec) told AFP. In addition to a one-week ultimatum to restore constitutional order and the suspension of financial transactions with Niger, Ecowas decreed the freezing of “all service transactions, including energy transactions”. “The sanctions will hurt our country very much,” Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou said on Sunday on the French TV channel France24. Niger depends on Nigeria for 70 per cent of its power, buying it from the Nigerian…

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  • China approves more than 50GW of coal power in 2023 despite climate concerns

    The charity reviewed project approval documents, finding that 20.45GW of new coal was approved in the first quarter of 2023, which more than doubled to 50.4GW by the end of the second quarter. This is despite the 2020 announcement from Chinese President Xi Jinping that his country aims to reach net zero carbon by 2060 and peak CO2 emissions by 2030. The coal power and steel sectors are China’s two largest emitters of CO2, and there is no sign of investment in coal-based capacity being scaled back yet. Permitting new coal power projects was essentially frozen in 2021, as the Chinese leadership emphasised strictly controlling high-emissions projects. However, reflecting shifting political signals, new coal power projects restarted in 2022 as gas prices spiked in the wake of the Ukraine…

  • China proposes time limits on children’s smartphone use

    Under the proposal, users aged 16-18 would be allowed to use their smartphones for two hours a day, children aged eight-16 would get one hour and children under eight would be allowed just eight minutes. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) also said it wanted providers of smart devices to introduce a “minor mode”, which would bar users under the age of 18 from accessing the internet on their mobiles from 10pm-6am. The proposal would impact companies running some of China’s biggest mobile apps, such as TikTok owner ByteDance, and it has already caused shares in Chinese technology and social media companies to fall. Shares of Alibaba closed more than 3 per cent lower in Hong Kong on Wednesday, while those of Bilibili tumbled by close to 7 per cent in the country. The measures come…

  • Severed internet cables and malicious drones enter national list of risks to UK

    Deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden today unveiled the latest National Risk Register (NRR), which outlines 89 threats that would have a significant impact on the UK’s safety, security or critical systems at a national level. As well as malicious drone use and threats to the communication network, disruption to energy supplies has been included on the list following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. The National Risk Register (NRR) has been released every few years since 2008 and divides risks into four main categories: natural hazards, major accidents, societal risks and malicious attacks. It evaluates a number of risks under each category and discusses the measures currently in place to deal with them. The chance of a new “catastrophic” pandemic is now believed to be between 5…

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  • Catalina Aircraft to build new versions of famous WWII seaplane

    Catalina Aircraft will resurrect the famous Second World War seaplane, as well as create an all-new ‘Catalina II’ model, the Florida-based company has revealed. The Consolidated Model 28, also known as PBY Catalina, w as built in the 1930s and operated by all major Allied military powers during the Second World War. It served as a far-flying maritime patrol plane, long-range torpedo and land attack bomber, mine layer, submarine hunter, search-and-rescue plane, special operations transport and cargo-hauler. More than 4,000 were built in the US, the Soviet Union and Canada. Only 14 to 17 are said to still remain, with at least seven more being restored to a flyable condition.  In an interview with Popular Mechanics , Catalina Aircraft stated that the company already has a lead customer…

  • Breast cancer-detecting AI is 20 per cent more effective than radiologists

    The AI tool is considered to be a safe alternative to conventional double reading by radiologists and can reduce heavy workloads for doctors. In a randomised controlled trial led by researchers from Lund University in Sweden, 80,033 women were randomly allocated into two groups: 40,003 women in the intervention group that underwent AI-supported screening and 40,030 in the control group that underwent standard double reading without AI support. “In our trial, we used AI to identify screening examinations with a high risk of breast cancer, which underwent double reading by radiologists. The remaining examinations were classified as low risk and were read only by one radiologist. In the screen reading, radiologists used AI as detection support, in which it highlighted suspicious findings on…

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    E+T Magazine

  • Infrastructure investment to see supermarket trucks fuelled by hydrogen

    Hydrogen is expected to become more popular in medium- to heavy-duty vehicles; unlike their electric counterparts, the refuelling process represents a similar time commitment and experience to existing petrol and diesel vehicles. Although the technology is vastly different, hydrogen refuelling stations can operate in a similar way to the status quo, delivering equivalent refuelling times and ranges. There will be a market for smaller passenger vehicles, but heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and larger passenger vehicles currently offer a greater opportunity for hydrogen. One project led by ULEMCo, which is receiving a share of the new funding, will develop hydrogen-powered airport ground-based support vehicles, such as tow trucks for aeroplanes and sweepers to clean runways. This will be based…

  • Kenya suspends Worldcoin over privacy concerns

    Kenya has become the first country to fully suspend Worldcoin, the new cryptocurrency project launched by OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman.  Worldcoin is based on the creation of a World ID, which the company describes as a “digital passport” to prove that its holder is a real human. To get a World ID, a customer signs up for an in-person eye scan using Worldcoin's “orb”, which is intended to check that the user is not a bot.  This technology has raised privacy concerns among several public administrations, but Kenya has been the first country to take action on the matter.   Kithure Kindiki, the Kenyan interior minister, said the government was troubled by the company’s collection of private data. Kenya has therefore decided to suspend the company's activities until it can be investigated by f…

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