Sticky tape could help to develop thinner solar cells
23 July, 2015Scientists have used sticky tape to create atom-thick layers of phosphorus, called phosphorene, whose properties could open the door to ultrathin and ultralight solar cells and LEDs.
Industrial applications for safflower oil
13 July, 2015GO Resources has licensed CSIRO to commercialise its technology for the production of super-high oleic safflower oil (SHOSO) — a plant-sourced alternative to petroleum-based raw materials and traditional sources of oleic acid (an industrially significant fatty acid).
Cheaper, greener biodegradable plastic
10 July, 2015Researchers have developed a way to produce the bioplastic polylactic acid (PLA) in a simpler and more waste-free way.
Materials manufacturing with micro-explosions
30 June, 2015Laser-induced micro-explosions in silicon have been used to create exotic new materials — a technique which could lead to the simple creation and manufacture of superconductors or high-efficiency solar cells and light sensors.
Parramatta River home to a diverse range of fauna
10 June, 2015The Parramatta River Catchment Group has launched the report 'Our Living Catchment: Fauna and Habitat', providing an insight into the richness and diversity of fauna that exists in natural banks and bushland surrounding the Parramatta River.
PET made entirely from plant material
09 June, 2015Last week at the World Expo in Milan, The Coca-Cola Company unveiled a PET plastic bottle made entirely from plant materials.
Keep your phone charged for 30% longer
01 June, 2015The Ohio State University has developed technology that makes mobile phone batteries last up to 30% longer on a single charge. The patented circuitry converts some of the radio signals emanating from a phone into direct current (DC) power, which then charges the phone's battery.
Raise the roof for supercool technology
01 June, 2015Researchers from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) have developed a roof surface that will stay cooler than the ambient air temperature - even under the mid-summer Australian sun.
"This e-waste will self-destruct"
26 May, 2015Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed electronic devices that self-destruct when they reach a particular temperature. By breaking down devices to their molecular components, the researchers hope to reduce the amount of e-waste sent to landfill.
El Niño is back
13 May, 2015The Bureau of Meteorology's El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) tracker has confirmed that El Niño thresholds have been reached in the tropical Pacific for the first time since March 2010.
Curtin and China collaborate on sustainable cities
06 May, 2015Curtin University and Chongqing University (CQU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining their intention to collaborate in the field of sustainable and smart cities of the future.
Tool for transporting cattle more efficiently
06 May, 2015CSIRO has developed a tool that identifies ways to reduce the time and distance it takes to transport cattle around Australia, thus cutting the fuel costs, wear and tear and stress involved in the journey of this valuable commodity.
Scratch-resistant glass is good for the environment (and your phone)
24 April, 2015University of Queensland start-up company TenasiTech has received more than $3 million in investor support for the development of scratch-resistant and environmentally sustainable acrylic glass, suitable for use in the computer, electronics and automotive industries.
Analysing electricity and water consumption in Townsville
17 April, 2015The Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN) has launched its latest initiative - a project that will allow researchers to examine trends in electricity and water consumption in Townsville.
Using wastewater to grow algae
16 April, 2015Researchers from Rice University have found they can easily grow high-value strains of oil-rich algae while simultaneously removing more than 90% of nitrates and more than 50% of phosphorous from wastewater.
