Sustainability > Research & development

Better urban design could create healthier cities

26 September, 2016

A new series published in The Lancet quantifies for the first time the health outcomes that could be gained through changes to urban design and the transport system.


Could a filter made of graphene solve the water crisis?

29 July, 2016

Researchers have developed a graphene-based filter that they believe could be the key to managing the global water crisis.


Lack of federal policy prevents urban greening, says report

01 July, 2016

Research by Josh Byrne & Associates has identified the top 10 challenges preventing greener and more liveable cities — with the federal government's lack of formal recognition of the value of plants and trees in cities said to be the single greatest challenge of all.


A new phosphor for more efficient lighting

29 June, 2016

Researchers from KU Leuven have discovered a new phosphor that could make next-generation fluorescent and LED lighting even cheaper and more efficient.


Electric car batteries boosted by salt baths

14 June, 2016

Scientists have shown that pretreating a battery's lithium metal electrodes with an electrolyte salt solution extends the battery life and increases performance and safety.


Environmentally friendly wine on tap

09 June, 2016

TAP. Wine has announced a fresh approach to 'wine by the glass' service, preserving varietals in stainless steel wine cylinders before pouring wine from custom-designed towers.


'Breathing Wall' removes toxins from the air

07 June, 2016

UTS researchers have found that a new green wall system is particularly effective at removing the harmful airborne chemicals found in modern workspaces.


Light-emitting cement

09 May, 2016

Dr José Carlos Rubio has created a light-emitting cement that has a life span of 100 years. By absorbing solar energy and returning it to the environment, the material will be able to light roads, highways and bicycle lanes without the need for electricity.


CSIRO climate centre goes some way to offsetting cuts

27 April, 2016 by Lauren Davis

It seems that Australian climate science is refusing to die, with the announcement that CSIRO is establishing a national climate research centre to be based in Hobart.


Nanomaterial to help turn heat into electricity

27 April, 2016

Physicists have demonstrated a new artificial material, or metamaterial, that glows in an unusual way when heated. The findings could drive a revolution in the development of cells that convert radiated heat into electricity, known as thermophotovoltaic cells.


Extracting value from waste wool

05 April, 2016

Researchers have used a non-toxic, biodegradable chemical process to 'dissolve' waste wool and unwanted woollen products. The technique produces a high-value protein called keratin and other by-products with potential applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and even animal feed markets.


Enphase expands Christchurch R&D facility

22 March, 2016

Enphase Energy has made a US$4.4 million investment to expand its global research and development (R&D) facility in Christchurch, New Zealand.


Farting microbes serve as a source of biogas

17 February, 2016

UNSW researchers have discovered a way to increase the amount of methane gas emitted by naturally occurring microbes living in coal seams and on food waste.


Cleaning oil spills with paper waste

10 February, 2016

Researchers have converted paper waste into green cellulose aerogels that are non-toxic, ultralight, flexible, strong and water repellent. The material is suitable for oil spill cleaning, heat insulation, packaging, drug delivery and more.


Nanostructures enable smart windows

22 January, 2016

Researchers have created a new type of smart window that could cut window-cleaning costs, reduce heating bills and boost worker productivity.


  • All content Copyright © 2025 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd