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Updated: 1 hour 9 min ago

RMIT researchers turn cigarette butts into bricks, reducing firing energy use by 10%

1 hour 30 min ago
Researchers are developing methods to recycle discarded cigarette butts into lightweight bricks. This innovative approach aims to reduce environmental pollution from cigarette waste. Incorporating butts into bricks can also lower energy requirements during production. The research explores collecting and processing cigarette filters on an industrial scale. This initiative could significantly decrease litter and manufacturing costs globally.

Israel’s crocodile prison plan puts wildlife protection and land use under scrutiny

7 hours 30 min ago
A controversial initiative to incorporate crocodiles into prison moats has prompted environmental scrutiny. This initiative centers on Nile crocodiles, deemed a 'cultivated wild animal.' Animal rights advocates are pressing the judiciary, highlighting ethical dilemmas. The discourse also engages with land utilization and conservation frameworks within Israel, underscoring the intricate ramifications of wildlife governance in society.

MIT scientists developed a way to turn discarded plastic into strong building materials

7 hours 34 min ago
Atlas Building Composites uses AI and robotics to recycle plastic into strong building components. This innovative system melts and fuses plastic with fiberglass for durable construction materials. The company has already supplied recycled trusses for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bridge project. Their waterless recycling method processes low-grade plastic efficiently and locally. Atlas aims to build one billion homes by converting plastic pollution into useful materials.

Scientists built a floating farm using seawater; three crops topped 80% germination in tests

9 hours 10 min ago
Scientists have developed a floating farm which uses sunlight to desalinate seawater. This innovative system successfully grew broccoli, lettuce, and Pak Choi with high germination rates. The double-layered vertical solar sea farm design integrates evaporation and cultivation chambers efficiently. Researchers tested six units in artificial seawater, demonstrating practical cultivation potential. This technology offers a promising route for marine agriculture and efficient water use.

Scientists create solar cells that work underwater at 10 metres and run robots

10 hours 15 min ago
Innovative research has led to the creation of wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells tailored for underwater energy generation. Capable of harnessing limited light at depths of up to ten meters, these cells have been tested on underwater robots, showcasing their effectiveness and considerable power output. They displayed impressive durability during extensive storage and under simulated marine conditions, marking a significant advancement in power supply for sub-oceanic technologies and sensors.

Singapore researchers use fruit peels to recover metals from old batteries

14 hours 30 min ago
Singaporean researchers are using fruit peels to recycle lithium-ion batteries. Waste from oranges, lemons, and pineapples helps dissolve battery material and recover metals. This pilot plant processes shredded batteries, recovering valuable components for new battery production. The innovative method combines food waste and spent batteries, moving laboratory work towards commercial use. This approach aims to tackle battery waste and food waste together effectively.

Scientists turn railway track vibrations into electricity with a system producing peak power

14/09/2026
Researchers developed a system to capture wasted energy from heavy freight train vibrations. This system converts vertical track movement into one-way rotation to drive a generator. Tests showed a maximum mechanical efficiency of over seventy-three percent and peak power output. The recovered electricity can power low-power sensors and reduce battery needs. This innovation offers a self-powered solution for railway monitoring equipment.

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