Rooftop system converts CO2, water and sunlight into kerosene

Engineers at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a pilot system that can produce fuels from sunlight and air. The device captures carbon dioxide and water from the atmosphere and uses solar energy to convert it into syngas, which is then converted into liquid… Continue reading Rooftop system converts CO2, water and sunlight into kerosene→

Extraordinary AI motorcycle HUD highlights hazards and cornering lines

The head-up display for motorcyclists: it’s the great white whale of the technology world. Over the years, we’ve seen at least a dozen different attempts to put information into the eyeline of the motorcycle rider, saving us from the horrible dangers o… Continue reading Extraordinary AI motorcycle HUD highlights hazards and cornering lines→

Experimental HiLo building reduces concrete need and boosts sustainability

The construction industry is a massive producer of carbon dioxide globally and, with this in mind, a team of researchers and scientists at ETH Zurich has been working on new construction techniques that could help the industry clean up its act. The res… Continue reading Experimental HiLo building reduces concrete need and boosts sustainability→

Nanogenerator wooden flooring powers lightbulbs with footsteps

The idea of using human movement to generate electricity is something we’ve seen applied to many areas, including footwear, roads and, just this week, motion-powered mesh that heals injured tendons. Among these possibilities is flooring that can genera… Continue reading Nanogenerator wooden flooring powers lightbulbs with footsteps→

Lightweight composite changes color to warn that it’s been stressed

When lightweight composite materials are used in fields such as aerospace, it’s vitally important to know if they’re experiencing mechanical stress – before they fail. A new composite is able to do so, simply by fluorescing under UV light.Continue Read… Continue reading Lightweight composite changes color to warn that it’s been stressed→

Metals merged into amalgam nanocrystals in new manufacturing method

Engineers at ETH Zurich have developed a new, surprisingly simple method for merging two metals into one nanocrystal structure. The team says that this could allow almost any two metals to be combined, creating brand new types of “intermetallic nanocry… Continue reading Metals merged into amalgam nanocrystals in new manufacturing method→

World’s first unreinforced 3D-printed concrete bridge displayed in Venice

A first-of-its-kind 3D-printed concrete bridge has been unveiled in Venice, Italy. The bridge is a demonstration of a new 3D printing method resulting in a structure requiring no mortar or steel reinforcement.Continue ReadingCategory: Architecture, Lif… Continue reading World’s first unreinforced 3D-printed concrete bridge displayed in Venice→

Mars InSight reveals first crust-to-core snapshot of Red Planet

NASA’s Mars InSight has provided … well, insight, into the inner workings of the Red Planet. By monitoring “marsquakes” over the past two years the instrument has allowed scientists to measure the thickness and composition of Mars’ crust, mantle and co… Continue reading Mars InSight reveals first crust-to-core snapshot of Red Planet→

Scientists create solid crystal form of electrons in the lab

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a crystal made entirely of electrons. The structures have been theorized for decades, but this marks the first time they’ve been experimentally confirmed in the lab.Continue ReadingCategory: Physics, ScienceTags: … Continue reading Scientists create solid crystal form of electrons in the lab→

“Reverse solar still” keeps its cool to wring drinking water from air

Engineers at ETH Zurich have designed a new device that can wring drinking water out of the air. The system works day and night, and doesn’t require any additional energy input, making it suited for use in remote or developing areas.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading “Reverse solar still” keeps its cool to wring drinking water from air→