Tag: #107

Illuminated nets are helping to reduce bycatch. On land, in countries like Peru, Bolivia or Oman, nets are hung to catch water droplets from fog. But what if the air itself is polluted? Cue a Swiss research team, which has coated the metal wiring of its nets with a mix of polymers and titanium oxide. The polymers ensure the...

A doctorate is enabling the future leaders to develop empathetic innovation strategies. Leading to equal opportunities in the workplace and a sense of belonging among employees. For internal and external communication, however, word choice can be crucial. Enter a Swiss-based startup whose extension for browsers and social media tools uses artificial intelligence to analyse written text and suggest improvements,...

Agave waste from tequila production can be turned into cutlery. Once the gel from aloe vera plants has been made into moisturising lotion or cream for medical complaints, however, the rest often goes unused. Until now. It all began when a Texas-based research team noticed there were no pests near aloe vera farms. Intrigued, they began looking into the...

Sawdust can be 3D printed into kitchen utensils or cars parts. Now, a Canada-based research team has found a new use for the waste wood, combining it with a layer of tannins. These natural plant compounds, found in berries, tea and coffee, have anti-inflammatory properties and can even filter out UV rays. Aware that tannins also trigger multiple reactions...

Innovative pacemakers are controlled by patients’ individual breathing patterns. Breathing exercises can help control stress and alleviate anxiety. Provided that our brains don’t become distracted from the task at hand. Which is where a British PhD student from the University of Bath comes in. His hand-held soft ball is connected to sensors attached to a user’s body, imitating their...

Tap water can be made lead-free using a simple filter. Now, an Estonian startup has developed a wearable solution for those with allergies triggered by substances in the air. The team’s 300g device is worn around the neck. Mini ventilators on the bottom absorb air, and 99.9% of pet hair, pollen, dust or mould contained within is captured by...