Ethereum crypto moves to cut its CO2 output by 99%
Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency, has finally moved to a ‘proof of stake’ system. This means the carbon emissions associated with mining its coins could be cut by 99%. While environmentalists are staunchly anti-crypto at the moment, Ethereum has shown that the industry can shed its problematic link to fossil...
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Scientists have found a way to turn plastic into diamonds
By recreating the extreme conditions of exoplanets, a team of researchers have successfully managed to produce nanodiamonds from PET plastic. As the climate disaster worsens, our need for technological solutions becomes more urgent. Over the last decade, research into climate innovation has produced a mixed bag of results despite the...
Co-Op faces legal issues over facial recognition technology
The Big Brother Watch is accusing shopping chain Co-Op of misusing facial recognition technology in ‘Orwellian’ policy that matches shoppers against a database without their consent. Are you a frequent Co-Op shopper? It’s likely you’ve been inputted into a database via facial recognition technology. Big Brother Watch has sent an...
Opinion – Andrew Tate exemplifies a growing surge in right-wing rhetoric
The influencer’s brand of hyper-toxic masculinity has fostered a cult of violent sexism online. With young men most easily swayed by his disturbing ideologies, Tate’s permanent removal from social media should only be the start of confronting what is a much wider issue. When I first came across Andrew Tate...
Could futuristic tech help to end China’s record droughts?
China, renowned for being first with technological advancements, is exploring cloud seeding, GM crops, and a multibillion-dollar water transfer project to address its severe drought problem. Following an unprecedented 2-month heatwave, China is being forced to show its mettle as a leading innovator to survive record water shortages. Between mid-June and...
This eye implant could cure blindness for millions of people
Scientists in Sweden have developed a bioengineered cornea that can successfully restore sight. It’s made from proteins in pigskin, which are a by-product of the food industry. For the millions of people across the globe who are blind or have impaired sight as a result of damage to their corneas...
100% hydrogen passenger trains are up and running in Germany
A regional train operator in Germany has become the first rail company to utilise 100% hydrogen fuel cells. Could Alstom quickly become trailblazers for a cleaner industry? While diesel locomotives continue to spew toxic nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, a regional train operator in Germany is releasing purely water vapour. That’s thanks to a new fleet of trains which run entirely on hydrogen. Situated between the lower Saxony towns of Cuxhaven...
Michigan researchers develop transparent solar powered windows
A team of researchers at Michigan State University have just developed the world’s first fully transparent solar window. Is this the beginning of a more self-sufficient future for modern cities? Imagine a future where the light shining in through our windows actively powers our bulbs when the sun goes down. That’s no longer an entirely unrealistic prospect. Now, we’re fully aware that windows have technically been integrated with solar technology before...
Opinion – navigating algorithmic anxiety has become exhausting
As Instagram faces pressure to stop displaying only what it deems ‘most engaging’, it’s time we assessed the impact of engineered content that influences us in ways we’d otherwise steer clear of. Fairly recently, I attended an event intended for likeminded people to gather and discuss their interests. Situated in a remote part of the UK, phone signal was scarce (or so I thought) and I spent the day getting to...
Scientists believe ‘space bubbles’ could help ease climate change
Researchers at MIT are advancing a concept to slow or potentially reverse climate change. It involves placing massive silicon bubbles at the direct point between the sun and our planet. Admittedly, this concept is a little wacky, but when we hear that research in the field of solar geoengineering is advancing to help stop climate change… it’s something we’ve got to look into. Last week, a group of scientists at MIT...
