Gold particles and sunlight can help purify water
Fresh water is under threat on many fronts. Researchers are working hard to solve this problem. One solution uses sunlight and bismutite.
Technology
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ERC grants totalling NOK 48 million for projects on ecojustice and a more efficent power grid
The European Research Council has awarded two grants to NTNU researchers for very different projects related to the environment.
Data centres’ insatiable demand for electricity will change the entire energy sector
When the first large language models were unleashed, it triggered a headache for authorities around the world as they tried to figure out how to satisfy data centres’ endless demand for electricity.
First complete record of global underground CO₂ storage
The first-ever audited account of the actual amounts of CO2 stored underground by CCS projects globally has been released. It was created by a new international consortium of scientists and industrial partners, including NTNU.
Poor indoor air quality often found in small new urban dwellings
You’ve just bought a new apartment. The developer followed the minimum building code requirements. So shouldn’t everything be in order? Extensive research indicates that the answer is unfortunately no.
This is how two contra-rotating propellers can make ships more energy efficient
By using two propellers that rotate in opposite directions, a ship can use less energy to move forward. New knowledge means that more ships can use the technology, including Hurtigruten’s Sea Zero project for its coastal cruise ships.
A truck drives across the border – with no driver!
When crossing a border, truck drivers have to deal with various national regulations, digital customs clearance and legal liability. But who takes over that job when the vehicle is driverless?
Ships need maintenance too. For the climate, it’s best to do it at home
If a worn propeller requires repair, the CO2 footprint will be a full 40 percent lower if the job is done in Norway than if the repair is done in China, the researchers write in this article.
One step closer to quantum computers that work properly
You won’t find quantum computers in your local electronics store, but in the future, these superfast computers will probably become more common. NTNU researchers are bringing this future a small step closer.
Satellites and space trash threaten the ozone layer and space safety
Every year, we shoot several thousand satellites and other objects out into space. When satellites die, they become space trash that threatens aerospace safety.
If you can hear your neighbour snoring, there’s something wrong with the building you live in
Does it sound like the guy in the apartment above you keeps dragging a sack of potatoes across his room? It’s not his fault –the building you live is not sufficiently soundproofed.
Why ChatGPT is bad at imitating people
Large language models like ChatGPT and Copilot are useful for many things. However, they are not yet good enough to imitate the way people speak.
Forget ChatGPT – AI of the future will bring major small changes
Artificial intelligence of the future will be in the form of small, specialized models.
The properties of slate make it a winner
Different building materials carry different climate footprints. Norwegian natural stone, such as Otta slate, turns out to have surprisingly good properties as a façade material.
How penguins’ air tricks could help the shipping industry
‘Bubbles’ – taste that word – and think soda, soap, play and well-being. But did you know that air bubbles can also reduce fuel consumption and emissions from oceangoing vessels?
Making regular GPS ultra-precise
Self-driving cars need to know exactly where on the road they are located at all times. A new invention could revolutionize the development of driverless vehicles – and give us more accurate GPS on our mobile phones and fitness watches too.
Scientists are revealing the secret lives of bees using sensors
Bees do more than just pollinate plants. They are also nature’s own warning signal. Placing sensors in their hives allows researchers to see when the bees need help doing their job.
From beer to useful fats and medicines
The spent grain from beer brewing can be used to make microcapsules that can preserve omega-3 oils and medicines.
The spinoff generator
Europe is falling behind in the innovation and technology race. But you can always find some enterprising types who buck the trend.
An ultra-thin smart filter can significantly extend EV battery lifespan
This new invention could make today’s heavy electric vehicle batteries lighter, safer and increase their range. The researchers behind the technology believe it is also ideal for use in aviation, space travel, drones and shipping.
Making it easier to recycle your house
A new method makes it possible to gain an extensive overview of the materials in our homes. It could be an important step toward a more circular economy.
Worried that large language models are getting out of hand
“It’s not the politicians, but Big Tech that now gets to decide how technology should be used,” says Heidrun Åm.
Super-recognizers
Some people never forget a face. This is an ability police forces around the world find very useful. It now seems that this superpower can be used for more than previously thought.
Voting from your sofa is secure enough – but will it be allowed?
A new electronic voting system developed at NTNU can withstand attacks from quantum computers, meaning digital elections can be conducted securely, even in the future.