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.
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Robot to the rescue when buildings collapse
When disaster strikes, a small robot steps in to save lives. The researchers have dubbed it a “Smurf.” It uses its eyes, ears and nose to find survivors in collapsed buildings.
YouTube can help people with bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder are taking to YouTube to talk about it. Researchers believe this may have a range of benefits
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.
When it comes to storing carbon, the Arctic presents a winter surprise
The ocean holds gigantic amounts of carbon, much more than in all land-based plants and soil. Scientists previously studied these carbon stocks in spring and summer. Now they have looked at what happens in winter.
How better paper can save billions in the power grid
Norway can save investment costs of a staggering 25 billion NOK [ca. €2.1 billion] in the power grid by upgrading the quality of insulation paper used in transformers – dramatically increasing their lifespans.
An uninvited guest leads to a new antibiotic
Alexander Fleming famously discovered penicillin back in 1928, when an experiment he was running was accidentally was contaminated by mold. When bacteria contaminated one of her cancer cell cultures in 2011, researcher Marit Otterlei decided to follow in Fleming’s footsteps.
The superfood that is in ever greater demand
Copepods are the perfect food package for marine fish larvae, such as cod, tuna and halibut. Now research shows that it is possible to drastically increase the production of the fish fry’s superfood.
The spiders that eat stars, and the scientists who catch them
Spiders can eat their partner. Some of the most extreme stars can do that too.
Afraid of the dentist? The cause may be something different from what you think
Young people who have experienced bullying, divorce, violence or abuse are significantly more likely to be anxious in the dentist’s chair.
Regulatory loopholes, endangered wild salmon and suffering farmed salmon
How can we save wild salmon from extinction, and at the same time ensure farmed salmon a life free from lice and other suffering? Research uncovers critical challenges related to management, fish welfare, monitoring and control in the aquaculture industry.
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.
Preventing recidivism after imprisonment
Reoffending after serving time in prison is a common problem. A new study identifies what it takes to break the cycle and create lasting change.
A new way to prevent icing problems for aircraft and drones
Ice formation on wind turbine blades, aircraft and drones can lead to both delays and accidents. But a new material repels cold water droplets that land on the rotor blades before they freeze onto the surface.
The people behind the memorial stones on one Trondheim street
Why did so many Jews find their way to Trondheim before the Second World War? Microhistory can help shed light on their stories.
“We must develop thinkers. Not crammers and fact-experts”
Geography as a school subject is under pressure. There aren’t enough qualified teachers and it loses out to other subjects in school. In many countries, important aspects are left out of the curricula.
The big little discovery
A project that American researchers had given up on. An absent-minded professor who had disliked school as a child. A good portion of curiosity. That is how the story of the Norwegian Ugelstad spheres began. Today they save millions of lives.
It’s important to feel good about yourself
What is it that makes us feel good about ourselves? And what motivates us to do something, regardless of whether it is important or not?
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.
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.
Sunniva had tried every diet – but with little success
Recent research shows that lipoedema and its painful, difficult-to-lose fat hurts less when patients are on a low-carb diet.
Solving a dirty problem with sunlight and oil
Wastewater can contain many harmful substances, but a new method enables researchers to purify this water using sunlight and droplets of oil.