Where digitalization is a goldmine, for real
Billions could be saved and earned by digitalizing the mining and metals industry. China and Norway are working together to make it happen.
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Researchers to test a solar farm at sea
The sun shines just as much out at sea as it does on land. There are also no restrictions on area use and seawater even helps to cool the solar panel technology. It’s only a matter of time before the first floating solar energy farms are installed at sea.
A robotic microplankton sniffer dog
The microscopic, free-floating algae called phytoplankton — and the tiny zooplankton that eat them — are notoriously difficult to count. Researchers need to know how a warming climate will affect them both. A new kind of smart, lightweight autonomous underwater vehicle (LAUV) can help.
CO2 heat pumps smart option for hotels in cold climates
Researchers have studied the energy consumption of 140 hotels in Norway and Sweden. The use of CO2 heat pumps could cut energy consumption in these hotels by about 60 per cent.
Working from home is here to stay – and is transforming the roles of managers
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced companies to change the way they organise their day-to-day activities. Many people find working from home no problem at all. According to researchers, there is little to suggest that these changes will be reversed once the pandemic is over.
Developing the world’s ‘hottest’ heat pump ever
Researchers working with industrial partners have developed the world’s first heat pump producing temperatures of up to 180 degrees celcius. Such record high temperatures will enable one fifth of European industry to reduce its energy consumption by up to 70 percent, and become entirely climate neutral.
Researchers found an underwater landfill while looking for chemical discharges from mobiles and electronic devices
Research scientists in Norway recently set out on a scientific cruise in the Trondheim fjord to collect water samples and specimens of marine species. What they stumbled over was quite different from what they were looking for.
Taking control of unmanned vessels at sea
What’s needed to be able to safely send a vessel to sea with no crew? How will these vessels detect a kayaker or a recreational boat that drifts into the course of the unmanned vessel? A new Centre for Research-Based Innovation, SFI AutoShip, will look for answers to these questions – and more.
Why do some alloys become stronger at room temperature?
For more than 100 years, we’ve known that some metal alloys become stronger by being kept at room temperature. But we haven’t understood all the details – until now.
Pedestrians’ and cyclists’ behaviours are greatly affected by their feelings
New research is showing that a combination of perceived risk and worry determines the forms of transport chosen by pedestrians and cyclists.
Fish farms moving onshore
Land-based fish farming offers many benefits to both the fish and the environment. In traditional offshore farms, the fish are vulnerable to sea lice infestation and infectious diseases. Modern land-based aquaculture systems are able to offer local fish products in landlocked countries.
Right ore choice may create lower emissions
Metal production generates considerable emissions of greenhouse gases. But the type of ore used in production can make a big difference.
Quantum technology offers Norway a data revolution
The race is on to get Norway ready for the next big technology revolution – quantum computers, and the first Norwegian centre for quantum technology is being rolled out.
Bacteria-based concrete offers climate benefits
Ten cubic kilometres of concrete, equivalent to the volume of Mount Everest, are used in construction projects every year, resulting in huge volumes of emissions. But a new eco-friendly cement may help to reduce our global climate footprint.
Silicon for solar cells becoming more environmentally friendly
New discoveries are making silicon production cleaner, and solar cells of the future will become even more environmentally friendly.
Wastewater fertilisers to the aid of farmers
The circular economy can boost profits in the water management sector, and at the same time provide farmers both in Norway and around the world with cheaper fertiliser.
Found traces of antidepressants and painkillers in crustaceans on Svalbard
A team of researchers studying our footprint in the Arctic has taken samples of marine animals and wastewater linked to tourism. Their findings have revealed surprising levels of pharmaceutical drugs.
SINTEF to head global WHO study
What assistive technologies are the world’s elderly and disabled using? And what hidden needs does this group have? SINTEF has been contracted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to find out.
Researchers seek living quality in high-density housing
In Norway, apartment blocks are being built as never before, leading to a housing densification that challenges our ability to create habitable spaces – both indoors and out. So, what can we do to guarantee living quality?
The body’s own signalling system provides the key to new diagnostic tools and personalized medicine
Several studies have demonstrated that tiny biological particles called exosomes may carry important information about diseases. We are currently searching for these tiny particles in cooperation with our project partners. If we succeed, we can use the exosomes to predict diseases before they occur.
How safe are the new Covid vaccines?
The new vaccines designed to combat the Covid-19 virus have been developed in record time, causing some people to be sceptical of taking them. Should we be worried about side effects? Norwegian SciTech News has been talking to two research scientists about this issue.
What does a rock climbing belay device have in common with a subsea cable installation vessel?
The answer is that both can cause torsion, meaning the climbing rope or cable will start to twist. Up until now, no-one could explain why this happened. However, two enthusiastic researchers, who happen to be rock climbers, made it their business to solve the mystery.
Reveals hungry salmon with sound waves
The feed cost represents about 50 percent of the costs of farming salmon. But how do we know if the salmon is hungry or still full? Researchers have rethought to find answers. The result is less wastage and pollution – and enough food for the salmon.
Meet the aquaculture industry’s new maintenance bot
This ROV can fully operate on its own, and follow along with fish’s behaviour and health with its Argus eyes – all while keeping a safe distance. It even inspects the technical standard of the enclosure while it’s at it. Say hi to Mr. CageReporter.