Fear of new technology in schools is exaggerated
We shouldn’t be too worried that conversational agents such as ChatGPT might be making cheats of our pupils. Schools should be empowering them to try out new technologies.
Sintef
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What exactly is the EU taxonomy?
Perhaps you’ve heard about it and are wondering exactly what the EU taxonomy is – and what it really means. SINTEF researcher Mathias Irgens is ready with an explanation.
For how long can you keep warm during a power outage?
Many Norwegian homes can only be heated using electricity. The authors of this blog argue that in the event of an extended power outage, energy-efficient homes will stay warm for much longer than those built according to the minimum regulatory requirements.
An artificial lava for sealing oil and gas wells has passed its lab tests
Norwegian oil and gas companies are now plugging and abandoning production wells using an artificial ‘lava’. So far, the results have been excellent. Recent laboratory results indicate that the same method can be used to seal subsurface CO2 storage reservoirs.
Treating patients ‘in hospital’ – even from far away
Imagine being treated ‘in hospital’ via an advanced VR headset! Researchers are now making this possible with the help of local ‘health rooms’ and so-called ‘augmented reality’. Results from their experiments have so far proved to be quite promising.
How researchers halved a bed’s carbon footprint
Researchers calculated the total carbon footprint of a bed. Then they discovered it was possible to halve it.
Smarter charger pricing offers effective emergency aid to the power grid
The Norwegian power grid needs relief during periods when ‘everyone’ is using electricity. Research is showing that variable pricing for the fast charging of electric cars may offer a solution.
Towards zero-defect manufacturing
As consumers, we have all from time to time experienced buying faulty items, whether they be smart phones, washing machines or cars. Researchers now believe that this is a thing of the past.
You too can shave off a few seconds with a short sprint over the top of the hill
Skiers can gain on their competitors by having a detailed plan of what to do on the uphills. Timing their push at exactly the right moment is key to avoid expending too much effort.
Digital twins offer us access to new knowledge
Now, in 2023, there are almost no limits to how much data we can collect and store away. But what can we use all this information for, and how do we find out what the data can tell us?
Builders rush to learn from the ZEB lab showcase
The ZEB Laboratory has been utilised both as an office building and a sustainable construction laboratory for about two years. It was designed to be the world’s most ambitious ‘climate-adapted building’ and up to now it has been a great success.
New concrete from old buildings
Christian John Engelsen at SINTEF is teaching the world to recycle demolition rubble to make new concrete. Anything and everything can be recycled, he says. What takes time is getting people on board.
A new approach to waste incineration removes CO2 from the atmosphere
There are plans in Årdal to build a waste incineration plant based on a new technology that captures and stores CO2, thus removing the greenhouse gas from the atmosphere.
Confusing terminology is preventing the promotion of a healthy working environment
Many managers believe that their efforts to promote a healthy psychosocial working environment are succeeding. According to a recent report, however, many employees do not agree. No surprise, perhaps, since it appears that people are defining the concept in different ways.
A minute sensor to the rescue
Ships, bridges and wind turbines can all be made safe using sensors that are just a few millimetres across. Researchers have borrowed the principle behind the technology from a vibrating guitar string.
Urgent need to commercialise CCS
At last it is now possible to capture CO2 at industrial scales without state subsidy, and countries across the world should be persuading private industry to identify storage sites that will make a real difference.
Blue hydrogen: the real bridge between fossil fuels and renewable energy
Blue, also called “low carbon” hydrogen will make for a much more suitable transition towards renewable energy than natural gas.
Could you share a guest room with your neighbours?
Singles and couples with children who have moved away from home are the group most positive to alternative living arrangements, while families with children living outside the city centres are the least interested.
Light’s invisible properties can be used to detect cancer
Machines are currently learning how to identify cancer cells with the help of manipulated light. This approach may help to take the pressure off our hard-pressed health services and reduce waiting times for anxious patients.
Combating severe cancer with a new drug delivery system
Peritoneal cancer is difficult to treat and has a poor survival prognosis. But a new and effective nanomedicine delivery system is offering some hope.
Data-driven heating reduces energy consumption in buildings
Energy consumption in buildings can be reduced by predicting their actual heating needs.
Recycling snuff boxes to make new products
Don’t tell me that you haven’t noticed them. Empty snuff boxes littered all over our streets and parks. But instead of being just rubbish, they can now be recycled to make new products.
The cold hard facts about your body and low temperatures
Is it healthy to take a cold dip in winter? Is it true that most heat loss occurs through the head, and can we get ill if our legs get cold? Here is a summary of our researcher’s answers.
Making oxygen on the Moon
The Moon’s atmosphere is entirely devoid of oxygen. If humans want to stay there for extended periods, it will be of great benefit to make breathable oxygen there instead of having to transport it from Earth. But is this at all possible?