Almost all cobalt can be recycled using new method requiring less energy with little environmental impact

Researchers Create More Eco-Friendly Trick to Retrieve Cobalt from Used Lithium-ion Batteries

Researchers at Linnaeus University have developed a more environmentally friendly way of retrieving cobalt from used lithium-ion batteries. With a liquid solvent made of readily available substances, derived from urine and acetic acid, over 97 percent of the cobalt can be recovered. The researchers see good potential for large-scale application.

The new solvent is composed of ammonia and a source of acetate, both of which are derived from urine and acetic acid. This isn't the first time urine has been used for environmentally friendly methods; its high ammonium content makes it an ideal source for extracting cobalt.

The cobalt extraction process is expensive and highly energy intensive, so this method of extraction is both cost-effective and energy-saving. It also uses chemicals that are much safer for the environment compared to traditional methods.

The team aims to improve the solvent's performance even further to allow for the extraction of other valuable metals such as nickel, manganese and molybdenum. They also plan to investigate potential applications in other industries, such as the production of fuel cells and batteries.

This research demonstrates the viability of using sustainable, natural methods to recover metals from used lithium-ion batteries. The researchers' method is a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable future.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/almost-all-cobalt-can-be-recycled-using-new-method-requiring-less-energy-with-little-environmental-impact

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Will future computers run on human brain cells?

Biocomputer Powered By Human Brain Cells To Be Developed | Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University researchers anticipate the development of a biocomputer powered by human brain cells within our lifetime. This technology could exponentially expand the capabilities of modern computing and create new fields of study.

The innovative biocomputer would be powered by brain cells, giving it the capability to store and process information in a manner analogous to the human brain. In essence, the computer would be designed to imitate the functioning of a human brain.

The revolutionary technology would be able to perform calculations and store information much faster than traditional computers. It could be used to develop artificial intelligence, build robots, and solve complex problems. Additionally, the biocomputer would open up a new field of research, as well as create potential new jobs and industries.

Though the biocomputer is still in its infancy stage, the potential for its development is promising. The Johns Hopkins University researchers are optimistic that this technology will be developed within our lifetime.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/will-future-computers-run-on-human-brain-cells

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Towards a new antenna paradigm with waveform-selective metasurfaces

Unlocking the Potential of Wireless Communication Technology With 5G and 6G Networks

When you tap on your phone screen to search something on the internet, you are making use of wireless communication technology. This technology has made our lives easier and more convenient than ever with the advent of 5G networks. With further development towards 6G networks, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices to monitor and perform tasks is becoming increasingly imminent. This growing demand for such services creates an opportunity for people to take advantage of the potential it provides.

The Benefits of 5G Networks

5G networks enable faster and more reliable data transmission. This means that we can access information and content more quickly, with less latency. Furthermore, it vastly improves the connectivity of devices, making it easier to be used for communication and entertainment purposes. Additionally, 5G is able to provide a greater amount of bandwidth, meaning more devices can be connected at once without causing any issues.

The Benefits of 6G Networks

6G networks are the next step in wireless communication technology. They are capable of providing higher data speeds and even better connectivity than 5G networks. Additionally, they can offer advanced features such as 3D holographic images, augmented reality, and autonomous driving. These features will provide new opportunities and avenues for entrepreneurs and businesses alike.

The Internet of Things and Wireless Communication Technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a collection of interrelated devices that can process and transfer data wirelessly. With the advances in wireless communication technology through 5G and 6G networks, there is a growing demand for IoT devices. These devices can be used for a variety of applications such as home automation, health monitoring, and smart buildings. As a result, the potential for people to benefit from the services provided by such devices is great.

Conclusion

Wireless communication technology has greatly improved our lives with the advent of 5G networks, and further development towards 6G networks is allowing us to unlock even more potential. With the increasing demand for IoT devices, there are numerous opportunities to take advantage of the services they provide. As such, it is an exciting time to be in the field of wireless communication technology.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/towards-a-new-antenna-paradigm-with-waveform-selective-metasurfaces

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A new AI-based tool to detect DDoS attacks

Protect Your Online Presence From DDoS Attacks

Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the ways they disrupt online services, access sensitive data, and crash internet users' devices. One of the most common cyber-attacks today is the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.

A DDoS attack is when a malicious actor floods a network with requests or data packets, overloading it and rendering it incapable of servicing other requests. This type of attack is meant to disrupt the services of a website or server, and can cause a website to be slow or unavailable.

How to Protect Yourself from a DDoS Attack

There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from a DDoS attack:

• Monitor your network for signs of an attack.
• Set up a firewall that can detect and filter out malicious traffic.
• Use a web application firewall to thwart malicious attacks.
• Keep your software and systems up-to-date.

By taking these precautions, you can prevent a DDoS attack from disrupting your online services and access to sensitive data.

Conclusion

DDoS attacks are a serious threat to the security of any online presence. By taking the proper measures and understanding the risk, you can protect yourself from these malicious cyber-attacks.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/a-new-ai-based-tool-to-detect-ddos-attacks

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Predicting city traffic using a machine learning model

Using Machine Learning to Predict City Traffic Activity

A Complexity Science Hub researcher has successfully used a new machine learning model to predict traffic activity in different zones of cities. The model was tested using data from a main car-sharing company in Italy as a proxy for overall city traffic.

Understanding how different urban zones interact and how that influences traffic activity can help avoid traffic jams, and enable more targeted responses from policy makers—such as local expansion of public transportation.

The researcher hopes that this approach to predicting traffic activity can be applied in other cities and regions, and further their understanding of traffic activity in urban zones.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/predicting-city-traffic-using-a-machine-learning-model

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Twitter cuts 200 more jobs: New York Times

Twitter Lays off at Least 200 Employees Amid Tech Job Cuts

It's been a tough few months for tech giants in the United States. In the latest round of job cuts, Twitter has laid off at least 200 employees, or 10 percent of its workforce, according to The New York Times. This comes as tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have also recently announced layoffs.

The layoffs at Twitter will affect around 8 percent of the company's global workforce, according to a memo from Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey, cited by The New York Times. It's the second round of layoffs for Twitter in the past year. In October of 2019, Twitter laid off some 350 employees worldwide. Twitter has roughly 3,900 employees according to its most recent earnings report.

The layoffs are due to a restructuring of the company's operations and are intended to help Twitter become more efficient, according to the memo. While Twitter said it will cancel "a number of initiatives" in order to become more focused and agile, it also made clear that it will remain profitable.

The company will also be putting more emphasis on its core product, the microblogging platform, and redirecting resources away from other areas and “non-core” products. Twitter is also experimenting with new features such as voice tweets and making its service available for free for a certain number of users.

However, Twitter isn't the only tech giant making cuts. Companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple have recently announced layoffs and restructuring of their own. Microsoft announced in January that it would shed thousands of jobs, and Google has announced plans to cut 4,000 jobs from its staff. Similarly, Apple said in January that it would be reducing its retail workforce.

The reasons for these job cuts vary. In the case of Twitter, the layoffs are said to be a result of the company's restructuring, while Microsoft and Google are reportedly trimming their staff to become more cost-efficient. Apple, on the other hand, is looking to reduce its retail footprint amid the decline of physical stores and the shift to online shopping.

The job cuts come amid an uncertain economic climate in the US due to the coronavirus pandemic. As companies struggle to make profits, job cuts are becoming more prevalent. This is especially true in the tech sector, where companies are looking to reduce expenses by reducing their workforce.

The job cuts at Twitter, Microsoft, Google, and Apple are a reminder of the often uncertain future of employment in the tech sector. Despite the challenges that come with job cuts, companies are hoping that by becoming leaner and more efficient, they can weather the current economic storm.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/twitter-cuts-200-more-jobs-new-york-times

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E-bike batteries blamed for 22 NYC fires, 2 deaths this year

With electric bicycles and scooters gaining in popularity, Lithium-ion batteries used to power them have caused 22 fires this year, prompting officials in New York City to call for caution. The fires have resulted in 36 injuries, two of which were fatalities, four times more than the number of fires linked to the batteries at this time last year. The dramatic increase in fires associated with Lithium-ion batteries has created a sense of urgency among officials, who are asking citizens to exercise caution when using electric bicycles and scooters, as well as when storing them. According to the fire department, much of the danger can be avoided by following basic safety precautions, such as keeping the batteries away from flammable materials, properly storing them when not in use, and never charging them overnight. Lithium-ion batteries have many advantages over other types of batteries, such as longer life and higher energy density, but have been known to overheat and catch fire if used improperly. The increase in fires linked to these batteries is alarming, and they are quickly becoming a fire hazard. To avoid danger, it is essential that users of electric bikes and scooters take the proper precautions when storing and charging the batteries. With proper care and attention, users can continue to enjoy their electric bicycles and scooters safely.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/e-bike-batteries-blamed-for-22-nyc-fires-2-deaths-this-year

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A universal domain adaptation technique for remote sensing image classification

Domain Adaptation Approaches: The Solution to Insufficient Annotated Data Data annotation is a critical step in the development of computational models, and insufficiently annotated data can be a major impediment for building an effective model for a given task. Domain adaptation approaches provide a potential solution to this issue, enabling the transfer of knowledge from sources where there is a large amount of annotated data to the target domain where annotation is scarce. These techniques can thus improve the performance of computational models in target domains, even with minimal annotated data. The two main approaches employed in domain adaptation are based on either feature representation or model parameters. With feature representation, knowledge from the source domain is transferred to the target domain in the form of a feature map. On the other hand, model parameter transfer utilizes weights and biases from a pre-trained model to reduce the training time for the target model. Both of these approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and careful consideration must be taken when selecting the most suitable for a given application. Overall, domain adaptation techniques are an extremely valuable tool for overcoming the issue of low annotated data. By utilizing knowledge from a large source domain, these techniques can improve the performance of models in target domains even when data annotation is scarce. As the demand for effective machine learning models in real-world applications continues to grow, domain adaptation approaches are likely to become increasingly important.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/a-universal-domain-adaptation-technique-for-remote-sensing-image-classification

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3D printing with bacteria-loaded ink produces bone-like composites

Introduction Researchers at EPFL have developed an innovative method for 3D-printing an environmentally friendly and strong ink using calcium carbonate-producing bacteria. The 3D-printed mineralized bio-composite derived from this method is light, durable and can be used for a multitude of purposes in diverse industries, including art and biomedicine. In this article, we will discuss the incredible potential of the 3D-printed mineralized bio-composite and how it could revolutionize the way we use bacteria in material production. Background on Calcium Carbonate-Producing Bacteria Calcium carbonate-producing bacteria are a type of microorganisms that produce calcium carbonate, or chalk, as part of their metabolic process. These bacteria have actually been around for millions of years, but the potential for using them in the production of mineralized bio-composites has only recently been explored. What is a Mineralized Bio-Composite Material? A mineralized bio-composite material is a type of material produced by embedding calcium carbonate-producing bacteria in a 3D-printed ink. When exposed to certain environmental conditions, the bacteria produce calcium carbonate and begin to solidify the material. This process allows for the production of strong, durable materials with higher levels of strength and flexibility than those made by traditional methods. Advantages of the 3D-Printed Mineralized Bio-Composite The 3D-Printed mineralized bio-composite offers several advantages over traditional materials. It is exceptionally lightweight, yet has a much higher strength-to-weight ratio than materials produced via traditional methods. It is also more environmentally friendly than other materials, due to the fact that its production does not require the use of toxic chemicals or high levels of energy. Additionally, its increased flexibility makes it ideal for use in a wide range of applications, including art, architecture, and biomedicine. Applications of the 3D-Printed Mineralized Bio-Composite The 3D-Printed mineralized bio-composite has a wide range of potential applications, from art to biomedicine. In the field of art, the material could be used to create intricate sculptures or structures that are lightweight yet strong and capable of withstanding environmental damage. In the field of architecture, the material could be used to create complex structures that are durable, lightweight, and environmentally friendly. In medicine, the material could be used to create devices that are safe to use in the human body, such as implants and prosthetics. Conclusion The 3D-printed mineralized bio-composite developed by EPFL’s researchers is an incredible example of the power of bacteria. By combining the impressive properties of calcium carbonate-producing bacteria with 3D-printing technology, researchers have created a strong, lightweight and environmentally friendly material with a wide range of applications. In the future, the possibilities for this material are only set to expand, and it could revolutionize the way we use bacteria in material production.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/3d-printing-with-bacteria-loaded-ink-produces-bone-like-composites

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The rise of renewables is not without risk for investors

Introduction In recent years, the urgency to combat climate change and abandon the use of fossil fuels has become more and more evident. Fortunately, the development of renewable energies has provided a clean and sustainable way forward. Now, with the growth of renewable energies throughout the world, they are slowly but surely becoming the primary source of energy. In 2020, renewable energies accounted for 19.1% of gross final energy consumption in France, whereas in the United Kingdom, renewable energies now account for a staggering 43% of the total energy consumed. Reasons for the growth of renewable energies The growth of renewable energies is due to a combination of factors. The increasing awareness of the damage caused by the use of fossil fuels has made the general population more inclined to choose a more sustainable form of energy. Additionally, the destabilization of the energy markets and the rise of energy prices has made renewable energies even more attractive to consumers as they tend to be cheaper in the long-term. Scientists and policy makers have also played a key role in the development of renewable energy sources, as many countries are now offering incentives and subsidies to increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power. Advantages of renewable energies There are many advantages of using renewable energy sources over conventional energy sources. Renewable energies are generally more affordable in comparison to conventional energy sources, due to the fact that they do not require any additional costs such as fuel and transportation. Additionally, renewable energies are not only cheaper, but they also produce zero emissions, making them much more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, renewable energy sources are also sustainable and unlikely to run out, as they are powered by natural sources such as wind, sun and water. Disadvantages of renewable energies Although renewable energies are preferable to conventional energy sources in most cases, they do have some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages of renewable energy sources is that they are not as reliable as conventional sources, as the source of power (e.g. sun or wind) may be unable to supply a constant stream of energy. Furthermore, the costs associated with the installation of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can sometimes be quite expensive. Finally, it is also important to note that renewable energy sources could sometimes lead to disruption of nature, such as the habitat destruction caused by the construction of hydroelectric dams. Conclusion Overall, renewable energies have a bright future, due a combination of factors, including the increasing awareness of the damaging effects of fossil fuels, the destabilization of the energy markets, and the incentives and subsidies offered by countries to promote the use of renewable energy sources. With these factors in mind, it is clear that renewable energies are not only a viable alternative source of energy, but also one that is cheaper, more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Nonetheless, it is important to consider the various disadvantages of renewable energy sources, such as their reliability and the costs associated with their installation. Ultimately, renewable energy sources continue to offer an attractive, clean and sustainable way forward in the fight against climate change.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/the-rise-of-renewables-is-not-without-risk-for-investors

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Russia–Ukraine war has nearly doubled household energy costs worldwide—new study

The Russia–Ukraine War and Its Impact on Global Energy Costs The Russian annexation of Crimea and its ongoing aggression towards Ukraine has caused instability throughout the region and has had a direct effect on energy costs around the world. With increased geopolitical tensions, global energy prices have spiked, forcing many households to pay higher costs for heating, cooling, lighting, and mobility. In addition, these higher costs are also indirectly impacting other goods and services throughout global supply chains. As a result, households everywhere are feeling the pinch when it comes to their energy costs—a pinch that is hitting the most vulnerable households the hardest. It’s no secret that energy costs are higher during times of geopolitical unrest, but the Russia–Ukraine war has presented a unique situation. With an international state of anxiety about the future of the region, energy prices are increasing faster than usual, and the effects are being felt in countries around the world. In addition to the direct costs of higher energy prices, the costs of other goods and services throughout global supply chains are gradually increasing as well. For households, this translates to higher costs for the everyday necessities like heating, cooling, lighting, and mobility. But who is bearing the brunt of these higher costs? That depends on a household’s income, how they spend their money, and where their products are sourced. Lower income households are most affected, as they often have fewer resources to allocate to energy costs, and thus feel the pinch more acutely. Additionally, households who rely on energy-intensive products, such as those sourced from global supply chains, also tend to feel the effects of higher energy costs more severely. The good news is that there are potential solutions to help vulnerable households cope with higher energy costs. Targeted energy assistance programs, such as those that offer free heating and cooling to low-income households, can help those in need. But for these solutions to be effective, it’s important to know who is most affected, to what degree, and why. A deeper understanding of the socioeconomic and geographical factors that are contributing to higher energy costs is necessary in order to develop solutions that truly make a difference. The Russia–Ukraine war has had a dramatic impact on global energy costs. With households feeling the pinch of higher prices, it is essential that targeted energy assistance programs are developed and implemented to help those most affected. A better understanding of who is feeling the effects of this crisis—their income, how they spend their money, and where their products originate—is the first step towards enacting meaningful energy solutions. Without this understanding, vulnerable households will continue to be left behind in this time of crisis.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/russia-ukraine-war-has-nearly-doubled-household-energy-costs-worldwide-new-study

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Amazon asks corporate staff to be in offices 3 days a week

Amazon will require its corporate employees to return to the office at least three days a week.



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This 'Harry Potter' light sensor achieves magically high efficiency of 200%

Using green light and a double-layered cell, Ph.D. researcher Riccardo Ollearo has come up with a photodiode that has sensitivity that many can only dream of.



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Team develops new way to extract thermal energy from waste heat sources and reuse it via pressure control

A Chinese research team has developed a new concept for extracting thermal energy from low-temperature waste heat sources and reusing it on demand simply by controlling the pressure.



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A new elastic polymer dielectric to create wafer-scale stretchable electronics

Over the past few years, material scientists and electronics engineers have been trying to fabricate new flexible inorganic materials to create stretchable and highly performing electronic devices. These devices can be based on different designs, such as rigid-island active cells with serpentine-shape/fractal interconnections, neutral mechanical planes or bunked structures.



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Electronic metadevices break barriers to ultra-fast communications

EPFL researchers have come up with a new approach to electronics that involves engineering metastructures at the sub-wavelength scale. It could launch the next generation of ultra-fast devices for exchanging massive amounts of data, with applications in 6G communications and beyond.



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ChatGPT able to pass Theory of Mind Test at 9-year-old human level

Michal Kosinski, computational psychologist at Stanford University, has been testing several iterations of the ChatGPT AI chatbot developed by Open AI on its ability to pass the famous Theory of Mind Test. In his paper posted on the arXiv preprint server, Kosinski reports that testing the latest version of ChatGPT found that it passed at the level of the average 9-year-old child.



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