Nanoparticle-Based Manual Device for Disinfecting Drinking Water

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Access to clean water can be challenging in isolated areas

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A hand-cranked bottle could transform the availability of safe drinking water in areas affected by disasters and in off-grid communities.

Xudeng professors at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in Chengdu are committed to developing a straightforward approach to eliminate bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, as well as parasites from water.

“We often faced the same challenges in decentralized water treatment,” says Deng. “Most point-of-source (POS) solutions need electricity or ample sunlight and are labor-intensive.”

In areas without grid access and during emergencies when standard systems fail, an invention was required to disinfect water using a simple one-minute manual action.

Their method utilizes spherical silica nanoparticles coated with amine-based compounds that acquire a positive charge in water, along with gold nanoparticles that become negatively charged when agitated.

“Imagine a hand-cranked bottle filled with a small quantity of a synthetically made sand-like powder,” Deng explains. “A few turns of the handle induce a gentle shear in the water, activating the nanoparticles.”

As water flows over the gold and amine nanoparticles, it generates an electric charge that produces oxidizing agents known as reactive oxygen species.

“These reactive oxygen species puncture the membranes of microorganisms, rendering the pathogens incapable of survival or reproduction,” Deng states. “When agitation ceases, the powder naturally separates from the water, allowing clean water to flow out of the outlet.”

The research team evaluated the device against 16 highly infectious pathogens known to pose significant public health threats, achieving a reduction rate of 99.9999%. A similar level of reduction was noted for Escherichia coli in just 15 seconds of stirring at 50°C and for cholera bacteria in one minute. In total, it inactivated over 95 percent of all tested microorganisms.

Deng mentioned that the device is still in the proof-of-concept phase, so researchers haven’t yet established how many liters of water it can purify.

“What we do know is that after each cycle, the same set of particles can be collected and reused,” he adds. “Moreover, once charged, this system provides prolonged defense against recontamination for several hours.”

Since the quantity of gold nanoparticles used is minimal, their expense is negligible, with the primary cost attributed to the silica powder and plastic casing.

Chiara Neto from the University of Sydney in Australia expressed her admiration for the scientific advancement and novel applications of nanoparticles in disrupting pathogen cell membranes. “It’s a brilliant and impressive piece of work.”

Source: www.newscientist.com

This Device Lets You Cultivate Your Own Meat at Home

Growing your own fruits and vegetables isn’t a novel idea. But what if you could cultivate your own meat right at home? This is the vision that Japanese companies are striving to turn into reality.

Shojinmeat Project empowers individuals to grow their own meat, much like planting vegetables, without harming any animals in the process.

This innovation is known as cultivated meat, created by harvesting some animal cells and nurturing them in tanks referred to as bioreactors. It’s authentic meat, but it doesn’t come from farms or slaughterhouses.

What is the Shojinmeat Project?

Yuki Hanu serves as the founder and director of the Shojinmeat project, describing his company as a non-profit citizen science initiative. The goal is to allow chefs and food lovers to grow custom meat on location.

While the project hasn’t completely perfected the growth of whole pork cuts yet, it has made promising progress.

“We’ve successfully established completely DIY methods for cultivating animal cells,” Hanu remarks. The project plans to provide instructions for growing small amounts of meat at home, including a shopping list of easily accessible items you can find online or locally.

A spin-off of the Shojinmeat Project, Integrated Culture, has developed a bioreactor system that can be used in both household and restaurant settings. Although it’s pre-assembled and slightly less DIY than the Shojinmeat kit, Hanu claims it’s significantly cheaper than traditional lab-grade bioreactors used in commercial meat production.

Integrated Culture provides more variety; according to Hanu, their bioreactors can grow over 30 types of cells from various animals and fish. “However, it is an industrial process,” he adds.

In comparison, Shojinmeat suggests using chicken for home cultivation, as it’s easier to source and grow than other types of meat.

Individuals looking to grow their own meat can select from various Integrated Culture kits in different sizes or get advice from the Shojinmeat project to build their own setups – Credit: Shojinmeat Project

Understanding the Process

So, you’ve decided to grow your own chicken at home. What’s the first step? It’s time for some shopping.

The Shojinmeat project presents a list of items that can be sourced from supermarkets or online, amounting to around 60,000 yen (about £300 or $400).

Essential items to gather include fertilized chicken eggs, warm towels, sports drinks, and collagen-coated dishes, though you can modify the components as you like.

The aim is to replicate the conditions found in lab cell cultures. Hanu explains: “Once the right cells are placed in the appropriate medium, they will grow under the right conditions for a set duration.”

Once you’ve obtained everything necessary, extract the cells from the fertilized chicken eggs and maintain them at a temperature of 37°C (98.6°F) with a pH of 7.4.

This is where an incubator comes in handy, but fortunately, the towels can serve a warming purpose.

Chicken cells require attachment to a structure known as a cell scaffold, fulfilled by your collagen-coated dishes.

Additionally, the cells need a supply of sugar, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which Hanu refers to as the “basal medium.” This is where your sports drink comes into play.

If you’re not inclined to manage all these individual components, you can opt for the Cellular Agriculture Starter Kit from Integrated Culture. It includes all essential basal media, serum, starter cells, and necessary cell scaffolds, though it starts at a minimum of £440 ($600).

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Safety is understandably a concern when preparing food, especially meat. However, according to Hanu, the key priority once you’re operational is to keep your equipment clean, which should help mitigate issues with your homemade meat.

“It’s crucial to prevent contamination from mold, bacteria, and other unwanted elements,” he points out. “This is the most frequent cause of failure in cell culture.”

One effective strategy is to add egg whites containing a naturally antibacterial protein called lysozyme. Although Hanu emphasizes this is not 100% foolproof, it’s just one of several measures to help your cells flourish.

Remember to cook your meat before consuming it, just like you would with any other raw chicken, to avoid foodborne illness.

Once operational, the primary challenge is maintaining a clean environment to prevent contamination – Credit: Shojinmeat Project

Results: A Small Yield

After all this effort, you may hope for sufficient cells to produce a whole roast chicken. However, you might come away a bit let down.

Hanu indicates that the Shojinmeat method can currently yield around one gram of edible meat.

“Creating meat effectively at home has been made possible through the development of equipment and protocols, but the volume and quality of what you can produce requires further consideration,” he states. “At present, it might be rather modest, but it’s termed ‘DIY cell culture.’”

Hanu acknowledges that his homemade meat sample was too small to be used in recipes, adding:

Not only is the quantity of homegrown meat lacking, but cultivated meat in laboratories can replicate intricate textures that mimic real meat fibers using plant fibers and 3D printing. However, homemade versions haven’t achieved this level yet.

“Generating full muscle tissue with marbling and texture involves sophisticated tissue engineering,” Hanu explains. “With our technology, our products are cultured cytoplasmic, yielding a final product more akin to spam or sausage.”

If you still dream of producing gourmet chicken sausage at home, these DIY kits could help make that a reality.

Who knows? In a few years, your newest kitchen gadget may not be an air fryer; instead, an incubator could be quietly nurturing your rib-eye steak right beside it.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The 6100-Qubit Device: A Major Leap Towards Quantum Computing Advancement

Quantum computers can be developed using arrays of atoms

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Devices boasting over 6000 qubits are setting new records and represent the initial phase of constructing the largest quantum computer ever.

At present, there isn’t a universally accepted design for creating quantum computers. However, researchers assert that these machines need to incorporate at least tens of thousands of qubits to be truly functional. The current record holder is a quantum computer utilizing 1180 qubits, with Hannah Manetsch from the California Institute of Technology and her team endeavoring to build a 6100 qubit system.

These qubits are made from neutral cesium atoms that are chilled to near absolute zero and manipulated using a laser beam, all arranged neatly on a grid. According to Manetsch, they have fine-tuned the properties of these qubits to enhance their suitability for calculations, although they have yet to carry them out.

For instance, they modify the laser’s frequency and power to help the fragile qubits maintain their quantum state, thus ensuring the grid’s stability for more precise calculations and extended runtimes of the quantum machine. The research team also assessed how efficiently the lasers could shift qubits around within the array, as noted by Ellie Bataille at the California Institute of Technology.

“This is a remarkable demonstration of the straightforward scaling potential that neutral atoms present,” he remarks. Ben Bloom from Atom Computing also employs neutral atoms in their technologies.

Mark Suffman from the University of Wisconsin-Madison emphasizes that new experiments are vital, providing proof that neutral atomic quantum computers can achieve significant sizes. However, further experimental validation is necessary before considering these setups as fully developed quantum computers.

Research teams are currently investigating optimal methods for enabling qubits to perform calculations while employing error-reduction strategies, mentions Kon Leung at the California Institute of Technology. Ultimately, they envision scaling their systems to 1 million qubits over the next decade, he states.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Quantum Device Simultaneously Detects All Electrical Units

A standardized unit is necessary for measuring electricity

Yuichi Rochino/Getty Images

A single quantum device can now define all three units critical for understanding electricity.

When calculating electricity, one must assess the current in amperes, resistance in ohms, and voltage in volts. Before proceeding, researchers need consensus on the measurements for each unit, which has historically required separate quantum devices and often necessitated visits to different labs.

Recently, Jason Underwood and his team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland have showcased how to characterize these units using a single device. “Integrating these two quantum standards has always felt like a Holy Grail,” he remarks. “It was a prolonged endeavor. Much like Sisyphus, we’ve been pushing this boulder uphill.”

This integration posed challenges as both devices depend on delicate quantum effects observable only at extremely low temperatures. Additionally, certain devices historically required magnetic fields, which could disrupt the operation of others.

The innovative “One Box” approach circumvents these issues by utilizing new materials capable of conducting quantum functions without the need for magnetic fields, allowing previously separated quantum systems to function together within the same cryostat. This method successfully measures amperes, ohms, and volts with an uncertainty of just one in millions for each unit.

However, before these combined devices can be used practically, researchers must further enhance their precision. Currently, accuracy is hampered by the heating generated when placing the two systems and their wiring too closely together. Moreover, development on the new quantum material, which facilitates the cooperation of both systems, is ongoing, according to Lindsey Rodenbach at Stanford University in California.

He views the project as a significant achievement, yet Underwood highlights that Budget constraints at NIST, funded by the US government, have impeded the team’s reach for even higher precision. He specifically mentions the agency’s “Crossing Infrastructure” report, which revealed that several NIST facilities are in disrepair. NIST has chosen not to comment on the matter.

Susmit Kumar from the Norwegian Metrology Service describes the new device as an “impressive engineering feat” that could enhance quantum electrical standards, making them more accessible and affordable for researchers and tech developers worldwide. He is part of the Quahmet Consortium, which also aims to develop user-friendly devices for measuring ohms using novel materials.

“The International System of Units is a shared language for scientists and engineers everywhere. Our goal is to simplify their use as much as possible,” says Richard Davis, a retired member of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. He adds that integrating existing devices will foster advancement moving forward.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: Sleeker, Lighter, and Enhanced Foldable Android Device

Samsung’s newest flagship folding phone appears to have shed some weight. The outcome is one of the sleekest and lightest devices on the market, significantly enhancing its portability.


The Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures 8.9mm in thickness when closed. Excluding the camera bump at the back, its profile is comparable to that of a typical smartphone, making it easy to fit into your pocket, but it unfolds to a folding tablet at just 4.2mm thick.

However, priced at £1,799 (€2,099/$2,000/$2,899), this device comes at a steep cost. It represents an expensive, cutting-edge solution that potentially replaces your phone, tablet, or PC within one compact device.


The ultra-slim design results in a notable camera bump that extends approximately 5.5mm from the rear. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The seventh iteration of Samsung’s folding technology addresses many of the issues found in its predecessors. Weighing only 215g—24g lighter than last year’s edition—it resembles a typical large smartphone when closed.

It fits comfortably in your pocket. Sending messages, making calls, navigating, and taking photos feels just like using a conventional phone. Even the front 6.5-inch screen is vibrant, colorful, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate. The enhancements to the fingerprint scanner on the power button are quick and precise.

When opened like a book, the Fold 7 is impressively thin, only slightly thicker than the USB-C port itself. Its lightweight feel is deceptive; it’s solidly built. One wonders how the device can achieve such thinness without forgoing the charging port. The flexible 8-inch OLED screen is smooth, bright, and almost square, capable of running two apps side by side.

The exterior screen and back are shielded by the latest tempered glass technology, while the inner screen features a layer that is softer than standard glass, making it prone to fingerprints and a bit shiny. The crease along the fold is nearly invisible, visible mainly under glare.


With Flex Mode, you can enjoy viewing content on the Fold 7 in a half-folded position, resembling a mini laptop setup. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Main screen: 8-inch QXGA+ 120Hz (368PPI) AMOLED Flexible Display

  • Cover screen: 6.5-inch FHD+ 120Hz (4222PPI) AMOLED

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Galaxy Elite

  • RAM: 12GB

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

  • Operating System: One UI 8 based on Android 16

  • Camera: 200MP + 12MP + 10MP rear, 3x telephoto. 10MP + 10MP selfie cameras

  • Connectivity: 5G, Dual SIM, E-SIM, USB-C, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP48 (1.5 meters for 30 minutes)

  • Folded Dimensions: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm

  • Expanded Dimensions: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm

  • Weight: 215g

Power for Multitasking


The Fold 7 achieves a full charge in 82 minutes and reaches 60% in under 30 minutes utilizing a USB-C power adapter of 25W or higher (not included). Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold 7 is equipped with the same flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM as the S25 Ultra and S25 Edge. This setup ensures excellent performance for daily tasks and high-end gaming, outpacing competitors like the Google Pixel 9 Pro fold.

Its battery reliably lasts about two days, with each screen being used for around four hours and several hours spent on 5G. This performance level mirrors its predecessor and functions similarly to a standard smartphone. Depending on usage, many find they need to recharge every other day.

One UI 8 for Android 16


The Fold 7 can run two apps in full size, and allows for a total of up to 8 apps using split-screen and floating windows. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold 7 stands out as one of the first devices to ship with One UI 8 (Android 16). While it hasn’t seen drastic changes since last year’s software, it still offers an impressive suite of features. This includes the handy Now Valle Bar at the bottom of the lock screen, showcasing live sports scores, music, timers, and other commonly used tools.

Samsung effectively leverages the multitasking capabilities afforded by the folding format better than its competitors. Up to 8 apps can be accessed concurrently on the internal screen, with each having its own unique home screen layout. Users can adjust app sizes and shapes, use apps in a partially folded state, and move them seamlessly between screens.

Moreover, the Fold 7 integrates all the AI features from the S25 series, including Google Gemini, Circle to Search, Writing and Drawing tools, Transcription, and Audio Editing capabilities. While some of these are useful, others tend to be superfluous, much like many trendy AI offerings. Notably, Samsung commits to providing Android and security updates until July 31, 2032.

Camera


Capturing photos is simple with the Fold 7, whether closed or opened slightly for hands-free shots. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The prominent camera system on the back includes a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom. There’s also a pair of 10MP selfie cameras on either screen.

The main 200MP camera excels in a range of lighting conditions, delivering high-quality photos and representing a significant improvement over its predecessor’s capabilities.

The 12MP Ultra Wide Camera offers commendable performance and can achieve good macro shots, while the 3x telephoto camera produces pleasing portraits, albeit with some softness in low-light scenarios, lacking the 5x zoom found on some higher-end models. Similar limitations apply to the selfie camera, as it can be grainy in dim lighting. However, users can utilize the outer screen as a viewfinder when taking selfies with the main camera, leading to better results.

The camera app is user-friendly, boasting numerous shooting modes and solid video recording capabilities. Overall, the Fold 7 presents a robust camera system that competes well against flagship slab phones, delivering impressive results.

Sustainability


The Fold 7 closely resembles a standard smartphone from both the front and back. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery is expected to retain at least 80% of its original capacity over 2,000 full charge cycles.

The phone is generally reparable, with internal screen repairs estimated at around £500. Samsung also offers a self-repair program similar to CARE+ that can bring repair costs down to £139.

The Fold 7 incorporates recycled materials such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and steel, which make up 13.7% of its total weight. Additionally, Samsung has trade-in and recycling programs for older devices, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of smartphones as outlined in their sustainability reports.

Price

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 begins at £1,799 (€2,099/$1,999.99/$2,899).

For comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip is priced at £1,049, the Galaxy S25 Edge at £1,099, the S25 Ultra at £1,249, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold at £1,399.

Verdict

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a remarkably high-tech device that represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, addressing many of the typical issues associated with folding smartphones.

When closed, it feels significantly thinner and lighter, akin to a traditional phone. Upon opening, the internal screen is still flexible, with creases that are almost imperceptible, paired with vibrant visuals that enhance multitasking capabilities.

The camera, while effective, doesn’t overshadow the device’s overall utility, but it can cause the phone to wobble when placed flat on a surface. In addition, the Fold 7 features the same advanced processors as Samsung’s top-tier regular smartphones, alongside good battery life and solid software support.

However, the fragile nature of the folding mechanism, lack of proper dust resistance, the delicate inner screen, and hefty price tag remain notable drawbacks. If your primary aim is to have a compact device that serves as both phone and tablet, this model may not sway you.

Nevertheless, the Fold 7 stands out as the finest folding phone on the market, presenting the major upgrades that Samsung has been striving for in recent years.

Pros: Combines phone and tablet functionality, feels like a standard phone when closed, boasts exceptional software with robust multitasking features, impressive tablet display, top-notch performance, reliable battery life, water resistance, and extended software support.

Cons: Expensive, lacks dust resistance, potentially more fragile than standard devices, costly repairs, and limited zoom capabilities compared to traditional smartphones.


You might easily forget that the Fold 7 can be unfolded, as it functions and feels like a standard smartphone when using the external display. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

A Compact Device Generates Water, Oxygen, and Fuel from Lunar Soil

Image of the moon captured by Chang’e 5 Lander in China, which gathered samples in 2020

CNSA/Xinhua/Alamy

Solar energy systems can generate water, oxygen, and fuel from lunar regolith for future settlements of lunar explorers.

It has been established that significant amounts of water are bound in the minerals of the moon. However, methods proposed for extracting resources from lunar regolith typically involve complex and energy-heavy techniques that aren’t practical for long-lasting lunar colonies.

Recently, Lu Wang and his team at the Chinese University of Hong Kong discovered that a relatively straightforward solar-powered nuclear reactor could yield useful materials simply by exposing lunar regolith to sunlight and utilizing them through astronauts.

In their experiments, the researchers utilized lunar samples obtained from China’s Chang’e 5 mission, along with simulated samples made from Earth-based rocks.

During the operation of the reactor, sunlight first extracts water from the lunar soil, and then the soil facilitates a reaction between CO₂ and water to produce carbon monoxide, oxygen, and hydrogen, which can serve as fuel.

While lunar soil contains various minerals that can aid in these reactions, a compound known as ilmenite is highlighted as a key catalyst, according to Wang.

“The mechanisms of these chemical reactions are quite fascinating and could lead to the creation of essential lunar resources,” says Haihui Joy Jiang, who was not part of the research team at the University of Sydney in Australia.

“We still need to address several questions and direct future research to determine if this process is applicable in a practical, feasible, and scalable manner on the moon,” Jiang adds.

Wang acknowledges the challenges of expanding this process to produce sufficient water, oxygen, and fuel to support a lunar colony. “The moon’s extreme environment presents unique challenges, including severe temperature variations, a high vacuum, intense solar radiation, and low gravity,” he notes. “Moreover, the variability in lunar soil and scarcity of co-resources pose considerable hurdles to technical implementation.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-Inch Review: Affordable and Compact Windows 11 Device

Microsoft’s newest Surface laptops are compact and affordable, allowing users to enjoy many of the great features of their larger counterparts in a more portable format, while still delivering impressive performance.


The Surface Laptop 13-inch model features the latest 7th generation laptops, available in 13.8″ and 15″ sizes released last summer. It sits at the lower end of the price spectrum, starting at £899 (1,099 Euro/$900/$1,699), making it an attractive option.

The design of the new 13-inch model blends elements from both the Laptop Go and its larger siblings. It features a glossy LCD touchscreen that, while not the brightest or clearest, looks great for its size. The smooth aluminum surface includes a full-size keyboard that provides a premium typing experience, outclassing many competitors.




The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The generously-sized trackpad is smooth and precise, though it features an older hinge design that some might find less tactile compared to newer models from bigger competitors. Nevertheless, it gets the job done, although clicking can be a bit awkward.

The speakers are impressive for the device’s size, and the 1080p webcam performs well even if you don’t utilize Microsoft’s Windows Hello facial recognition for logging in.

Specifications

  • Screen: 13in LCD 1920 x 1280 (178 ppi)

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8 cores)

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 256 or 512GB

  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home

  • Camera: 1080p front

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-A, 2X USB-C (3.2), Headphones

  • Size: 285.7 x 214.1 x 15.6mm

  • Weight: 1.2kg

Snapdragon X Plus




The laptop takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge using a 60W or higher power adapter (not included), achieving 50% battery in just 36 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 13-inch model is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor with 8 cores (compared to 10 in larger models). While it may not lead in raw performance, it holds up well against Intel’s offerings and is sufficiently fast for a laptop of this size. Under typical workloads, it remains quiet and efficient, delivering approximately 14 hours of usage with multiple browser tabs and apps open. This is nearly double the battery life of its Intel-based predecessor and rivals Apple’s MacBook Air.

For resource-intensive tasks like large photo editing or other creative software, expect battery life to decrease by nearly half.

The Surface Laptop includes two USB-C (3.2) ports and a USB-A port, suitable for devices of this size. Notably, it lacks USB4/Thunderbolt support and instead uses USB-C for charging.

Windows 11 on Arm




Recall lets you use your timeline or search to revisit what you were doing in various apps. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

The Surface runs Windows 11 effectively, avoiding the clutter of unnecessary features and software that often plague competitors. However, there are some compatibility issues with apps designed for ARM processors, like the Snapdragon model, that don’t affect those running on Intel or AMD’s x86 architecture.

Applications that aren’t specifically designed for ARM must run in emulation mode, which can slow them down significantly. Lightweight x86 applications like Evernote perform adequately but lag behind their ARM-native counterparts.

Many popular applications have ARM versions that perform seamlessly, including Google Drive. Until recently, Google Drive was not compatible with Windows on ARM. It’s essential to check for app-specific issues, especially in the creative field, as many major games, including Fortnite, face incompatibility with ARM chips.




Using Copilot in the Edge browser, instead of performing a Google search, you can ask questions related to the site you are currently visiting. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

The laptop boasts a Copilot+PC feature that includes an array of Microsoft AI tools. This encompasses a recall function that captures snapshots of your activities, allowing you to revisit what was displayed at specific moments. Users can search recalls using natural language and interact with text, images, or data—like reopening websites browsed in the past.

This feature is opt-in and safely stores screenshots locally on a device protected by fingerprint security, which helps prevent the capture of sensitive information. However, some individuals may view this as a privacy risk.

Other AI tools echo those available on previous Surface models, including a sketch recognition system that can transform hand-drawn sketches into refined artwork. The standout tool is Copilot, integrated into various Microsoft applications such as Word and others in the Office Suite, provided you have a subscription. It functions as a cross between a search tool and an AI assistant, capable of performing tasks like converting data into tables or enhancing written content while working exclusively within Microsoft’s Edge browser.




Clicking serves as a new and efficient way to interact with images, objects, and text on your screen. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

Microsoft’s new “Click to do it” feature allows users to press the Windows button and click on an item on the screen to initiate an action. For example, you can use Paint to remove the background from an image or rewrite text with AI. More features are expected to roll out later this year, providing a quicker and more intuitive way to perform AI tasks on your PC.

Sustainability




The sleek aluminum lid appears premium, especially in its purple variant. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The laptop is generally repairable and features a replaceable SSD, along with self-healing capabilities and a service guide. The device incorporates recycled cobalt and rare earth materials. Microsoft also supports trade-in and recycling programs, and there are affordable repair costs along with a product environmental impact report.

Price

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at £899 (€1,099/$899.99/$1,699). Orders will ship starting June 10th.

In comparison, the Surface Laptop 13.8-inch costs around £944, the Surface Pro 12-inch is priced at £799, and the Surface Pro 13-inch retails for £1,029. The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is available for £999.

Verdict

The Surface Laptop 13-inch offers a scaled-down version of Microsoft’s impressive Windows 11 experience.

The overall feel of the device closely resembles its larger sibling, boasting premium materials, a high-quality keyboard, and a clean Windows 11 interface. The 13-inch touchscreen is good but not as exceptional as those on larger models, and the older design of the trackpads still proves functional. Microsoft’s AI tools are evolving, but may not be a decisive factor in purchasing this device.

While the absence of USB4/Thunderbolt and facial recognition might be seen as drawbacks, the relatively lower price compensates for this, just like the less powerful chip. It’s sufficient for everyday productivity tasks and offers impressive battery life, allowing for two full working days between charges. Arm chips come with potential app compatibility concerns that should be examined prior to purchase.

Overall, the Surface Laptop is a delightful device. However, at £900 or its equivalent, it isn’t the cheapest option, and it’s worth considering whether larger, more capable models can be had for a similar price.

Pros: Clean Windows 11 interface, exceptional keyboard, decent trackpad, impressive speakers, USB-A and USB-C connectivity, solid screen, fingerprint reader, long battery life, and good performance enhanced by AI features.

Cons: Compatibility issues with ARM-based apps and games, potential for higher performance from larger siblings, absence of facial recognition, lack of USB4 support, older trackpad design, and slightly expensive for what it offers.




The refined design and premium materials set the Surface Laptop apart from the competition. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Everyone in the city must have a noise canceling device or perhaps even a pet spider.

When you’re about to have a nice meal, nothing worse than a noisy neighbor. Even if the meal is made up before it liquefies the inside of the prey.

New research shows that some spiders living in cities somehow weave soundproofing designs into the web structure to manage unnecessary noise.

“The University of Nebraska Lincoln” has announced that Irene Hebetz, author of the paper led by University of Nebraska-Lincoln biologist and university postdoctoral researcher Brandi Pessman.

Funnel web spiders are becoming more common in North America. These quarter-sized spiders, with their legs stretched, attach nets to everything, whether they are rocks, grass or human objects. They weave a kind of funnel into a web that usually hides from predators. Their silk is not sticky, so they rely on speed and ambush. After detecting prey into their nets, they burst and attacked, injected the victim with venom, then liquefying the inside for easy digestion.

Spiders don’t have human ears, so they don’t necessarily listen to things in the traditional way. However, sound produces vibrations that travel through the ground into the net through the chains of silk.

“They really rely on those exact vibrations to determine where their prey is, what their prey is, and whether they’re going to attack,” Dr. Pessman said.

“The sense of vibration tends to be forgotten in nature,” added Beth Mortimer, a biologist who studied noise pollution and was not involved in the study at Oxford University. This species builds both urban and rural nets at home. And Dr. Pessman began to wonder whether noise pollution might plague spiders enough to change their web weaving strategies.

in study Presented in the Journal Current Biology last week, Dr. Pessman and Dr. Hebets rounded up Arachnid City Slickers and Country Bumbkins and took them to the lab. They placed each spider in a container with the speakers on the bottom and played loud or quiet white noise for four days.

The researchers then analyzed the webs constructed by each spider by transmitting measured vibrations at different points.

Dr. Hebbets and Dr. Pessmann could not find any major differences in the way urban spiders and farm spiders communicate vibrations when they play quiet noises.

When they played loud noises on urban spiders, they discovered that their web was less sensitive and less vibrations to the funnel. “Their web was inherently quiet,” Dr. Pessman said. Researchers didn’t know how the web differed structurally, but Dr. Pessman said it was clear that “it reduces the constant noise approaching where they sit.”

Conversely, when the country’s spiders heard a loud noise, they created a more sensitive web. Researchers speculated that they were not used to such rackets and were desperately trying to feel the incoming prey. It’s like turning up a TV as the lawnmower passes by the window.

Meanwhile, city spiders essentially filled the wall because everything was boring. This is an adaptation that puts you at a disadvantage to hear your prey and potential companions, using vibrations to communicate availability. But it may help animals save their energy and not respond to all the city sounds they detect.

“If you have masking noise, that means you’re less likely to detect small items coming into your web,” said Dr. Mortimer, who said the study “doesn’t really well.”

The study highlights the refinement of spiders, Hebbets said, because despite the problems with big cities, he came up with solutions to find food and companions.

“Animal sensory systems can certainly adapt to changes in environmental conditions over time, but this takes time,” Dr. Hebbets said. “However, behavioral changes can be immediate.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Australia Bans DeepSeek Device Due to National Security Concerns

DeepSeek has been banned from all federal equipment in order to crack down on Chinese AI chatbots due to an unspecified national security risk.

Last week, DeepSeek’s AI Generative Chatbot was released, causing concern in US high-tech circles regarding censorship and data security.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order on Tuesday prohibiting the use of the program on all federal government systems and national security devices based on intelligence agency advice.


The Minister of the Interior emphasized that the decision was based on protecting the government and its assets, not influenced by China as a country of origin.

Bark stated, “The Albanese government is taking swift and decisive actions to safeguard Australia’s national security and interests.”

He added, “AI presents potential and opportunities, but the government will not hesitate to act if national security risks are identified.”

It is advised that governments and organizations promptly report and remove the app from their devices to prevent reinstallation.

This decision comes nearly two years after the Albanese government banned the Chinese social media app TikTok across government devices citing security and privacy risks.

In January, Minister of Science Ed Hepsick anticipated a similar debate surrounding DeepSeek.

He stated, “I believe there will be parallels drawn naturally. There is a resemblance to the discussions seen around TikTok with regard to DeepSeek.”

Australia joins Taiwan, Italy, and some US states in blocking and banning apps on government devices.

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This week, the New South Wales state government has banned the application. Other state governments are also considering similar actions.

An analysis by Guardian Australia in January revealed that chatbots like DeepSeek have avoided discussing specific political events in the Chinese government.

In contrast to other models, DeepSeek did not engage in conversations about topics such as Tiananmen Square and The Umbrella Revolution when asked.

Immediately after its release in January, DeepSeek became popular in the global app store, causing a significant drop in a major US Tech Index.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Actually, you can downgrade your device and live without a smartphone: A practical guide

I I’ve spent many years of my life online. I almost crashed my car because I was composing a message. Losing my data connection caused me to have a panic attack. I scrolled for hours and couldn’t remember anything I saw during that time. I chose screens over conversations, scenery, books, a good night’s sleep, and moments of quiet reflection.

I mean, I owned a smartphone.

In my early 20s, I worked as an online art influencer. That was my job. I documented every aspect of my life on Instagram for an audience of about 200,000 people. Nothing was off-limits: creative endeavors, mood swings, love affairs, hospitalization.

My life was a one-woman tabloid generating traffic for my art business. As much as I needed money, I also needed attention. I had very few friends. I had a lot of followers. That balance was not sustainable.

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I became isolated and addicted to social media, two conditions that lasted forever. One day I broke down and deactivated my account. Everything changed when I ordered my old Nokia.

The impact of giving up my smartphone was immeasurable and truly life-changing. It takes sober judgment to know how distracted you are, how anxious you are, how easily you get bored, and how much you resist silence, presence, pain, and other natural human states did.

The benefits of the downgrade accumulated gradually over many months of withdrawals and adjustments. Years after my downgrade, I am still noticing new advantages in myself that have finally emerged from beneath the shadow of my technology addiction.

Now you will never be bored. All of them are interesting. I read long books. I go for long walks without headphones. When I have to wait, like when the bus is late or a friend goes to the bathroom, I just sit there. When I’m at my computer, I check my email etc. I’ve found that I don’t really care about the Internet when it’s out of reach.

Illustration: August Lamb

The most easily quantifiable benefit of downgrading is time. When you stop scrolling, your daily time returns. You can use that time to be healthy, social, or productive, or you can use it to do nothing. Laziness is a lost art, and in my opinion, laziness is essential to mental health and creativity. I spend a good portion of my day flipping through periodicals, drinking tea, and awkwardly pecking away at the piano. I believe that if you give your all, you won’t be able to waste your time.

If you’re interested in switching to a dumbphone, you may have questions about how practical or even possible it is. How do we live without Google Maps, calls over Wi-Fi, and two-factor authentication? These questions can make downgrading difficult to understand.

But remember that people have lived without smartphones for thousands of years. With time, patience, and smart workarounds, we can all find our way back to normal.

Here are my answers to some of the most common questions I receive.

How do I use two-factor authentication?

For security reasons, certain online platforms may require you to confirm your login through a smartphone app. There are several ways to deal with this depending on the platform you are using.

  1. Purchase a physical security device Connect to your computer during authentication. One popular option is Ubikey.

  2. Ask if you can receive SMS verification, If you work or study somewhere with an IT department. This means that you can get an authorization code sent to your dumb phone, and in some cases you can even enable this manually, but be aware that this is a less secure method.

  3. some stupidMobile phones have a browser function One that supports two-factor authentication.

  4. Use a spare phone (This may seem to defeat the purpose of downgrading at first; more on this later).

If you find yourself stuck on this particular problem, you are not alone. This is one of the most difficult and most important smartphone features to recreate. You can also check online forums such as: danphon subreddit) See more ideas.

How can I stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues?

After downgrading, you can still send text messages and make calls on your new phone. The only potential complication is that many of us use online messaging to keep in touch, especially internationally.

Luckily, you can access almost all of them from your desktop computer, including iMessage, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram. And while laptops are internet-connected devices, they don’t prey on your attention like smaller handheld devices.

In my experience, the only people you really need to contact while you’re out are the people you’re coordinating with. What time are you there? or I’m going to be late – That’s emergency information.

Less urgent are group chats, messages to friends and family overseas, and DMs to social media acquaintances. These things may be feel But once you step away from them, you may realize that that sense of urgency was a product of software engineering, your own insecurities, or a combination of both.

How do you get around without a map app?

You may not realize it, but most Danphones come with a map app. In fact, unlike the bricks of the early 2000s, some modern Danphones come with Bluetooth, MP3 players, and even tiny, hard-to-use search engines.

If you feel you need these amenities, be sure to find a Danphone that offers them. (I used to have a flip phone with Google Maps, but I recently downgraded to an even less capable phone because I use the map feature obsessively and my estimated walking time is I was checking the arrival time every few blocks to see if it was going to happen.

But it’s also possible to live without digital navigation tools. I personally look up directions before leaving home, check posted traffic maps, ask for help from strangers, and get to know the area well enough to navigate intuitively. I like to move things in combination.

Interestingly, I found that I almost never needed to refer to the hand-drawn map. The process of writing down directions helps embed them in your brain. Over time, knowledge of local geography and transportation has accumulated, allowing you to travel without a map in most cases.

A hand-drawn map that August used on her trip to London and Berlin. She wrote them down before going out for the day.

What about listening to music or podcasts?

Even before the advent of smartphones, people were listening to audio on the go. Older MP3 players are available cheaply online, and certain dumbphones come equipped with audio players.

However, you’ll need to find a way to download what you want to listen to. The library is a great resource for CDs and audiobooks. Podcasts are free to download and listen to offline through Apple. If you’re looking for more recent releases, I highly recommend buying them on Bandcamp and using the money you save on your phone plan (not to mention the phone itself) to support musicians.

That being said, downgrading will certainly reduce your need for audio stimulation. You will soon find that you can happily move through the world with only recreational thoughts.

What about taking photos?

I carry a film camera with me wherever I go. Receiving film scans is the highlight of my month. The photos are of high quality and feel much more special than the 60,000 photos I took on my phone before I downgraded.

The film is not the only important difference. You may prefer a digital camera, and I know many dumbphone users who prefer digital cameras. Either way, using a real camera is a completely different experience for two reasons. One, the friction of ejecting another device makes taking a photo a more intentional act, and the single-purpose nature of the camera makes it distracting and intrusive while in use. That never happens. that.

Are there any things you can’t use without a smartphone?

Although I am a strong advocate of the feasibility of living without a smartphone, it is my opinion that there are some things that are simply not possible without a smartphone, namely when you are on the go, away from your computer and internet connection. I have to admit that. .

These include WhatsApp, Spotify, tickets to certain concerts and sports matches, electric car charging, location sharing, and more. It’s easy to obsess over these losses, but instead, I encourage you to think about all the things you gain in the process: time, presence, and peace of mind. Is there anything wrong with such things?

…Do you need a backup phone?

A spare phone is a smartphone that should ideally be turned off and put away except in special circumstances. Many dumbphone users keep their smartphones in a drawer or at a friend’s house in case they need them for authentication. There are certain services and applications that rely on everyone having access to a smartphone, and the complexity involved in getting around these obstacles may not be worth it.

So if you feel like you need a spare phone, there’s no shame in keeping it for the moment you need it (for example, if you own an electric car and need to charge it. ).

However, for other mundane tasks, the less accessible they are, the less urgent they will feel. Do you really need to check your email on the train? Do you really need to buy concert tickets at the hospital? Or can these things wait until you’re in front of your computer?

It’s easy to tally up the inconveniences associated with downgrading. Instead, I recommend thinking about what you can gain, although it is difficult to quantify. Isn’t your newfound presence, attention, and free time worth missing an email or being late to an event every once in a while?

There are certainly downsides, and you might be tempted to see that as a good reason to go back. In such a case, think back to your original motivation for downgrading. Who did you want to be? Isn’t it worth it?

It’s been years since I downgraded, but I was so completely adapted to Danphone that I forgot all about it until someone reminded me of it. “Do you miss your smartphone?” they ask, and I remember the height of my addiction. How could I miss that moment? I was hardly there.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Revolutionary Anti-Aging Neurotechnology: The innovative device designed to maintain youthful brain function

Living a healthier life can be achieved in many ways. Simple activities like daily walks, healthy eating, and brain-boosting puzzles like Sudoku can keep your mind and body active. For a unique approach, consider trying neuromodulation, which involves sending electric shocks to the brain.

Neuromodulation is an innovative method that uses a stimulator placed on the head to deliver electrical shocks directly to the nervous system. This non-invasive technique offers numerous health benefits and has gained traction as a cutting-edge technology for enhancing well-being.

The concept of neuromodulation has been around for some time, but companies like Parasin and gamma core have reignited interest in recent years. These companies claim to improve mental performance and overall health with their devices that can be used conveniently at home.

Research from reputable institutions like UCL, Harvard University, and University College London supports the effectiveness of neuromodulation. Even tech entrepreneurs like Brian Johnson have shown interest in this technology.

What is neuromodulation and how does it work?

Neuromodulation is a technique that alters neural activity by delivering electrical signals to specific areas. Imagine it as a dimmer switch that can increase or decrease nerve or brain activity. This method can excite or inhibit nerves to alleviate pain and modify neural patterns associated with various conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

Companies like Parasym use “auricular vagal neuromodulation therapy” to deliver electrical signals through the ear to target the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in connecting the brain, heart, and digestive system.

How technology can slow aging

Neuromodulation can help slow down the aging process by combating chronic inflammation, enhancing cognitive function, and improving cardiovascular health. Research shows promising results in addressing age-related issues like Alzheimer’s disease and heart conditions.

While neuromodulation offers benefits like improved heart rate variability and reduced fatigue and depression, it remains in the early stages of development. Safety concerns and experimental results underscore the need for further research and validation.

Is neuromodulation safe?

Neuromodulation has evolved since its inception in the 1960s, with modern devices providing safer options for users. Implantable devices offer more effective treatment but come with higher risks, including infections and other complications.

Non-invasive wearable devices like those from Parasym are considered safer, with minor side effects like skin irritation being the main concern. These devices require consistent use to deliver optimal results, making them a more accessible but less durable alternative to implantable devices.

While neuromodulation technology shows promise in improving health and well-being, users should weigh the benefits against the costs and potential risks before investing in these innovative devices.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Innovative Wearable Device Identifies Early Signs of Breast Cancer

The World Health Organization reported that in 2020, 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer. American Cancer Society states that early diagnosis of breast cancer leads to a 100% survival rate. During the initial diagnosis, images or scans of breast tissue are examined by the doctor to detect abnormalities.

Doctors commonly use ultrasound devices to diagnose breast cancer using sound waves. Ultrasound for diagnosing breast cancer. Scientists have identified limitations of ultrasound in the past, such as the need for proper skills and training, poor contact with skin during scanning, and maintenance challenges of large ultrasound machines in hospitals.

To address these limitations, a group of researchers developed a wearable, portable, and affordable device called cUSBr-Patch, which stands for Compatible Ultrasonic Chest Patch. To create this wearable patch, they used a 3D printer to design a honeycomb-shaped patch with holes that can be attached to a soft fabric bra.

Scientists attached a small scanning device to the patch that uses sound waves to acquire medical images similar to an ultrasound machine. This device, called phased array transducer, uses piezoelectric material and differs from traditional hospital ultrasound scanners, producing clear and high-resolution images.

The cUSBr-Patch is attached to a bra with magnets and allows the patch to directly touch the skin for scanning. A small tracker on the phased array transducer is moved and rotated using a handle to capture images of the entire breast.

Researchers tested cUSBr-Patch on female patients with breast abnormalities, scanning both breasts in six different locations using the phased array transducer connected to the patch. Computer programs were then used to generate images similar to those from standard hospital ultrasound machines.

The researchers concluded that cUSBr-Patch can detect breast cancer at a level comparable to traditional hospital ultrasound equipment. They are working on a smaller version of the device, aiming to make it accessible for home use by high-risk individuals and populations without regular testing facilities to improve breast cancer survival rates significantly.


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Source: sciworthy.com

Woman sues over allegations that robotic device caused burns to her small intestine during surgery

A woman who was undergoing surgery for colon cancer has been the victim of a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida this week. The lawsuit alleges that a robotic device caused damage to Sandra Sulzer’s small intestine, which led to her death. This happened after she experienced abdominal pain and fever following the surgery in September 2021. The extra procedures to close her lacerations were not enough to save her life, as she died in February 2022 due to small bowel injuries.

Sandra’s husband, Harvey Salzer, is seeking damages from Intuitive Surgical, the manufacturer of the device. The lawsuit claims that the company knew about the insulation problems in the robot that could cause internal organ burns, and yet failed to inform the users about the risk nor to disclose it to the public. It also asserts that Intuitive Surgical doesn’t properly train surgeons who use the device, the da Vinci, and that hospitals lack experience with robotic surgery.

According to the complaint, Intuitive has received thousands of reports of da Vinci-related injuries and defects, but “systematically underreports” injuries to the Food and Drug Administration. The company also stated in a 2014 Financial Report that it was a defendant in approximately 93 lawsuits at the time.

Many doctors support robotic surgery as a safe method, but there are discussions about whether it is more effective than traditional surgery. The technology aims to make procedures precise and less invasive, potentially leading to faster, less painful recovery.

Da Vinci Xi Surgical System.Provided by: Intuitive

A 2018 NBC News analysis revealed over 20,000 da Vinci-related adverse events over the past 10 years, as per reports from the FDA’s MAUDE database. More than a dozen patients spoke to NBC News about burns or injuries during procedures using da Vinci.

Intuitive defended the device’s safety, referring to scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in over 15,000 studies.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Indian teenager creates ground-breaking device with potential to revolutionize dementia care on a global scale

IDuring the blissful summer that Hemesh Chadarabada spent with his grandmother in 2018, they watched endless movies and ate her grandmother's chicken biryani. Late one evening, while Chadaravada, then 12, was sitting alone in front of the television, Jayasree got up in her nightgown and went to her home in Guntur, southern India, to make her a cup of tea. Ta.

After returning to her bedroom, Chadarabada went into the kitchen and noticed that her grandmother, then 63, had left the gas on.

“She was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and I was still in shock. What would have happened if I hadn't been there?” Chadaravada says.

Chadarabada shows her grandmother the prototype of the device. Photo: Handout

Chadaravada knows that Jayasree is not only a loving grandmother but also a dynamic and successful woman with a high-profile career as a civil servant who interacted with Telangana's top politicians and policy makers. Ta.

But Alzheimer's disease changed her forever. “She would wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning and she would go outside thinking she was on the train,” he says.

During that happy summer, Chadarabada, a self-confessed geek from Hyderabad who loves robotics, decided he wanted to invent a device to help people like his grandmother.

Now 17 years old, Chadarabada is ready to start building a device to detect falls and wandering in Alzheimer's patients, something that is not possible with currently available devices.

Light and compact, Alpha Monitor can be worn as a badge or armband and sounds an alarm when the wearer begins to move, alerting caregivers if the patient falls or wanders.

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Most similar devices work over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so if a person moves outside of the frequency's restricted range, they lose connectivity and, with it, monitoring. However, Alpha Monitor Lolait uses.

Chadarabada taught himself by watching YouTube videos about robotics and electronics and developed 20 prototypes.

Understanding the needs of Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's disease in India) patients Estimated 8.8 million people), spent time at a day center run by the Alzheimer's Disease Related Disorders Association of India.

Innovative Solar-Powered Device Converts Contaminated Water into Clean Hydrogen Fuel and Purified Water

Cambridge researchers have developed a solar power device that converts contaminated water into clean hydrogen fuel and potable water, providing a sustainable solution to the global energy and water crisis. Credit: Chanon Pornrungroj/Ariffin Mohamad Annuar

A research team from the University of Cambridge has developed an innovative floating device that uses solar energy to convert contaminated or seawater into clean hydrogen fuel and purified water.

The device can operate on any open water source and does not rely on external power sources, making it particularly beneficial for regions with limited resources or without access to the electrical grid.

Innovation inspired by nature

Inspired by photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into food. But unlike previous versions of “artificial leaves” that could produce green hydrogen fuel from clean water sources, this new device can work from polluted or seawater sources and produce clean drinking water at the same time.

Tests of the device have shown that it can produce clean water from highly polluted water, seawater and even the River Cam in central Cambridge.of result reported in a magazine natural water.

Technical challenges and breakthroughs

“It’s difficult to combine solar fuel production and water purification into a single device,” said study co-lead author Dr Chanon Pornunglozi from the Yusuf Hameed Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. “Solar-powered water splitting, where water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen, requires starting with completely pure water, as contaminants can poison the catalyst or cause unwanted chemical side reactions. .”

“Water splitting is extremely difficult in remote and developing regions, where clean water is relatively scarce and the infrastructure needed to purify water is not readily available,” said co-lead author Arifin. Mohammad Annua said. “If we have a device that works with contaminated water, we could potentially solve two problems at once: we could split water to make clean fuel and we could make clean drinking water.”

Researchers have developed a solar-powered floating device that can turn contaminated or seawater into clean hydrogen fuel or purified water anywhere in the world. Credit: Chanon Pornrungroj/Ariffin Mohamad Annuar

Pornunglozi and Mohammad Annua, members of Professor Irwin Reisner’s research group, have devised a design that does just that. They deposited a photocatalyst on a nanostructured carbon mesh that easily absorbs both light and heat, producing water vapor that the photocatalyst uses to produce hydrogen. The porous carbon mesh treated to repel water facilitated the levitation of the photocatalyst and served to keep it away from the water below so that pollutants would not interfere with the photocatalyst’s function.

Additionally, new devices use more solar energy. “The process of using light to produce solar fuels uses only a small portion of the solar spectrum; much of the spectrum remains unused,” said Mohammad Anuar.

The research team used a white UV-absorbing layer on top of the floating device for hydrogen production through water splitting. The rest of the solar spectrum travels to the bottom of the device, where the water evaporates.

“This way, we are making better use of light. We get steam for hydrogen production, and the rest is water vapor,” Pornunglozi said. “This way we can now incorporate the process of transpiration, so we can really mimic real leaves.”

Potential global impact

A device that can create clean fuel and clean water all at once using only solar power could help address the energy and water crisis facing many parts of the world. For example, according to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution caused by cooking with “dirty” fuels such as kerosene is responsible for more than 3 million deaths a year. Cooking with green hydrogen instead could potentially reduce that number significantly. And around the world, he said, 1.8 billion people still don’t have safe drinking water at home.

“The design is also very simple. In just a few steps, you can build a device that works well with water from a variety of sources,” said Mohammad Anuar.

“It is very resistant to contaminants, and the floating design allows the substrate to work in very murky or muddy water,” Pornungloj said. “It’s a very versatile system.”

“While our device is still a proof of principle, these solutions will be needed to develop a truly circular economy and sustainable future,” said Reisner, who led the research. Stated. “The climate crisis and issues around pollution and health are closely linked, and developing approaches that help address both could be a game-changer for many people.”

References: “Hybrid photothermal-photocatalytic sheets for solar-powered whole water splitting coupled with water purification” by Chanon Pornrungroj, Ariffin Bin Mohamad Annuar, Qian Wang, Motiar Rahaman, Subhajit Bhattacharjee, Virgil Andrei, Erwin Reisner; November 13, 2023 natural water.
DOI: 10.1038/s44221-023-00139-9

This research was partially supported by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme, the European Research Council, the Cambridge Trust, the Petronas Educational Sponsorship Program and the Winton Program for the Physics of Sustainability. Erwin Reisner is a fellow at St. John’s College. Chanon Pornrungroj is a member of the University of Darwin and Ariffin Mohamad Annuar is a member of Clare University.

Source: scitechdaily.com