Lifeboat Foundation

Scientists have observed the molecular motion of rubber components typically used in automobile tires—polybutadiene and carbon black—with the world’s fastest time resolution.

The study, published in Applied Physics Letters, reveals a clear interaction between the two components on the atomic scale, paving the way towards improved diagnostics of tire rubber degradation and the development of materials with enhanced durability.

Tire rubber is a composite material that typically includes synthetic rubber, such as polybutadiene, and added nanoparticles, such as carbon black, to improve its physical properties. During driving, strong forces act on the tire, causing its components to move against each another, which can lead to wear and degradation of the material.

Google’s Green Light initiative uses AI and Google Maps to optimize traffic lights and reduce emissions.

Traffic jams are not only frustrating but also harmful to the environment. According to a study, road transportation accounts for a large share of global and urban greenhouse gas emissions, and the situation is worse at city intersections, where pollution can be 29 times higher than on open roads. The main reason is vehicles’ frequent stopping and starting, which consumes more fuel and emits more carbon dioxide.

But what if we could use artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize traffic lights and reduce these emissions? That is the idea behind Green Light, a Google Research initiative that… More.

Continue reading “Google’s Green Light: AI for smarter and greener traffic lights” »

Consumers discard or possess disused electronic goods containing raw materials critical for the green energy transition and worth almost $10 billion every year, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Toys, cables, electronic cigarettes, tools, electric toothbrushes, shavers, headphones and other domestic gadgets contain metals like lithium, gold, silver and copper.

Demand is expected to soar for these materials due to their crucial role in rapidly growing green industries such as electric vehicle battery production.

Ceramic nanowires could essentially be used even for car tires reducing even hazardous rubber waste.

A team of MIT-led engineers found a simple, inexpensive way to strengthen Inconel 718 with ceramic nanowires to be used in metal PBF AM processes. The team believes that their general approach could be used to improve many other materials. “There is always a significant need for the development of more capable materials for extreme environments. We believe that this method has great potential for other materials in the future,” said Ju Li, the Battelle Energy Alliance Professor in Nuclear Engineering and a professor in MIT’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE).

Li, who is also affiliated with the Materials Research Laboratory (MRL), is one of three corresponding authors of a paper on the work that appeared in the April 5 issue of Additive Manufacturing. The other corresponding authors are Professor Wen Chen of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Professor A. John Hart of the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Continue reading “MIT researchers develop Inconel 718-ceramic nanowires powder for AM” »

From the astrology software of the 1970s to the Co-Star app, spirituality has proliferated online. Now, large language models can find overlooked ways to connect with a higher plane.

In addition to reducing travel times, it could also offer picturesque views using see-through windows if the project is deemed feasible.

The plan first came to light in 2018 but is now being actively pursued as Dubai looks to stamp its authority on impressive constructions again, with Saudi Arabia also aiming for a piece of the pie.

Hxdyl/iStock.

Continue reading “The UAE wants to build an underwater bullet train to Mumbai” »

Blucap Moto has developed new navigational augmented reality sunglasses.

Robot arms yield powerful jets of water and sand.

Do you know how heavy container ships are decommissioned? The process takes place in South Asia with the use of fossil fuel-powered torches to tear the ships apart and cut them into smaller pieces.

This results in much pollution both from emissions and the waste that runs down to the sea from the broken ships. It is also quite dangerous for the operators who have no protective clothing and often suffer many fatalities.

Austrian startup CycloTech has unveiled CruiseUp, an innovative air vehicle that showcases the benefits of CycloRotor technology and its 360-degree thrust vectoring capabilities, all within a compact, passenger-oriented design.

Drawing on 15 years of technology development, extensive wind tunnel testing, and experience from over 500 flights of its technology demonstrator, the CruiseUp concept is designed to meet the individual air mobility needs expected to emerge in the coming decade. The vehicle promises to unlock new possibilities for everyday activities, enabling comfortable, simple, and safe transportation while also promoting sustainability by replacing pollution-intensive ground-based transportation.

CruiseUp uses CycloRotors as its electric propulsion system. This system is unique because it encapsulates the moving parts, providing an extra layer of safety for both the environment and the two passengers.