ENGGtalks Newsroom

18 Aug 23

Neurotech Overhears Songs from Listener’s Brainwaves

Computer & Information Technology

Ever had a song stuck in your head? New research from a team of neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley maps out regions of the human brain that make earworms—and music perception more broadly—possible.The research results, recently published in the journal PLOS Biology, show how human brains respond to…

18 Aug 23

Waterless hydro tech can turn hills into giant batteries

Computer & Information Technology

Thousands of hills across Britain could be transformed into renewable energy batteries thanks to a new ‘high-density’ hydropower system buried underground. Developed by UK startup RheEnergise, the system puts a modern spin on pumped storage hydro, a centuries-old technology which accounts for 95% of today’s energy storage capacity. Pumped storage…

18 Aug 23

Scientists design tougher flash memory device for space missions

Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation

The researchers have been able to build a flash memory device that can withstand the hazards encountered by space probes, including exposure to radiation and huge temperature swings, which can be challenging for traditional electronic circuits. Although semiconductors are usually made from silicon, gallium oxide allows scientists to build devices…

18 Aug 23

UK could be left behind in green energy transition, study warns

Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation, Mechanical, Production & Manufacturing

Researchers have predicted British growth in low-carbon electricity output to reach 2.9 per cent by the end of the decade, lagging France (3.1 per cent) and Japan (3.2 per cent). The nations with the largest growth in the sector were the US (6.4 per cent), China (7.2 per cent) and…

18 Aug 23

New Concept Could Spark Ideas for Tree-Planting Bots

Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation, Mechanical, Production & Manufacturing

This article is part of our exclusive IEEE Journal Watch series in partnership with IEEE Xplore. Trees play clear and crucial roles in many ecosystems—whether they’re providing shade on a sunny day, serving as a home for a family of owls, or cycling carbon dioxide out of the air. But…

18 Aug 23

Members Advocate for AI Regulations During Visit to U.S. Congress

Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation, Mechanical, Production & Manufacturing

More than 100 IEEE members participated in the annual IEEE-USA Congressional Visits Day (CVD), held this year on 4 and 5 April in Washington, D.C. The 2023 event had more IEEE members involved than in any other year. CVD brings together engineers, researchers, technology executives, and others to raise visibility…

17 Aug 23

Analyzing the Impact of Quantum Computing on Future Wireless Networks

Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation

Artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing are poised to play an increasing role in future mobile networks. This webinar will look specifically at the role of quantum computing for these networks. The webinar will examine: The use of quantum computing tools for wireless network design for both satellite and terrestrial…

17 Aug 23

Norwegian wealth fund warns of AI risks while reeling in billions from the tech

Computer & Information Technology

To say that Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund made a killing these past months would be an understatement. The world’s largest investor in the stock market earned 1,501 billion crowns (€131.1bn) in the first half of 2023, and much of it due to the recent boom in AI. To a large…

17 Aug 23

This PV-leaf can harness more power than standard solar panels

Computer & Information Technology

Scientists at Imperial College London have invented a leaf-inspired technology that captures solar energy and makes freshwater in the process. The design, known as PV-leaf, is made up of glass, photovoltiac cells, bamboo fibres, and hydrogel cells which combine to mimic a real leaf. Water can even move and distribute…

17 Aug 23

New £1B fintech fund aims to plug UK’s £2B funding gap

Computer & Information Technology

The UK has devised a novel solution for a funding gap: more funding. In a bid to strengthen the country’s financial sector, up to £1bn (€1.2bn) has been allocated to a new investment vehicle for fintech firms. Named the FinTech Growth Fund, the scheme will invest predominantly in companies between Series B…