Archived News for Engineering Professionals
Speculation about two mysterious barges docked in US ports has lit up the tech-world in the last two weeks, but guessing is still all anyone can do as the inexplicable ships give up none of their secrets.
New chip learns from humans' approach to thinking
The world’s greatest supercomputers still look like crude counting tools compared to the human brain, but a new chip has pinched a human technique for improving the efficiency of computation.
New technologies reined to keep brains from pain
A new system which could allow greater control over anaesthesia and induced comas has seen positive results from early tests.
Unions say restored ABCC heralds rough times
Many will have heard Tony Abbott’s repeated promise that WorkChoices is “dead, buried and cremated”, but the watchdog created to enforce the old laws is coming back – and sporting a shiny new collar.
Science site seeks to inspire young minds
A new website billed as a ‘digital textbook’ has been created to help change the way young students see science– encouraging them to study and get excited about a traditionally stuffy subject.
NBN Co makes clarity claim as map movements malign many
Amended maps have been released showing the state of construction work for the National Broadband Network, upsetting many who thought their homes would be next in line.
Bees' simple approach to landing decoded
Honeybees are capable of landing with absolute precision on virtually any surface, now scientists have worked out how they judge their descent – and it is so simple we might just steal their idea.
Bond survey says we work better in green
A study has been published which tallies the positive and negative effects of working in an environmentally-conscious office, suggesting there are benefits both to people and the planet.
Early inquiry sets Abbot Point on rough path
An inquiry has been launched after allegations that the firm in charge of expanding Queensland’s Abbot Point coal terminal has already failed to meet environmental requirements.
Nano-device can drop drugs and see what happens
A new nanoparticle has been developed which can deliver cancer drugs to specific cells and then stick around to monitor their effect.
Precision lifted on a bed of light
Physicists from the Australian National University have developed a multi-pronged approach to measuring gravitational force, balancing a mirror on a tripod of lasers.
Big drop on GR to help dig up WA sands
A $55 million contract could help a massive mineral sands project out of a recent slump, with MZI Resources awarding GR the job of building its flagship Keysbrook site.
Crazy collisions planned to coax dark matter into light
A much-hypothesised material will soon be closer to researchers’ grasp, with engineers embarking on a build to make dark matter in the lab.
Ethiopia cracks incredible thermal worth
A deal has been signed that should see the construction of a 1000 megawatt geothermal electric plant in Ethiopia worth an incredible $4 billion.
Figures show firms looking less this year
A survey says global exploration budgets for non-ferrous metals have taken a nosedive this year.
Finishing touches on Newcastle rail relief
Planning is just about done and work will soon begin on the $163 million Newcastle rail freight upgrade
Minister calls for relaxed exports on military hardware
The Federal Defence Minister wants Australia to get more involved in exporting military hardware, with a review launched into the current practice of keeping gear here in the interests of safety.
Robo-drivers show clean slate so far
Google has released data reportedly showing its driverless cars are safer than those with human operators.
Ten years of fly-overs makes stunning Mars map
A shuttle launched in 2003 has sent back data from over 12,500 trips around Mars, the European Space Agency has now compiled it into a high-resolution fly-over.
Training and payments promised after tragic collapse
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has taken steps in response to the horrendous working conditions of many factories in Bangladesh, following the recent deaths of over a thousand workers.
Global demands for better broadband plans
The people in charge of a new plan to deliver the next generation of Australia’s internet infrastructure have got some of the advice they need at a summit in Stockholm.