RMIT University

Microscope images showing concrete made with treated slag (center), conventional aggregates (left) and raw slag (right) – the treated slag forms a more seamless bond with the surrounding cement

Environment

Using steel slag to treat sewage makes it better for use in concrete

Steel slag is currently utilized both to treat wastewater, and as a concrete aggregate. New research now indicates that using it for the former makes it perform even better as the latter – so the same slag could be used twice.

Recent research suggests that harsh alarm tones such as beeping may result in more grogginess than "nicer" tones such as soft music

Health & Wellbeing

Kinder, gentler alarm tones may put more pep in your step

It makes a certain amount of sense to think that a harsh, jarring alarm tone would be most effective at thoroughly waking a person up. According to a new study, though, a melodic tone may work best for minimizing morning grogginess.

A microscope image of the liquid metal nanoparticles, which may be a promising new form of treatment against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Medical

Liquid metal shredder kills superbugs without drugs

One of humanity’s biggest threats is also the smallest – bacteria. But now, researchers at RMIT in Australia have found a new method for killing these superbugs that they can’t resist – magnetic nanoparticles that physically tear them to shreds.

3D printed titanium alloys under an electron microscope – the sample on the left (with large, elongated crystals) was printed conventionally, while the sample on the right (with finer, shorter crystals) was printed sitting on an ultrasonic generator

3D Printing

Ultrasound found to increase the strength of 3D-printed metal

The quality of 3D-printed metal parts could soon improve, thanks to new research out of Australia. Scientists there have determined that the application of ultrasound boosts the strength of such items, by modifying their microstructure.

A pair of 3D-printed titanium-copper bars, alongside piles of titanium alloy and copper powder

Materials

For stronger 3D-printed titanium alloys – just add copper?

The 3D-printing of titanium-alloy objects does open up some intriguing possibilities. That said, the finished items aren't always as strong as they could be. New research suggests that adding copper to those alloys could make a big difference.

The early detection test for Parkinson's involves a subject undertaking a short series of writing and drawing tasks, with software monitoring the data in real-time

Medical

Writing-based early detection Parkinson's test set for 2022 release

A team of Australian researchers has developed a novel early detection test for Parkinson’s disease based on a short series of drawing and writing tasks. The team is aiming to move through final trial stages and bring the new test to market by 2022.

The device should hit the market the year after next

Medical

Stick-type test assesses user's heart disease risk

Australian scientists have developed a stick-like tes device that users spit on to find out if they're at risk of heart disease.

A new chip uses different colors of light to store data in a similar way to the human brain

Electronics

Brain-mimicking chip uses different-colored light to learn and forget

Engineers have recently focused on trying to emulate the structure of the brain with artificial synapses. Now, a team of researchers have made a new artificial synapse design that works using a light-based biotechnology technique called optogenetics.

Researchers have developed a new way to turn captured carbon dioxide gas into solid "coal"

Environment

Scientists use liquid metals to turn carbon dioxide gas back into coal

Capturing carbon from the air and sequestering it is emerging as a viable strategy, and now scientists have developed a new method to turn CO2 gas back into solid coal, that can then be buried, or even used for electronic components.

RMIT estimates that if 15 percent of bricks produced worldwide contained at least 15 percent biosolids, it would use up the 5 million tonnes (5.5 million US tons) of biosolids stockpiled annually by Australia, New Zealand, the EU, US and Canada

Environment

Environmentally-friendly bricks made from sewage-treatment byproduct

When sewage sludge is processed at wastewater treatment plants, the leftover "biosolid" material is generally dried and set aside. While some of it ends up being used as fertilizer, much is often just stockpiled. Soon, however, it could find its way into eco-friendly fired-clay building bricks.

Australian researchers have developed a device that can decode information from "twisted" light through fiber optics

Telecommunications

Tiny device speeds up the internet 100 times over by reading "twisted" light

Fiber optics allows for ultra-fast communication systems, and more data can be crammed in by "twisting" the light. Now, Australian researchers have developed a device to decode beams that’s small enough to fit over the end of a fiber optic cable.

Different versions of the wristband can be used for different skin colors

Health & Wellbeing

Paper wristband isn't happy with wearers overdoing the UVs

While exposure to SOME sunlight is necessary, we all know that getting too much is not a good idea – among other things, it can cause sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. With that in mind, a new paper wristband has been designed to let us know when to seek the shade.