technological innovation Archives

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drones Combat Bushfires Australia’s High-Tech Plan to Tame Flames Before They Rage

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech

On a typical summer evening in Australia, a dry lightning storm rolls across parched bushland. With hot, windy conditions forecast for the next day, a single lightning strike could ignite a catastrophic blaze. But thanks to cutting-edge drone technology, such threats may soon be contained before they escalate. This innovative vision, outlined in the federal government's latest roadmap, leverages drones to detect and suppress bushfires early. Equipped with thermal detectors and cameras, drones can spot smouldering roots or smoke trails in remote areas, operating tirelessly through the night. Larger drones armed with fire retardants join the effort, slowing flames until human fire crews take over at dawn. The result? What could have become a devastating megablaze is contained to a few hec...

Dec72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Scientists Create Material Inspired by Harry Potter’s Invisibility Cloak

Breaking News, Idea & Innovations, Tech

The concept of invisibility, once a fantasy from Harry Potter films, may soon become a reality. Chinese scientists from the University of Electronic Science and Technology have developed a groundbreaking camouflage material capable of rendering objects nearly invisible. This innovative material, detailed in Science Advances, adjusts its molecular composition to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, mimicking the adaptive camouflage of creatures like chameleons and octopuses. The process, called self-adaptive photochromism (SAP), allows the material to change color when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. Molecules in the material rearrange themselves to match the background, making the object imperceptible to the human eye. How It Works According to the research team, led ...

Dec42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Gravitational Wave Hot Spot Detected in Southern Hemisphere, Raising Questions About Cosmic Activity

Breaking News, Idea & Innovations, Learning & Developments, Space

Astronomers using the MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array in South Africa have unveiled groundbreaking insights into the universe’s gravitational wave background, including the discovery of a curious "hot spot" in the Southern Hemisphere. The findings, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggest a more active universe than previously believed, potentially altering our understanding of supermassive black holes and their role in cosmic evolution. The Gravitational Wave Background Gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of space-time, are created by massive objects like black holes and neutron stars as they orbit or collide. These waves, first detected in 2015, exist across a spectrum, with the slowest and most powerful waves stemming from supermassive black h...

Jul192024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Advanced 3D Modeling Framework for Predicting Flood Risks

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a cutting-edge 3D modeling framework to predict long-term flooding risks by capturing the intricate dynamics of water flow across landscapes. This tool is designed to provide crucial insights into community vulnerabilities as climate conditions change, specifically for urban areas like Southeast Texas. Framework Overview The model offers powerful capabilities for urban planning, generating robust estimates of both frequent and rare flood events by simulating physical processes that turn rainfall into runoff. By incorporating factors such as land cover, soil properties, and land slope, along with population density data, the framework provides a comprehensive perspective on flood risks across ...

May172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Assam Launches DRIMS: A Digital Solution for Disaster Management in collaboration with Unicef

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

In anticipation of potential floods, Assam has introduced the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS), a digital platform aimed at facilitating online reporting of damages incurred during various disasters. Developed by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) in collaboration with Unicef, DRIMS enables accurate reporting and assessment of damages caused by disasters, expediting aid disbursal to affected individuals. The platform efficiently captures critical impact indicators, facilitating the rapid delivery of relief and rehabilitation grants to beneficiaries. It also tracks damages to crops, loss of livestock, and other essential factors, accelerating post-disaster restoration efforts. Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, after launching DRIMS, also unveile...

Feb42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Launches Pilot Projects for Green Hydrogen in Shipping Sector

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments, Thoughts & Talks

In a significant move towards sustainable maritime transport, the Government of India has unveiled guidelines for pilot projects aimed at integrating green hydrogen into the shipping sector. Issued under the National Green Hydrogen Mission by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on February 1, 2024, these guidelines mark a pivotal step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy in maritime transportation. Under the ambit of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the MNRE will spearhead pilot projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and designated implementing agencies. With a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 115 crores until the fiscal year 2025-26, these projects will focus on two key areas: retrofitting existing shi...