A telescope built to unlock cosmic mysteries :Misconduct Claims Hit €2bn Global Telescope Project

A telescope built to unlock cosmic mysteries :Misconduct Claims Hit €2bn Global Telescope Project

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 / No Comments

 

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), one of the world’s most ambitious scientific projects, is facing allegations of financial mismanagement after a whistleblower claimed millions in public funds were mishandled.

The €2bn initiative, designed to build the largest radio telescope ever attempted across remote sites in Australia and South Africa, has been hailed as a groundbreaking effort to unlock mysteries of the early universe. But internal disclosures suggest the organisation managing contributions from 16 member states is now under investigation.

According to documents seen by reporters, at least £12m (A$25m) may have been lost in risky investments, with further claims of accounting irregularities and concealed currency losses. The SKAO, headquartered in the UK at Jodrell Bank Observatory, has denied wrongdoing but confirmed that an independent external review is underway.

“The organisation is taking all necessary actions,” SKAO chair Filippo Maria Zerbi wrote in an internal email in May, acknowledging the allegations while insisting further checks were needed before conclusions could be drawn.

Australia, a major funder of the project, has already seen its commitments rise well above initial forecasts. Government budget papers show Canberra has spent $475m between 2021 and 2025, exceeding the original 2020 estimate by $164m. Officials cited exchange rate fluctuations, cost overruns, and additional commitments to local communities near the telescope site.

Further complications have arisen from infrastructure delays. Despite public statements describing solar-powered operations, the Australian site is currently running on diesel generators. Tender documents indicate a permanent power supply may not be completed until 2028, with interim diesel costs already exceeding $1m a year.

The whistleblower also pointed to a European Commission grant of €5m, part of which was later clawed back after auditors judged several costs ineligible. Ultimately, €2.5m was recognised, with the remainder returned.

While project leaders maintain that the scope of building two of the world’s most advanced telescopes inevitably involves budget adjustments, internal updates suggest a “programme and schedule risk review” is ongoing, with possible reductions in scope to close funding gaps.

A SKAO spokesperson dismissed suggestions of capital losses, stressing that all financial activities are subject to regular audits. “Money market funds are inherently low-risk,” the spokesperson said, adding that reductions in balances reflected withdrawals to meet operating costs.

Despite the turbulence, the project remains on track to expand operations over the next decade. When fully operational, the Square Kilometre Array will deploy more than 130,000 antennae in Western Australia and thousands of dishes in South Africa, offering unprecedented insight into the early cosmos and potentially answering one of humanity’s oldest questions: are we alone in the universe?

China Races to Build World's Largest Solar Farm to Meet Emissions Targets

China Races to Build World's Largest Solar Farm to Meet Emissions Targets

Thursday, August 21, 2025 / No Comments

 

Chinese officials last month unveiled what they claim will become the world’s largest solar farm, sprawling across 610 square kilometers (235 square miles) on a Tibetan plateau roughly the size of Chicago.

The massive project highlights China’s rapid expansion of solar capacity, which has contributed to a 1% decline in the country’s carbon emissions in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to a study released Thursday. The decline continues a trend that began in March 2024, suggesting China may have peaked its emissions years ahead of its 2030 target.

“This is a structural decline in emissions, not just a temporary dip,” said Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. He noted that to meet China’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2060, emissions will still need to fall an average of 3% annually over the next 35 years.

China installed 212 gigawatts of solar capacity in just the first six months of 2025 surpassing the entire U.S. solar capacity of 178 gigawatts as of 2024. Solar power has now overtaken hydropower and is set to surpass wind as the largest source of clean energy in the country.

Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, called the trend a “moment of global significance,” adding that it proves a country can reduce emissions while still growing economically. Yet he warned that China’s dependence on coal remains a critical hurdle.

The Tibetan plateau project blends energy production with ecological benefits. Solar panels act as windbreaks to limit dust and soil evaporation, while thousands of “photovoltaic sheep” graze beneath them. Wang Anwei, energy chief of Hainan Prefecture, described it as a “win-win” scenario: energy generation on top, vegetation and grazing below.

Once completed, the farm will host over 7 million panels, producing enough electricity for five million households. Transmission lines are being built to deliver power to eastern China’s population and industrial centers, but challenges remain due to the existing grid’s dependence on coal-fired plants.

Zhang Jinming, vice governor of Qinghai province, acknowledged the logistical hurdles, noting the mismatch between green energy production in the west and industrial demand in the east.

“This requires major changes in both coal plant operations and the transmission network,” said Myllyvirta. “It’s no small task.”

AI Breakthrough Could Revolutionize Coeliac Disease Diagnosis

AI Breakthrough Could Revolutionize Coeliac Disease Diagnosis

Thursday, March 27, 2025 / No Comments

 

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an AI-powered tool that could significantly speed up the diagnosis of coeliac disease, a condition affecting nearly 700,000 people in the UK.

The disease, triggered by gluten consumption, causes symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss. Currently, diagnosis involves blood tests followed by a biopsy of the small intestine, a process that can take weeks or even months due to NHS backlogs.

The newly developed AI algorithm, tested on over 4,000 biopsy images from multiple hospitals, has been found to be as accurate as human pathologists while delivering results almost instantly.

According to Dr. Florian Jaeckle, one of the study’s authors, pathologists typically spend five to ten minutes analyzing a biopsy, whereas the AI system can provide a diagnosis in under a minute. “With AI, patients wouldn’t have to wait weeks for results it eliminates waiting lists,” he said.

Professor Elizabeth Soilleux, a senior researcher on the project, highlighted AI’s potential to ease pressure on healthcare services while ensuring faster diagnoses. The study was funded by Coeliac UK, Innovate UK, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

While experts welcome the breakthrough, they stress that further work is needed before AI can be fully integrated into NHS pathology services. Dr. Bernie Croal, president of the Royal College of Pathologists, emphasized the need for investment in digital pathology and AI training for healthcare professionals.

With the NHS facing growing demand and staffing shortages, AI-driven pathology could mark a turning point in diagnosing coeliac disease and other conditions, ensuring quicker treatment and better patient outcomes.

Scientists Develop ‘e-Taste’ Device to Simulate Flavors in Virtual Reality

Scientists Develop ‘e-Taste’ Device to Simulate Flavors in Virtual Reality

Sunday, March 2, 2025 / No Comments

 

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking device capable of recreating flavors digitally, a development that could transform virtual reality experiences, online shopping, and even weight management.

The device, known as e-Taste, allows users to experience the taste of food and drinks remotely. According to a study published in Science Advances, the system consists of two key components: an electronic tongue, which analyzes the chemical composition of a food or beverage, and a delivery system that recreates the taste using a mix of edible chemicals.

The device replicates five basic taste sensations—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami—by precisely releasing corresponding chemicals onto the tongue. However, researchers note that certain sensations, such as spiciness and fattiness, are not yet reproducible.

In trials, participants successfully identified flavors with high accuracy, suggesting the technology could have widespread applications beyond entertainment, including biomedical research and sensory testing.

Experts believe the device marks a significant step toward integrating taste into digital experiences, though further development is needed before it can be widely adopted.

Florida Company Develops Innovative Building Technology to Tackle Housing Crisis

Florida Company Develops Innovative Building Technology to Tackle Housing Crisis

Friday, February 21, 2025 / No Comments

 

As natural disasters continue to wreak havoc on communities, a Florida-based company is pioneering a faster and more cost-effective method for rebuilding homes. In January alone, California’s wildfires destroyed more than 16,000 structures, highlighting the urgent need for resilient and affordable housing solutions.

Renco, led by former Florida congressman Patrick Murphy, claims its innovative construction technology can rebuild entire homes in weeks at a fraction of the typical cost. Drawing inspiration from Lego bricks, the company developed modular building blocks made of a composite of glass, recycled plastic, and other materials.

Rapid Construction and Resilience

At Renco’s Jupiter, Florida, facility, set to scale up in April, the company aims to produce up to 16 homes per day. The modular bricks allow homes to withstand 240 mph winds, offering superior fire and water resistance compared to traditional materials.

"We chose to start in one of the toughest environments and spent years testing to ensure the homes could endure Category 5 hurricanes," Murphy said.

The technology is already in use. Yessica Coronado, who lives near Palm Beach, Florida, was unaware that her apartment complex, comprising 96 units, was built using Renco’s method. Eleven workers constructed the walls, floors, and ceilings of the four buildings in just eight weeks—a significant reduction in time compared to conventional wood or concrete construction.

Cutting Costs and Labor

While Renco’s bricks are more expensive upfront, the overall project costs are reduced by 20% due to quicker build times and lower labor needs. The construction process also requires fewer skilled workers

Murphy notes that a 2,000-square-foot home can be assembled by just two people in a single day.

Additionally, the durability of the materials contributes to lower insurance costs. "Our first building’s insurance is about 20% cheaper," Murphy added. "The material doesn’t rot or rust, and pests like termites can’t damage it."

Currently, the technology is best suited for buildings up to five stories high.

A Shift in Construction Practices

Illya Azaroff, an architect and sustainable construction expert at City University of New York, believes innovations like Renco’s signal a transformative moment for the construction industry.

"With 114 million people displaced globally last year due to natural and man-made disasters, this must be a time of change," Azaroff said.

While acknowledging design limitations—Renco's modular structures can appear blocky—Azaroff emphasized the importance of structural strength and efficiency.

"New methods like this allow us to build with resistance to fires, earthquakes, and extreme weather," he said. "We just need the political will and the courage to embrace these new approaches."

Cambridge Scientists Develop Smart Pyjamas to Revolutionize Sleep Disorder Monitoring

Cambridge Scientists Develop Smart Pyjamas to Revolutionize Sleep Disorder Monitoring

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / No Comments

 

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have introduced innovative 'smart pyjamas' designed to monitor sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, within the comfort of one's home. These advanced garments incorporate printed fabric sensors capable of detecting subtle skin movements associated with breathing, even when worn loosely around the neck and chest. The sensors are integrated into the fabric using a process called reactive vapor deposition, which allows for the creation of electronic components directly on the textile without compromising comfort or durability.

The embedded sensors are powered by a 'lightweight' artificial intelligence algorithm that can accurately identify six distinct sleep states with a 98.6% success rate. This system effectively distinguishes between normal sleep movements, such as tossing and turning, and potential disorders. The energy-efficient design requires minimal data to differentiate between regular and disordered sleep patterns, offering a promising solution for individuals seeking accessible and reliable sleep monitoring.

Traditional sleep monitoring methods, like polysomnography (PSG), are often expensive, complex, and not suitable for long-term home use. Alternative home devices may focus on single conditions and can be bulky or uncomfortable, while wearable devices like smartwatches often infer sleep quality indirectly and may lack accuracy in detecting disordered sleep. The development of these smart pyjamas aims to provide a comfortable and efficient alternative, eliminating the need for adhesive patches, cumbersome equipment, or visits to specialized sleep clinics.

Professor Luigi Occhipinti from the Cambridge Graphene Centre, who led the research, emphasized the importance of accessible sleep monitoring: "We need something that is comfortable and easy to use every night, but is accurate enough to provide meaningful information about sleep quality." The smart pyjamas are designed to be comfortable and easy to use, making them suitable for regular use at home.

The researchers believe that these smart pyjamas could be particularly beneficial for the millions of individuals experiencing sleep disorders, enabling them to monitor their sleep quality and assess the impact of lifestyle changes without the need for clinical interventions. This advancement represents a significant step forward in wearable health technology, combining comfort, accuracy, and convenience in sleep disorder monitoring.

Caltech Researchers Develop First Programming Language for Active Material

Caltech Researchers Develop First Programming Language for Active Material

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 / No Comments

 

Scientists at Caltech have introduced a groundbreaking programming language for active material, a significant step in bioengineering and nanotechnology. The discovery builds upon previous research that demonstrated how light could be used to control active matter—materials made of energy-consuming microscopic components that move collectively.

The study, led by computational biology professor Matt Thomson and biophysics professor Rob Phillips, was published in Nature Materials on January 29. Postdoctoral scholar Fan Yang and graduate student Shichen Liu were the study’s co-first authors.

Engineering Active Matter with Light

Active matter, often compared to a flock of birds moving in unison, consists of microscopic protein filaments that make up a cell's cytoskeleton. These filaments, called microtubules, work alongside motor proteins to help cells move, transport cargo, and divide. In 2019, Caltech researchers engineered these microtubules to respond to light gradients, allowing them to form specific structures. However, the system lacked programmability—until now.

A Programming Breakthrough

Using computational modeling, Fan Yang developed a programming framework for active matter by applying principles of linear superposition—a mathematical concept that enables precise control of microtubule motion. Liu then confirmed these theoretical predictions through lab experiments.

The new system allows researchers to use patterns of light to manipulate tiny biological structures, mix chemicals, and apply mechanical stress at the cellular level. This has wide-ranging applications in nanotechnology, synthetic embryo research, and immune cell manipulation.

“Active matter has been an exciting concept in bioengineering, but until now, it was nearly impossible to control,” says Thomson. “This work changes that.”

A Future of Light-Controlled Cells

Traditionally, scientists use micropipettes to stretch and separate individual cells, a delicate process that risks cell damage. With this new approach, researchers can gently guide cell clusters using only light.

Inspired by DNA computing and strand displacement reactions, the team is now collaborating with experts like Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, Caltech’s Bren Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering, to explore applications in synthetic embryo construction.

Neuralink's First Human Trial: Paralysed Man Controls Computer with His Mind

Neuralink's First Human Trial: Paralysed Man Controls Computer with His Mind

Monday, February 10, 2025 / No Comments

In a historic leap for neuroscience and technology, Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted its first brain chip in a human. Noland Arbaugh, a 29-year-old man left paralysed from the shoulders down after a swimming accident in 2016, is now able to control a computer cursor using only his thoughts.

The groundbreaking procedure took place in January 2024, marking a pivotal moment in Neuralink’s mission to bridge the gap between the human brain and technology. Since receiving the implant, Arbaugh has astounded researchers by performing tasks such as playing chess, controlling video games, and browsing the internet—all without lifting a finger.

While the technology faced initial technical challenges, including the retraction of some ultra-thin implant threads from the brain tissue, Neuralink engineers swiftly addressed the issue through software updates. This restored much of the chip’s functionality, allowing Arbaugh to regain control over the device.

Arbaugh remains optimistic about the life-changing potential of the implant. “This has given me a level of freedom I never thought I’d experience again,” he shared, expressing hope that future developments could grant even greater autonomy to people with severe disabilities.

Neuralink’s success in this first human trial signals a major advancement in neurotechnology. It opens new doors for treating neurological disorders, restoring mobility, and potentially even enhancing human cognitive abilities in the years to come.