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An artificial plant has been developed which can reduce in-home CO2 levels with vastly more efficiency than a natural plant, creating electricity at the same time. Scientists in the United States repurposed existing research on bacteria-powered biobatteries into a new idea for artificial plants that could feed on carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. Binghamton University Professor Seokheun Choi said most air purification systems were expensive, cumbersome and required frequent cleaning or filter replacement. Professor Choi said his team’s artificial plants used indoor light to drive photosynthesis, achieving a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide levels, far surpassing the 10 percent reduction seen with natural plants. “Especially after going through COVID-19, we know the significance of indoor air quality,” he said. Professor Choi said researchers used five biological solar cells and photosynthetic bacteria to create an artificial leaf “for fun”, then realized the concept had wider implications. He said they built the first plant with five leaves, then tested its carbon dioxide capture rates, oxygen generation capability and energy output. Professor Choi said the power generation of around 140 microwatts was a secondary benefit, but was hopeful technology improvements could increase the output, paving the way for integration of an energy storage system, such as a lithium-ion battery or supercapacitor. “I want to be able to use this electricity to charge a cell phone or other practical uses.” https://lnkd.in/g7qxRP86 #research #cleanair #greenhousegases Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

Australia now has more than 2.5 million public servants, after a more than 3.5 percent rise in numbers last year. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed the number of public sector employees, across all levels of government, rose by 3.6 percent between June 2023 and June 2024. The data showed there were 2,517,900 Commonwealth, state and local government employees over that time, up from 2,430,400 in the previous financial year. ABS Head of Labour Statistics Bjorn Jarvis said $232.1 billion in wages was paid to public sector employees during the 2023-24 financial year, an annual increase of eight percent. “The rise in the public sector wage bill reflected a combination of underlying wage growth, higher employment, and other compositional changes, such as hours worked,” Mr Jarvis said. He said state governments remained the largest employer, making up around 77 percent of public sector employment, followed by the Commonwealth (15 per cent) and local governments (eight percent). “Commonwealth government employment, which includes defence personnel, rose 4.3 percent to 365,400 employees, with the $37.3 billion in wages paid by the Commonwealth government a rise of 10 percent compared to 2022-23.” In Queensland, the number of public sector employees rose to 506,900, from 489,000, with a wages bill of $48.88 billion, an increase of 9.3 percent on the previous year. https://lnkd.in/g6htt4wC #publicservice #government Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

Using an electric fan in hot weather can reduce the risk of a heat-induced heart attack in the elderly, but only if its humid. Researchers have been studying the best heat relief for older people in an environment of rising temperatures and a cost-of-living crisis which makes air conditioning less affordable. Professor Ollie Jay from the University of Sydney said the research showed using a fan, and wetting the skin, in hot and humid weather reduced cardiac strain in older people. However, Professor Jay said, in very hot and dry conditions, fan use had an adverse effect by tripling the increase in cardiac strain which could be fatal for someone with heart disease. “This is because, although fans help sweat evaporate, in very hot and dry conditions the effect is small and counteracted by convection forcing more heat into the body. “Instead, in these conditions, skin wetting used on its own was effective at reducing the work of the heart.” Professor Jay said health hazards from extreme heat were becoming increasingly common because of climate change. He said older adults, especially those with heart disease, were at greater risk due to the strain that hot temperatures put on the heart. “Understanding the impacts of different cooling strategies on the heart is important to help vulnerable people stay well during hot summer weather.” Co-author of the study Daniel Gagnon from the Montreal Heart Institute said while air conditioning was an effective way of staying cool, it was not available to everyone, especially those most vulnerable to the heat, such as the elderly and people with heart disease. “It’s positive news that low-cost alternatives are effective,” Dr Gagnon said. “Importantly, the study has shown that the weather conditions affect the type of cooling strategy that should be used – a vital piece of information that will help older people to stay safe in heatwaves.”   https://lnkd.in/gYsHMRuT #heat #health #elderly Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

A new process to convert carbon dioxide into ethanol has the potential to prevent large amounts of the greenhouse gas from entering the environment. Scientists from JGU in Germany have used cobalt and copper in a conversion technique called electrocatalysis. “We can remove the greenhouse gas CO₂ from the environment and reintroduce it into a sustainable carbon cycle,” Professor Carsten Streb said. Professor Streb said assuming green electricity was used for this process, it would also be sustainable and food crops currently used to produce ethanol for fuels would be available for food again. He said the conversion technique, which has so far been carried out on a laboratory scale, could be realized on a larger scale. “The electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to multicarbon products, such as ethanol, would be an ideal way to obtain high energy density fuels and valuable chemical raw materials, while at the same time using CO₂ as a precursor and thus removing it from the atmosphere.” Professor Streb said the research team designed a special electrode where the chemical reactions took place, coated with a black powder containing cobalt and copper in precisely dosed quantities. “The initial challenge is to get carbon dioxide to react,” he said. “The bonds between the atoms of the molecule are very strong, but cobalt can break them.” Professor Streb said, initially, the process produced carbon monoxide, but a second step, involving copper, completed the conversion to ethanol. “However, this only works if cobalt and copper are close to each other on the electrode.” Professor Streb said the abundance of cobalt and copper present on earth was a key factor in the choice of these two metals. “The entire process could also be set up with precious metals like platinum or palladium, but at high costs without commercial prospects.” https://lnkd.in/gfDh8NDD #environment #greenhousegas Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

Australians are not alone in feeling the pain of rising house prices and cost of living pressures, with the world a sadder place now than before the pandemic. The latest OECD - OCDE report on the state of well-being of people around the globe raises concerns about housing costs, financial well-being and social connection. OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said the How’s Life? 2024 report found Government interventions had buffered the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and high inflation on households and businesses, but cost pressures remained significant, especially for the most vulnerable. Mr Corman said positive economic trends included average incomes, which had not fallen below pre-COVID levels in any OECD country, and employment rates at historic highs at the end of 2023. “However, the report raises concerns about housing costs and self-reported financial well-being. “Nearly one in five low-income households are overburdened by housing costs and almost one in five people reported financial difficulties in 2023.” Mr Corman said the report charted both current well-being outcomes and future resources, offering a comprehensive picture of people’s lives. He said this 6th edition of the report introduced new people-focused indicators, including measures of loneliness, household energy poverty, exposure to extreme temperatures, and physical pain. “Relying solely on economic metrics to assess crisis recovery and monitor societal progress yields an incomplete picture. “Critical non-economic aspects of well-being – such as health, social connectedness, and subjective well-being – are showing signs of deterioration.” The report found that in 2023, one-third of people experienced “a lot of pain or worry on the previous day”, one-fifth felt considerable sadness, and between four to 14 percent of people felt lonely in countries with available data. “Compared to pre-pandemic levels, feelings of pain, worry, sadness, loneliness and life satisfaction have worsened in more OECD countries than have seen improvements,” Mr Corman said. https://lnkd.in/gvwZvZFY #oecd #wellbeing #economy Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

Brisbane’s 50 cents public transport fares have catapulted the Queensland capital to second in a global list of affordable cities. An analysis by insurance comparison site Compare the Market found only the South Korean capital of Seoul was a more cost-effective place to live. The survey looked at 11 different factors across 42 world cities. It said Brisbane came out as the second-most cost-of-living friendly city with the help of the ultra-low 50 cents public transport fares trial, which was expected to continue indefinitely. “Additionally, Australia’s average fuel prices were comparatively cheaper at $1.68 per litre for 95 RON unleaded petrol, rent prices have experienced a 17.70 percent increase since 2015, and the unemployment rate sits at only 4.20 percent,” the report stated. “But the ‘River City’ was just sub-par for typical electricity costs, the cost of a milk bottle, bread loaf, and the cash rate.” It said Seoul was ranked the most cost-effective city to live in, with the lowest unemployment rate out of all 42 cities studied at 2.50 percent. “The combination of low 3.50 percent cash rate, 11.10 percent and 8.50 percent house and rent price increases respectively since 2015, and AU$0.194 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) average electricity rates allowed South Korea’s capital to be at the top.” The European city of Luxembourg was third, thanks to it having the highest average annual wage ($126,690) of any city and free public transport, with Melbourne (7) and Sydney (13) the only other Australian cities analysed. See what was compared and other findings: https://lnkd.in/gQYg5Mtk #costofliving #brisbane Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

A 10km active transport route is set to connect schools, shopping centres and local communities to the University of the Sunshine Coast. Sunshine Coast Council is proposing a Mooloolaba to University (M2U) corridor to increase the number of people walking and riding between the coastal suburb and the Sippy Downs campus. Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said when complete, the M2U corridor would offer a 10-kilometre route connecting six schools, shopping centres and the communities of Mooloolaba, Mountain Creek, Sippy Downs and Buderim. “This active transport corridor connecting Mooloolaba to the University of the Sunshine Coast will ensure that more people can get around safely, whether for recreation or commuting,” Cr Dickson said. “It will help create calmer streets, particularly around schools, and integrate effectively with surrounding open space area.” The M2U corridor is one of two active transport corridors Council is currently considering. Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said a Caloundra to Currimundi (C2C) corridor would provide a safe and direct six-kilometre “spine” connecting schools, shops and the communities within Currimundi, Dicky Beach, Moffat Beach and Caloundra. “This active transport route will create safer and more accessible streets,” Cr Burns said. “It will reduce the need for interaction between motorists and people walking or riding bikes on roads.” Council Transport Portfolio Councillor David Law said planning for the entire route of these corridors was a multi-year, long-term project. “On average more than 70,000 people per week ride bicycles on the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Law said. “Walking and cycling will play an increasingly important transport role in the future and we’re planning now to help support this. “Active transport along these two corridors will deliver improved mobility, safer streets, and healthier communities.” https://lnkd.in/gnXEz_ta #activetransport #consultation #sunshinecoast Sign-up to the free-biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

A Queensland aerospace company has been given the green light to launch the first Australian-made rocket from Australian soil. Gilmour Space Technologies CEO Adam Gilmour said the Federal Government and the Australian Space Agency had granted the company the country’s first orbital launch permit for its maiden Eris rocket launch from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland. “With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil,” Mr Gilmour said. “Our team is assessing the conditions of the permit and will advise on the anticipated launch date for Eris TestFlight1 in the coming weeks.” Mr Gilmour said the Gold Coast company’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport was granted Australia’s first orbital launch facility licence in March and in September it completed a major wet dress rehearsal of its Eris launch vehicle, progressing the countdown to T-10 seconds. He said the upcoming TestFlight1 would be the first of several planned test launches to reach orbit with Eris, which leveraged new propulsion technologies developed by the company. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the launch approval marked an important milestone for Bowen and the Whitsundays region, with the Bowen spaceport one of only a few private orbital launch sites globally. “Success here isn’t just about reaching orbit—it’s about positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia’s journey to space,” Mayor Collins said. https://lnkd.in/g2ixWcZn #spacerace #rocketlaunch #aerospace Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

Queensland is home to the nation’s hotspots for dog attacks on posties. New figures from Australia Post show there were 505 attacks in the Sunshine State over the past six months, with the Brisbane suburbs of Darra and Stafford, and Toowoomba, on the Darling Downs, home to the highest number of incidents nationally. Australia Post General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing Rod Maule has called on local council’s to implementing stronger measures to prevent dog attacks, including increased monitoring and enforcement of animal management laws. Mr Maule said, nationally, more than 49 posties a week had fallen victim to dog-related incidents in the past six months, with fears these numbers would rise in the lead up to holiday season. “In the past six months, 1277 dog-related incidents have occurred nationwide, despite Australia Post’s pleas for dog owners to take responsibility for their pets,” he said. “As a result, Australia Post is calling on local councils to enforce restrictions and local animal management laws to ensure the safety of posties and the community.” Mr Maule said the new data highlighted a clear and consistent trend of aggressive behaviour, with one in three dog-related incidents continuing to occur at the customer’s front door during parcel deliveries, increasing the risk to posties ahead of the busy upcoming Black Friday sales and Christmas season. He said to help mitigate continued threats, all posties were equipped with a hazard device to log aggressive dog behaviour, with more serious cases alerted to councils. “There are currently more than 29,000 active dog-related hazards nationally. “Aggressive or dangerous dogs are reported to council and local rangers, however too often we see risks are not properly mitigated. This often leads to multiple instances of the same dog repeating aggressive behaviour, which can result in a severe attack on our postie.” Mr Maule said as the holiday season approached, dog owners needed to be mindful that all visitors, including posties, should have safe access to the front door without being stopped by a dog. “Dog ownership comes with responsibilities, and we need council support to effectively enforce laws and regulations to ensure the safety of our people.” https://lnkd.in/gUduHQE2 #postalservice #deliveries #dogs Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

Partnering with both the tertiary and VET sectors has given all students at a high school north of Brisbane tailored career pathways. Mt Maria College Petrie Principal Kerry Maher said students at the Brisbane Catholic Education school received a balanced blend of academic learning and practical experience, allowing them to develop unique strengths. Ms Maher said a partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) allowed students to study tertiary subjects at high school and build university credits through their Headstart program. She said the school also offered Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificates and TAFE Queensland at School, supporting students who chose vocational pathways. One of those pathways is provided through the Deadly Start program, run by Queensland Health. “Many of our students are gaining practical experience through certificates or apprenticeships, giving them a head start in their careers and fostering the independence they will need as they transition to the ‘real world.’ “This hands-on approach not only prepares them for future success but also contributes to the many high achievers we are proud to have at our College.” The Deadly Start program provides a culturally supportive pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to kick start a career in health through a Certificate II and III Traineeship with ongoing employment opportunities. Mt Maria College’s proximity to UniSC Moreton Bay campus provides an invaluable opportunity through the Headstart program. It challenges Year 10 to 12 students with university-level learning, allowing them to advance their study skills and gain credit towards a UniSC degree. Ms Maher said the school’s commitment to providing diverse pathways made Mt Maria College an excellent choice for families who wanted their children to be well-prepared for life after graduation. “Our goal is to empower students to be confident and creative individuals, successful lifelong learners, and active contributors to the transformation of our world through example, service, and leadership.” https://lnkd.in/gS5dEU59 #schools #education #pathways Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel