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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

Southern Cross University will introduce a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree program at its Gold Coast campus in 2025. Medical Laboratory Science is a distinct professional specialisation focussed on diagnostic settings and primarily laboratories working with human or animal samples. The Southern Cross degree ( https://lnkd.in/g7jGh8cj ) will have a strong focus on developing practical skills and includes more than 560 hours of professional placement. SCU Faculty of Health lecturer Lily Guo, a winner of the Vice Chancellor’s Inspiring Educator Award and the Faculty Student Experience Award, will be one of the key people delivering the program. She said the degree offered exciting opportunities for students interested in careers in pathology or forensic laboratories, an area where employment prospects were strong. “To the south, the next closest university offering a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science is in Wagga Wagga, so there is a need for skilled professionals in this area in especially in the Northern NSW and Gold Coast areas,” Dr Guo said. “Medical laboratory scientists are at the forefront of healthcare, investigating everything from infectious diseases to genetic disorders. Our work often includes cutting-edge technology, including AI, where we analyse complex data to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.” Dr Guo said one of the most rewarding aspects of the program was watching students build confidence and flourish in professional health settings. Dr Guo and the wider team, including Course Coordinator Dr Karlah-Jade Norkunas, have received commendations and citations from the Vice Chancellor and the Centre for Teaching and Learning for their transformative curriculum design and implementation. Dr Norkunas, who has worked at multiple universities, said Southern Cross lecturers truly cared about students and their success. “Our curriculum is designed to address real-life healthcare challenges and includes assessments that are directly relevant to healthcare settings,” she said. https://lnkd.in/gcmEPNKi #degree #science #lab #goldcoast Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

Companies have been urged to ensure their managers have the right people skills to avoid falling foul of workplace psychosocial safety requirements. McCullough Robertson Lawyers Partner Tom Reaburn said almost all jurisdictions had introduced codes of practice on this aspect of workplace safety in recent years. These codes, and associated legislation, were increasingly being used as an “industrial sword” in workplace dispute cases. Mr Reaburn said hazards around psychosocial safety could rarely be completely eliminated. The best way to address them was to have better people leaders and ensure managers were properly trained. “Ensuring people are happy at work comes down in a very large part to how their bosses treat them,” he said. “If you have really sophisticated people leaders you will be compliant under this law. “If you have micromanagers, hot heads and managers who don’t give a lot of direction or who turn a blind eye to things, that builds a culture of psychosocial unsafeness.” Mr Reaburn said the laws did not require all workplace hazards to be eliminated – that would require the elimination of humans from work. The risks just had to be managed responsibly. “For example, heights can’t be eliminated when you are building a high-rise and, for some industries, working long hours can never be eliminated,” he said. “It’s not a blanket rule that you can’t work long hours but if your work does involve long hours you need to have a sophisticated way of being satisfied that there are appropriate controls in place to manage the psychosocial risk. “You need to empower your people leaders to understand this stuff.” Mr Reaburn said these “sophisticated” controls might mean ensuring that people had a genuine opportunity to switch off and take proper leave when they were not working. He said the duty to protect the psychosocial safety of workers had always existed, but generational changes and the COVID-19 pandemic had placed extra emphasis on this aspect of workplace safety. “Generation Z and Millennials have different expectations about how they will work and where they will work,” he said. “They are also more willing to voice unhappiness with psychologically unsafe working environments. “For baby boomer and Generation X managers, there is a risk in making cynical remarks like ‘suck it up’ or ‘that’s how it’s always been’. Those type of comments and attitudes put in an affidavit are rolled gold evidence of psychosocial breaches and that’s an area where we do a lot of training.” Read more insights and access more information 👉 https://lnkd.in/gyURJ5pZ #workplace #employeesafety #psychosocial Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

A monkey randomly bashing keys on a typewriter may spell out “bananas” in its lifetime, but if they wanted to knock out some Shakespeare, as often theorised, forget it. The often-stated Infinite Monkey Theorem says that if a monkey randomly hit the keys of a typewriter for an infinite amount of time, it would eventually type any given text, including the works of William Shakespeare. Sydney scientists have, however, found it would take far longer than the lifespan of the universe for the typing monkey to randomly produce the Bard’s works. University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Associate Professor Stephen Woodcock said the Infinite Monkey Theorem only considered the infinite limit, with either an infinite number of monkeys or an infinite time period of monkey labour. “We decided to look at the probability of a given string of letters being typed by a finite number of monkeys within a finite time period consistent with estimates for the lifespan of our universe,” Associate Professor Woodcock said. He said the researchers assumed that a keyboard contained 30 keys including all the letters of the English language, plus common punctuation marks. Associate Professor Woodcock as well as a single monkey, the researchers also did the calculations using the current global population of around 200,000 chimpanzees and assumed a typing speed of one key every second until the end of the universe in about 10^100 years (That’s a 1 followed by 100 zeros). He said the results revealed that it was possible for a single chimp to type the word “bananas” in its own lifetime. “However, even with all chimps enlisted, the Bard’s entire works, with around 884,647 words, will almost certainly never be typed before the universe ends. “It is not plausible that, even with improved typing speeds or an increase in chimpanzee populations, monkey labour will ever be a viable tool for developing non-trivial written works.” https://lnkd.in/gwJxamey #monkeybusiness #shakespeare Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel