University researchers from 14 worldwide institutions believe that we can completely switch to sustainable energy by 2050.
Researchers from Aarhus University present together with 13 other international universities in an energy plan article published in IEEE Access.
Work together
The researchers have stated that the technology to make this possible is already in place.
Poul Alberg รstergaard from Aarhus University believes that companies and NGOs need to join forces to implement the necessary energy systems in order to achieve this goal, which means utilizing the resources that are already available.
The secret behind humanity’s ability to speak clearly
There are no other animals on Earth that can speak as clearly as mankind, and this is thanks to a critical moment in human evolution, states Ole Nรฆsbye Larsen from the Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark. The removal of a vocal cord commonly found among apes simplified the larynx, allowing for the clear, steady speech typical of human discourse.
Surplus soil could be a practical alternative to noise reduction screens
The Capital Region and DTU are researching how excess soil from construction projects can be used to block the noise from motorways. If it proves successful, the soil could be used in place of the currently preferred screens โ a practical convenience as Denmark is left with millions of tonnes of soil from construction projects each year. DTU tests whether the soil can withstand changes in weather and wind.
Heart attack survivors face increased risk of psychological and neurological damage
Heart attack survivors need regular check-ups after leaving hospital, according to new research carried out by Aarhus University. Survivors have a higher risk of neurological and psychiatric damage, including blood clots in the brain, epilepsy, dementia, depression and anxiety. The study compared 12,000 patients discharged from hospitals after having a heart attack in the period 1996-2016 with 118,332 patients who had blood clots in the heart during the same period. The study concludes that the first year is when the survivors are most vulnerable. Should they survive, the risk will drop to roughly the same level as those who have had blood clots.
Encouraging results suggest that treatment of kidney disease can be radically improved
Lysine, an amino acid that affects metabolism, is able to affect kidney diseases in both humans and animals, according to research carried out by Aarhus University. Lysine can be easily purchased and taken via tablets to prevent further damage to the kidneys. Initial tests on rats with both high blood pressure and kidney disease were encouraging, although the side effects are still unknown. Furthermore, because the human metabolism is far more complex than that of a rat, more research is needed on other animals to discover the main mechanism behind the result.
Simple chemistry can help break down polyurethane down
A new and cheaper way to break down polyurethane (PUR), a plastic material, to its original state has been developed at Aarhus University. This process can then cause the material to be recycled and used instead of being disposed of. The process involves heating alcohol to 225 degrees Celsius and mixing it with potassium hydroxide to break down the plastic. In 2021, the market contained 24.7 million tons of PUR, and it is expected that this will reach 29 million tons in 2029. Researchers have been surprised by the simplicity of the solution. The result has been published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.
A billion euros in funding for quantum computing research
The European Commission has set aside 1 billion euros over the next 10 years to meet the EU’s goal of being a leader in quantum computing by 2030, and Danish researchers are playing a key role in coordinating the necessary steps. in order to achieve this goal. It is unknown when the quantum computer will come into play, but when it does, the EU wants to be prepared, and progress has already started. Jabob Sherson, professor at Aarhus University, wants to utilize the knowledge gathered from previous IT revolutions and how it caused different industries to change.
DTU Space develops radar system to detect drones
DTU Space has developed a new type of radar with higher resolution, which can see in several different directions. There is currently a large market for drone detection, especially in the military and at airports. At the beginning of 2022, more drones were discovered in military areas, airports and royal castles โ especially in Sweden โ which has only increased the demand. The new radar uses 16 antennas to detect drones at a distance of 100 meters. It is hoped that the radar will eventually be able to function at much longer distances.
Our expectations of dogs are often unrealistic, the study concludes
A dog’s life has changed drastically over the last 200 years to the extent that it is now expected to be able to cope with being alone at home most of the day, despite being very social animals. On top of the increased risk of separation anxiety when the dogs are in the company of their owners, there are high expectations to socialize with other dogs and be petted by strangers. These expectations may not always be realistic, especially when compared to street dogs, who choose which dogs they socialize with and when they want to be social, concludes a study from the University of Copenhagen. To make life easier for dogs living their lives as companion animals, it is important to have a routine and lifestyle that is realistic and compatible.
Source: The Nordic Page