The quest to reduce carbon emissions while still meeting our need for heating is a fundamental challenge for many of us living in the Northern Hemisphere. However, there is a promising solution on the horizon – the creation of thermal networks. Thermal networks consist of insulated, underground pipes that distribute heat directly to buildings using
Technology
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the green lifestyle. The 2023 China Consumption Trend Report reveals that a staggering 73.8% of customers prioritize purchasing environmentally friendly products. This shift towards sustainability has led to the widespread use of tools such as eco-labels by companies to showcase the green
Currently, commercial solar panels are only able to convert a small percentage of the sunlight they absorb into electrical energy. The efficiency typically ranges from 15% to 20%, which leaves a lot of room for improvement. Researchers at Soochow University have made significant advancements in this area, with the next generation of solar cells already
Artificial intelligence bots have become a prevalent presence on social media platforms, raising concerns about the ability of users to differentiate between real humans and AI entities. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Notre Dame delved into this issue by employing AI bots based on large language models (LLMs) to engage
The rise of artificial intelligence, particularly in the form of social robots, has sparked debates regarding their integration into commercial settings. A study conducted by Edith Cowan University (ECU) delves into the potential benefits and challenges associated with using social robots in providing services to customers. The research, led by Marketing and Service Science Professor
Tyler Perry, the renowned filmmaker, has recently expressed his concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the traditional film-making industry. Perry has put a halt on an $800 million expansion plan for his 330-acre studio in Atlanta, citing fears that advancements in video-related AI could potentially reduce the demand for physical sets and location
In today’s fast-paced and increasingly digital world, landline telephones are slowly becoming a thing of the past. With the advent of smartphones and the convenience they offer, fewer and fewer people are opting to maintain traditional landline services in their homes. While some, like 69-year-old Bernice Hudson, still hold onto their landline telephones out of
Florida lawmakers took a significant step on Thursday towards implementing one of the strictest bans on children’s use of social media in the United States. The legislation, which aims to keep those under the age of 16 off social media platforms, has sparked controversy. The primary goal of the bill is to safeguard children’s mental
In a groundbreaking development, a team of photonic engineers from China has unveiled a new type of optical DVD that has the capacity to store an astounding petabyte of data. This innovation marks a significant leap from the conventional DVDs that are limited to holding only 4.5 gigabytes of data. The team’s achievements have been
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown great promise in revolutionizing the field of solar energy due to their high efficiency and low cost. One of the key components of PSCs is the electron transport layer (ETL), with SnO2 being widely utilized for its high transparency, electron mobility, and favorable band alignment. However, current methods of