University builds technology that 'vanishes' in water
Technology is fantastic while we're using it. But when our gadgets reach the end of their lifespan we throw them out and buy new ones. The gadgets we throw out mostly end up in landfill with some getting painfully recycled.
Circuitboards were not designed to simply decompose in landfill. But what if your technology could self destruct and vanish once you're ready to throw it out?
Researchers at the University of Illinois have been looking at a way to make vanishing devices a reality. Their study into 'transient' electronics aims to build circuits that disolve in water making it easy to dispose of your gadgets.
The back-up telecomunications network of the future
In natural disasters telecomunications networks are vital. However modern networks often fail under the strain of major events putting many peoples lives at risk.
The Serval Project was developed in New Zealand and Australia and aims to use the inbuilt wireless capabilities of smartphones to create a back-up telecomunications network. The developers say its like two-way radio for the future.
The team has won first prize in Communicate category of the USAID’s Technology Challenge for Atrocity Prevention, and are now looking to crowdfund the idea to the point where it's ready for market.
Have you seen any interesting stories for The Feed? Send your tips to thefeed@sbs.com.au and we'll see if we can include it in the show.
