RMIT UNIVERSITY
The Microsoft trap: One outage can bring the business world tumbling down
Microsoft outage: The digital transformation that promised uninterrupted productivity has also created new points of systemic vulnerability. A world that has moved its offices, correspondence, records and increasingly its decision-making into the cloud cannot afford to discover that its business continuity depends on a single provider keeping its servers running.
'Co-pilot planned attack before joining Flydubai'
The co-pilot of Smit Machchhar had plans of crashing into Ben Gurion airport earlier this year as well; he was a failed student at Melbourne university.
FlyDubai attacker reportedly targeted Tel Aviv Airport: How did he get into the cockpit?
Flight FZ1073 took off from Dubai for Tel Aviv with 182 people on board, including eight crew members. The flight appeared routine at first. Then violence reportedly erupted in the cockpit. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe. He then allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft.
flydubai horror: Co-pilot planned attack before being hired by airline, two Israeli officials say
A flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain and allegedly attempting to crash a flight into Israel had told UAE investigators that he planned the attack before joining the airline, according to Israeli officials familiar with the probe.
In 2024, engineers turned 140,000 coffees’ worth of used grounds into concrete; the 30-cubic-metre footpath saved more than 3 tons of sand
Coffee concrete: Spent coffee grounds were transformed into biochar for a Pakenham footpath project. This innovation replaced river sand, diverting waste from landfills. Researchers developed a low-energy process to create the biochar material. The project utilized two tonnes of biochar derived from 140,000 coffees.
In 2021, Australia's RMIT helped Coles put 900,000 pieces of soft plastic into concrete. 1 year later, another Coles development was set to reuse 6.5 million pieces through Polyrok
RMIT University developed Polyrok, a plastic aggregate from recycled soft plastics. This innovative material was first used commercially at a Coles car park in Horsham. A larger application was announced for a Coles supermarket development at Cobblebank. This project recycled over 6.5 million pieces of soft plastic through Polyrok.
RMIT engineers mixed 1% recycled cigarette butts into fired-clay bricks, and the bricks matched standard strength while cutting firing energy by 10%
In Melbourne, engineers are pioneering a groundbreaking technique to integrate discarded cigarette butts into building bricks. This eco-friendly innovation looks to recycle billions of cigarette filters each year, creating bricks that are not only structurally sound but also require less energy to produce. By firing the bricks at high temperatures, harmful toxins in the filters are effectively neutralized, presenting a promising solution to the ongoing litter crisis.
In 2019, RMIT researchers fired clay bricks mixed with treated sewage sludge; a 25% biosolids batch cut firing energy by 48.6% while passing strength tests
Researchers are exploring ways to recycle sewage sludge into building materials. Mixing biosolids into clay significantly cuts the energy needed for brick firing. This process helps reduce landfill waste and the environmental impact of construction. Studies show sludge can either maintain or improve brick strength depending on conditions. These innovations offer a dual solution for waste management and sustainable building.
In 2022, RMIT tested shredded masks, rubber gloves and isolation gowns in concrete; gloves raised strength by up to 22% and masks by up to 17%
RMIT University researchers discovered shredded personal protective equipment strengthens concrete. Rubber gloves increased concrete strength by twenty-two percent in early studies. Face masks also boosted compressive strength by up to seventeen percent. This innovation offers a circular economy solution for discarded healthcare waste. The findings could lead to stronger building materials and reduced landfill.
In 2021, RMIT tested shredded face masks with recycled concrete for road bases; 1 kilometer could use 3 million masks and divert 93 tonnes from landfill
Engineers from Australia have introduced an innovative strategy for converting used face masks into construction materials for roads. This forward-thinking approach aims to tackle the substantial landfill waste created by disposable masks during the pandemic, with a single kilometer of pavement needing nearly three million masks. Nonetheless, ongoing research is critical to develop safe processes for collecting and cleaning these masks on a larger scale.
Earlier this year, RMIT engineers tested kestrel-inspired robots against turbulent winds in 2 studies. Today, their findings show that pairing wing and tail movements can boost lift and reduce instability in small aircraft
Inspired by the remarkable aerial skills of Australian falcons, scientists are developing innovative robotic designs for aircraft. These birds are adept at navigating strong winds, leading researchers to construct kestrel-like robots aimed at testing stability and wing adjustments. This initiative promises to enhance the safety and reliability of small unmanned aerial vehicles, with future technology advancements potentially refining onboard navigation systems.
Australian universities to limit international student enrolments
Australia's government is urging universities to prioritize local students. International student numbers are growing rapidly, with some campuses now having more overseas learners than Australians. This shift follows financial pressures on institutions. The government wants to ensure Australian students remain central to higher education. International students are still important for university income and campus diversity.
Australian researchers turn morning coffee waste into greener concrete
Concrete production involves mixing sand and gravel with cement and water. It is a major producer of greenhouse gases, responsible for around 7% of the world's emissions, according to the United Nations.
7 ways to prevent endangered animals from extinction
More than 1 million plant and animal species face extinction.
Researchers record world's fastest internet data speed
The researchers, including Bill Corcoran from Monash University in Australia, recorded a data speed of 44.2 Terabits per second (Tbps) from a single light sourc
Suffering from chronic pain? Acupuncture might be a safe alternative for drugs
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body.
Now, smartphones to detect air pollution
A breakthrough by researchers could allow people to use their smartphones to combat a deadly form of air pollution.
A look at some cutting edge and upcoming smartphone technologies
We live in a world that has more cellphones than inhabitants. And globally, smartphones are slowly taking over from feature phones.
New method brings unbreakable phones closer to reality
Transparent bendable electronics could soon be a reality thanks to a new method developed by scientists, including Indian-origin researchers, in Australia.
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