Delft researchers serendipitously create new, energy-efficient mechanical pixels
by: TU delft news, 2016-11-15 13:00:00 UTC
Researchers from TU Delft and Graphenea in Spain have found a new way to create mechanical pixels using tiny, balloon-like structures. These pixels, which do not emit light themselves but are visible in sunlight, could lead to energy-efficient colour displays that can be used in devices such as e-books and smart watches.

Treatment using UV light a possible alternative for chlorine in swimming pools
by: TU delft news, 2016-11-23 11:50:00 UTC
Swimming pool water is usually disinfected using a chlorine product such as hypochlorite to kill all micro-organisms present. Unfortunately, hypochlorite reacts to other impurities in the water, such as sweat and urine, to form disinfection by-products. These disinfection by-products are irritants. Marjolein Peters studied an alternative method of purification and examined its effect on micro-organisms. On Friday 25 November, she will be awarded her PhD at TU Delft for her research.

Science Is Very Sure That What People Really Want Are Experiences, Not Things
by: Co.Exist, 2016-11-28 11:15:00 UTC

A material gift might be thrilling, but people are only truly grateful for meaningful experiences.

A material gift might be thrilling, but people are only truly grateful for meaningful experiences.

In choosing to spend your money on things or experiences, you might think possessions are a surer bet for future happiness. After all, experiences last only a few minutes or a few days, and possessions, if well made, might last a lifetime. But, in fact, researchers say the exact opposite is often true. People are generally happier when they spend cash on vacations and eating out, rather than when they spend on, say, jewelry and clothing. The latter might create short-term buzz, but the former's payoff is more long-lasting.

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This new gadget promises to transform food scraps into fertilizer in 24 hours
by: TreeHugger Science, 2016-11-16 17:54:17 UTC
The Zera Food Recycler, from Whirlpool Corporation's innovation incubator, WLabs, is a residential "composting" appliance for kitchen scraps.

Thermoelectric paint could capture heat energy on any surface
by: TreeHugger Science, 2016-11-22 15:24:02 UTC
The paint could help power cars, ships and homes.