Superfast data processing using light pulses instead of electricity has been created by scientists. The invention uses magnets to record computer data which consume virtually zero energy, solving the dilemma of how to create faster data processing speeds without the accompanying high energy costs. Today’s data centre servers consume between 2 to 5% of global […]
New Smart Watch Algorithms Can Help Identify Why You Are Sleeping Poorly
New algorithms take advantage of multiple smart watch sensors to accurately monitor wearers’ sleep patterns. As well as obtaining rich information on wearers’ sleep, the software, called SleepGuard, can estimate sleep quality and provide users with practical advice to help them get a better night’s snooze. SleepGuard tracks a combination of different non-biomedical factors – […]
‘Revolutionary’ New Gesture Control Tech Turns Any Object Into A TV Remote
Imagine changing the channel of your TV simply by moving your cup of tea, adjusting the volume on a music player by rolling a toy car, or rotating a spatula to pause a cookery video on your tablet. New gesture control technology that can turn everyday objects into remote controls could revolutionise how we interact […]
Developing Roads That Can Generate Power From Passing Traffic
Researchers are looking at advanced materials for roads and pavements that could generate electricity from passing traffic. Engineers from Lancaster University are working on smart materials such as ‘piezolectric’ ceramics that when embedded in road surfaces would be able to harvest and convert vehicle vibration into electrical energy. The research project, led by Professor Mohamed […]
Family TV Viewing And SMS Texting Could Help Cut Internet Energy Use
Scrapping automatically-playing videos in apps and reversing trends of instant messaging and on-demand services could be key to cutting the growing energy demand of the Internet. Researchers looking more closely than ever before into everyday mobile device habits – and in particular the impact smartphone and tablet apps have on data demand – are suggesting […]
Your Android Device’s Pattern Lock Can Be Cracked Within 5 Attempts
The popular Pattern Lock system used to secure millions of Android phones can be cracked within just five attempts — and more complicated patterns are the easiest to crack, security experts reveal. Pattern Lock is a security measure that protects devices, such as mobile phones or tablets, and which is preferred by many to PIN […]
SPIES Tool Aims to Support Solar Park Developments
A ‘go-to’ guide for the UK’s solar park community allowing them to qualify and, where possible, quantify and value the ecosystem services of current and planned parks, is planned. Lancaster University and the University of York are collaborating with the solar park community (civil society, policy and industrial partners) to deliver the Solar Park Impacts […]
Solar Panels Study Reveals Impact on Earth
Researchers have produced the first detailed study of the impact of solar parks on the environment, opening the door to smarter forms of farming and better land management. Environmental Scientists at Lancaster University and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology monitored a large solar park, near Swindon, for a year. They found that solar parks […]
Invention of Forge-Proof ID to Revolutionize Security
Scientists have discovered a way to authenticate or identify any object by generating an unbreakable ID based on atoms. The technology, which is being patented at Lancaster University and commercialized through the spin-out company Quantum Base, uses next-generation nanomaterials to enable the unique identification of any product with guaranteed security. The research published today in […]
How We Use Our Smartphones Twice As Much As We Think
People use their smartphones for an average of five hours a day – about a third of the time they are awake – and check the about 85 times a day, research suggests. The study in the journal PLOS ONE compared the amount of time participants estimated they spent on their smartphones with their actual usage. It […]