Engineering news
Tidal surge
The National
The Scottish government has awarded £3.4m funding for the delivery of the world's most powerful floating tidal turbine. Orbital Marine Power will use the Saltire Fund money to build its O2 2MW device, which uses two underwater turbines to generate enough electricity for hundreds of homes. The investment is welcome news for the sector, which has previously called for more government support – although many believe Westminster support will be key for the technology's success in the UK.
Engineering manifesto
Process Engineering
The National Engineering Policy Centre has released an engineering manifesto on behalf of its 39 member organisations, including the IMechE. The document calls on the government to implement the recommendations of the Perkins Review, increase the Innovate UK budget for business innovation and development and invest in low-carbon heat, among other recommendations.
Telescope project looks ahead
BBC
The James Webb Space Telescope has been put together from its key elements ahead of a planned launch in 2021. The satellite's huge mirror and associated instruments were combined with the sunshield and operations unit by Northrop Grumman in Los Angeles, a major step in the much-delayed international collaboration. The mirror, which is seven times bigger than Hubble's, will fold back to fit inside the launch vehicle.
Sucking water from desert air
Professional Engineering
Arid deserts could become lush oases and help prevent the growing issue of water scarcity thanks to a new material that harvests water from dry air. Aimed at providing water to people in dry and off-grid areas worldwide, the metal organic framework was created by Omar Yaghi and colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley. Used in a new water-harvesting device, each kilogram of the material reportedly produced 0.7 litre of water – about one-and-a-quarter pints – per day from the arid air of California’s Mojave Desert.
Automotive stays on rocky road...
The Guardian
The UK automotive sector continued its decline in July, the 14th consecutive month of falling production making it the worst period for the industry since 2001. Companies could face even greater challenges in the near future, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders predicting massive disruption in the event of a 'no-deal' Brexit.
... while aerospace hits turbulence
Aerospace Magazine
UK aircraft production has also slowed this year, with industry figures fearful of the potential disruption and market disadvantage of a no-deal Brexit. The sector reportedly spent an estimated £600m on Brexit preparations in the run-up to the initial 29 March exit date.
Body parts while you wait
New Atlas
A new '3D bioprinting' technique can reportedly print small replacement body parts "within a matter of seconds". The volumetric printing technique from the Swiss Empa research institute and Utrecht University in the Netherlands shines a laser beam into a slowly-spinning tube filled with a photosensitive hydrogel loaded with stem cells. The gel then solidifies where the laser is shone, creating 3D structures that can be optimised for different uses.
Stretchy sensor monitors aneurysms
Professional Engineering
A stretchy 3D-printed sensor implanted in patients’ brains could cheaply, safely and easily monitor life-threatening aneurysms – all without a battery or other internal power source. Created by Woon-Hong Yeo and colleagues at Georgia Tech, the wireless device is small enough to be implanted in the brain’s blood vessels. The sensor would be wrapped around stents or diverters implanted to control blood flow in vessels affected by aneurysms.
Explosive test
The Engineer
Researchers at Surrey University have developed a new 'ultra-fast' detection test for explosive materials. The method reportedly reduces false positives and analyses a wider range of materials than conventional thermal-based testing in airports.
Cargo drone takes off
New Atlas
Capable of flying at more than 160km/h, the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport 70 cargo drone has made its first autonomous flight. The unmanned delivery aircraft takes off vertically but transitions to winged flight for long-distance travel.
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.