The Engineer
October 2011 Online
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US team produces algorithm that speeds up MRI scans
1 Nov 2011
Researchers in the US have found a way to speed up MRI scans from 45 to 15 minutes using a computer algorithm.
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Electric currents may be used to treat one form of blindness
1 Nov 2011
A group of scientists have demonstrated that electric currents can be used to treat a form of blindness previously thought irreversible.
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Tractor beam is capable of analysing space debris
1 Nov 2011
NASA scientists are to demonstrate a tractor beam capable of capturing and analysing small-scale space debris.
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Software may help GPs speed up common cancer diagnoses
1 Nov 2011
New software could help GPs to speed up the diagnosis of patients with two of the most common forms of cancer.
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EU project aims to improve organic photovoltaics
31 Oct 2011
A European Union (EU) project aims to improve the efficiency of organic solar cells that can absorb more energy than traditional photovoltaic devices.
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'Spin lasers' could transform high-speed data transmission
31 Oct 2011
An ultrafast laser that exploits the properties of electron spin could usher in a new era of high-speed data transmission.
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Coating technique 'unlocks full potential of OLEDs on plastic'
31 Oct 2011
Engineers in Canada claim to have developed the world’s most efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) on plastic.
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Team develops EV chargers using wood-plastic composite
31 Oct 2011
Researchers in Germany are developing electric vehicle charging points using a more environmentally friendly material made from wood and plastic.
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Dassault Systèmes acquires software provider Elsys
31 Oct 2011
Dassault Systèmes, a supplier of 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) products, has acquired Elsys, a provider of interactive electrical engineering and disruptive multi-discipline generative schematics software.According to Dassault Systèmes, Elsys generative technology enables the automatic creation of millions of 2D schematics from functional-logical master data, thereby eliminating the process of interactive manual creation of schematic.
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JetBlue finalises firm order for 40 Airbus A320neo aircraft
31 Oct 2011
US-based JetBlue Airways has finalised its firm order with Airbus for 40 A320neo (new engine option) aircraft previously announced at the Paris Air Show in June.
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Element14 creates flooding hub to help electronics in Thailand
31 Oct 2011
Element14, an online community for design engineers, has created an online space at Thailand Flooding that will act as a central repository for the electronics industry on the severe flash floods, while also being a conduit for information flow.
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Frack to the future?
31 Oct 2011
A conference this week will discuss the potentials and difficulties of shale gas extraction in the UK, but even the conference itself is proving controversial.
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Project assesses impact of wave energy conversion noise
28 Oct 2011
IBM and the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland are working together to understand and minimise the environmental impact of converting wave energy into electricity.
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US Navy modifies General Dynamics' submarines contract
28 Oct 2011
General Dynamics Electric Boat, a subsidiary of defence contractor General Dynamics, has been awarded a $91.2m (£56.9m) contract modification by the US Navy to provide lead-yard services for Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines.
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3D X-ray can check surgery progress without interrupting
28 Oct 2011
Researchers in Germany are developing a 3D X-ray system for checking the results of an operation without interrupting surgery.
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Robots in the driving seat?
28 Oct 2011
Replacing human workers with robots may have consequences for society, but we shouldn’t assume they are all bad.
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Figures show slow growth in engineering apprenticeships
28 Oct 2011
Engineering apprenticeships grew at half the rate of increases in vocational training across the economy last year, figures show.
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Cambridge Consultants spin-out seeks to grow wind energy
28 Oct 2011
Cambridge Consultants has announced the spin-out of Aveillant with venture investment from DFJ Esprit and the Aviation Investment Fund Company — the wind industry fund.
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Wireless sensor detects trace amounts of key IED ingredient
28 Oct 2011
A prototype wireless sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of an ingredient found in IEDs has been developed in the US.
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US biopharmaceuticals firm opens new base in Reading
28 Oct 2011
US-based biopharmaceutical services company Quintiles has established a new base at Green Park, Reading, that will manage its operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
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ENER-G opens research and development centre in Salford
28 Oct 2011
Sustainable manufacturing and engineering group ENER-G has opened its new research and development (R&D) centre in Salford, next door to the company’s headquarters near Media City.
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Sony takes control of Sony Ericcsson mobile phone firm
28 Oct 2011
Electronics manufacturer Sony is to acquire Ericsson’s 50 per cent stake in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, making the mobile handset business a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.
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Doosan Power Systems wins first turbine overhaul contract
28 Oct 2011
Energy company Doosan Power Systems has won its first turbine overhaul contract in the UK, for Longannet power plant — the largest Scottish thermal power plant and the third-largest coal power plant in Europe.
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BG Group purchases 3.5 mtpa of LNG from Sabine Pass
28 Oct 2011
Natural gas company BG Group has signed a fully-termed sale and purchase agreement with Sabine Pass Liquefaction, a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy Partners, for the purchase of 3.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) over a 20-year period from the Sabine Pass LNG terminal located in Louisiana, US.
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Energy Technologies Institute invests in offshore wind
28 Oct 2011
The Energy Technologies Institute is investing up to £25m in an offshore wind floating system demonstration project.
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Facebook set to build its first European data centre
27 Oct 2011
Facebook has announced that it is to build its first European data centre near the Arctic Circle in Lulea, Sweden.
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Conference discusses role of SMEs in Britain's economy
27 Oct 2011
A conference last week on the future of Britain’s economy saw influential figures discuss the role of SMEs in the economic recovery.
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Method is able to predict best drug combinations for illnesses
27 Oct 2011
Researchers at Manchester University have devised a way to predict the best combinations of drugs to treat specific illnesses from billions of possibilities.
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Lockheed Martin to lead British Army vehicle upgrade
27 Oct 2011
Lockheed Martin is to lead a £642m contract as part of the £1bn upgrade of the British Army’s Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle.
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Recycled composites could be re-used in aircraft and cars
27 Oct 2011
New methods for recycling advanced composite materials could allow them to be re-used in non-critical parts of aircraft and cars.
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Prototype tidal turbine delivers 100MWh to Scottish grid
27 Oct 2011
A prototype tidal turbine developed by Tidal Generation has become the first device of its kind to deliver 100MWh of power into the Scottish grid.
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Of cranes and catapults
27 Oct 2011
While the Queen Elizabeth starts to come together in dry dock at Rosyth, the team has been visiting the US to look at aircraft launch and recovery systems.
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Infrared hygiene monitor could help reduce hospital infections
27 Oct 2011
A system for monitoring handwashing behaviour in hospital wards is aiming to reduce the rate of resistant infections.
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Campaign seeks to encourage young people into engineering
27 Oct 2011
Leading figures in industry and higher education have launched a campaign to encourage more talented young people to pursue careers in engineering.
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Future digital devices could be built from bacteria and DNA
26 Oct 2011
New research has demonstrated that it is possible to build some of the basic components used in digital devices out of gut bacteria and DNA.
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Microwave imaging system can detect when fruit is ripe
26 Oct 2011
Robot fruit pickers could one day replace humans in the fields thanks to an imaging system that identifies ripe crops.
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Boulting and Snef establish nuclear joint venture
26 Oct 2011
Warrington-based engineering company Boulting has joined forces with French electrical engineering firm Snef to provide specialist electrical and instrumentation services to the Nuclear New Build programme.The two companies have created a new company named S&B Nuclear Services, which will provide a fully integrated solution for all electrical and instrumentation services to Nuclear New Build clients.
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Project develops modelling tool kit for future CCS operations
26 Oct 2011
A modelling tool kit is being developed to support the future design, operation and roll-out of CCS in the UK.
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German lessons don't sink in
26 Oct 2011
The German philosophy on investment in science and technology underpins the strength of its economy. Why does Britain consistently fail to follow suit?
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Talking kitchen offers cookery instructions in French
26 Oct 2011
A kitchen that provides cooking instructions in French has been developed by language experts and computer scientists at Newcastle University.
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Report urges strategic thinking to protect UK's energy supply
26 Oct 2011
A new report states that the government must start thinking strategically about energy security to protect the UK’s energy supply.
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Alpiq agrees to sell its equity stake in Edipower to EDF
25 Oct 2011
UK-based energy supplier EDF and swiss power producer Alpiq have signed a preliminary agreement for thesale to EDF of Alpiq’s 20 per cent equity stake in Italian company Edipower.
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Airbus receives order from Air Pacific for three A330-200s
25 Oct 2011
Fiji’s national carrier Air Pacific has signed a firm contract to buy three new A330-200 Airbus aircraft to replace its existing fleet of B747s and B767s with newer and more fuel-efficient aircraft.
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CAD systems that detect eye movement may aid designers
25 Oct 2011
Future CAD systems could speed up the design process by tracking designers’ eye movements with a camera as they work.
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Intelligent cars are set for demonstration in Frankfurt
25 Oct 2011
Intelligent cars that can alert their drivers — and each other — to hazards are set to be demonstrated in Frankfurt as part of a research project.
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Forensic technology could trace drugs to point of manufacture
25 Oct 2011
A new forensic technology could eventually help trace designer drugs to their point of manufacture.
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Report urges UK to lead aerospace development
25 Oct 2011
A report published by IMechE has called on the UK to take steps to lead the way in developing new aerospace technologies.
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US researchers create suit that can enable paraplegics to walk
25 Oct 2011
An exoskeleton that allows paraplegics to walk using technology based on military research made its European debut in London last week.
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Sensor set to monitor rheology during production of liquids
25 Oct 2011
A prototype non-invasive sensor is expected to give liquids manufacturers a tool that lets them monitor product rheology in real time during production.
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Thales to supply full-flight simulator to British Airways
24 Oct 2011
Defence systems provider Thales UK has been selected by British Airways (BA) to supply its A380 full-fight simulator.
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Control system could improve the agility of hybrid vehicles
24 Oct 2011
MIRA has developed an Electric Dynamic Control (EDC) system designed to enhance the driving dynamics of hybrid vehicles.
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US Navy awards Raytheon missile launchers contract
24 Oct 2011
The US Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command has awarded defence contractor Raytheon a contract valued up to $83m (£52m) to produce LAU-116B/A missile launchers.
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Capita Symonds and Populus to work on Mumbai race circuit
24 Oct 2011
A consortium comprising Capita Symonds, Populous and Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System (DIMTS) has been appointed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to prepare the business case for a new multipurpose race circuit and regeneration project in Mumbai, India.
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Researchers work to design a self-healing coat for fishermen
24 Oct 2011
Researchers are designing a coat with a waterproof polymer layer that can heal itself after scratches and tears.
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Ocean Power Technologies boosts PowerBuoy efficiency
24 Oct 2011
Ocean Power Technologies has launched a new technology initiative to enhance the efficiency of the company’s PowerBuoy wave-energy system.
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Sludge experts aim to tackle safe disposal of nuclear waste
24 Oct 2011
Leeds University has formed a Sludge Centre of Expertise aimed at helping nuclear engineers work out how to dispose of nuclear waste safely.
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Make like a tree, make the most of the UK, and make your pitch
24 Oct 2011
Events taking place this week incorporate a demonstration of an artificial tree that captures CO2 and entrepreneurs pitching for funds that will see their innovations flourish.
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Material scientists create super-hard form of carbon
24 Oct 2011
Material scientists at Stanford University have created a super-hard form of carbon akin to an amorphous diamond.
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Rocket carrying Galileo satellite takes off following delays
21 Oct 2011
The rocket carrying the first two Galileo satellites — which will form part of Europe’s version of GPS — has now been successfully launched from French Guiana.
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Where next for CCS?
21 Oct 2011
Earlier this week, delegates at a conference on the future of UK carbon capture and storage were greeted to news that plans to develop a CCS project at Longannet in Scotland had been shelved.
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Researchers develop microchip to transport magnetic beads
21 Oct 2011
A low-power microchip that uses a combination of microfluidics and magnetic switches to trap and transport magnetic beads has been developed in the US.
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Network Rail agrees cross-industry graduate scheme
21 Oct 2011
Network Rail has signed an agreement with two civil engineering associations to develop a programme designed to better equip future civil engineers.
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US research team creates continuous laser light converter
21 Oct 2011
Technology that might have applications in advanced sensors, communications systems and laboratory instruments has been developed at Purdue University.
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Plasma cell could create new possibilities in battery design
21 Oct 2011
Engineers say they have made an electrochemical cell that uses a plasma for an electrode instead of solid pieces of metal.
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Fuel leak postpones proposed launch of Galileo satellites
20 Oct 2011
The launch of Europe’s first global navigation satellites has been postponed for at least 24 hours due to a fuel leak.
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Business leaders call for action to be taken on climate change
20 Oct 2011
More than 180 companies have issued the 2°C Challenge Communiqué, calling on governments to take decisive action on climate change.
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TAM Airlines finalises purchase of 32 Airbus a320 aircraft
20 Oct 2011
Brazil-based TAM Airlines, the largest airline in the Southern Hemisphere, has finalised a purchase agreement for 32 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, comprising 22 A320neo and 10 A320 aircraft.This order follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed last February and engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.
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Nexans to install railway infrastructure cables in Paris
20 Oct 2011
Cable company Nexans has been awarded two four-year contracts for a total amount of €15m by RATP, the state-owned operator of Paris’ public transport systems, to supply specialised railway infrastructure cables.
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BBA taskforce 'hasn't mended bank/small firm relationship'
20 Oct 2011
Following the launch of the British Bankers’ Associations’ (BBA’s) Business Finance Taskforce, research suggests that it has not yet achieved its aim of repairing the relationship between banks and small businesses.
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Government launches £18m project funding competition
20 Oct 2011
Businesses are being invited to compete for a share of nearly £18m of funding to develop technological innovations that may create growth.
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Mountain Cleantech announces first close of Fund II at €23m
20 Oct 2011
Swiss investment company Mountain Cleantech has announced the first close of Mountain Cleantech Fund II at €23m (£20m).
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Outreach wins contracts to supply seven pipehandlers
20 Oct 2011
Hydraulic equipment supplier Outreach has been awarded contracts totalling almost £4m for the supply of seven pipehandlers to various platforms in the North Sea and the Middle East.
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Longannet carbon-capture facility plans are shelved
20 Oct 2011
Plans to develop a carbon capture and storage facility at Longannet power station in Scotland have been shelved.
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Record producer Steve Levine talks about electric cars
20 Oct 2011
The Engineer visited Grammy-winning producer Steve Levine to talk about his work designing sound for electric vehicles
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Images from two handheld projectors get interactive
20 Oct 2011
Animated images from two separate handheld projectors are now able to interact with one another thanks to research carried out in the US.
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TapSense technology enables richer touchscreen interactions
20 Oct 2011
A person’s interaction with smartphone touchscreens can be enhanced by taking greater advantage of the finger’s anatomy and dexterity, according to US researchers.
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United Technologies reports rise in third-quarter earnings
19 Oct 2011
United Technologies has reported third-quarter 2011 earnings per share of $1.47 (£1.28) and net income attributable to common shareowners of $1.3bn (£1.1bn).
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FDS acquires gasket cutter and distribution company Sealex
19 Oct 2011
The FDS group has followed up its acquisition of New-Seal Gasket with the purchase of Cheshire-based Sealex, to further strengthen its UK distributor network.
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Simplified method measures polymer characteristics
19 Oct 2011
Materials researchers at UC Santa Barbara claim they have developed a simplified lab technique for measuring polymer characteristics.
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UK electronics firms receive invite to apply for funding
19 Oct 2011
UK companies engaged in organic and large area electronics are being invited to apply for Technology Strategy Board and European Commission funding.
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Pedestrian-detection system could reduce road fatalities
19 Oct 2011
A safety system from TRW Automotive Holdings has been designed to reduce the severity of impacts between cars and pedestrians.
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IndyCar disaster puts safety focus on motorsport
19 Oct 2011
Changes will have to be made to IndyCar racing following the death of driver Dan Wheldon. Will the series learn lessons from Formula 1, and could this result in changes to F1 cars?
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Intel reports record earnings, revenue and shipments for Q3
19 Oct 2011
Intel Corporation has reported its third-quarter (Q3) results, saying it has set records for microprocessor units shipped, EPS, earnings and revenue.
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Fluor wins FEED contract for Nasr Field offshore facilities
19 Oct 2011
Fluor’s Offshore unit has been awarded a front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract by Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO) for new offshore facilities located at the Nasr Field approximately 30km northeast of Umm Shaif Super Complex in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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Robotic cars could use local traffic info to make decisions
19 Oct 2011
Robotic car technology from BAE Systems and Oxford University could help reduce congestion by using local traffic information to make decisions.
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Researchers work to prevent collisions with space debris
18 Oct 2011
Researchers at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) are developing technology to better track space objects and debris.
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Arcadis acquires full ownership of consultancy EC Harris
18 Oct 2011
Arcadis, a design, consulting, engineering and management services company, has signed a merger agreement to acquire the full ownership of EC Harris, a built-asset consultancy headquartered in London that provides consulting and management services for the realisation and operation of buildings, manufacturing and processing plants and infrastructure facilities.
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UK Space Agency invests in Mars research projects
18 Oct 2011
The UK Space Agency says it is making £1.6m available in support of projects to further explore Mars.
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Wireless charger can restore vehicles' batteries on the move
18 Oct 2011
Wireless-charging technology could enable different electric vehicles to replenish their batteries using the same infrastructure while moving.
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Microlease acquires electronic test equipment firm MetricTest
18 Oct 2011
Microlease has acquired MetricTest, a US-based solution provider for buying, renting and leasing new and refurbished electronic test equipment.
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Interactive surfaces could be created on papers and walls
18 Oct 2011
Pioneering technology could enable people to dial phone numbers from their own hand.
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GM technologies 'will take over driving duties from motorists'
18 Oct 2011
Technologies being developed at GM are set to partially or completely take over driving duties from motorists.
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Contactless sensors detect developing pressure ulcers
18 Oct 2011
Medical-sensing technology could alert clinicians to the development of pressure ulcers in immobile patients before they form.
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AMEC set to deliver services to Clair Ridge oil-field project
18 Oct 2011
AMEC has been awarded £150m to deliver services to the Clair Ridge oil-field project in the North Sea.
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Saipem wins EPIC contract for Basra Oil Terminal in Iraq
18 Oct 2011
Italian oil and gas contractor Saipem has been awarded the engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning (EPIC) contract for the Iraq Crude Oil Export Expansion Project — Phase 2, by South Oil Company.
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US scientists near development of self-replicating materials
18 Oct 2011
Scientists in New York believe they may be able to develop self-replicating materials.
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Bruker acquires California based firm Center for Tribology
17 Oct 2011
Bruker, a provider of scientific instruments, has closed its acquisition of Center for Tribology (CETR) for $13m (£8.2m) in cash as an initial purchase price, with potential additional earn-out payments of up to $4m in cash, depending on the growth and profitability of the CETR-business within Bruker in 2012 and 2013.
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Tool measures solar incidence levels of roof structures
17 Oct 2011
Scientists from Gothenburg University claim they have developed a tool that can determine solar incidence levels.
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BP and Anadarko resolve Deepwater Horizon disputes
17 Oct 2011
BP today announced that it has reached an agreement with Anadarko to settle all claims between the companies related to the Deepwater Horizon accident.
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David Brown Gear Systems secures government funding
17 Oct 2011
David Brown Gear Systems, a manufacturer of industrial gear and drive systems, has secured £4.8m of private sector and government funding from the Regional Growth Fund, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and business secretary Vince Cable announced during a visit to the business on 13 October.
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Rolls-Royce to supply Azimuth thrusters to China-built tugs
17 Oct 2011
Power systems provider Rolls-Royce has received orders worth around £18m for the supply of Azimuth thrusters to power 18 tugs being built in China.
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Biometric chips could simplify the passport control process
17 Oct 2011
Research into biometric identity chips could make getting through passport control as easy as walking through a gate.
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Scientists discover alternative method of producing bioplastic
17 Oct 2011
Scientists believe they have found an alternative method of producing a bioplastic that has traditionally been too expensive to process.
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Women engineers, energy and nuclear waste
17 Oct 2011
This week sees WISE acknowledge those encouraging girls into STEM subjects and careers whilst other events cover process safety, nuclear waste disposal, climate change and coastal erosion.
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Low-carbon aviation fuel comes from industrial waste gases
17 Oct 2011
Virgin Atlantic has developed an aviation fuel from industrial waste gases that it claims has half the carbon footprint of standard jet fuels.
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Mitsubishi bulk carrier ship could help reduce carbon emissions
17 Oct 2011
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has developed a bulk carrier ship that it said will enable reductions in CO2 emissions by about 25 per cent.
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Bystrup wins UK Pylon Design Competition with T-Pylon
14 Oct 2011
Bystrup’s T-Pylon has beaten six other finalists to be crowned the winner of the UK’s Pylon Design Competition.
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Service focuses on aiding growth for SME manufacturers
14 Oct 2011
A nationally operated Manufacturing Advisory Service will focus on helping small- and medium- sized (SME) manufacturers to grow, Mark Prisk, UK business minister, announced today.
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Fluor to invest in SMR technology company NuScale Power
14 Oct 2011
Engineering services company Fluor has committed to making an investment exceeding $30m (£19m) in NuScale Power, an Oregon-based small modular reactor (SMR) technology company.
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Exova labs receive investment for creep strain testing
14 Oct 2011
Specialist aerospace laboratories operated by Exova, a materials testing provider, have received a major investment.
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Body patch transmits health information using Bluetooth
14 Oct 2011
A body patch could transmit important health information to mobile devices using Bluetooth technology.
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Manufacturing a recovery
14 Oct 2011
There may be no signs of growth in the UK economy but the government’s long-term strategy for innovation is looking promising.
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Carbon nanotube 'muscles' could aid drug delivery
14 Oct 2011
Artificial muscles strong enough to rotate objects a thousand times their own weight have been invented by an international team of researchers.
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BP and partners invest almost £10bn in oil and gas projects
14 Oct 2011
BP and partners are developing four new oil and gas projects that will see almost £10bn invested in the UK’s oil industry over the next five years.
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David Cameron opens Airbus wing factory in Wales
14 Oct 2011
British prime minister David Cameron has officially opened Airbus’s £400m wing factory in Wales, where the aircraft manufacturer will assemble the wings for Airbus’s A350 XWB long-range aircraft range.
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Klinger acquires distribution company Acorn Seals
14 Oct 2011
Klinger, a Bradford-based manufacturer of industrial gaskets, is set to more than quadruple its share of the hydraulic seals market over the next four years, with the acquisition of European manufacturing Scottish distribution company, Acorn Seals.
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Smiths Interconnect completes purchase of Power Holdings
14 Oct 2011
Electronic and radio frequency products manufacturer Smiths Interconnect has completed its purchase of Power Holdings (PDI), a designer and manufacturer of specialist power distribution, conditioning and monitoring systems.
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Wireless bicycle brakes could be used in larger vehicles
14 Oct 2011
Scientists in Germany have developed a wireless bicycle brake that could lead to similar systems for larger vehicles such as trains and aeroplanes.
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Project uses microphones to detect underwater gas leaks
14 Oct 2011
Underwater microphones could be used to detect gas leaks from pipelines, carbon capture wells and methane reservoirs.
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Aker wins contracts to supply Pusnes bow loading systems
13 Oct 2011
Several major South Korean shipyards have awarded Aker Solutions, a Norwegian oil services company, contracts for the supply of Pusnes bow loading systems for 10 suezmax shuttle tankers.Eight of the shuttle tankers are being built for various ship owners and will operate in Brazilian waters.Two of the shuttle tankers will operate for a Norwegian ship-owner at the Goliat field in the Barents Sea.Delivery of the equipment will take place within 2012 and 2013.
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Rolls-Royce forms turbofan JV with Pratt & Whitney
13 Oct 2011
Power sources provider Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney have agreed to form a new partnership to power future mid-size aircraft, to hold 120–230 passengers.
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Intertek invests £15m in new Aberdeen headquarters
12 Oct 2011
Intertek, a provider of quality and safety services, has invested £15m in its Aberdeen headquarters for its energy services operation.
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Chevrolet works on all-electric version of Spark mini-car
12 Oct 2011
Chevrolet is to produce an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark mini-car.
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Attracting engineering talent
12 Oct 2011
Arup’s James Kenny provides some useful tips on how industry can snap up the best young engineering talent
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Statoil extends Mongstad contract with Aker Solutions
12 Oct 2011
Norwegian energy company Statoil has exercised an option of a three-year extension of the minor modifications frame agreement contract with Aker Solutions at the Mongstad refinery, located on Norway’s west coast.
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Wärtsilä receives order for power plant in Turkey
12 Oct 2011
Marine power sources supplier Wärtsilä has received a major order from independent power producer (IPP) Yesilyurt Enerji Elektrik Uretim, for a power plant to be installed in Turkey.
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Weightman review should calm UK energy jitters
12 Oct 2011
The final report on Japan’s Fukushima crisis should help shore up confidence in UK nuclear plans, but it remains a parlous time for the energy sector in general
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Italian firm joins consortium for nuclear heavy modules
12 Oct 2011
Italy’s Ansaldo Nucleare has joined a UK-based consortium to design and build heavy modules and components for the UK’s civil nuclear programme.
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Team set to collect water and sediments from Antarctica
11 Oct 2011
A British engineering team is heading to Antarctica to collect water and sediment samples from a lake buried beneath 3km of ice.
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Report concludes Britain's nuclear industry is safe
11 Oct 2011
There are no fundamental safety weaknesses in Britain’s nuclear industry, according to a report published today.
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Mouthguard sensors will record impact data from athletes
11 Oct 2011
Student athletes at Stanford University are to wear high-tech mouthguards equipped with pressure sensors to record impact data on the field of play.
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UK manufacturing centre incorporates seven institutions
11 Oct 2011
A high-value manufacturing centre that incorporates seven leading institutions has been declared open for business by the Technology Strategy Board.
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Competition will bring space technology to Earth
11 Oct 2011
The government has announced an £8.5m competition to develop commercial products from space technology and data.
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RBS CIB funding enables IESA to win Premier Foods contract
10 Oct 2011
Warrington-based Integrated Engineering Stores Associates (IESA), a company that outsources maintenance, repair and operating goods (MRO), has won a 10-year contract with Premier Foods thanks to funding from Royal Bank of Scotland Corporate and Institutional Banking (RBS CIB).
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US Army orders Boomerang components from Raytheon
10 Oct 2011
Defence contractor Raytheon BBN Technologies has received a $9m (£5.8m) order to deliver additional Boomerang shooter detection system components to the US Army. Included in the contract award, Raytheon BBN will deliver spare parts for Boomerang III systems, such as easily field-replaceable microphones.With sales to the US Army and the UK Ministry of Defence, there are now more than 10,000 Boomerang systems deployed.
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ATK to produce the US Marine Corps' new USMC pack
10 Oct 2011
The Eagle Industries business of Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has received a five-year $50m (£32m) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract from Marine Corps Systems Command to produce the US Marine Corps’ new USMC Pack.
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Touch-screen Braillewriter has keys that can 'find' fingertips
10 Oct 2011
Undergraduate changes the way blind people negotiate an unseen world
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Conference convenes in New York to discuss thorium energy
10 Oct 2011
Advocates of a non-uranium based reactor convene this week in New York to discuss thorium energy.
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X-ray imaging could detect individual minerals in ores
10 Oct 2011
An X-ray imaging detector could be used by the mining industry to quickly and accurately detect which minerals are present in an ore sample.
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Designers claim island-like vessel is future of yachting
10 Oct 2011
A design for a concept sea-going vessel is claimed by its designers to present a vision of the future of luxury yachting.
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Ionic liquid catalyst could help turn emissions into fuel
7 Oct 2011
An ionic liquid catalyst can help turn emissions into fuel, according to researchers in the US.
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Wärtsilä to supply LNG engines for US platform supply vessels
7 Oct 2011
Finnish company Wärtsilä, a manufacturer of power sources for the marine industry, has been awarded a contract to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion equipment for two advanced offshore supply vessels owned by Harvey Gulf International Marine.
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Partnership seeks to deliver highway for space data
7 Oct 2011
Astrium and the European Space Agency have partnered together to design, deliver and operate a new space data highway.
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Should the UK jump on the eco-city bandwagon?
7 Oct 2011
With an increasing number of ‘ecocities’ cropping up around the world, should the UK be thinking about developing one of its own?
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Personal robots could enhance soldiers' situational awareness
7 Oct 2011
Personal robots that can provide soldiers with an extra level of situational awareness are to be supplied to the US Army.
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Project invents crash-safe battery housing for EVs
6 Oct 2011
A mass-producible, crash-safe housing for electric vehicle (EV) batteries has been developed using fibre-reinforced composite materials.
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Scientists develop sensor to detect airborne particles
6 Oct 2011
Scientists at Cranfield University are developing a sensor to detect airborne nanoparticles.
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IMechE calls for plan to address UK skills shortages
6 Oct 2011
Large infrastructure projects could be undermined by a lack of engineers, according to a report launched by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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Qantas and Airbus finalise contract for 110 A320 aircraft
6 Oct 2011
Qantas and Airbus have finalised a contract for 110 A320 range aircraft.
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Ethiopian Airlines orders four Boeing 777 freighters
6 Oct 2011
Ethiopian Airlines has ordered four Boeing 777 freighters, making it the first African carrier to order the twin-engine freighter.
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Halliburton wins software patentability appeal
6 Oct 2011
Halliburton has won an appeal hearing in the UK on the issue of software patentability.
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LDC set to invest in specialist engineering and manufacturing
6 Oct 2011
Private equity provider LDC is to commit £200m of new investment to specialist engineering and manufacturing businesses over the next three years.
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Energy-storing membrane may 'perform better than batteries'
6 Oct 2011
The world’s first energy-storing membrane could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to existing batteries and supercapacitors.
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Two space missions set to go ahead with UK involvement
5 Oct 2011
Two major new space missions with significant UK involvement have been given the go-ahead.
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Planet Football: why FIFA should embrace technology
5 Oct 2011
What if FIFA were to embrace technology and bring goal line technology to the coffee table?
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GKN Aerospace secures follow-on contracts with Boeing
5 Oct 2011
GKN Aerospace has secured follow-on contracts worth more than $850m (£550m) from Boeing Defense Space and Security.
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Job cuts put skills debate firmly back on the agenda
5 Oct 2011
Last week’s announcement that BAE is to cut 3,000 jobs couldn’t have come at a worse time, and has reignited the ever-emotive debate on engineering skills.
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US places order for Saab's Giraffe radar system
5 Oct 2011
Saab has received an order for the Giraffe AMB multi-mission radar system and related services from the US Department of State.
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HP acquires control of UK software company Autonomy
5 Oct 2011
HP has acquired control of UK software company Autonomy Corporation.
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Forum urges government to cut taxes for private lenders
5 Oct 2011
The Forum of Private Business is urging the government to cut taxes for private lenders, as well as equity investors, in order to boost credit conditions for small businesses.
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Researchers view cells using mobile phone image sensor
5 Oct 2011
An imaging sensor from a smart phone has been used to help engineers at The California Institute of Technology transform the way cell cultures are imaged in ‘smart’ petri dishes.
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Robotic brain implant restores rat's capacity for movement
4 Oct 2011
A robotic cerebellum implanted into a brain damaged rat has successfully restored the animal’s capacity for movement.
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Weather-proof satellite capable of imaging any spot on Earth
4 Oct 2011
A satellite capable of imaging any point on the planet regardless of weather conditions has completed its developed phase at Surrey Satellite Technology.
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Astrium set to build broadcast satellite for 2014 launch
4 Oct 2011
Astrium has been selected by Eutelsat Communications to build Eutelsat 9B.
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Airbag could cut fatalities from far-side impact collisions
4 Oct 2011
GM has developed an airbag in a bid to cut fatalities from far-side impact collisions.
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ALMA observatory has its sights set on the universe
3 Oct 2011
ALMA, the world’s most complex ground-based astronomy observatory, is ready to start early science observations using around a third of its eventual 66 antennas.
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US firm uses solar power to recover oil reserves
3 Oct 2011
Solar power is being utilised to help oil recovery at one of the US’s oldest oil fields.
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Rolls-Royce receives first orders for cargo vessels
3 Oct 2011
Rolls-Royce has received its first order for vessels based on the group’s Environship concept.
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Thompson announces the safeguarding of 80 jobs
3 Oct 2011
Engineering firm Thompson has announced its future is secure now that plans to move its UK manufacturing plant to North America have been revised.
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Purchasing Managers' Index registers third-quarter growth
3 Oct 2011
The latest Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index indicates a return to growth for UK manufacturers.
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Swedish firm announces its largest onshore windfarm
3 Oct 2011
Vattenfall says it will build its largest onshore wind farm starting late this year at a cost of SEK1.4bn (£130m).
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US orders lightweight artillery weapons from BAE Systems
3 Oct 2011
The US Department of Defense has ordered 70 BAE Systems lightweight M777 howitzers to begin equipping the US Army’s Infantry Brigade Combat Teams.
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All things green and renewable
3 Oct 2011
Events taking place this week will give attendees guidance on how to maximize their green energy strategies.
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George Osborne has said that the UK will cut emissions "no slower but also no faster than our fellow countries in Europe". But is the coalition missing out on a major growth opportunity by scaling bac
October 2011 Online
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Reasearchers able to fabricate vascular composite materials
1 Aug 2011
A method for fabricating vascular composite materials with the potential for self-healing and self-cooling has been developed by researchers at the University of Illinois.
