Welsh language gets a scientific boost, drones tackling plastic pollution, ultra-thin solar panels

Photo: Jonathan Hall / Pixabay (CC0)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about the use of drones and AI to tackle plastic pollution in Cambodia, an Australian university that can print solar panels like newspapers, and a student who has created medical terms in the Welsh language for the first time.

A Cardiff University student has created specific scientific words in Welsh for the first time in the language’s history

Bedwyr Ab Ion Thomas found that many of the medical terms he needed to use simply did not exist in his mother tongue.

Source: BBC News

AI and drones are teaming up in order to combat plastic pollution in Cambodia

A German research group is using the technology to locate and identify plastic waste floating in waterways.

Source: Reset

A university in Australia has invented printable photovoltaic solar cells

The new technology is cheaper and thinner than traditional solar panels and could revolutionise urban power generation.

Source: Reset

A Canadian island has removed approximately 16 million plastic bags from its waste stream

The impressive feat on Prince Edward Island comes just over a year after the implementation of a province-wide ban.

Source: Treehugger

Scientists have devised a biodegradable, eco-friendly and low-cost method of cleaning up oil spills

Research suggests that fur and hair products, collected from dog groomers and hairdressers, can be just as good as synthetic alternatives when it comes to cleaning up crude oil spills on land.

Source: Euronews

Kelp restoration projects are helping tackle climate change head on

Marine permaculture is regenerating marine ecosystems, boosting food security and sequestering carbon emissions.

Source: Euronews

A new study shows that the use of telehealth tools could speed up the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder

The move comes as many healthcare providers are looking to move services online in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Eurekalert

A team of researchers have developed a beetle-mounted camera which can stream insect adventures

The technology will aid conservation efforts whilst providing valuable new insights into the lives of the tiny creatures.

Source: BBC News

Lisbon is aiming to boost affordable housing by turning empty Airbnb rentals into homes for key workers

The move comes after data showed an increase in rental prices of 21% in 2018.

Source: Euronews

An innovative new project is renaming London tube stops after feminist icons

The initiative is starting a conversation about how gendered its public spaces are.

Source: Global Citizen

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