New battery technology could slash the cost of electric vehicles
A new battery technology that could significantly reduce the price of electric cars and home battery systems has taken a major step towards commercialisation.
Housing, infrastructure downturn hits Boral sales
Building products group Boral (ASX: BLD) has reacted to a weakening Australian economy by cutting costs, resizing its operations and chasing new opportunities. Chairman Kathryn Fagg told the company’s annual general meeting that 2018 financial year housing starts were down 15 per cent, and the value of work done on roads, highways and bridges and…
India’s not joining the latest free-trade deal which limits Australia’s market access
By Pat Ranald, Research fellow, University of Sydney Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and other leaders involved in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) announced late yesterday that 15 of the 16 countries have finalised the text, and are prepared to sign the trade deal in early 2020. India is the only one not to…
Dairy companies make inroads in China
Three Australian dairy infant and nutritional foods companies have announced links which deepen their access to the growing Chinese consumer market. Wattle Health Australia (ASX: WHA), Bubs Australia (ASX: CUB), and Jatenergy (ASX: JAT) have found strategic partners to open new distribution channels in what is the world’s largest market for nutritional dairy products. Wattle…
Researchers borrow from bugs to make unsinkable metal
A University of Rochester team has developed a laser-etching technique and taken inspiration from fire ants and diving bell spiders to engineer water-repellent, buoyant metal structures.