Monash claims research could see compact rooftop flow batteries on the market “in a few years’ time”

A new water-based battery developed by Monash University research engineers could one day help households “store rooftop solar energy more safely, cheaply and efficiently”, according to the university. The new battery makes use of a “new membrane design [which] fixes the speed problem” normally attached to flow batteries, and which normally limits their use to…

Australian Dairy Nutritionals to make milk formula powders for Sprout Organic

Vertically-integrated dairy business Australian Dairy Nutritionals has announced a new, one-year contract manufacturing agreement with Sprout Organic, which will see it produce milk powders for its client. According to a statement to the ASX on Tuesday, the agreement is non-exclusive, and comes with an option to extend for “a further [two-year] term”. Under the deal,…

Australian researchers use a quantum computer to simulate how real molecules behave

By Ivan Kassal, University of Sydney and Tingrei Tan, University of Sydney When a molecule absorbs light, it undergoes a whirlwind of quantum-mechanical transformations. Electrons jump between energy levels, atoms vibrate, and chemical bonds shift — all within millionths of a billionth of a second. These processes underpin everything from photosynthesis in plants and DNA…