Picture (left to right): Dr Tobias Fischer, Somayeh Hussaini, Professor Michael Milford (credit QUT)
Monash releases guidelines to help teachers 3D print for blind students
Inclusive technology researchers from Monash University have developed new guidelines to create 3D printed educational tools to support vision impaired students. The guidelines (linked) are freely available to the public and feature inclusive design considerations, directions to create braille or audio labels, and accessible resources for blind makers. They can be used to create materials like braille learning aids, maps, curriculum-based models such as historic artefacts, and adaptive tools for the classroom. Guidelines were developed in collaboration with not-for-profit organisation Round Table, as well as through consultation with people who are blind and have low vision. Project Lead Leona Holloway from the Faculty of Information Technology said “One of the advantages of 3D printed models over raised line drawings, is that they can be used by blind, low vision and sighted students together in educational settings, and they can also be useful for people who are not trained in ‘touch reading’… However, not all models can be understood well through both vision and touch. Instead, as described in the guidelines, thoughtful design, printing and finishing techniques are required to ensure that 3D printed models are optimised for touch reading and inclusion.”
MGA Thermal gets further backing
Thermal energy storage technology company MGA Thermal has announced investment from angel investor syndicate Electrifi Ventures in partnership with Climate Salad and worth an undisclosed amount. In a statement on Tuesday, the company said the funding joins a boost of $2.5 million from ARENA “in a rapidly closed” pre-Series B. “This investment, alongside ARENA’s support, will accelerate the completion of our Demonstration Unit, advancing our mission to revolutionise industrial energy storage,” said Mark Croudace, CEO of MGA Thermal.
UniSA researchers claim breakthrough obesity treatment
University of South Australia has said that its researchers have created a new, food-grade, natural solution for obesity, able to reduce weight and improve metabolic health, but “without the nasty side effects” of Ozempic. According to a statement from the university on Tuesday, it is rngineered from a plant fibre coating (inulin) and combines coconut and palm kernel oils, with the microcapsules able to “reduce inflammation and improve metabolic markers, such as blood glucose levels.” UniSA PhD researcher Amin Ariaee said InuMCT presents a natural approach for metabolic health and obesity-related conditions. “Anti-obesity drugs also tend to upset the gut microbiome, which not only leads to unpleasant side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea, but can also exacerbate long term inflammation and weight gain,” Ariaee said. “Our research is changing this. The new InuMCT microcapsules are created from food-grade, natural products that actively promote a healthy gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and significantly reduce excess weight.”
New robot navigation method inspired by brain function
