Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Sound can help brew beer faster, study finds

University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers found playing audible sound (white noise) while making beer can reduce the fermentation process by 21-31 hours without significantly affecting the flavour, the university shared this week. Lead author Dr Parise Adadi, who completed the study as part of his PhD in Department of Food Science, said the results could lift productivity at breweries. The study, published in the journal Food Research International, investigated use of linear actuators (LATs) to deliver the white noise as particle sound energy into the fermenting beer, intensifying yeast growth and significantly accelerating fermentation. “The application of sound stimulation increased the yeast growth by maintaining a higher concentration of yeast cells in suspension,” said Adadi “The sound energy stimulated cellular processes and metabolic pathways, enhancing yeast growth and activity. This led to faster consumption of wort sugars and subsequent production of alcohol; but importantly did not significantly alter the flavour composition of the final beer.”

Fixx Nutrition launches new recovery drink

Australian sports nutrition company Fixx Nutrition has launched a new recovery drink, the Fixx Protein X Recovery Shake for athletes. According to a statement from the company, which runs a factory at Burleigh Heads, Queensland, the shake comes in chocolate and vanilla flavours and is “developed to provide athletes an optimal blend of protein, amino acids, carbohydrate and electrolytes” to help with recovery, rehydration, muscle repair after long training sessions or competitive events. Fixx Nutrition was founded in 2017 by Michelle and Jan Buchegger following the sale of their previous business, food manufacturer and supplier Fehlbergs Fine Foods, to Riviana. Its signature product, CrampFix, is sold in over 1,000 retailers in Australia, and across the globe.

Tindo releases new Australian-made solar panels

Adelaide-based Tindo Solar marked the official release of its new generation solar panels on Monday, including re-introduction of all-black solar panels manufactured in Australia. Tindo’s latest “Walara” N-type panels are available as a 440-watt panel in standard format, and a 475-watt panel, which is an all-black, seamless product. According to the company, Walara panels feature a strong structure framing, giving greater strength and better protection of cells. Tindo Chief CEO Richard Petterson said: “We service the premium solar panel market, which means our design and engineering teams have built the best reliability, efficiency and durability into these Walara panels. The development of the two latest panels in the Walara series is a direct reflection of the feedback shared by our customers.”

STA celebrates 40th anniversary

Lobby group Science & Technology Australia marked its 40th anniversary last week with a celebratory event on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra, bringing together members, alumni, and leaders from across the STEM sector. According to a statement from the organisation, the event highlighted four decades of advocacy, innovation, and programs that have shaped the Australian science and technology landscape. STA has grown to representing over 140 member organisations and 235,000 STEM professionals across Australia and New Zealand. “As we raise a toast to STA at 40, let’s commit to the next 40 years with the same boldness, the same unity, and the same belief that science and technology can help build a better, fairer, more prosperous Australia,” said STA Deputy CEO Sandra Gardam. STA will continue 40th anniversary celebrations with events in Melbourne on October 24, Perth on October 31, and Sydney on November 7.

New Adelaide AI/VR lab opened

The University of Adelaide's Australian Lab for Immersive Technologies (ALIT) has opened, located at the University’s Nexus 10 building on North Terrace. According to a statement from the university of Wednesday, the new facility brings together cutting-edge tools for simulation, interactive display, motion tracking, and digital performance in a single, integrated environment. It’s designed to support academic research, industry collaboration, performance, and teaching, and will be occupied by Uni Adelaide’s immersive technology and research service, Realities Extended, alongside selected researchers and students. “Its combination of immersive tracking, simulation capability, advanced interactive display systems, and performance potential sets it apart from traditional VR/AR labs,” said Steven Cook, Senior Lecturer and Head of Realities Extended. “The integration of all these technologies in one cohesive space makes ALIT truly unique and one of the most versatile immersive technology labs in the country.”

Vow seeks CoS as it look s to scale up

Cultured meat business Vow, which recently announced Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approval to sell its quail product in Australia, is hiring a chief of staff. “We’re looking for a Chief of Staff who thrives on solving high-stakes, undefined challenges and brings structure, clarity, and pace to everything they touch” read the job description. “This is an opportunity to help steer a fast-growing, category-defining company through its next phase of scale.” More information about the role, which is based at the company's Sydney headquarters and production facility, is available here.

$10 million announced for Victorian timber plantations

The Victorian government announced $10 million in funding on Monday, as part of the Victorian Plantation Support Program to establish new long-rotation timber plantations. According to a statement for agriculture minister Ros Spence and others, the funding will support projects approved under select rounds of the federal Support Plantation Establishment Program. Victorian growers looking to develop new plantations can receive up to $1,000 per hectare under the program to assist with plantation establishment activities. Combined with the Commonwealth program, new plantations of 20 hectares or more in Victoria can receive up to $3,000 per hectare, with a cap of up to $200,000 per project. “Demand for timber is expected to quadruple globally over the next 50 years and we’re making sure Victoria has a secure supply,” added Spence.

Picture: credit University of Adelaide