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A spoonful of sugar is the key to a brighter climate | ticker VIEWS
Scientists discover a spoonful of sugar will open the path to longer-lasting lithium-sulfur batteries
Simply by adding sugar, researchers from the Monash Energy Institute have created a more sustainable and longer-lasting rival to lithium-ion batteries. This is essential for aviation, submarines, and most importantly electric vehicles.
Sugar rush batteries
As reported in Nature Communications, a group of scientists from the Monash Energy Institute, assisted by CSIRO, discover that using glucose-based additives on the positive electrode can stabilise lithium-sulfur battery technology.
It is being referred to as the next generation of batteries because the increase in performance has the potential to give an electric vehicle to 1000km range, on a single charge.
“In less than a decade, this technology could lead to vehicles including electric buses and trucks that can travel from Melbourne to Sydney without recharging. It could also enable innovation in delivery and agricultural drones where lightweight is paramount,”
Lead author Professor Mainak Majumder
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Associate Director of the Monash Energy Institute.
The Monash Energy team: Mahdokht Shaibani, Mainak Majumder, Matthew Hill, Yingyi Huang. Credit: Monash Energy Institute
These Lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to store two to five times more energy than lithium-ion batteries. The problem with this solution has been that the electrodes deteriorated rapidly, and the batteries broke down.
Now, by incorporating sugar into the architecture of the electrode, they have prevented the deterioration. The test-cell prototypes constructed by the team are showing to hold far more capacity than lithium-ion batteries.
“While many of the challenges on the cathode side of the battery has been solved by our team, there is still need for further innovation into the protection of the lithium metal anode to enable large-scale uptake of this promising technology — innovations that may be right around the corner.”
Dr. Mahdokht Shaibani, Monash researcher
Shifting to EV’s
There is an immense amount of pressure on countries right around the world to tackle climate change. In the lead-up to COP26 in Glasgow, the pressure is on for world leaders to step up.
Most leading nations are already making the shift to electric vehicles. Sustainable and efficient batteries will be essential for the transition to electric vehicles.
“In order to make the transition to zero-carbon, and make sure we keep our global warming to 1.5 degrees, we need to electrify everything. Batteries plan an incredibly important part.”
Scott Hamilton, Ticker Climate co-host & Energy Expert
Expected release
The scientific breakthrough is complete but it’s unclear how long the commercialisation of the batteries will take.
“We have done exciting science, but from research and development to commercial application is a long journey, that requires significant capital.”
Lead author Professor Mainak Majumder
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Associate Director of the Monash Energy Institute.
The Commonwealth Government supports the Lithium-sulfur Battery Research Program at Monash University, through the Australian Research Council and the Department of Industry, Innovation, and Science.
In addition, Cleanfuture Energy also supports the work and Enserv Australia plans to develop and manufacture the batteries in Australia.
“We would be looking to use the technology to enter the growing market for electric vehicles and electronic devices,”
“We plan to make the first lithium-sulfur batteries in Australia using Australian lithium within about five years.”
Mark Gustowski, Managing Director of Enserv Australia.
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Market Watch: Greenland deals, Japan bonds & Australia jobs
Join David Scutt as we dissect fast-moving global markets and key insights from Greenland to Japan and Australia.
Join David Scutt as we dissect fast-moving global markets and key insights from Greenland to Japan and Australia.
From Greenland to global bonds, and right here at home in Australia, markets are moving fast—and we break down what it all means for investors.
David Scutt from StoneX joins us to give expert insights on the key risks and opportunities shaping the week.
First, the U.S. is back in Greenland with its “Sell America 2.0” strategy. We explore the geopolitical wins, the potential economic gains, and the hurdles that could derail this ambitious plan.
Then, Japan’s bond market meltdown has shaken global investors. David Scutt explains what triggered the rout, whether it’s over, and the implications for markets across Asia and the US.
Finally, Australia’s December jobs report is more than just numbers—it’s a critical piece of the RBA rates puzzle. We break down the scenarios and what a surprise result could mean for the economy and local markets.
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#MarketWatch #GlobalMarkets #GreenlandDeals #JapanBonds #AustraliaJobs #RBA #DavidScutt #TickerNews
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Backlash over AI “Indigenous Host” sparks ethical debate
AI-generated “Indigenous host” sparks controversy, raising ethical concerns about representation and authenticity in social media.
AI-generated “Indigenous host” sparks controversy, raising ethical concerns about representation and authenticity in social media.
A viral social media account featuring an AI-generated “Indigenous host” is drawing criticism from advocates and creators alike, raising questions about authenticity, representation, and ethics in the age of artificial intelligence. Critics argue that AI characters can displace real Indigenous voices and mislead audiences.
Dr Karen Sutherland from Uni SC discusses how AI is reshaping identity on social media and why the backlash over this account has ignited a wider conversation about “digital blackface” and the ethics of AI-generated personalities. She explores the fine line between education, entertainment, and exploitation.
The discussion also dives into monetisation, platform responsibility, and the broader risks AI poses to media and cultural representation. As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated, audiences and creators alike must consider what authenticity truly means online.
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#AIControversy #IndigenousVoices #DigitalBlackface #SocialMediaEthics #AIIdentity #OnlineBacklash #MediaEthics #RepresentationMatters
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Business class battles and ultra long-haul flights with Simon Dean
Aviation expert Simon Dean shares insights on premium travel trends, business class, and the future of ultra-long-haul flights.
Aviation expert Simon Dean shares insights on premium travel trends, business class, and the future of ultra-long-haul flights.
From the latest trends in premium travel to the rise of ultra-long-haul flights, aviation reviewer Simon Dean from Flight Formula shares his firsthand insights on the airlines leading the charge.
We dive into what makes a great business class experience, and whether first class is still worth it in 2026. Simon breaks down common passenger misconceptions about premium cabins and explores how airlines are redesigning business class for comfort on the world’s longest flights.
He also gives a sneak peek into what excites—and worries him—about Qantas Project Sunrise, set to redefine ultra long haul travel.
Finally, we discuss the future of premium aviation: will ultra-long-haul flights become the new normal or remain a niche experience?
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#BusinessClass #UltraLongHaul #ProjectSunrise #AviationReview #FirstClass #AirlineTrends #TravelInsights #FlightFormula
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