A team of American scientists have achieved something that could signal the beginning of a completely wireless lifestyle: They have powered a device with no physical connection to the power source.

Researchers from the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Water Quality and Treatment are holding an industry workshop in Melbourne today, giving an overview of recent studies on whether chemicals (such as human hormones and pharmaceuticals) are getting into Australian water supplies and creating possible health risks.

The Australian Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) has been given a $35 million boost to help develop next-generation technology platforms, announced the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop.

Entries are closing soon for the DuPont 2007/08 Australia New Zealand Innovation Awards, dedicated to recognising and rewarding innovation in industry, science, the environment and agriculture.

The ZigBee Alliance, a global group of companies creating wireless solutions for commercial and industrial use, has added features to the ZigBee specification to give manufacturers greater flexibility when designing compatible products.

A transparent plastic as strong as steel and as thin as a sheet of paper has been developed, according to a study published on Friday in Science magazine.

Fieldbus Foundation, HART Communication Foundation, and Profibus Nutzerorganisation have begun a cooperative effort to improve implementation of wireless technology in the manufacturing and process industries.

Matrikon Inc and Meridian Energy have been honored with the 2007 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards (Newcastle Division) for their Predictive Asset Management (PAM) system.

Australia's first helium plant will be built in the Northern Territory, after a $33 million project was finalised between BOC and Darwin LNG.

Australia's first large molybdenum mine is being developed by junior explorer company Moly Mines.

Cisco and Emerson Process Management have announced an agreement to deliver wireless architecture for many applications available to process manufacturers.

The Hart Communication Foundation (HCF) has released the HART 7 specification, enabling more capabilities for communication with intelligent field devices, including Wireless HART.

Bluechip Australian companies lag behind Europe and Japan in environmental standards and only two in 10 firms have policies on overseas labour exploitation, according to a global ethical investment study done by London-based Ethical Investment Research Service (EIRIS).

For the first time in Australia, engineering students will have the option of accelerating their degree to complete their studies in three years instead of four.

Champion Compressors has unveiled a new public image, comprising a new company slogan, a refreshing new colour scheme and a company mascot — Champ, the Blue Heeler.