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Blockchain-like ID may mean end of paper birth certificates

Blockchain-like ID may mean end of paper birth certificates

27 September 2017

Data could be put back into people’s hands by a digital ledger system like the blockchain behind bitcoin, and it could push governments to the sidelines


whisky bottles

Fighting fakery: How to make products immune to counterfeiting

27 September 2017

Alcohol, medicine, money, car airbags – you name it, it's been faked. Now tags you can't copy could block bogus goods forever


digital users

EU plan to erase digital borders will further isolate Brexit UK

27 September 2017

Estonia wants the European Union to adopt free movement of data as a fundamental principle, letting half a billion people's personal info cross borders freely


Cyclist carrying Flow

A cheap pollution sensor will keep you off the dirtiest roads

26 September 2017

This wearable device reveals exposure to the three worst pollutants, linking it with online maps to help you avoid poor air, a bit like a Fitbit for pollution


A finger on a touchscreen

It takes 30 seconds for your fingerprint to grip your smartphone

25 September 2017

Fingerprints have to soften a bit before they can fully make contact with glass surfaces, which could foil plans for next-generation touchscreens


AI could put a stop to electricity theft and meter misreadings

AI could put a stop to electricity theft and meter misreadings

23 September 2017

An algorithm developed to detect electricity theft for companies in Latin America could also uncover billing errors


Dual image

Two-colour pixels let you draw pair of images in the same space

22 September 2017

Pixels created with pinholes in aluminium can change colour under different light, which may be useful for fighting forgeries and for storing data


Drone pilots deserve medals even without risking their lives

Drone pilots deserve medals even without risking their lives

22 September 2017

Remote warfare raises questions about who gets military honours, but the stress and trauma drone crews face deserves recognition, says David Hambling


Using uber on a smartphone

Uber loses its licence to operate in London

22 September 2017

Transport for London says Uber is 'not fit and proper' to operate in London, meaning its licence will expire after 30 September, unless the firm appeals


The sharksucker’s modified dorsal fin allows it to clamp on to other sea creatures

Robots can hitch-hike on sharks thanks to ultrastrong sucker

20 September 2017

A suction cup modelled on how a strange faeces-eater attaches to other fish can withstand a pull of 340 times its weight, letting robots ride sharks and whales


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