Newcastle University researchers have reported developing a new ambient-energy-driven membrane that can pump carbon dioxide out of the air.

A First – Like A ‘Water Wheel On A Flour Mill’ 

As Dr Greg A. Mutch (Royal Academy of Engineering Fellow in the School of Engineering, Newcastle University) explains, his team has demonstrated “the first synthetic membrane capable of capturing carbon dioxide from air and increasing its concentration without a traditional energy input like heat or pressure”. 

Dr Mutch has likened the membrane’s ambient-energy power source to a “water wheel on a flour mill” because “whereas a mill uses the downhill transport of water to drive milling, we use it to pump carbon dioxide out of the air.” 

How & Why? 

The membrane was developed as part of tackling the challenges posed by the separation process in ‘direct air capture’, a technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere using chemical processes. With carbon dioxide being the main contributor to climate change (we release ~40 billion tons into the atmosphere every year), it’s hoped that alongside transitioning to renewable energy and traditional carbon capture from point sources like power plants, direct air capture can be used to help reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This could help mitigate climate change and help meet climate targets, e.g., the 1.5 °C goal set by the Paris Agreement.

Challenges 

The Newcastle University researchers (along with colleagues from 5 other universities) set out to tackle two challenges in the dilute separation processes of direct air capture. These were:

1. Due to the low concentration, the kinetics (speed) of chemical reactions targeting the removal of the dilute component are very slow.

2. Concentrating the dilute component requires a lot of energy.

The newly developed membrane meets both challenges because it doesn’t need traditional energy input like heat or pressure to operate (it just uses the energy from a humidity difference), and technologies such as X-ray micro-computed tomography and molecular scale modelling created a membrane where reaction could happen quickly. Another key aspect of the membrane’s performance is that it has ‘carriers’ within it that uniquely transport both carbon dioxide and water but nothing else.

The Importance of Separation Process Like Direct Air Capture 

With direct air capture being cited as one of the “seven chemical separations to change the world” (David S. Sholl & Ryan P. Lively – Nature.com), improving the process with a new membrane should be seen as an important step forward.

In fact, as highlighted by Newcastle University, “separation processes underpin most aspects of modern life” e.g., most food, fuels, and medicines have been through separation processes and in a world moving towards a circular economy, separation processes will become even more critical. For example, “direct air capture might be used to provide carbon dioxide as a feedstock for making many of the hydrocarbon products we use today, but in a carbon-neutral, or even carbon-negative, cycle”. 

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

The development of this new ambient-energy-driven membrane, led by Newcastle University researchers, could mark a significant breakthrough in the field of sustainability, particularly in carbon capture technology. For businesses, this advancement could have profound implications across multiple dimensions. For example, companies that are striving to meet sustainability targets and reduce their carbon footprint could benefit greatly from incorporating this new technology. Traditional carbon capture methods are often energy-intensive and costly, presenting barriers to widespread adoption. However, the membrane’s ability to function without conventional energy inputs like heat or pressure makes it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. This can help businesses achieve their climate goals more efficiently and at a lower cost.

Also, industries heavily reliant on hydrocarbon products now have a promising pathway to transition towards a circular economy. The membrane’s capacity to capture and concentrate carbon dioxide from the air means that CO2 can be used as a feedstock for manufacturing various products. This not only aids in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels but also provides a sustainable source of raw materials, thereby fostering innovation in product development and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The membrane’s utilisation of ambient energy also aligns with the growing trend of leveraging renewable energy sources. Businesses could integrate this technology with existing renewable energy infrastructures, such as solar or wind, to further enhance their sustainability initiatives. This synergy may be able to amplify the impact of their environmental efforts, contributing to a more sustainable future.

The membrane innovation could also open up new opportunities for investment and collaboration. Companies in the tech and industrial sectors may want to partner with research institutions like Newcastle University to further refine and commercialise this technology. Such collaborations could lead to the development of customised solutions tailored to specific industrial needs, driving growth, and fostering a competitive edge in the market.

This groundbreaking membrane technology, therefore, not only addresses critical environmental challenges but also offers a myriad of business advantages. From cost savings and new product innovations to enhanced sustainability and collaborative opportunities, businesses may stand to gain significantly by adopting this cutting-edge solution (or others like it). As we move towards a greener economy, staying ahead of such technological advancements will be crucial for long-term success and sustainability.

See how much your website needs an SEO boost with a quick and easy SEO report generated by ChatGPT …

The News and Interests widget on the taskbar provides quick access to the latest news, weather, and other personalised information. Here’s how to use it:

Enable News and Interests

– Right-click on the taskbar.

– Hover over ‘News and interests’ and select ‘Show icon and text’ or ‘Show icon only’.

Access Information

– Click on the News and Interests widget on the taskbar to view news, weather, and other updates.

New research by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, has revealed that only 1 in 4 children in Wales tell their families about their online life.

Survey 

The survey about online safety was conducted in June 2024 to inform Cifuentes’s response to Ofcom’s consultation on its widening powers relating to the Online Safety Act (2023). The results were drawn from responses given by 1284 children and young people between the ages of 7 and 18, from 16 local authorities.

Only 28 Per Cent Tell Their Families 

The most telling statistic coming from the results of this survey is that just one in four (28 per cent) of children said they talk a lot to their family about what they do online.

Apps That Made Them Unsafe 

The survey also revealed that 29 per cent of children who listed apps that made them feel unsafe or unhappy mentioned Roblox, followed by YouTube (17 per cent), and Snapchat (12 per cent).

Roblox 

Roblox is a “virtual universe app” where users play a wide variety of games (and create games within Roblox) and chat with others online.

The concerns shared about Roblox (by children as young as 8) were about ‘toxic and rude’ users, ‘aggressive behaviour’, the ability to have conversations with strangers, being ‘scammed’, and also experiences of racial discrimination. Some commentators have noted that the fact that Roblox is user-generated could explain why there may not be the same degree of rigour applied to age ratings as content made by commercial companies.

In recent years, several concerns have been raised about Roblox. For example, there are worries about child safety, including the presence of inappropriate content and the potential for online predators to interact with children. The platform’s monetisation practices have also come under scrutiny, with critics arguing that the in-app purchase system may encourage excessive spending by children. Also, there are concerns about the exploitation of young developers who create content for Roblox, often without receiving fair compensation.

Privacy issues with Roblox have been another concern among some commentators, particularly regarding the handling of the personal information of young users. Fears about excessive screen time and the potential for gaming addiction among children have also been frequently highlighted.

Despite these concerns, Roblox continues to be a popular platform and it should be noted that Roblox has many positive aspects and initiatives aimed at improving safety. For example, it offers a platform for creativity and learning, thereby allowing users to develop programming and game design skills while fostering a sense of community and social interaction globally. The platform also provides robust parental controls, enabling parents to manage their children’s interactions and limit access to certain features or content.

Other positive aspects of Roblox are that it employs a dedicated team and automated systems for content moderation to swiftly detect and remove inappropriate content. Safety features such as age-appropriate settings, restricted chat functions for younger users, and regular safety updates help are also used to create a safer environment for children, plus Roblox supports developers with incentives and educational resources to help them succeed and monetise their creations fairly.

It’s also important to acknowledge that Roblox was not the only platform noted by children in the survey as making them feel unsafe but may be one that parents know less about than YouTube and Snapchat.

Concerns Not Taken Seriously 

One other worrying statistic revealed by the survey is that when children reported concerns directly with an online platform, only 32 per cent said they felt their concerns had been taken seriously.

Parents Warned to Look Closely at App Parental Controls

Publishing the results of the survey ahead of the school summer holidays, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales urged parents to look closely at information on parental controls, app content, and age requirements.

Rocio Cifuentes MBE said: “Online apps can give children fantastic opportunities to be creative, to express themselves, and to connect with their friends. But there are dangers too, and I know that keeping up with everything young people do online can feel daunting for parents and carers. Ahead of the summer holidays, where children are likely to spend more time on screens, it feels especially important that parents are equipped with the knowledge they need.  

“Luckily, there’s comprehensive and clear information out there from people like the NSPCC, and the Welsh Government, that I’d encourage all parents to read. Knowing more about parental controls, how to approach conversations about usage, age requirements, and the content of the app could go a long way to keeping your child safe and happy when they’re online.” 

Three Quarters Feel Safe 

It’s also important to acknowledge that despite the important findings about how unsafe some children feel online, the survey also found that the majority (76 per cent) of children said they feel happy and safe online. Also, children and young people most commonly said that if they saw something online that made them upset or worried, they would tell their parents, report it to the platform, or tell another family member.

Screen Time – A Worry For Teachers 

Teachers in Wales have also expressed concerns about the impact children’s screen time has on their education, with some seeing the impact of tiredness amongst pupils due to late-night gaming.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The findings from the Children’s Commissioner for Wales have significant implications for businesses operating in the app and online platform sectors. The survey highlights what could be described as a critical disconnect between children’s online experiences and parental awareness, which creates both challenges and opportunities for your business.

The fact that only 28 per cent of children discuss their online activities with their families shows a need for apps and platforms to pay more attention to transparent communication and user safety. This means not only ensuring robust parental controls and safety features but also actively educating both parents and children on their usage. Platforms like Roblox, YouTube, and Snapchat (all-too-frequently cited for making children feel unsafe) should take these concerns seriously and enhance their safety protocols. By doing so, they may be able to build more trust and foster a safer environment that encourages more open discussions between children and parents about their online activities.

Also, the concerns raised online about Roblox, ranging from interactions with strangers to racial discrimination, highlight the importance of stringent moderation and user education. This could mean investing in advanced content moderation technologies and employing dedicated teams to swiftly address inappropriate behaviour and content. Emphasising the ethical treatment of young developers and ensuring fair compensation can also enhance a platform’s reputation and attract a more engaged, loyal user base.

Privacy issues are another critical area that demands attention. With increasing scrutiny on how personal information is handled, businesses like app makers must implement robust privacy policies and practices. Clear communication about these measures can reassure parents and guardians, fostering a safer and more trustworthy environment for young users.

The survey finding that only 32 per cent of children feel their concerns are taken seriously by platforms is worrying and clearly presents an opportunity for businesses to improve their customer service and support systems. By implementing responsive and empathetic customer service practices, platforms could enhance user satisfaction and trust. Creating easy-to-use reporting mechanisms and ensuring that user feedback may also lead to tangible changes can demonstrate a genuine commitment to user safety and well-being.

Thankfully, the survey results also suggests that while there are substantial concerns, the majority of children feel happy and safe online. This indicates that there is a solid foundation upon which to build. By continuing to innovate and implement best practices in safety and moderation, businesses can not only address current issues but also enhance the overall user experience.

The key takeaway, therefore, is the importance of balancing safety and creativity. Platforms should continue to offer engaging, creative opportunities for young users while maintaining a strong commitment to their safety and well-being.

The new ‘SearchGPT’ (prototype) AI search feature which OpenAI plans to eventually integrate directly into ChatGPT is being seen by some as the future of search and a potential challenger to Google Search.

What Is SearchGPT? 

At present, OpenAI (the makers of ChatGPT) describes the prototype version of SearchGPT, which is currently being tested in the US, as “new search features designed to combine the strength of our AI models with information from the web to give you fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources”. In essence, OpenAI says the new tool is a better way of “finding what you’re looking for” than the multiple attempts required to get relevant results using normal search engines and “can be faster and easier”.

What’s So Different About It? 

Although Google and Microsoft have already integrated AI into their search engines, what’s different about SearchGPT is:

– It’s designed to rapidly “give you an answer” i.e., a clear answer to a question rather than a huge list of links (although it also gives attribution links to relevant sources, which OpenAI says help users connect with publishers).

– It responds to users’ questions with up-to-date information from the web.

– Users can ask follow-up questions (as they would in a conversation with a person) with the shared context building with each query (as it does with ChatGPT conversations).

The Future of Internet Search? 

As illustrated by OpenAI quoting Nicholas Thompson (CEO of The Atlantic) on its website saying, “AI search is going to become one of the key ways that people navigate the internet”, many think that AI chatbots are the future of search and could soon be challenging the likes of Google.

Really? 

It seems, however, with SearchGPT still being tested and Google having an absolutely dominant 90 per cent of the market globally, taking serious amounts of market share away from Google is still some way off.

Concerns and An Early Setback 

It seems even less likely that Google will have much to worry about in the immediate future given that (in a way reminiscent of Google’s Bard – since renamed as Gemini) giving incorrect information about space telescopes in its live introductory video, SearchGPT has made its own early gaffe. Unfortunately, in a prerecorded video showcasing SearchGPT, it gave incorrect information about the dates of the Appalachian Summer Festival in Boone, North Carolina.  Not only is this likely to undermine its promise and damage trust in its much-trumpeted abilities, it looks likely to delay its introduction while issues are ironed it. The gaffe may also strengthen the belief that answers from generative AI (as many of us will have experienced) can’t yet be fully trusted due to the proliferation of ‘AI hallucinations’ and errors.

That said (and despite this setback) with more people using chatbots like ChatGPT daily, it does seem plausible that chatbots could soon become more of a ‘one-stop-shop’ for various requests, including search. Leading search engines, such as Google may be therefore justified in keeping a close eye on features like SearchGPT and should perhaps concentrate on their own versions, e.g. a search feature for Google’s Gemini. For example, Google has already developed new AI-based search features like AI Overviews (AI-generated summaries at the top of the search results) and ‘Circle to Search’ which uses advanced image recognition and search capabilities.

Other Concerns 

Other concerns about AI taking over search include environmental worries because AI causes data centres to need more power and cooling, and offering conversational paragraphs (rather than just showing users’ links) has worried news companies that rely on search traffic for audiences and revenue.

Partnering With Publishers Too 

OpenAI says that in addition to launching the SearchGPT prototype, it’s also launching “a way for publishers to manage how they appear in SearchGPT, so publishers have more choices”. OpenAI says this will give publishers more autonomy and flexibility in managing their content’s presence on the platform. For OpenAI, however, this looks likely to be another monetisation / revenue opportunity, e.g. offering premium features or services to publishers.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The introduction of SearchGPT by OpenAI signifies a potential shift in the search landscape that could impact several key players. For OpenAI, the successful integration of SearchGPT into ChatGPT would position it as a formidable competitor to Google Search, offering users a streamlined, conversational search experience that promises quick, relevant answers instead of overwhelming lists of links. This could potentially disrupt the traditional search market, where Google currently holds a dominant 90 per cent share.

For Google and other traditional search engines, SearchGPT represents both a challenge and a catalyst for innovation. Google’s development of AI-based search features like ‘AI Overviews’ and ‘Circle to Search’ shows a recognition of the need to evolve and stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. While Google’s dominance provides some buffer, the emergence of effective AI-driven search tools means that constant innovation will be essential to maintain its leadership position.

Advertisers may also need to adapt their strategies to leverage the new search dynamics introduced by AI. The focus on providing quick answers and engaging users in a conversational manner could change how advertisements are presented and how user engagement is measured. Companies will need to stay agile and explore new advertising models that align with AI-driven search behaviours.

Publishers and media companies (who are reportedly collaborating with OpenAI) might find new opportunities in this evolving search environment. The ability to manage content presence on SearchGPT could offer more control and potentially new revenue streams, especially if OpenAI provides premium features or services. However, the challenge will be to ensure that AI-driven answers do not erode traffic to their sites, which is vital for their ad revenue and audience retention.

For businesses and individuals seeking efficient ways to find information online, SearchGPT could offer a more intuitive and faster search experience. The ability to ask follow-up questions and receive contextual answers could enhance user satisfaction and productivity. However, as with any new technology, the initial accuracy and reliability of AI responses will be crucial. It looks as though businesses will still need to be careful about verifying information obtained through AI search to avoid inaccuracies and AI hallucinations.

In summary then, the advent of SearchGPT could herald significant changes in how search engines function and how users interact with online information. For OpenAI, it presents a promising avenue to challenge established players like Google and make some extra revenue.

Following a previous announcement four years ago that it would be blocking third-party cookies from its Chrome browser, Google appears to have ‘updated’ that firm commitment in favour of a new approach.

What Has Google Said? An “Updated Approach” … 

Google’s most recent comment is that it now favours an “updated approach that elevates user choice. Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, we would introduce a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and they’d be able to adjust that choice at any time”. 

In short, this appears to indicate not just some serious backtracking (much to the disappointment of the UK privacy watchdog) but that Google will continue to allow a third-party cookie-based system, will operate it in parallel with another system, and will just show users a pop-up asking them to decide to turn the third-party cookies on or off.

Third-Party Cookies 

A cookie is a piece of code (used for tracking) that takes the form of a small text file that is stored on the browser of someone who visits a website. Whereas ‘first party’ cookies are more related to website analytics and don’t record where a user goes after leaving a website, a third-party cookie (created by a third-party, e.g. an advertiser) is used to track a web user in order to create a profile of them. The profile is then used to show that user ‘relevant’ targeted adverts when visiting completely different websites at different times.

What’s The Issue With Third-Party Cookies? 

Google made the announcement that it was phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome (as Firefox and Safari had already done before it) for several key reasons, which were:

– To comply with new data privacy laws, such as GDPR, CCPA, and CPRA, requiring tech companies to obtain user permission before tracking and sharing data. For example, UK websites must display cookie consent and privacy information due to GDPR.

– Pressure from privacy campaigners, e.g. Groups like Big Brother Watch and universities challenging tech companies over user tracking and data privacy, urging for more ethical practices.

– Investigations, such as that by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over whether limiting cookies on Chrome benefited Google by increasing its dominance in the online ad industry. Some argued this move could force reliance on first-party cookies, benefiting Google financially.

– Competition among browsers pressuring Google to adopt similar privacy measures, with Safari, Firefox, and Brave leading the way in restricting third-party cookies.

Why Not Just Remove Them? 

As noted by Google at the time, its Ad Manager data shows that when advertising is made less relevant by simply removing cookies, funding for publishers falls by 52 per cent on average.

Alternatives – Privacy Sandbox and IP Protection 

Google is now saying that it will take a new approach, i.e. an optional third-party cookie system operated in tandem with something else – Google appears to be focusing on its original idea of Privacy Sandbox as the other system. In addition to continuing “to make the Privacy Sandbox APIs available and invest in them to further improve privacy and utility”, Google says it also intends to “offer additional privacy controls” in the form of introducing “IP Protection into Chrome’s Incognito mode”. 

The Privacy Sandbox is an initiative designed to enhance user privacy while allowing targeted advertising by replacing third-party cookies with new technologies. It includes Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC), which groups users into cohorts based on browsing habits to hide individual identities, Trust Tokens to verify user authenticity without revealing identities, and an Aggregated Reporting API that provides data to advertisers without exposing individual user details. The goal is to protect user privacy while maintaining effective online advertising.

Following its recent resting of the Privacy Sandbox idea, Google announced that “the Privacy Sandbox APIs and other privacy-centric solutions like first-party data can help publishers improve their monetisation and mitigate impact from signal loss”.

Issues

Google’s apparent turnaround appears to have pleased some advertisers but there is now a broader prevailing shift towards user privacy and data awareness (accompanied by appropriate legislation) that Google’s new solution will have to align with. For example, it’s important that any cookie consent choices are presented to users in a neutral, clear manner, thereby complying with GDPR requirements for informed and unambiguous consent.

Also, there are antitrust regulations to consider. For example, the CMA intervened in 2021 over concerns that Google’s plans might push more advertisers to use Google’s systems and, in 2022, Google made commitments to address these concerns. Following Google’s latest announcement, therefore, the CMA is reported to be working closely with the ICO to evaluate Google’s new plan and its potential impact on consumers and the market.

Google has indicated that it will be working with relevant watchdogs to make sure its new approach is compliant, saying: “as we finalise this approach, we’ll continue to consult with the CMA, ICO and other regulators globally. We look forward to continued collaboration with the ecosystem on the next phase of the journey to a more private web.” 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

For advertisers, Google’s updated approach may offer both challenges and opportunities. While the continuation of third-party cookies allows for more targeted advertising, the added user choice means advertisers must be prepared for a portion of users opting out. This shift necessitates a more flexible strategy that combines traditional cookie-based tracking with new tools like those offered by the Privacy Sandbox. Staying informed and adaptive will be crucial to maintaining effective ad campaigns and optimising ad spend.

With Google’s new approach, it looks as though users will benefit from having at least some increased control over their privacy. The ability to choose whether to allow third-party cookies empowers users to protect their personal data. However, it also places the onus on them to understand the implications of their choices, which many users may be unlikely to do. It should be remembered that organisations (such as Google) must ensure their cookie consent processes are transparent and user-friendly, aligning with GDPR requirements for informed consent. Clear communication about data use will help build trust and improve user engagement.

Privacy groups may view Google’s updated stance as a partial victory, as it reflects growing recognition of privacy concerns. However, they will likely continue to advocate for stronger protections and clearer regulations. Organisations should anticipate ongoing scrutiny and potential changes in privacy standards, preparing to adjust their practices accordingly.

For Google, balancing the needs of advertisers, users, and regulators is a delicate task. The company’s new approach appears to seek to address privacy concerns while maintaining its dominance in the advertising market. Google’s competitors, such as Safari and Firefox, which have already implemented stricter privacy measures, will continue to shape the landscape. Staying competitive will require Google to innovate continuously and respond effectively to both market and regulatory pressures.

Overall, Google’s shift towards user-choice in cookie management signals a broader industry trend towards enhanced privacy.