News
Software advance could aid quantum progress
09 November 2026
A major software advance could aid the creation of bigger, more reliable quantum computers, a study suggests.
Floating data centres: an offshore solution to onshore concerns
07 November 2026
Data centre developers are battling communities concerned about power shortages, pressure on water supplies and environmental issues. And that’s before considering the significant land constraints in many regions.
Why jet engine makers are rediscovering materials abandoned 50 years ago
04 November 2026
For decades, the aerospace industry has relied heavily on yttria-stabilised zirconia to ensure its jet engines do not overheat. In the 1970s, NASA researcher Stephan Stecura tested different mixtures and found that a formulation containing roughly 7% yttria by weight was unusually durable to the wear and tear that planes go through. What became known as 7YSZ blended the best of both worlds thanks to its stable crystalline structure – it was highly resistant to repeated heating and cooling, and had the kind of manufacturing properties that make it so useful for plane design.
Just launched - IES Position Paper on UK Energy Strategy
02 November 2026
This paper has been prepared by engineers from a range of disciplines, drawing on decades of industrial experience. It combines analysis of published energy-policy statements with a gap analysis of issues that are integral to implementation but are not always addressed explicitly. It also draws on the practical experience of contributors who have worked in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
Global operational floating wind capacity increases 38% in 12 months
01 November 2026
Scotland is driving the UK’s floating wind pipeline, but building a domestic supply chain will depend on a steady flow of projects to lower costs and give businesses confidence to invest, according to a new RenewableUK report.
Mine water heat network goes live at Seaham Garden Village
28 October 2026
A heat network using water from former coal mines to provide low-carbon heating to homes is now fully operational at Seaham Garden Village in County Durham, UK.
UK trial to explore diet and bipolar depression
27 October 2026
A clinical trial is set to test whether diet could help reduce depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder, comparing a high fat, low carbohydrate diet with standard NHS healthy eating advice.
Researchers find stronger whisky fermentation could cut distillery emissions by up to 16%
25 October 2026
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have found that producing a stronger alcoholic liquid before distillation could make Scotch malt whisky production more efficient by cutting energy use, carbon emissions and volume of liquid residues.
Scottish infrastructure struggling to weather the storm of climate change
23 October 2026
Scottish infrastructure will have to adapt if the country is to cope with extreme weather prompted by climate change, a University of Dundee expert has said
How sugars influenced the evolution of our brains
20 October 2026
Study suggests sugars played a bigger role in brain evolution than previously thought.
Scientists get AI-powered imaging platform that spots disease cell by cell
15 October 2026
Scientists in Scotland are set to benefit from a new AI-powered imaging platform capable of identifying rare cellular events among millions of cells and examining biological processes in unprecedented detail. Using artificial intelligence to automatically identify areas of interest and capture high volumes of data, the platform will generate the large, high-quality datasets needed to better understand health, ageing and disease.
Abertay University students and graduates celebrated at TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2026
14 October 2026
Abertay's games community was recognised across multiple categories at the prestigious industry awards
