Latest news with #DerekHao
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists unveil breakthrough device that pulls drinking water from thin air: 'Deployed in real-world applications'
What if we could pull drinkable water from the air around us? A research collaboration between engineers from Australia and China has accomplished just that. A device that looks like a sponge captures ambient water from the air and, using solar power, can deposit the water for drinking. The device modifies the natural features of balsa wood to be able to pull water from the environment. According to TechXplore, the technology functioned from 30% to 90% humidity and from 41 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. These ranges bode well for use in a wide range of environments. The team published their research in the Journal of Cleaner Production. "In outdoor tests, our device captured 2.5 milliliters of water per gram overnight and released most of it during the day, achieving a daily water collection efficiency of 94%," Dr. Junfeng Hou from Zhejiang A&F University told TechXplore. This technology and others like it use scientific innovation to address a crucial issue of drinking water scarcity around the world. The rising average temperatures around the globe are contributing to water scarcity. In a heatwave or drought, water supplies are diminished both through evaporation and through increased consumption to prevent dehydration. Continued reliance on dirty energy sources is speeding up the planet's heating. Scientists warn of the environmental and public health risks associated with these higher average temperatures. Pollution also poses issues for clean drinking water. From the EPA rescinding limits on forever chemicals in drinking water to the 1.7 billion people who drank water contaminated with feces in 2022, access to clean, safe water is a serious concern. Technology like this sponge-like device can provide drinkable water to many around the world, saving many lives. The United Nations estimates that 3.5 million people die each year from causes related to water scarcity. Beyond that, lack of water access impacts over four billion people globally every year. The team is working on further testing with industry partners. They're trying to integrate energy storage capabilities with solar to allow for water production during cloudy periods or overnight. Inspired by natural design and proven to work under a variety of conditions, the device can "be manufactured in large quantities and deployed in real-world applications such as water collection in remote or arid regions," Dr. Derek Hao of RMIT University in Melbourne told TechXplore. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Gulf Business
23-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Tashkent turns tech hub as Huawei accelerates ME&CA's digital future
Pictured: Derek Hao, President of Huawei Enterprise Business ME&CA The historic city of Tashkent marked a pivotal moment in the Middle East and Central Asia's (ME&CA) digital journey as Huawei opened its flagship Tech Carnival & Partner Summit 2025 in Uzbekistan — its first time in the country. Under the banner 'Accelerating the Intelligent World,' the event drew more than 1,500 industry leaders, government officials, technology experts and partners to explore how intelligent technologies can drive the region's digital transformation. Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov underscored the occasion: 'Uzbekistan stands at a crucial junction of ancient heritage and modern innovation. This event represents our commitment to becoming a regional hub for digital excellence.' A region at the digital crossroads ME&CA sits at a critical inflection point. Spanning 21 countries with a combined GDP above $6 trn and a population topping 500 m, the region offers vast growth potential. Rapid global adoption of artificial intelligence—spurred by advances such as DeepSeek—only heightens the urgency to act. Unlike mature markets burdened by legacy infrastructure, many ME&CA nations can build AI-first ecosystems from scratch. This digital leapfrogging offers an unprecedented chance to secure a competitive edge in the global economy. A young, tech-savvy population and government-led diversification away from hydrocarbons further fuel momentum. Derek Hao, President of Huawei Enterprise Business ME&CA, captured the mood: 'Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace… Huawei has developed new digital and intelligent solutions for industries based on our global practices with customers and partners.' Uzbekistan's own Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy aims to propel the country's e-Government Development Index from 63rd to the global top 30 within a few years. The geopolitical dimension of digital sovereignty Technological progress also reflects aspirations for digital sovereignty. As global tech ecosystems fragment, regional control over digital infrastructure translates into economic and strategic autonomy. Emerging 'technological corridors'—linking the Gulf to Central Asia and beyond—position ME&CA as a vital bridge between East and West in an AI-enabled economy. Comprehensive digital-enablement strategy Huawei recognises organisations are at different stages of digital maturity and has created four implementation models: ICT infrastructure enablement – integrated computing, networks and storage. Cloud-platform enablement – one platform for multi-cloud applications, cutting development time from months to weeks. Data enablement – a lake-house solution that eliminates silos and reduces data-migration workloads by 80 per cent. AI enablement – frameworks and tools that speed real-world deployment. Regional investment and commitment Huawei has set up ICT academies with local universities and, through its T.H.E Gold Talent Programme, plans to cultivate one million digital professionals across ME&CA. The company works with more than 3,000 partners serving tens of thousands of SMEs, helping its regional commercial market grow 34 per cent year on year in 2024. As ME&CA embraces its digital future, success will hinge on collaboration among governments, technology providers and industry leaders—and on sustained investment in human capital. The rise of 'collaborative intelligence,' where human creativity and AI combine to tackle complex challenges, marks the next frontier. Derek Hao closed with a clear pledge: 'At Huawei, we are committed to working with our partners to build robust digital infrastructure and accelerate intelligent transformation across the region.' Through targeted investment in education, infrastructure and partnerships, ME&CA is poised to lead in the intelligent economy.
