Latest news with #UTAustin
Associated Press
24-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
SunHydrogen to Deploy more than 30 m² Hydrogen Production Pilot System in Collaboration with UT Austin
Coralville, IA and Austin, TX, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SunHydrogen, Inc. (OTCQB: HYSR), the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce renewable hydrogen using sunlight and water, today announced a major milestone in the advancement of its proprietary photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production technology. In a new strategic collaboration, SunHydrogen will partner with The University of Texas at Austin – Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) to install, commission, and operate a more than 30 m² proof-of-concept hydrogen production system at UT-CEM's Hydrogen ProtoHub research facility. In a recent release, SunHydrogen announced the execution of a contract with The Process Group (TPG Engineers) for the front-end engineering design of this pilot plant. The pilot plant will feature sixteen 1.92 m² photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactor units—each the same basic unit to be showcased at the Hydrogen Technology Expo in Houston—totaling more than 30 m2 of active area. The reactor units will be installed across multiple panels in a modular, scalable configuration, representing the company's first large-scale, multi-panel hydrogen production system operating under real-world conditions. Designed to operate entirely on sunlight and water, the more than 30 m² array will enable comprehensive performance validation and data collection to support commercial system development. 'This collaboration represents a pivotal step in bringing SunHydrogen's vision to life,' said SunHydrogen CEO Tim Young. 'Deploying a pilot demonstration system at the Hydrogen ProtoHub allows us to validate our technology under real-world conditions and generate the necessary data needed for commercialization. We're proud to work with Michael Lewis and his team at UT-CEM to accelerate the path to decentralized, renewable hydrogen production.' Located on UT Austin's J. J. Pickle Research Campus, the Hydrogen ProtoHub is a purpose-built facility designed to be a proving ground for hydrogen technologies. Operated by UT-CEM, the site offers advanced infrastructure, safety systems, and experienced technical personnel. SunHydrogen will work closely with UT-CEM on the system assembly, installation, commissioning and long-term data acquisition of the sixteen PEC reactor units. This collaboration also contributes to broader research, workforce training, and education in sustainable hydrogen technologies. Michael Lewis, Director of the Center for Electromechanics at UT-Austin, stated, 'We are excited to host SunHydrogen's innovative technology at our Hydrogen ProtoHub. This project contributes to the advancement of photoelectrochemical hydrogen production and aligns with our mission to support the transition to a sustainable energy future through hands-on research, industry collaboration, and education.' Dr. Syed Mubeen, the Chief Technology Officer of SunHydrogen, stated, 'This pilot takes us from lab validation to system-level testing in real-world conditions. With >30 m² of active PEC area, we will generate critical performance data to guide commercial design. Working with UT-CEM ensures we execute this scale-up with precision, safety, and engineering rigor.' Following commissioning, the system will operate for six months under UT-CEM oversight. The demonstration will generate valuable insights to support both technology development and broader hydrogen deployment strategies. For more information on SunHydrogen's technology and developments, visit: About SunHydrogen, Inc. SunHydrogen is developing breakthrough technologies to produce renewable hydrogen in a market that Goldman Sachs estimates to be worth $1 trillion + per year by 2050. Our patented SunHydrogen Panel technology, currently in development, uses sunlight and any source of water to produce low-cost renewable hydrogen. Like solar panels that produce electricity, our SunHydrogen Panels will produce renewable hydrogen. Our vision is to become a major technology supplier in the new hydrogen economy. By developing, acquiring and partnering with other critical technologies, we intend to enable a future of emission-free hydrogen production for all industrial applications such as fertilizer and petroleum refining as well as fuel cell applications for mobility and data centers. To learn more about SunHydrogen, please visit our website at Safe Harbor Statement Matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'may,' 'intend,' 'expect' and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other factors, known and unknown, including the risk factors described from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained herein are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable law. About the Center for Electromechanics at UT Austin The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) conducts applied research and development in advanced energy storage and power systems. UT-CEM leads innovative programs in hydrogen technologies, electric transportation, and renewable energy integration. Press Contact [email protected]
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New book details ‘troubling history' of eugenics in Texas
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Eugenics, or the pseudoscience of human breeding, reached the height of its notoriety in the early 1900s but never truly disappeared, according to a new book that examines the influence that the debunked movement had on Texas. 'The Purifying Knife: The Troubling History of Eugenics in Texas,' written by Michael Phillips and Betsy Friauf, was published this week. It examines the history and influence of eugenics in the state. Co-author and former history professor Dr. Michael Phillips spoke with KXAN about the book on Wednesday. 'We had mixed feelings doing this book, because this comes in a time when there's so much dangerous rejection of science in terms of vaccines, in terms of climate change and other issues,' Phillips said. Phillips, who earned his doctorate in 2002 at the University of Texas at Austin, has focused his work on the history of racism in Texas. His first book 'White Metropolis: Race, Ethnicity, and Religion in Dallas, 1841–2001' published in 2006 and built off his UT Austin thesis. His and Friauf's research began in 2014. 'Although there were a lot of victims on the way to this science becoming marginalized, the scientific method ultimately did work, and mainstream science did reject it,' he said. 'Eugenics was accepted all across the political spectrum from the very conservative to what were called progressives then, who were the forerunners of liberals today, and it was just accepted scientific wisdom.' Before science moved past eugenics, 36 states passed laws enacting some of the movement's ideas. This included forced sterilization of people deemed 'unfit' — at least 60,000 people were victims of these laws. Texas was one of 12 states that didn't pass eugenics laws, Phillips said. 'Cotton growers in Texas and the big landowners were very much in favor of immigration, because they wanted to exploit Mexican workers as underpaid labor in their fields,' he said. 'Eugenicists were very anti-immigration. So [Texas] had a powerful economic interest that was afraid that if eugenics became law, that immigration from Mexico would stop and that would drive up the cost of their labor.' Fundamentalist Protestantism, which had become a force in Texas politics in the 1920s, was also opposed to eugenicist ideas derived from Darwin's theory of evolution. Phillips said that he sees the emerging pro-natalist movement as a home for discredited eugenics ideas — a natalist conference at UT Austin in March featured speakers who self-described as eugenicists, he said. But also leveled criticism at the environmental movement of the 1960s and 70s for allowing eugenicists. 'I think natalism is easier to sell than outright explicit eugenics. I think a lot of times, modern eugenicists describe themselves as pro-family,' Phillips said. 'But in the 1960s and 1970s … there was a real panic about the world becoming overpopulated. And they really pushed for birth control policy, but they always focused on Africa, Asia and Latin America. It was always places where people of color lived that they wanted to control population.' He warned that people should look critically at anyone who claims the existence of biological differences between racial groups or who believe IQ should determine if a person should be allowed to reproduce. 'There's an assumption that somehow, 'smarter,' whatever that means, is better. And I don't think that necessarily bears up in history,' he said. 'People who had ethics, emotional intelligence, a sense of the need for community, may not have scored well on IQ tests, but they function better in and help contribute to a better society.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
NDTV
30-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
This Wireless E-Tattoo Decodes Brainwaves To Monitor And Predict Mental Strain
Mental well-being has become a crucial concern in today's fast-paced world, with rising stress and lifestyle demands impacting nearly every aspect of life. Now, researchers have developed a groundbreaking temporary tattoo that can measure mental strain by decoding brainwaves, offering a lightweight, wireless alternative to bulky headgear. Published May 29 in the Cell Press journal Device, the study introduces a non-permanent wireless forehead e-tattoo that decodes brainwaves to measure mental strain without bulky headgear. This technology may help track the mental workload of workers like air traffic controllers and truck drivers, whose lapses in focus can have serious consequences. "Technology is developing faster than human evolution. Our brain capacity cannot keep up and can easily get overloaded," says Nanshu Lu, the study's author, from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) in a statement."There is an optimal mental workload for optimal performance, which differs from person to person." Humans perform best in a cognitive Goldilocks zone, neither overwhelmed nor bored. Finding that balance is key to optimal performance. Current mental workload assessment relies on the NASA Task Load Index, a lengthy and subjective survey participants complete after performing tasks. The e-tattoo offers an objective alternative by analysing electrical activity from the brain and eye movement in processes known as electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG). Unlike EEG caps that are bulky with dangling wires and lathered with squishy gel, the wireless e-tattoo consists of a lightweight battery pack and paper-thin, sticker-like sensors. These sensors feature wavy loops and coils, a design that allows them to stretch and conform seamlessly to the skin for comfort and clear signals. "What's surprising is those caps, while having more sensors for different regions of the brain, never get a perfect signal because everyone's head shape is different," says Lu. "We measure participants' facial features to manufacture personalised e-tattoos to ensure that the sensors are always in the right location and receiving signals." The researchers tested the e-tattoo on six participants who completed a memory challenge that increased in difficulty. As mental load rose, participants showed higher activity in theta and delta brainwaves, signalling increased cognitive demand, while alpha and beta activity decreased, indicating mental fatigue. The results suggest that the device can detect when the brain is struggling. The device didn't stop at detection. It could also predict mental strain. The researchers trained a computer model to estimate mental workload based on signals from the e-tattoo, successfully distinguishing between different levels of mental workload. The results show that the device can potentially predict mental fatigue.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New face tattoo protects your brain from working too hard, scientists say
A newly developed face tattoo can see when the brain is working too hard – which it probably is, according to the researchers who developed it. The new electronic device sits on the face and is able to measure mental strain, without the bulky headgear that might traditionally be used. The researchers who created it suggest that the technology could be used to track the mental workload of air traffic controllers, trick drivers and others who are required to keep intense concentration for long periods of time. Everyone works best by balancing the intensity of their thinking, ensuring that they are neither overwhelmed or bored. But it can be difficult to find that balance, and current work depends largely on a long study taken by participants after they have completed a task. "Technology is developing faster than human evolution. Our brain capacity cannot keep up and can easily get overloaded," said Nanshu Lu, the study's author, from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). 'There is an optimal mental workload for optimal performance, which differs from person to person.' Researchers hope the 'e-tattoo' can help. It works by analysing electrical activity from the brain and eye movements. Doing so usually requires a complex cap attached by dangling wires, but the tattoo is a lightweight battery pack and sensors that stick to the skin. The thin and stretchy nature of the sensors means that they can fit around face shape of the person wearing it. That could mean that the results are actually better than those complicated and bulky caps, the creators say. 'What's surprising is those caps, while having more sensors for different regions of the brain, never get a perfect signal because everyone's head shape is different,' said Lu. 'We measure participants' facial features to manufacture personalized e-tattoos to ensure that the sensors are always in the right location and receiving signals.' To test the system, researchers put the tattoo on six participants who were then set a memory challenge that got progressively harder. As it did so and their mental load increased, the researchers could see the effects: theta and delta brainwaves increased, suggesting they were experiencing cognitive demand, and alpha and beta activity increased in line with their fatigue. Researchers hope those same methods can be used to understand when the brain is struggling. It might also be able to predict when that is happening, by helping train a computer model that can predict the load of a given activity. The research is described in a new paper, 'A Wireless Forehead E-tattoo for Mental Workload Estimation', published in the journal Device. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
See time, location of UT Austin's university-wide commencement and fireworks display
It's graduation weekend for UT Austin students, and the Texas capital is already buzzing with excitement. Whether you're a student closing a chapter and beginning a new one or a guest celebrating a student, here are some quick pointers for Saturday's university-wide ceremony. The University of Texas at Austin's graduation ceremony will be held Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Each year, UT Austin's university-wide ceremony includes: Distinguished speaker Taylor Sheridan The conferring of degrees by the university president The traditional lighting of the Tower A fireworks display This year's commencement speaker is Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed screenwriter and director best known for the hit Paramount Network series "Yellowstone" and its Texas-filmed spin-offs "1883" and "1923." He is also the creator of "Landman," largely filmed in Texas, which offers a glimpse into the lives of oil rig workers and draws on insight from Texans to ensure accuracy. 'As a native Texan and a visionary storyteller, Taylor Sheridan has redefined the modern Western genre while remaining deeply connected to the spirit and resilience of our great state,' said UT interim President Jim Davis. 'His journey to the top of the entertainment field is a testament to the power of hard work, creativity and staying true to one's roots — values that resonate deeply with Longhorn Nation. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Forty Acres as this year's ceremony speaker.' Sheridan also owns and operates two Texas ranches, including the legendary Four Sixes (6666) Ranch. He is not a graduate of the university but briefly attended Texas State University just down the road before leaving school in 1991. No, guests are not required to purchase or obtain tickets to the University-Wide Ceremony. However, graduates can only participate in the main graduation if they registered and secured a ticket via email and the Texas Athletics ticketing platform. The tickets will grant access to graduate seating on the field. Saturday's UT Austin commencement ceremony will conclude with its traditional fireworks display. The ceremony will last around 90 minutes. The University of Texas at Austin will have special parking areas on campus that are free for graduates and guests attending commencement events. Officials ask those parking on campus to note the signs for garages and lots. All campus parking garages have ADA accessible spaces, which are available to guests with valid placards or license plates. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: UT Austin Commencement 2025: See time, location of main ceremony
