Propeller-driven aircraft are gaining renewed attention for sustainable aviation. Yet balancing efficiency with noise reduction remains a critical challenge—especially for emerging platforms such as eVTOL and hybrid-electric aircraft. Researchers from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics have developed a new optimization framework based on the unsteady adjoint method that successfully addresses this trade-off. Their work offers a powerful tool for designing quieter, more efficient propellers, paving the way for the next generation of low-emission, low-noise aviation.

Aero-engine hot-end components face grinding challenges due to superalloys' low thermal conductivity, causing high heat, energy consumption, and reliance on unsustainable cooling. Ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding (UVAG), heat pipe grinding wheels (HPGW), and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) have been proposed to integrate to reduce heat generation, enhance heat dissipation, and minimize coolant use. In this case, the high-efficiency and sustainable grinding can be achieved with improved surface integrity.

Astronomers have created a galactic masterpiece: an ultra-detailed image that reveals previously unseen features in the Sculptor Galaxy. Using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT), they observed this nearby galaxy in thousands of colours simultaneously. By capturing vast amounts of data at every single location, they created a galaxy-wide snapshot of the lives of stars within Sculptor.

The European Research Council has awarded ERC Advanced grants to three researchers from the University of Groningen (the Netherlands). The grands will be used to set up long-term and ground-breaking research projects.

The SETI Institute announced today a strategic collaboration with SkyMapper, the world’s leading decentralized global astronomy and space science network. Together, they plan to deliver continuous, real-time astronomical data to scientists, educators and enthusiasts worldwide.

This network will enable telescope users and sky-observing stations, including the SETI Institute’s LaserSETI, CAMS, and Unistellar programs to receive realtime observation requests from researchers and contribute their data back into a secure, globally accessible database. SkyMapper’s blockchain-based verification will ensure data integrity and transparency for all submitted data.

In addition, SkyMapper will provide SETI Institute access to its database for research, algorithm training and scientific studies, enabling SETI Institute scientists to advance their work in astronomy and space science through advanced data analysis and processing.

University College Dublin researchers Assoc Prof Barry Wardell and Prof Kylie Jarrett receive a total of €5 million for projects exploring gravitational waves and livelihoods generated by digital platforms.