A research team at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia has combined civil engineering and their wish to cut back on textile waste by using textile waste and carpet fibres to create sustainable concrete. Their approach not only diverts clothing and carpet waste from landfills — which is urgently needed when it’s estimated that the world produces 92 million tons of textile waste every year — but it also makes for stronger concrete, reducing early-age shrinkage cracking in concrete by up to 30%.
This week's gig guide with Jon
Jon’s weekly gig guide recommending the best of another busy week in the Grand Duchy!
We STEM: empowering women in STEM
WeSTEM+ builds on the foundation laid by Girls in Tech Luxembourg, is focusing to encompass a broader range of STEM disciplines for everybody. Through technical programs, mentorship, workshops, and networking events, they strive to inspire and support the next generation of STEM leaders. Listen to the interview to find out more.
What's right: Young Scientist Challenge
A fourteen-year-old has won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Sirish Subash created a device called Pestiscand. It is a handheld device for at-home use to detect pesticide residue on produce without damaging the food. It measures the wavelength of light reflecting off of fruits and vegetables and uses a machine-learning model to analyse the data. Users download a phone app, point Pestiscand at the produce, tap the scan button and voilà, they see if their apple or spinach needs another rinse.
Smetnaki (Balkan Express 174)
Nominally, Smetnaki straddle the cross-section between ska, punk and funk. The band themselves insist that they are not bound to any specific genre. But listen closely and you'll hear jazz in all its forms. Check them out on this week’s Balkan Express
What's right: new Alzheimer's drug approved
European regulators have now approved a new Alzheimer's drug that they rejected in July. The drug is called Leqembi, brand name for Lecanemab, and is administered via a drip every two weeks. It is a protein that binds to amyloid beta, a substance that forms sticky plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. It is these plaques that are associated with cognitive decline in the disease.
A Bruno Mars Week (Top of the EU Pops 18-11-24)
Somehow, Bruno Mars made it to the top of four different European charts this week. And with two different colabs at that. Die With A Smile, with Lady Gaga refuses to go away and is atop the Belgian and Bulgarian chart. More importantly, his ATP, with Rosé took the top spot in Latvia and Lithuania, too.
What's right: one far-right conspiracy platform less
There is one far-right conspiracy platform less in the United States. The satirical media outlet The Onion has acquired the site Infowars.com. For years, the owner Alex Jones distributed lies and fake news to the public, earning millions of dollars by selling conspiracy theory merchandise like vitamins, diet pills, and gear for a supposed civil war.
What's right: World's largest coral discovered
Scientists have discovered the world's largest coral reef in the Solomon Islands, which holds centuries of ocean secrets. It measures 34 meters wide and five meters high, making it longer than the world's biggest mammal, the blue whale. It is made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color and it is so huge that it is visible from space.
Local Matters: Esch's mayor Christian Weis about civic participation
The city of Esch has introduced an online platform where citizens can easily request a meeting with a municipal officer or alderman. The initiative aims to strengthen the direct contact between the citizens and the politicians. In our interview on Local Matters, mayor Christian Weis (CSV) explains how the city of Esch aims to foster civic participation through this and other initiatives.
Join AWCL's Mission to Deliver Joy with Gifts for Kids in Need
The American Women's Club Luxembourg is back again this year collecting money for their 'Gifts for Kids' campaign.
What's right: zero emission in ocean freight?
Amazon, Ikea and about three dozen other companies that depend on ocean freight will invite shipping firms for the first time ever to bid on a contract in January to move their cargo on vessels powered by near-zero emissions e-fuels like e-methanol. The Alliance hopes to accelerate the ocean shipping industry's move toward net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
Digital inclusion: access to information technology
"Digital Inclusion" is dedicated to bridging the digital divide in Luxembourg by offering a welcoming public space with free WIFI and a variety of tailored training programs. Open to everyone, their services include individual sessions, group workshops, courses specifically for women, and custom programs to meet specific needs, along with consultation sessions to help citizens navigate digital tools confidently. Additionally, "Digital Inclusion" refurbishes computers and smartphones in its workshop, donating these devices to individuals in need and to other social-focused non-profits, expanding technology access across the community.
Brand New Iranian Show
Becoming a radio host was a childhood dream of Elmira, and today, that dream comes true! Navaye Dell is a new show in Persian that starts on ARA City Radio today with Elmira as the host.
Fish, Brutus and more on today's Gig Guide!
This week's guide includes an extra date from Fish at Opderschmelz, Belgian hard rock band BRUTUS at Den Atelier and find out what my recommendation of the week is!
What's right: 3-year-old with international chess ranking
The chess world is in awe of a wonder child from India. Anish Sarkar is only three years old and the youngest player ever to receive an international ranking with the international chess federation FIDE.
Brainswitch (Balkan Express 173)
Brainswitch are a five-member outfit from Mostar, one of the oldest and most iconic cities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Known around the world for their Ottoman-era bridge and its tragic fate and resurrection, the city is also home to contemporary sounds that could be placed in Berlin or New York, just as well.
PWC People Pulse: Diversity in the Work Place
This weeks episode is all about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Well-being in the work place!
ADHD: A normality or an alarm?
In recent years, ADHD diagnoses have surged, raising questions about the causes and implications of this trend. We spoke with Dr. Cigdem Gök, psychotherapist and psychiatrist. We highlighted societal shifts, such as digital overstimulation, which can amplify attention challenges. She emphasizes the importance of careful assessment to ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate support for those managing ADHD. Listen to our interview for more info.
What's right: pensioners bringin mussels back from near-extinction
A group of Danish pensioners have brought back mussels to a Danish fjord, bringing the mussels back from near-extinction. The retirees are self-taught and have become experts in the field of mussels. They are proud because they know what they do makes a difference as their work has improved the oxygen content of the water.