Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) presents new electronic components in the Delta switches and socket outlets range for the retrofit market in the area of lighting and shutters. The new products include universal dimmer and shutter control inserts, conventional and wireless operator pushbuttons, and a battery-operated wall-mounted transmitter.

The “sys universal dimmer insert” is suitable for all types of lighting to 420 watts/volt-ampere connected load. The dimmer can be easily retrofitt

Philips has demonstrated the world’s first fully functional miniature optical disc drive using blue laser technology. Up to 1 Gbyte of data can be stored on a single-sided optical disc of just 3 cm in diameter, matching the size constraints of portable devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, PDAs and portable Internet devices. This prototype illustrates Philips’ leadership in optical storage technology, which is driven by superb media robustness and the low cost per Mbyte of the storage me

Constructed wetlands: a green technology for integrated water management

The quality of our Flemish surface waters has improved significant during the last decade. Nevertheless, in a densely populated area like Flanders we are still confronted with polluted surface water. The main reason for the current degree of pollution of our rivers and canals are the numerous (untreated) discharges caused by the households, the industry and the agricultural sector. In completing the construction

The female hormone oestrogen may have a role in HPV viral infection, strains of which are implicated in cervical cancer, shows research in Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common genital infection seen most often in young women and adolescents. There are often no visible signs of infection.

Researchers tested 175 sexually active women for HPV infection during routine examinations at a sexual health clinic. The women were all aged between 14

Fewer Infections may mean less antibiotic therapy

Public health officials concerned about the rising problem of antibiotic resistance ¾ the immunity that bacteria develop to common prescriptions ¾ may have an ally in a common household beverage. Findings published in a research letter to the editor in the June 19, 2002 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicate scientists have discovered that regular consumption of cranberry juice cocktail may offer prote

The emergence of mutant frogs with extra arms and legs may smack of a low-budget sci-fi script. But it is a reality, and a new study provides more evidence that ultraviolet radiation could be responsible. The findings are reported in three consecutive papers in the July 1 print issue of Environmental Science & Technology, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society.

Concern has been mounting for years over the depletion of the ozone