Is built-in obsolescence a fact or an urban myth? Does household equipment really have a finite life determined by the manufacturer or is it something we consumers have conned ourselves into believing every time there is a gadget breakdown? [ + ]

Automotive manufacturer Continental is working on in-car apps that will connect drivers with their homes as well as with other personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables. [ + ]

Up until recently, only data scientists were able to make sense of big data. Today, rather than hiring these specialists, companies expect their existing domain experts to be able to do the same work. Thankfully, analytics tools have evolved to address the challenges associated with big data, and you don't have to be an expert at Java programming to use them.   [ + ]

Researchers have succeeded in synthesising boron-doped graphene nanoribbons and characterising their structural, electronic and chemical properties. [ + ]

Digital multimeters (DMMs) can be useful for a variety of measurements. This article explains how to correctly use and understand a digital multimeter (DMM). Part 1 of this two-part series provides insights on display digits, AC and DC voltage measurements, AC and DC current measurements.

Researchers at MIT and Samsung have developed a new approach to one of the three basic components of batteries, the electrolyte. [ + ]

Designing and manufacturing PCBs is a complex process that involves many steps and considerations. This is the first article in a three-part series on designing PCB. This article details the types of PCBs and explains why it's important for designers to understand manufacturers' capability statements. [ + ]

DIN rail power supplies play a central role in industrial plants but often attract little attention, despite the fact that power supply failures can bring production to a halt, causing huge costs. [ + ]

With electronic devices getting smaller and more powerful, the electronics equipment market has changed dramatically in recent years. In the article below, Scientific Devices' Mark Lotter shares his thoughts on the past, present and future of the test and measurement industry. [ + ]

Power supplies are essential components of electronic devices. The basics of linear and switching power supplies, along with their benefits, are detailed in the article below. [ + ]

You could be forgiven for thinking that electronics have made the 20th and 21st centuries much more bearable in all sorts of ways. Electronics have most certainly taken over our lives. [ + ]

Australian National University scientists studying thin layers of phosphorus have found surprising properties that could open the door to ultrathin and ultralight solar cells and LEDs. [ + ]

Supporting a burgeoning spirit of 'democratisation' in micro-manufacturing, 3D printing is quickly growing in popularity across Australia's active community of makers. [ + ]

Electronics enthusiasts from all over the world will soon be swarming to Taitronics 2015 — the 41st Taipei International Electronics Show. [ + ]

Scientists have developed a new micro-supercapacitor structure inspired by the intricate design of leaves in order to take advantage of the natural transport pathways. [ + ]