The flash-charging technology and the onboard traction equipment used in this project were developed by ABB and optimised for high-frequency bus routes in key urban areas, carrying large numbers of passengers at peak times. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a printing method that works with a variety of organic materials to produce semiconductors of strikingly higher quality than what has so far been achieved with similar methods. [ + ]

UK engineers have developed a multicore clamp sensor that can measure current flowing in any accessible mains cable, giving a more detailed picture of electricity usage in the home. [ + ]

The annual electronics design and assembly expo will be held at Melbourne Park Function Centre on 11-12 September. [ + ]

An Australian-developed electric vehicle charger can halve electric vehicle (EV) charging costs, a world-first Victorian Department of Transport trial has found. The ChargeIQ EV charger was also found to optimise utilities’ network performance. [ + ]

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have used miniaturised electronics to perform the fastest recordings of single ion channels ever performed. [ + ]

Korean scientists have combined graphene with silver nanowires to form a thin, transparent and stretchable electrode which overcomes the weaknesses of each individual material, resulting in a new class of electrodes with widespread possible applications including picture taking and scanning using soft contact lenses. [ + ]

Codan, an Australian-listed manufacturer and supplier of communications, metal detection and electronic equipment, is claimed to have been targeted by Chinese hackers, according to the ABC’s Four Corners program. [ + ]

Researchers uncover key insights into the optical and electronic properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), which can be either conducting or insulating to form the basic ‘on-off switch’ for all digital electronics. [ + ]

element14 (formerly Farnell) will present the latest products for applications in communications, wireless, sensing and industrial automation at CeBIT 2013 from 28-30 May in Sydney. [ + ]

Porosity is not something that may immediately spring to mind when considering switches or connectors yet it is a real problem in the real world and can substantially affect the workings of these humble devices. [ + ]

Northwestern University researchers have developed a graphene-based ink that is highly conductive and tolerant to bending. They have used it to inkjet-print graphene patterns that could be used for extremely detailed, conductive electrodes. [ + ]

Peratech and CPI are working on new ink formulations to enable QTC sensors and switches to be printed using industry-standard processes for printed electronics. [ + ]

The app called InSight uses ‘spatiograms’ gleaned from smartphone use to develop a ‘fashion fingerprint’ of the device’s owner based on his clothing and location. This information can then be shared with other users, allowing those wearing Google Glass technology to identify, and even communicate virtually with, others. [ + ]

Glyn High-Tech Distribution has opened an office in Christchurch and appointed Martin de Lange as NZ Business Development Manager. [ + ]