ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe and Solliance are working together to create organic photovoltaics that can be incorporated into flat steel products for use in the construction industry. [ + ]

The UK’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB), in partnership with the Welsh Government and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, is to invest up to £5.4m to stimulate innovation and develop UK supply chains between the power electronics and energy sectors. [ + ]

The Infrared Laboratory for Novel Infrared and Magnetic Materials at the University of California, San Diego has taken delivery of a tetrahertz spectrometer to facilitate its research into electromagnetic materials, semiconductors and superconductivity. [ + ]

Research indicates that the number of electronic devices at end-of-life will double from 2010 to 2025, and it’s estimated that over 60 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) will be at the decision point for re-use, recycle or landfill in 2013. [ + ]

Juniper Research has predicted that revenues from products and services delivered over embedded consumer electronics devices will reach $6.4 billion in 2014, as the sector emerges as a key anchor for the M2M industry. [ + ]

If you’re thinking about the ‘Six Million Dollar Man’, you’re not entirely off base. University of Utah electrical engineering professor Florian Solzbacher is pushing the boundaries of electrical devices that can be implanted into the brain and used as an interface between neurons and computers. [ + ]

Two UWA researchers have had their work in developing and commercialising precision electromagnetic measurement systems for use in advanced radar systems recognised with medals from the Australian Institute of Physics. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a novel technique for controlling the electrical conductivity of graphene. [ + ]

Scientists are developing materials which could one day allow people to print out custom-designed personal electronics such as games controllers which perfectly fit their hand shape. [ + ]

Researchers at Aalto University, Finland, have developed a method for producing lithium batteries that is claimed to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than previously used methods. This new process has succeeded in replacing the harmful methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solvent, which is traditionally used in the manufacturing of electrodes, with water. [ + ]

A technique for measuring the stress in chips during production is now available. The resulting information could enable miniature but robust semiconductor devices. [ + ]

Consistent with previously stated strategic plans, Texas Instruments has announced it will reduce costs, including the elimination of about 1700 jobs worldwide, so it can focus investments in its wireless business on embedded markets with greater potential for sustainable growth. [ + ]

Semiconductor manufacturing jobs have outpaced US job growth and increased 3.7% over last year, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). [ + ]

Hameg’s T&M products are now available directly from Rohde & Schwarz in Europe, catching up with Australia’s distribution system. [ + ]

A new study forecasts that the market for M2M and embedded devices will reach 400 million by the end of 2017, up from a little over 110 million at present. [ + ]