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. [ + ]

M2M Connectivity has been appointed as NVS Technologies’ authorised distributor for the company’s GNSS receiver products for Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a diode that can read photons faster than ever before. [ + ]

To build the computer chips of the future, designers will need to understand how an electrical charge behaves when it is confined to metal wires only a few atom-widths in diameter. A team of physicists has shown that electrical current may be drastically reduced when wires from two dissimilar metals meet. [ + ]

Robotdalen is Sweden’s foremost robotics cluster; an initiative enabling commercial success of new ideas and research within robotics and automation. Robotdalen arranges the Robotics Innovation Challenge in Eskilstuna, Sweden, on 25 April 2013. [ + ]

Electronics distributor Premier Farnell and EnOcean have announced an expansion to their existing partnership. The announcement sees Premier Farnell now shipping small samples and low-volume quantities of EnOcean’s energy harvesting wireless sensor modules worldwide direct or via its online element14 community. [ + ]

Siemens PLM has expanded its portfolio of industry software by acquiring Belgian company LMS International NV, a leading provider of test and mechatronic simulation software. [ + ]

Wage premiums and demand continuing to outstrip supply are two of the focal points of a recent Royal Academy of Engineers report which also emphasises the need for more science, engineering, technology and mathematics uptake at school levels. [ + ]