TECH

Putting people first: Europe's 6G push for connectivity that serves society

As Europe prepares for the leap to 6G, researchers, policymakers and citizens are working together to make sure that the next digital revolution is not just faster, but also ethical, sustainable and inclusive.

What if tomorrow's super-fast, super-connected digital world could be shaped by public values—right from the start? Dr. Monique Calisti, an Italian engineer, entrepreneur and researcher, is a leading voice in the drive to keep people at the center of digital transformation.

"I have three teenage daughters and I feel a big responsibility to give them a digital world that is sustainable and socially inclusive," she said.

Calisti is the founder and CEO of Martel Innovate, a digital innovation and consulting company based in Switzerland and with offices in the Netherlands. She also founded Digital for Planet, a non-profit association that campaigns for sustainable, ethical and inclusive digital technologies.

On the cusp of next-generation connectivity...Currently, Calisti is leading a two-year initiative called 6G4Society to ensure that when the next generation of mobile networks—6G—arrives, it is not just faster or more capable, but also inclusive, sustainable, ethical and trusted.

Today's 5G wireless networks are already paving the way. But around 2030, 6G is expected to go much further. It will offer not only much higher speeds, but also lower latency—the delay between sending a signal and getting a response.

In practice, this means near-instant reactions, which are vital for things like remote surgery, self-driving cars or improved environmental monitoring.

For everyday users, 6G will bring clear benefits. Connectivity will be widespread, lightning-fast and ultra-reliable, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

"The vision is to have a super-reliable network where there could be, for instance, hologram conversations, with a 3D image of the person you are talking to present in the room with you," she said. This would help children in hospitals, or refugees, for example, talk to their loved ones.

Unlocking future benefits...Telemedicine, remote surgery and vehicles that communicate directly with infrastructure could all become standard in the next decade, unlocking new possibilities for society.

That means a leading heart surgeon in Paris, for example, will be able to use fast and reliable 6G connectivity to operate a robotic arm in a hospital in Romania and perform life-saving surgery on a patient at the other end of Europe.

Yet alongside its potential, 6G also raises questions. The rollout of 5G in 2019–2020 triggered public concerns about health, the environment and privacy. Living in Switzerland, Calisti was surprised by the strong opposition from a big portion of the population.

This shows that new technology cannot assume instant public acceptance, she conceded. Calisti therefore wants to lay the groundwork now to ensure that 6G development puts people and the environment first and is widely accepted.

A society-first approach...The 6G4Society team brings together universities, industry, policymakers, non-profits and civil society groups from across Europe working towards future networks that are technically advanced, but also socially responsible.

"Our work is really unique because it is fully dedicated to looking at the societal, environmental and sustainability aspects of 6G technology developments," said Calisti.

The initiative is also part of a wider European drive to accelerate the deployment of 5G and lay the foundations for 6G. At the heart of this effort is the European Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking.

This public–private partnership has a budget of €1.8 million for 2021–2027. It funds projects covering everything from advanced network technologies to security, cloud systems, sustainability and micro‑electronics.

By bringing together EU policymakers, companies and researchers, it aims to keep Europe at the cutting edge of these technologies while ensuring they meet society's real needs.

Voices beyond engineering...While engineers design the technology, social scientists help explain how it is used and how it fits into society. One of these is Dr. Katrina Petersen, a senior researcher with Public Safety Communication Europe, a non-profit that focuses on communications systems for emergency services such as fire brigades, ambulances and the police.

She argues that involving social sciences adds an important alternative perspective, because they explore why technology is used and what values it should serve. "Involving end users and broader society is vital," she said.

To give a real-world example, Petersen pointed to the difficulties faced by emergency workers. In crises such as wildfires or floods, emergency responders from different agencies, or across national borders, still struggle to communicate.

By feeding these kinds of insights into the process, the 6G4Society team can help guarantee that developers already start by thinking about the impact of 6G and the needs of society and citizens, to help make lives better now and in the future.

Listening to citizens...To understand public expectations, 6G4Society scientists are surveying people across Europe about their experiences with 5G and hopes for 6G. Survey responses vary by location and age, said Calisti.

"Younger people are more concerned about environmental aspects, while older people are more concerned about privacy and security."

Asked about 5G, 23% of respondents mentioned speed and connectivity, while 16% expressed concern or criticism. Most people expect 6G to deliver better access to fast and reliable information and remain optimistic—for now.

Many also expect 6G to be more energy-efficient, though Calisti is quick to point out that sustainability extends far beyond energy.

Mining for rare minerals, e-waste and broader ecosystem impacts also matter. Initiatives like 6G4Society aim to make sure these issues are not overlooked.

Shaping Europe's digital future...The 6G4Society team will continue to engage the public through interviews, workshops and webinars until their collaboration formally wraps up in December 2025. Its findings will help inform EU policy and guide industry decisions for years to come.

As Europe prepares for the arrival of 6G, their work highlights the importance of shaping technology with societal values in mind.

By engaging citizens, social scientists and industry in dialogue, these efforts aim to make sure that the next digital revolution delivers not just speed, but a fairer and more inclusive future for all.

Provided by Horizon: The EU Research & Innovation Magazine

TECH

A Kenyan engineer transforms plastic into bricks 5x stronger than concrete

A Kenyan engineer has created a solution that combines sustainability, innovation, and social impact. The factory founded by Nzambi Matee recycles 1.5 tons of plastic per day and produces bricks up to five times stronger than concrete — changing infrastructure and income in vulnerable neighborhoods.

What began as an improvised experiment in a backyard has become a global symbol of environmental innovation. Kenyan engineer Nzambi Matee found a way to transform plastic waste into super-strong building blocks. Today, her startup Gjenge Makers recycles tons of waste daily and helps build a more sustainable future — one brick at a time.

In 2020, Reuters showed the world the small factory that Nzambi set up in Nairobi. Three years later, the project has evolved: Gjenge Makers recycles 1,500 kg of plastic per day and manufactures bricks that, according to independent tests, are five times stronger than ordinary concrete.

The secret lies in the mixture of sand and plastics such as polyethylene and PET, which are heated and compressed until they form ultra-dense blocks. The result is a durable, inexpensive material ideal for sidewalks, patios, public areas, and small constructions.

In many neighborhoods of Nairobi, Matee's bricks are already changing landscapes: squares, schools, and community centers have gained resistant and sustainable pavements. In addition, the project generates income for local residents, who participate in the collection and separation of waste.

With this, the engineer created a circular economic cycle: the waste that once clogged rivers and streets is now transformed into jobs, infrastructure, and dignity for entire communities.

Matee's journey did not begin with resources or institutional support. She melted plastics with improvised tools, testing hundreds of combinations until she arrived at the ideal formula. In 2020, she was recognized as a Young Champion of the Earth by the UN Environment Programme — an award that boosted the growth of the factory and the international visibility of the initiative.

Today, Gjenge Makers is a benchmark in sustainable innovation and social entrepreneurship, inspiring similar projects in other countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

An exportable and promising model...Experts see the project as a practical solution for countries facing two major challenges simultaneously: excess plastic waste and a deficit of urban infrastructure. The startup already plans to automate part of the production and license the technology to new factories, expanding its global impact. Although the blocks do not yet replace concrete in large vertical constructions, they are perfect for community buildings and urban paving, with reduced costs and a smaller ecological footprint.

Education and a sustainable future...More than bricks, Nzambi Matee builds awareness. His team organizes workshops on recycling and the circular economy in schools and communities, showing that innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

From an improvised workbench to a factory that transforms tons of plastic a day, his story proves that great solutions can be born from small ideas — and that the future of construction can, indeed, be shaped from waste.

The beginning of everything...Plastic waste is one of humanity's greatest challenges, but a Kenyan engineer has presented a possible solution to this problem. Nzambi Matee and her company, Gjenge Makers, have developed a way to recycle the material and transform it into a building material that could replace concrete.

The organization specializes in recycling plastic to transform it into paving blocks, and highlights some significant advantages in its application, which go beyond environmental concerns. It is also seven times stronger, 15% cheaper to produce, and, on top of that, weighs half as much, which brings great logistical advantages.

Matee explains that plastic is, by nature, a fibrous material. For this reason, when mixed with sand, subjected to extreme heat and compressed, it can be molded into a brick with great compressive strength.

Thanks to the procedure developed by Matee and her colleagues, it is possible to eliminate the formation of air pockets inside the blocks. The result is a firmer material that shouldn't crack as easily, even when subjected to strong impacts or extreme weather conditions.

The engineer's idea came from observing the amount of plastic waste in her country. She explains that the capital, Nairobi, alone discards 500 tons of the material every day. Only 10% of that is destined for recycling, so there is great potential for reuse.

There are some limitations, however. Not just any type of plastic can be reused in the process. Of the seven main types, only four can be used to produce the blocks; among those excluded is PET, so widely used in bottles.

Furthermore, Gjenge Makers also plans to explore new materials beyond plastic. “We want to be leaders in alternative construction products. Plastic is our first area of ​​focus,” Nzambi Matee told AFP in an interview.

mundophone

 

CANON

Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM: the surprisingly affordable and lightweight new f/1.2 lens

In the world of full-frame photography, the f/1.2 aperture is the “Holy Grail.” It’s the magic number that promises exceptional low-light performance and, more importantly, the creamiest and most dramatic background blur (the famous bokeh) you can achieve. For these reasons, an f/1.2 lens has traditionally been a heavy, bulky investment reserved for professionals with unlimited budgets.

This reality has just been shaken up by Canon. The company has introduced the new Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM, a lens that is the opposite of what was expected. It’s lightweight, compact, and, above all, surprisingly affordable. With a price tag of £479.99 (approximately US$550 / €560), this is Canon's first "non-professional" f/1.2 autofocus lens and one of the biggest surprises of 2025.

The biggest shock lies in the combination of its specifications with the price. An f/1.2 lens is the type of product we would expect to see costing over €2,000 and weighing close to 1 kg. The RF 45mm F1.2 STM defies both notions:

-Affordable Price: Its price tag makes it accessible to enthusiast and amateur photographers, something unprecedented for a lens with this aperture.

-Lightweight Design: It weighs only 346 grams, less than half the weight of Canon's own professional RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens.

This lens was designed to be an everyday companion, ideal for Canon's more enthusiast-focused full-frame cameras, such as the EOS R8 and the recently announced EOS R6 Mark III.

In a product with such a rare specification at such a low price, the question naturally arises: what are the downsides? The journalist, who has already had access to the first sample images from Canon, points out that the compromises are, predictably, in absolute optical performance.

The optical quality of the RF 45mm F1.2 STM will not match its more expensive sibling, the RF 50mm F1.2L USM. The main signs of compromise are chromatic aberrations, an optical defect that appears as color fringing (magenta or green) around high-contrast areas or in blurred zones.This is not a serious problem, and these defects are usually easy to correct in editing programs like Lightroom, but it's a reminder that the lower price requires a small concession in optical perfection.

The 45mm focal length is another interesting choice. It's very close to the human field of vision, which makes images more natural and engaging. The combination of this natural perspective with the super-fast f/1.2 aperture makes this lens an ideal choice for portrait photography. It allows you to isolate the subject from the background with an incredibly shallow depth of field, ensuring that all visual focus is concentrated on the eyes and emotions of the person portrayed.

However, one detail to keep in mind is the close focus. With a minimum distance of 0.45 meters, this is not a macro lens, and its maximum magnification is only 0.13x. Don't use it to photograph small insects, but rather to capture portraits and scenes with personality.

The launch of the RF 45mm F1.2 STM is a major win for the photographic community. The journalist mentions that he would expect to see a lens with this specification and price being launched by a Chinese third-party brand, but it is Canon that is making this bold move.

Canon is using its own engineering to democratize a feature that, until now, was a symbol of exclusivity. By doing so, the company ensures that more people can experience the dramatic and desirable effect of shallow depth of field without having to spend a fortune. It's a move that honors the spirit of vlogging and content creation that is driving the current market.

mundophone

 

TECH

Nature's resilience inspires an improved power grid

Natural ecosystems made up of plants, animals and microorganisms face constant challenges from natural hazards, like extreme weather or invasive species.

Despite these challenges, ecosystems have thrived for millions of years, showcasing high levels of resilience against hazards and disturbances. What if the mechanisms and patterns responsible for this prosperous resilience could be applied to the power grid?

Texas A&M University researchers have tested bio-inspired cyber-physical systems to strengthen the power grid to mitigate different types of cyber-attacks and understand their impacts.

Possible cyber threats to resource networks like the power grid include presentations of false information to data systems and information theft attempts, which can affect a network's performance abilities.

"Ecosystems experience many of the same unexpected disturbances as human-made systems, like droughts and floods," said Dr. Astrid Layton, an associate professor in the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering and head of the Bio-inspired SystemS Lab (BiSSL).

"While ecosystems may be damaged by these hazards, they have the unique ability to survive these disturbances without wasteful levels of redundancies, not only at the ecosystem level, but on a species level as well—which is why we're interested in cyber-physical power systems from this ecological perspective."

As their name suggests, cyber-physical power systems are made up of both cyber and physical elements, referred to as components. Cyber components—like firewalls and routers—deal with digital information flows, while physical components—like buses and generators—process tangible energy flows. Despite their prevalence, the system's complexity causes incomplete knowledge of how disturbances move through and impact a cyber-physical power system.

"It's crucial for a system to not only survive the hard times, but to thrive during good times," said Layton. "Using ecological models and the insight they give allows us to assess the cyber-physical interface, clarifying how the system can run more efficiently when there are no immediate threats while still understanding and minimizing damages when they do happen."

The main goal of this project was to better understand the relationship between the cyber components and physical components that make up cyber-physical power systems. A stronger understanding of the system's interface allows researchers to predict potential impacts of cyber-attacks on the physical components and physical attacks on the cyber components, informing policymakers and grid operators on how best to prepare for and operate during these threats.

Layton, an expert in bio-inspired systems design and analysis techniques, collaborated with Dr. Katherine Davis, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, who brings extensive power system knowledge. Layton and Davis have worked as collaborators since a 2018 Texas A&M Energy Institute seed grant.

Their combined knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering makes them a great team for understanding and designing cyber-physical power systems for resilience.

Layton and Davis were also joined by their senior Ph.D. students Emily Payne and Shining Sun for the Sandia study. Payne, a mechanical engineering student, started working with Layton in the Bio-inspired SystemS Lab as an undergraduate architectural engineering student in 2022.

Sun, an electrical and computer engineering student, has worked with Davis since 2023. Both Payne and Sun have published several papers relating to this work and have presented their findings at conferences, each winning awards for their research.

"Part of the success of this project has been these engineering graduate students, Emily and Shining, who have excelled at the interdisciplinary aspects of the work in addition to the highly technical focus of the problem," Layton said.

"My research in particular asks engineering students to read ecology papers, which are essentially a different language from engineering papers, and apply this to their research."

The approach enables Layton to view engineering problems from an innovative perspective.

The Sandia National Laboratories project ended in September 2025, but the researchers are continuing to collaborate on their bio-inspired power systems.

Layton and Davis are set to participate in a collaborative study focusing on modeling the impacts of weather disturbances on the power grid.

Provided by Texas A&M University 

 

TECH

Company offers submerged lodging for days at the bottom of the sea

It may look like a spaceship, but the Vanguard is actually a steel capsule that promises to take humanity to an almost unexplored territory: the depths of the ocean. Designed to house up to four people, the structure will allow for extended dives, transforming the way scientists study marine life.

The 12-meter-long by 3.7-meter-wide capsule is equipped with a habitable chamber, a diving center, and a foundation base. Inside, aquanauts will find individual bunks, a kitchen, a bathroom, and workspace, while the diving center allows them to exit to the ocean through the so-called "lunar pool."

A support buoy on the surface provides air, water, waste removal, electricity, and communication, ensuring that occupants can remain submerged for a week or more, conducting studies impossible with conventional diving methods.

"Beneath the ocean's surface lies a vast, largely unexplored frontier that has fascinated humanity for centuries," stated DEEP, the company responsible for the project. According to the company, Vanguard inaugurates a new era of underwater life and represents a major step towards a permanent human presence in the ocean.

Currently, the prototype is at a depth of 20 meters, but it was designed to operate comfortably at 50 meters. Its structure was developed to withstand underwater pressures and the effects of a Category 5 hurricane, ensuring maximum safety for its occupants.

Vanguard is DEEP’s pilot subsea human habitat, providing extended access to the ocean for research, conservation, and training. The habitat provides a dry living environment for four crew for medium-duration missions of seven or more days, without the need to resurface. Vanguard is a major milestone in achieving a permanent human presence under the ocean.

Vanguard will allow researchers to explore marine life at depth for hours on end, enabling real-time observations and advanced research in areas such as coral reef restoration, climate monitoring, and even astronaut training.

After testing and approval of all systems, the capsule will be fully deployed for training engineers and operational procedures. DEEP has not yet released the launch date or the definitive location, but promises to announce both by the end of the year.

In addition to Vanguard, the company is working on another ambitious project, the Sentinel base, a kind of "underwater hotel" planned for a depth of 200 meters off the coast of Wales, further expanding the horizon of submerged life.

mundophone

 

DIGITAL LIFE

Big Tech threatens pluralism and diversity. ERC warns of the risks posed by the power of digital platforms and AI

In the view of Helena Sousa, president of the Communication Regulatory Entity (ERC), the technology giants are jeopardizing pluralism and diversity. Content generated by artificial intelligence is another concern raised by the official.

Quoted by the Lusa news agency, Helena Sousa pointed out during the conference "Social Communication and the Digital Future", organized by the ERC, that technology companies, by having "great power in terms of content prominence, with algorithmic systems that generate dependence and filter content in an opaque way", are jeopardizing pluralism and diversity.

According to the official, "the mechanisms for selecting and targeting content" used by companies are effective in attracting audiences and advertising. Furthermore, people are increasingly accessing news through means outside of the media outlets themselves, from search engines and social networks to notifications and aggregator platforms, which places "freedom in territories of opacity, to which it would be urgent, as other countries already do, to dedicate enormous attention," stated Helena Sousa.

Content generated by artificial intelligence is another concern pointed out by the official, since it increases "uncertainty about what is real," distorting reality and fueling "feelings of fear and insecurity about the future."

The president of the ERC also stressed that disinformation has transversal effects in all spheres of social life, recalling that the new European regulatory framework arises precisely from the recognition of "systemic risks" impacting fundamental rights, freedom of expression, and the pluralism of the media.

As detailed by the official, the Portuguese media landscape has changed profoundly in the last two decades. According to ERC data, the number of registered press headlines fell from around 3,100 in 2008 to less than 1,700 at the end of 2024, reflecting an intensification of the sector's recession trend.

Fake news and the operations of big tech companies: a call for necessary regulation...After watching Dr. Drauzio Varella's interview, recounting his experience as a victim of fake news, and analyzing the comments on social media about the video, a concern arose: the profit that sustains the procedures of big tech companies in maintaining, identifying, and removing false content.

In recent years, fake news has become a concrete threat to democracy, social stability, and human rights. An OECD study, conducted in July 2024, indicates that the Brazilian population is the worst at identifying fake news.

In this scenario, big tech companies, which operate far-reaching digital platforms, play a central role not only as mediators but also as facilitators, albeit indirectly, of the dissemination of misinformation. Their resistance to removing content or adopting robust verification mechanisms reveals a model that prioritizes profit over social responsibility and the protection of fundamental rights.

New risks for journalism...Media revenue models are already declining due to technological disruption, diminishing trust, and pressure from advertising competition with tech giants like Google and Meta, which together hold about 65% of global digital advertising spending. Recognizing these challenges, the Dynamic Coalition for the Sustainability of Journalism and News Media (DC-Journalism) was created in 2019 within the framework of the Internet Governance Forum. The platform brings together press freedom advocates, media development organizations, and the journalism sector to address critical issues about the sustainability and viability of journalism. The coalition's 2024-2025 report identifies a new existential threat to the sector: generative artificial intelligence.

Companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and X have trained their AI models (LLMs) with journalistic content without compensation, transparency, and with very little accountability. Some publishers, such as the New York Times, have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, while others, such as Axel Springer, have entered into content licensing agreements. The report notes that the unauthorized collection of data by AI companies often forces news organizations to place quality information behind paywalls, “while AI-generated synthetic media proliferates.”

A recent study by the Pew Research Center revealed that Google users are already less likely to click on news when an AI-generated summary appears at the top of search results. This situation represents an even greater threat to the future of the open internet and the integrity of our informational environment, consequently compromising the pluralism and diversity of media available to citizens.

mundophone

 

DIGITAL LIFE

Researchers uncover critical security flaws in global mobile networks

In an era when recent cyberattacks on major telecommunications providers have highlighted the fragility of mobile security, researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have identified a class of previously unknown vulnerabilities that could allow remote attackers to compromise cellular networks serving billions of users worldwide.

The research team, led by Professor Yongdae Kim of KAIST's School of Electrical Engineering, discovered that unauthorized attackers could remotely manipulate internal user information in LTE core networks—the central infrastructure that manages authentication, internet connectivity, and data transmission for mobile devices and IoT equipment.

The findings, presented at the 32nd ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (ACM CCS 2025) in Taipei, Taiwan, earned the team a Distinguished Paper Award.

A new class of vulnerability...The vulnerability class, which the researchers termed "Context Integrity Violation" (CIV), represents a fundamental breach of a basic security principle: unauthenticated messages should not alter internal system states. While previous security research has primarily focused on "downlink" attacks—where networks compromise devices—this study examined the less-scrutinized "uplink" security, where devices can attack core networks.

"The problem stems from gaps in the 3GPP standards," Professor Kim explained, referring to the international body that establishes operational rules for mobile networks. "While the standards prohibit processing messages that fail authentication, they lack clear guidance on handling messages that bypass authentication procedures entirely."

The team developed CITesting, the world's first systematic tool for detecting these vulnerabilities, capable of examining between 2,802 and 4,626 test cases—a vast expansion from the 31 cases covered by the only previous comparable research tool, LTEFuzz.

Widespread impact confirmed...Testing four major LTE core network implementations—both open-source and commercial systems—revealed that all contained CIV vulnerabilities. The results showed:

Open5GS: 2,354 detections, 29 unique vulnerabilities

srsRAN: 2,604 detections, 22 unique vulnerabilities

Amarisoft: 672 detections, 16 unique vulnerabilities

Nokia: 2,523 detections, 59 unique vulnerabilities

The research team demonstrated three critical attack scenarios: denial of service by corrupting network information to block reconnection; IMSI exposure by forcing devices to retransmit user identification numbers in plaintext; and location tracking by capturing signals during reconnection attempts.

Unlike traditional attacks requiring fake base stations or signal interference near victims, these attacks work remotely through legitimate base stations, affecting anyone within the same MME (Mobility Management Entity) coverage area as the attacker—potentially spanning entire metropolitan regions.

Industry response and future implications...Following responsible disclosure protocols, the research team notified affected vendors. Amarisoft deployed patches, and Open5GS integrated the team's fixes into its official repository. Nokia, however, stated it would not issue patches, asserting compliance with 3GPP standards and declining to comment on whether telecommunications companies currently use the affected equipment.

"Uplink security has been relatively neglected due to testing difficulties, implementation diversity, and regulatory constraints," Professor Kim noted. "Context integrity violations can pose serious security risks."

The research team, which included KAIST doctoral students Mincheol Son and Kwangmin Kim as co-first authors, along with Beomseok Oh and Professor CheolJun Park of Kyung Hee University, plans to extend their validation to 5G and private 5G environments. The tools could prove particularly critical for industrial and infrastructure networks, where breaches could have consequences ranging from communication disruption to exposure of sensitive military or corporate data.

With mobile networks forming the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, the discovery underscores the ongoing challenge of securing systems designed in an era when such sophisticated attacks were barely conceivable—and the urgent need for updated standards to address them.

Provided by The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)