Einstein fridge ‘could cool the world’

Scientists are looking to re-launch a refridgerator designed by Albert Einstein in an attempt to create an environmentally-friendly version of the device.

The 1930s prototype, patented by Einstein and Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard, runs without electricity or greenhouse gasses freons common in modern fridges, reports the Observer.

Malcolm McCulloch, one of the Oxford University scientists working on the project, told the newspaper as the device has no moving parts, it could be used in remote areas.

He said: "No moving parts is a real benefit because it can carry on going without maintenance. This could have real applications in rural areas."

The invention was used in early fridges, but an improvement in compressor technology meant that the industry switched to fridges using freons during the 1950s.

Meanwhile, MedIndia reports that scientists in Manchester are working on a device which will text people when food kept in a fridge is about to go off.