Daily Innovation News

August 20^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇨🇦 Canadian researchers create printed electronics for smart packaging that can detect spoiled food

Canadian researchers have developed a breakthrough in printed electronics, creating materials that store 1,000 times more charge than existing technology. This innovation could lead to the development of smart packaging that detects spoiled food without needing to open it, revolutionizing the food industry by reducing waste and spoilage. The technology also moves the concept of the Internet of Things closer to reality, allowing everyday objects to communicate with smartphones and computers. The findings were published in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

🚘 Transport

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia's Neom to deploy electric foiling water taxis for sustainable transit

Saudi Arabia's Neom mega-project has ordered eight Candela P-12 electric foiling water taxis as part of its ambitious sustainable transport network. These zero-emission vessels rise above the water on hydrofoils, offering faster and quieter commutes while reducing CO2 emissions by 97.5% compared to conventional diesel boats. The fleet will support Neom’s vision of an eco-friendly, cutting-edge urban environment, with the first deliveries expected between 2025 and 2026.

🇬🇧 UK startup to produce green hydrogen at sea using AI-guided yachts with underwater turbines

A UK startup, Drift Energy, plans to build a fleet of advanced sailing vessels equipped with underwater turbines to generate green hydrogen at sea. These yachts will harness deep ocean winds to power onboard electrolyzers, producing and storing hydrogen with minimal carbon footprint. Using AI routing algorithms, the vessels will optimize their paths to maximize hydrogen production and return to port efficiently. This innovation could significantly advance sustainable energy production and distribution.

🌎 Environment

🇬🇧 UK scientists create durable, eco-friendly plastic alternative to combat pollution

Researchers in the UK have developed a new class of sustainable materials called organic eutectics, offering a green alternative to traditional plastics. These materials, made from small water-repellent organic molecules, have shown exceptional durability and versatility, making them suitable for various applications like glassblowing, film formation, and drug delivery. Tested for over a year, these materials maintain stability and resist crystallization, addressing key challenges in creating long-lasting plastic substitutes. The findings were published in Chemical Science.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers develop adaptive brain pacemaker to improve Parkinson’s treatment

US researchers have developed an adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) device that adjusts in real-time to a patient’s brain activity, offering better symptom control for Parkinson’s disease. This technology improves on conventional DBS by reducing unwanted side effects and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment. In a small study, aDBS significantly improved symptoms in participants compared to traditional DBS, marking a promising step forward in personalized medicine for neurological disorders.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop light-activated heart shunt to reduce surgeries in infants

A team of US researchers has developed a new type of shunt that expands when exposed to blue light, potentially reducing the number of heart surgeries required for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Currently, infants need multiple surgeries to replace shunts as they grow. The new shunt's inner walls can be thinned by blue light, increasing its diameter and allowing it to accommodate more blood flow without needing replacement. This innovation could significantly reduce surgical risks and stress for infants.

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