Daily Innovation News

August 26^th 2024

🚘 Transport

🇰🇷 South Korean company develops EV battery that extends range by recycling waste energy

South Korean company DEOGAM has unveiled an innovative EV battery that recycles waste energy, significantly extending the range of electric vehicles. The battery captures ambient energy from sources like light, heat, and movement using advanced materials and engineering techniques. Currently, 500 Hyundai Ioniq 5 taxis in Jeju, South Korea, are field-testing this technology, with plans to expand to the EU next year. This breakthrough could revolutionize not just EVs, but also wearables and IoT devices.

🦾 Robotics

🇺🇸 Autonomous robot deployed in Atlanta to detect threats amid rising crime

An autonomous surveillance robot has been introduced in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward to enhance public safety amid escalating crime. The robot patrols the streets, detecting anomalies and reporting them to a security center without collecting private data. Residents and officials are cautiously optimistic, viewing the technology as a potential tool to reduce crime and improve community safety. The robot is currently in a trial phase and aims to address concerns over violent incidents in the area.

🇺🇸 Humanoid robot bartender debuts in MLB, serves drinks with precision and human-like actions

A humanoid robot named ADAM has been introduced at the Texas Rangers' MLB stadium, becoming the first robot bartender in a major league sports arena. Developed by Richtech Robotics, ADAM uses AI and advanced sensors to serve drinks with perfect accuracy, reducing waste and overpouring. The robot, which served nearly 500 beverages in its first week, aims to enhance fan experiences by alleviating wait times and allowing human staff to focus on personal interactions. ADAM is now a permanent feature at Globe Life Field.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇨🇭 Swiss firm offers biocomputers made from human brain cells for AI research

Swiss technology company FinalSpark has launched a program allowing scientists to rent "biocomputers" made from human brain cells for $500 per month. These organoids, which can last up to 100 days, are being used by select universities to advance AI research and explore new training methods. The biocomputers offer a low-energy alternative to traditional AI models and are trained through dopamine rewards and electrical stimulation, mimicking human brain pathways. FinalSpark's innovation could revolutionize AI training techniques.

💉 Biotechnology

🇨🇳 Chinese researchers develop "living plastic" that biodegrades on demand

Chinese scientists have created an eco-friendly "living plastic" by embedding bacterial spores that degrade the material when activated. This plastic remains durable until triggered by specific enzymes or composting, leading to its breakdown within days. The innovation could significantly reduce plastic waste, offering a controlled and efficient way to tackle environmental pollution. The research was published in Nature Chemical Biology.

🇩🇰 Danish scientists transform industrial waste into sustainable protein for future food

Researchers from Denmark have discovered a method to convert industrial waste into sustainable protein using the salt-tolerant yeast Debaryomyces hansenii. By combining waste streams from the dairy and pharmaceutical industries, they created an ideal growth medium for the yeast, which can produce valuable proteins with minimal energy. This innovation could lead to eco-friendly food production, including alternatives like milk substitutes and artificial meat, while also reducing industrial waste. The breakthrough represents a significant step toward sustainable food systems.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers find Alzheimer's drug could induce life-saving hibernation in emergencies

American scientists have discovered that Donepezil, an Alzheimer’s drug, could be repurposed to induce a hibernation-like state, slowing metabolism to buy crucial time during medical emergencies. By encapsulating the drug in lipid nanoparticles, the team reduced toxicity and successfully induced this state in tadpoles. This breakthrough could extend the "Golden Hour" after traumatic injuries, potentially saving lives by delaying organ damage. Further research is needed to explore its effects on humans. The findings were published in ACS Nano.

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