Daily Innovation News

August 8^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers create fatigue-detecting earbuds to prevent drowsy driving

US researchers at UC Berkeley have developed prototype earbuds that detect drowsiness by measuring brain activity, potentially reducing accidents caused by fatigued drivers and machine operators. The Ear EEG platform identifies alpha waves, which increase as a person starts to fall asleep, using built-in electrodes in the ear canal. This innovative, electronics-free design fits comfortably in various ear sizes and works effectively without additional equipment. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows these earbuds can reliably detect drowsiness in real-world settings, aiming to enhance daily safety.

⚡️ Energy

🇮🇹 US-Italian collaboration to deploy gravity battery in 1640-feet-deep mine shafts

US and Italian engineers will install a 100MW hybrid gravity energy storage system in a former coal mine in Sardinia, Italy. This innovative project by Energy Vault and Carbosulcis will use the 1640-feet-deep mine shafts to house the storage units, integrating modular gravity and pumped hydro technologies. The system aims to support Sardinia's transition to a carbon-free technology hub, stabilize the power grid, and promote renewable energy use. Deployment begins in September 2024, with full testing expected by 2025.

🚘 Transport

🇯🇵 Japanese engineers develop paint that cools cars by 21°F in sunlight

Japanese engineers at Nissan have developed a cooling paint that can reduce vehicle temperatures by up to 21.6°F (12°C) in direct sunlight. This innovative coating, which contains metamaterials to efficiently reflect sunlight, has been tested on vehicles in Tokyo, showing significant temperature reductions inside and out. The paint, currently thicker than traditional automotive paint, resists damage and maintains color consistency. Ongoing research aims to create a thinner, more versatile version available in multiple colors.

🚀 Space

🇬🇧 UK radar to detect football-sized threats in deep space from 22,000 miles away

The UK is developing an advanced radar network capable of detecting football-sized objects 22,000 miles away, set to enhance space defense by 2030. The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (Darc) will feature 27 radar dishes in Pembrokeshire, part of the UK-US-Australia Aukus partnership. This system aims to safeguard against space-based threats and monitor the growing number of satellites. Despite local opposition due to environmental and health concerns, the project will create jobs and strengthen national security.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US scientists develop water-powered bandage healing wounds 30% faster

US scientists have created a water-powered, electronics-free bandage that accelerates chronic wound healing by 30%. When a drop of water activates the bandage's battery, it generates an electric field that promotes healing for several hours. This cost-effective solution can be easily used at home, providing a significant advantage over expensive traditional treatments. Tested on diabetic mice, the bandage showed faster wound closure, new blood vessel formation, and reduced inflammation. The findings were published in Science Advances.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop a compound that restores memory in Alzheimer's mice

US researchers at UCLA have created a compound, DDL-920, that reverses memory loss and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's mice by boosting gamma brain oscillations. Unlike current treatments that target brain plaques, this approach inhibits GABA to enhance brain activity, showing significant improvement in maze tests within two weeks. This breakthrough, published in PNAS, offers a potential new treatment path for Alzheimer's and other conditions like autism and depression. Further research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans.

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