Daily Innovation News

December 3^rd 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US scientists develop scalp-printed e-tattoo for brainwave monitoring and brain-computer interfaces

Researchers in the United States have created a liquid ink that allows electronic tattoos (e-tattoos) to be printed directly onto the scalp, enabling efficient and comfortable brainwave monitoring. This innovation simplifies traditional electroencephalography (EEG), removing the need for adhesives and long wires, while providing stable signals for over 24 hours. The technology, published in Cell Biomaterials, could revolutionize diagnostics for neurological conditions and advance brain-computer interfaces by enabling non-invasive, wireless, and more accessible solutions.

⚡️ Energy

🇯🇵 Japan targets 20 nuclear reactors' energy equivalent with advanced solar cells by 2040

Japan aims to generate 20 gigawatts of electricity using lightweight and flexible perovskite solar cells by 2040. These cells, which can be integrated into urban surfaces like building facades and vehicle roofs, address land scarcity challenges while accelerating the nation’s transition to renewable energy. Leveraging its position as a leading iodine producer, Japan plans to establish a secure domestic supply chain, reducing reliance on foreign imports. This initiative supports ambitious renewable energy targets and positions Japan as a key player in next-generation solar technology.

🇰🇷 South Korean scientists develop solar biohydrogen system inspired by photosynthesis

Researchers in South Korea have created a solar hydrogen production system that mimics photosynthesis using bio-composites and nanomaterials. By modifying fluorescent dyes into amphiphilic structures and combining them with bacteria capable of transferring electrons, the system converts sunlight and ascorbic acid into hydrogen. The new supramolecular photocatalyst produces hydrogen at rates 5.6 times higher than previous studies and demonstrates long-term stability. This breakthrough, published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, offers a promising path toward eco-friendly hydrogen production using sustainable and readily available materials like tannic acid from coffee.

🚘 Transport

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia launches world's longest driverless metro system, enhancing green urban transit

Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the Riyadh Metro, the world's longest driverless transit system, spanning 176 km and connecting major districts, cultural landmarks, and business hubs in Riyadh. Featuring 85 stations, including the striking King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the system aims to transport up to 3.6 million passengers daily. The electric, automated trains are equipped with advanced safety and passenger information systems, reducing CO2 emissions by 12.5 million tons annually. This milestone supports Saudi Arabia's vision of sustainable urban development and a futuristic tourist hub.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇺🇸 MIT develops photonic chip for ultra-fast, energy-efficient AI with 92% accuracy

MIT researchers have unveiled a photonic processor that uses light instead of electrons to perform deep neural network (DNN) computations, achieving 96% accuracy in training and 92% in inference. The chip combines photonic and electronic components to enable energy-efficient nonlinear functions, overcoming a major hurdle in optical computing. Fabricated using scalable CMOS processes, it promises ultrafast, low-energy AI computations and could revolutionize applications requiring advanced machine learning. The findings were published in Nature Photonics.

🌎 Environment

🌍 International scientists use space-based animal behavior monitoring to predict natural disasters

An international team has developed ICARUS, a system that monitors tagged wildlife from space to predict earthquakes, volcanoes, and other natural disasters. By tracking strange animal behaviors—like goats avoiding heights before eruptions—the system taps into natural instincts to provide early warnings. Using advanced AI, CubeSats, and lightweight tagging technology, ICARUS offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional disaster prediction systems. It also aids in studying climate change and understanding Earth's ecosystem.

🇨🇳 🇳🇴 China unveils world's first commercial CO2 transport ship for European carbon capture projects

China has delivered the Northern Pioneer, the first commercial liquefied CO2 transport ship, to Norway’s Northern Lights joint venture. Measuring 426 feet, the ship uses LNG dual-fuel and wind-assisted propulsion, reducing emissions by 34% compared to conventional ships. Designed for carbon capture and storage (CCS), it will support the Longship Project in Norway, which can store 1.5 million tons of CO2 annually. This milestone marks significant progress in global efforts to combat industrial emissions and advance CCS technology.

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