Daily Innovation News

January 2^nd 2025

💻 Technology

🇨🇳 China achieves 100 Gbps space-ground laser transmission, surpassing Starlink's speed

Chinese researchers have achieved a groundbreaking 100 Gbps satellite-to-ground laser transmission rate, ten times faster than previous efforts. This technology, integrated with the Jilin-1 satellite constellation, improves data transmission efficiency while overcoming challenges like atmospheric interference and satellite movement. The development positions China ahead in the global space race, with implications for navigation, 6G internet, and remote sensing. Experts plan to expand this technology across 300 satellites by 2027.

🌎 Environment

🇬🇧 UK researchers create biodegradable e-textiles to monitor health and reduce waste

A team of UK researchers has developed eco-friendly electronic textiles (e-textiles) that decompose naturally, reducing environmental impact. These biodegradable e-textiles, termed 'SWEET,' integrate sensors and conductive materials into fabrics, enabling health monitoring and other applications. Made with Tencel fabric and graphene-based electrodes, the materials offer high functionality while having up to 40 times less environmental impact than traditional components. Testing showed the textiles degrade significantly within months, marking a breakthrough in sustainable wearable technology. The work was published in Energy and Environmental Materials.

💊 Healthcare

🇬🇧 UK researchers develop smartwatch app to detect and prevent smoking relapses

A UK-developed smartwatch app uses motion sensors to detect smoking gestures and sends timely relapse prevention messages, helping users quit smoking. Tested on 18 participants, the app increased awareness and motivation, with two-thirds finding it effective. As the first standalone smartwatch intervention for smoking cessation, it highlights the potential for personalized, tech-based health solutions. Researchers plan further studies to assess its long-term impact on quitting success rates. The research was published in JMIR Formative Research.

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