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January 30^th 2025

🚘 Transport

🇳🇿 New Zealand launches its first commercial electric foiling ferry for sustainable travel

New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, Fullers360, has launched the country’s first commercial electric hydrofoiling ferry, the Vessev VS-9, into service in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, making it only the second model of its kind worldwide. Inspired by America's Cup foiling technology, the VS-9 lifts above water for smooth, energy-efficient travel, reaching speeds of 25 knots with a 50-nautical-mile range. The 10-passenger vessel represents a major step toward Fullers360’s net-zero goal by 2040. Future plans include scaling up to a 100-seat foiling e-ferry for larger sustainable transport.

💉 Biotechnology

🇺🇸 US researchers use AI to simulate 500 million years of evolution and create a glowing protein never seen in nature

Scientists at EvolutionaryScale and the Arc Institute have developed esmGFP, a new green fluorescent protein designed entirely by AI. Using the ESM3 model, which simulates 500 million years of evolution, researchers created a protein that shares only 58% similarity with natural counterparts—something traditional engineering struggled to achieve. Published in Science, this breakthrough could revolutionize medicine, environmental science, and synthetic biology by enabling AI-driven protein design for new treatments and sustainable solutions.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 🇬🇧 US and UK researchers develop 1-minute video game to diagnose autism with high accuracy

Scientists at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Nottingham Trent University have created a motion-detecting video game that can distinguish autism from ADHD and neurotypical development with up to 80% accuracy. Published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, the tool, called CAMI, tracks how well children imitate an on-screen avatar’s movements. This low-cost, quick, and engaging method could revolutionize autism diagnosis, making it more accessible worldwide. Researchers aim to refine CAMI for younger children and those with severe developmental challenges.

🇨🇭 Swiss researchers develop injectable hydrogel to rapidly boost bone density

Scientists at EPFL and the startup flowbone have created an injectable hydrogel that significantly increases local bone density, offering a potential breakthrough in osteoporosis treatment. Published in Bone, the study showed that combining the hydrogel with systemic osteoporosis drugs led to a 4.8-fold increase in bone density in rats within weeks. Made of hyaluronic acid and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, the gel mimics natural bone minerals and could help prevent fractures by strengthening weak bones quickly. Researchers are now seeking regulatory approval for human trials.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop microbial therapy to slow vitiligo and restore skin pigmentation

Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that a natural compound from gut-friendly bacteria can significantly slow vitiligo progression and promote repigmentation. Published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the study showed that weekly treatment reduced pigment loss by 74% in mice by suppressing harmful T cells and boosting protective ones. This potential therapy could complement existing treatments, offering new hope to millions affected by the autoimmune condition. Researchers now aim to adapt the therapy for human use, exploring options like food additives or topical applications.

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