Daily Innovation News

July 19^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇰🇷 South Korean researchers develop mind-control magnet tech to regulate emotions and behavior

Scientists at the Institute of Basic Science and Yonsei University have created Nano MIND, the first device to control deep brain neural circuits using magnetism. This technology, published in Nature Nanotechnology, uses magnetized nanoparticles to selectively activate or deactivate parts of the brain, influencing functions such as appetite, emotions, and social behavior. In experiments with mice, Nano MIND successfully modulated feeding behavior and maternal instincts, showcasing its potential for advanced brain research and treatments for neurological disorders.

🇨🇳 Chinese engineers develop solar-powered drone with indefinite flight capability

Researchers from Beihang University and the Center of Advanced Aero-Engine have created CouloumbFly, an ultra-light electrostatic VTOL drone capable of flying indefinitely in sunlight. Weighing just 4.21 g and powered by solar panels, the drone uses an innovative electrostatic motor to achieve sustained flight. Initial tests demonstrated one hour of continuous flight, with future plans to enhance payload capacity and environmental adaptability. The research was published in Nature.

⚡️ Energy

🇮🇳 Indian startup unveils world's first cold fusion tech for clean energy generation

HYLENR, a startup based in Hyderabad, India, has demonstrated the first cold fusion technology capable of generating clean energy. Their Low Energy Nuclear Reactors (LENR) achieved a heat amplification ratio of 1.5 from a 100W electrical input, and the company aims to scale this to 2.5 times. The reactors use hydrogen fusion to produce excess heat, potentially revolutionizing power generation for various applications including space missions and industrial heating.

🚘 Transport

🇨🇳 Chinese engineers develop 'dolphin skin' propeller to reduce cargo ship fuel consumption and emissions

Researchers at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering have created a propeller coated with synthetic "dolphin skin" that significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions in large cargo ships. Inspired by the laminar flow properties of dolphin skin, the coating uses dynamic interfacial materials and a flexible microstructure to reduce drag. Tests on a crude carrier showed a 2% fuel savings, potentially saving $140,000 annually and cutting CO2 emissions by 900 tonnes.

💊Healthcare

🇸🇬 Singaporean scientists develop anti-aging drug extending life and reducing frailty

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified that blocking the protein interleukin-11 (IL-11) can significantly extend life and reduce aging symptoms. In mice, anti-IL-11 therapy increased lifespan by up to 25%, improved metabolism, and preserved muscle mass. This promising therapy, currently in clinical trials for fibrotic lung disease, also reduced cancer incidence and maintained cell health. This breakthrough, published in Nature, could help people live healthier, longer lives.

🇬🇧 British researchers find that the peptide ‘PEPITEM’ can combat age-related inflammation

A naturally occurring peptide called PEPITEM shows potential to rejuvenate the immune response in older individuals and protect against 'inflammageing', the root cause of many age-related diseases. Published in npj Aging, the study demonstrates how PEPITEM can dampen age-related inflammation and restore normal immune function by regulating immune cell trafficking. Researchers found that older mice had an exaggerated immune response, which was mitigated by PEPITEM. Additionally, they identified an age-related decline in the PEPITEM pathway in older human B-cells.

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