Daily Innovation News

July 22^nd 2024

⚡️ Energy

🇺🇸 US researchers achieve complete recycling of solid-state batteries with polymer layers

US researchers from Penn State University have developed a method to fully recycle solid-state lithium batteries using polymer layers. By placing polymer layers between the battery’s electrode and electrolyte, the recycling process prevents mixing, allowing for efficient separation and reuse of materials. This technique, published in ACS Energy Letters, retains over 92% of the original battery's discharge capacity, offering a sustainable solution for the future of solid-state battery technology, potentially applicable to larger batteries in devices like cell phones and laptops.

🇺🇸 US physicists achieve magnetic field record in fusion energy breakthrough

US physicists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have set a new world record by generating plasma with a magnetic field strength of 17 Tesla in the WHAM experiment. This achievement, more than twice the strength used in high-resolution MRI scanners, marks a significant step toward clean fusion energy. Utilizing advanced high-temperature superconductor magnets, the WHAM experiment revitalizes the magnetic mirror concept to confine plasma for potential fusion reactions. The success could lead to more compact, cost-effective fusion systems, paving the way for viable zero-carbon energy sources.

🚀 Space

🇨🇳 China plans a 30-satellite network to link Earth and the moon for real-time communication

China aims to establish a 30-satellite network to connect Earth and the moon, offering real-time communication, navigation, and monitoring services for global users. Developed by researchers at CAST and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, this network will support lunar missions, allow simultaneous communication for 20+ users, and provide precise navigation for Earth-moon flights and lunar operations. The ambitious project will unfold in three stages, significantly enhancing data rates and positioning accuracy to support China's cislunar space activities and emerging lunar economy.

🦾 Robotics

🇺🇸 US innovators debut AI-powered massage robot to relieve tension

US innovators from the design studio Whipsaw have introduced Aescape, an advanced AI-powered massage robot designed to alleviate body tension. Featuring robotic arms with silicon-padded hands, Aescape delivers personalized deep-tissue massages by using 3D body scans and AI-driven programs informed by professional massage techniques. This innovative approach aims to augment the massage therapy industry, addressing labor shortages and reducing physical strain on therapists while offering sustainable benefits by cutting down on commutes.

🌎 Environment

🇬🇧 UK scientists recreate enzyme to capture atmospheric carbon efficiently

UK scientists have successfully recreated the active site of the enzyme Acetyl-CoA Synthase (ACS), which plays a crucial role in capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere in bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for reducing CO2 levels and combating global warming. The recreated enzyme model accurately mimics the natural enzyme's function, converting CO2 into acetyl coenzyme-A, essential for life. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, pave the way for designing industrial catalysts to capture CO2 and produce valuable carbon-based chemicals.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US scientists advance gene therapy to reverse muscular dystrophy, human trials soon

US scientists have developed a new gene therapy that could not only slow the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) but also reverse muscle damage. By breaking the dystrophin protein into smaller fragments for delivery into muscle cells, the therapy showed significant improvements in mice, including stopping disease progression and reversing muscle wasting. Human trials are expected to begin in two years, potentially offering a transformative treatment for DMD and other genetic diseases caused by large gene mutations. The research was published in Nature.

🇪🇸 Spanish graphene brain chip offers 200x power boost for Parkinson’s patients

Spanish startup Inbrain Neuroelectronics has developed a graphene-based brain chip that provides 200 times more power for reading and stimulating brain impulses, significantly benefiting Parkinson’s patients. The ultra-thin, high-resolution chip avoids signal scrambling issues common with traditional metal BCIs and maintains stability over millions of pulses. The first human trial at the University of Manchester will test the chip's precision in brain tumor surgeries. This technology aims to revolutionize neurological treatments by enhancing therapeutic outcomes and preserving healthy brain functions.

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