Daily Innovation News

July 24^th 2024

🚘 Transport

🇧🇪 Belgian firm installs world's first electric ship-charging station at sea

Belgian offshore wind energy company Parkwind has deployed the first-ever electric charging station at sea, powered by wind energy, at its Nobelwind farm. This innovative system supports up to 2MW for Crew Transfer Vessels and 8MW for Service Operation Vessels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from maintenance and transport ships. The technology, developed with UK firm MJR, offers a hands-free connection and reliable power delivery, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇺🇸 US researchers use AI to achieve the first autonomous tandem drift for safer, responsive vehicles in extreme scenarios

US researchers have achieved the first autonomous tandem drift using AI, enhancing vehicle safety and control. Toyota Research Institute and Stanford Engineering collaborated to drift two GR Supra cars, mimicking real-world dynamic conditions. This breakthrough could lead to advanced safety systems for vehicles, enabling them to handle extreme scenarios like ice or snow more effectively. The study highlights the potential of AI in improving driving safety and vehicle responsiveness.

🌎 Environment

🇸🇬 Singaporean researchers create efficient solar desalination using 3D-printed microstructures

Singaporean researchers have developed solar steam generators (SSGs) inspired by tree transpiration to improve seawater desalination. Utilizing 3D printing, the SSGs feature tree-shaped microstructures that enhance water evaporation rates and prevent salt accumulation. This innovation, using metal-organic framework-derived fusing agents, boosts the photothermal conversion efficiency, leading to a practical and efficient solution for freshwater scarcity. Published in Applied Physics Reviews, the technology can be mass-produced and adapted for various solar energy and water purification applications.

🇩🇪 German researchers develop carbon-negative concrete alternative using photosynthetic cyanobacteria

German researchers have created a concrete alternative that is carbon-negative by using photosynthetic cyanobacteria. This bio-cement harnesses natural mineralization processes to capture carbon dioxide, forming a material that can be molded or extruded like traditional concrete. The innovative method supports sustainable construction by reducing carbon emissions and sequestering greenhouse gases. The study highlights potential for scaling up production and using industrial pollutants as carbon sources.

🇺🇸 US chemists develop rapid, eco-friendly soil remediation technique

US chemists have created a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process that remediates synthetic chemical contamination in soil within seconds. This innovative method uses electrical inserts and biochar to heat soil to over 1,000°C, converting harmful PFAS chemicals into nontoxic calcium fluoride. The REM process is more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly compared to traditional methods. Published in Nature Communications, this breakthrough offers significant potential for scalable and on-site soil remediation solutions.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers develop nasal spray to clear toxic Alzheimer's proteins and improve memory

US researchers have created a nasal spray that clears toxic tau protein tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease, significantly improving memory. This novel treatment delivers antibodies directly to the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier, and targets intracellular tau aggregates. The approach has shown promising results in mice, suggesting potential for treating Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The study was published in Science Translational Medicine.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop a dual-action antibiotic that is almost 100% protected against bacterial resistance

US researchers have created a new antibiotic that combines macrolides and fluoroquinolones, significantly reducing the chance of bacteria developing resistance. This dual-action antibiotic targets both bacterial protein and DNA synthesis, making it extremely difficult for bacteria to adapt. The promising candidate, MCX-128, has shown exceptional effectiveness in initial tests. This innovation offers a potent new weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study was published in Nature Chemical Biology.

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