Daily Innovation News

July 29^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US to replace world's fastest supercomputer with 5x more powerful machine

The US Department of Energy plans to replace Frontier, the world's fastest supercomputer, with a new machine named Discovery, expected to be up to five times more powerful. Frontier, currently at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, boasts 8.7 million CPU and GPU cores and a performance of 1.206 exaflops. Discovery aims to surpass 8.5 exaflops, revolutionizing fields like climate prediction, drug discovery, and AI. The DOE has invited proposals by August 30, 2024, with Discovery anticipated to be operational by 2027 or early 2028.

🇺🇸 US innovators develop powered pants to boost hiking endurance

A new innovation from Skip, a Google X Labs spinout, introduces the MO/GO powered pants that enhance leg strength by 40%, making wearers feel 30 pounds lighter. Partnering with Arc'teryx, Skip's exoskeleton pants are designed to assist hikers with uphill climbs and support knees on descents, effectively reducing muscle fatigue and joint discomfort. This technology, initially developed within Alphabet's X Labs, has already shown promise in aiding individuals with mobility issues. Skip plans to offer rentals in the western US and Canada, with potential future sales.

💊 Healthcare

🇦🇺 Australian researchers develop stem cell injection to reduce knee osteoarthritis pain by 58%

A new stem cell therapy developed in Australia has shown to reduce knee osteoarthritis pain by 58% and improve function for up to 12 months in 75% of trial participants. The single injection uses mesenchymal stem cells from donor adipose tissue, making it an 'off-the-shelf' therapy that can regenerate cartilage and potentially halt disease progression. This innovative treatment could delay or prevent the need for joint replacement surgery, significantly improving patients' quality of life. The study was published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open.

🇬🇧 UK researchers create 3D-printed blood vessels to improve heart surgery outcomes

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed 3D-printed blood vessels that closely mimic human veins, offering a customizable alternative to traditional grafts in heart surgery. These artificial vessels, made from a gel-like material and reinforced with biodegradable polyester nanofibers, can be produced in various sizes and promise better integration and reduced complications compared to current methods. This breakthrough could lead to personalized cardiovascular treatments and reduced healthcare costs.

🇨🇳 Chinese researchers develop a quantum pipeline to revolutionize drug design

Chinese researchers have introduced a quantum computing pipeline designed to enhance drug discovery, bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical applications. This pipeline addresses challenges such as drug-target interactions and energy requirements for bond breaking, showcasing quantum computing's potential in real-world drug design. By improving the accuracy and efficiency of computational chemistry, this technology aims to make drug development more scalable and accessible. The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the pipeline's success in accurately predicting the activation of anticancer prodrug beta-lapachone.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop wearable tech to detect early signs of PTSD and sepsis through nerve activity

A team at UC San Diego has created a wearable device that non-invasively measures cervical nerve activity, offering early detection of conditions like PTSD and sepsis. The device captures Autonomic Neurography (ANG) from the vagus nerve and other autonomic nerves, providing real-time data on bodily stress and inflammation. This technology could help doctors identify patients at risk of severe immune responses and adjust treatments accordingly. The study was published in Nature Communications Biology.

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