Daily Innovation News

July 2^nd 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers develop brain-powered bionic leg enabling amputees to dance again

MIT researchers have unveiled a brain-controlled bionic leg that allows amputees to control the prosthetic foot with their thoughts, providing a more natural walking experience. This breakthrough relies on a new surgical technique called agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI), which preserves and reconnects nerves and muscles in the residual limb. Trials showed participants could walk naturally, handle stairs, and navigate barriers, reporting reduced pain and minimal muscle atrophy. The study, published in Nature Medicine, aims for a commercial version within five years.

🚘 Transport

🇺🇸 US company Tesla patents auto sanitization system for robotaxis

Tesla has applied for a patent for an automated sanitization system designed for its future self-driving robotaxi fleet. The system, titled ‘Controlling environmental conditions in enclosed spaces,’ aims to use various sensors and technologies such as UV lights and heating to sanitize the vehicle's interior. This innovation addresses the challenge of maintaining hygiene in shared autonomous vehicles, reducing the risk of disease transmission. The patent also describes the potential for the vehicle to autonomously drive to a designated sanitization area.

🌎 Environment

🇨🇦 Canada to debut world-first carbon-free aluminum production technology

Canada is set to introduce a groundbreaking carbon-free aluminum production technology, developed by Elysis, at Rio Tinto's Arvida smelter in Quebec. This innovative inert anode technology eliminates carbon emissions from the electrolysis process, releasing only oxygen. Supported by a $375 million investment from Rio Tinto and the Government of Quebec, the demonstration plant aims to produce up to 2,500 tons of aluminum annually by 2027. This advancement is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the sustainability of aluminum production.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers develop a method to turn white fat into calorie-burning beige fat

Researchers at the University of California San Francisco have discovered a way to convert white fat cells into calorie-burning beige fat by suppressing the protein KLF-15. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and long-term weight loss treatments by transforming white fat into beige fat, which burns energy more efficiently. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, demonstrated that targeting the Adrb1 receptor could provide a promising alternative to current weight-loss drugs, potentially with fewer side effects.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop gene tweak to enhance hearing beyond normal levels

Researchers at Michigan Medicine's Kresge Hearing Research Institute have found that increasing the expression of the protein neurotrophin-3 (Ntf3) leads to better-than-normal auditory processing in mice. This gene tweak increased the number of synapses between inner ear hair cells and auditory neurons, enhancing the brain's ability to process sound. The study, published in PLOS Biology, suggests potential new treatments for hearing loss and other neurodegenerative disorders by improving synapse regeneration and function.

🇺🇸 US FDA fast-tracks personalized therapy for advanced prostate cancer

The FDA has granted Fast Track status to SYNC-T SV-102, a novel combination treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), developed by Syncromune Inc. This innovative therapy uses a two-step process to stimulate a body-wide immune response against the cancer. In clinical trials, the treatment achieved an 85% response rate, with nearly 40% of participants experiencing complete remission. This designation aims to expedite the development and review of this promising treatment, addressing the high mortality rate and limited options for mCRPC patients.

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