Daily Innovation News

July 30^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇬🇧 UK scientists break fiber-optic speed record with 402 Tbps, vastly surpassing previous limits

UK researchers have achieved a groundbreaking 402 terabits per second (Tbps) in fiber-optic data transfer, using all six available wavelength bands in the cables. This speed, which is 25% faster than the previous record, utilizes standard commercial fiber-optic cables, making it practical for widespread use. The innovation can significantly enhance the capacity and performance of global data networks without requiring specialized infrastructure. The findings were presented at the 47th International Conference on Optical Fiber Communications (OFC 2024).

🇺🇸 US launches AI-enabled drones to detect sharks and alert California beachgoers

The SharkEye initiative by US researchers introduces AI-enabled drones to detect sharks below the water surface and promptly alert beachgoers in California via text messages. Developed by the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, these drones enhance beach safety by using video technology and AI to identify great white sharks, especially near Santa Barbara. This innovative tool aims to prevent shark encounters and improve monitoring efficiency compared to traditional methods.

🚀 Space

🇺🇸 US scientists master hypersonic jet control with light-based technology

US researchers have developed an optical sensor to control airflow in hypersonic jet engines, a breakthrough that could lead to more efficient and stable flight. Funded by NASA, this technology allows for real-time, adaptive control of airflow, overcoming the limitations of traditional pressure sensors. This innovation marks a significant advancement in the development of single-stage-to-orbit aircraft, potentially enhancing the future of space travel.

🦾 Robotics

🇺🇸 US researchers develop self-powered 'bugs' for aquatic environmental monitoring

US researchers have created self-powered robotic "bugs" that skim across water, potentially revolutionizing aquatic robotics. Powered by bacteria, these devices can generate enough energy to move and collect environmental data, even in adverse conditions. This innovation, part of DARPA's Ocean of Things program, promises more flexible and sustainable monitoring of aquatic environments compared to stationary sensors. The research, conducted at Binghamton University, aims to refine the technology further for optimal performance in diverse ocean conditions.

🌎 Environment

🇺🇸 US researchers develop faster, cleaner lithium extraction from battery waste

US researchers have pioneered a microwave-based method to extract lithium from battery waste, achieving a 50% recovery rate in just 30 seconds. This efficient and eco-friendly process, using a biodegradable solvent, significantly improves lithium recycling compared to traditional methods. As the demand for lithium-ion batteries grows, this innovation could enhance lithium supply sustainability and reduce environmental impact. The study was published in Advanced Functional Materials.

💊 Healthcare

🇬🇧 UK scientists discover mouth bacteria can 'melt' head and neck cancer cells

UK researchers have found that fusobacterium, a type of mouth bacteria, can kill head and neck cancer cells, offering a potential new treatment strategy for the sixth most common cancer worldwide. The study revealed that patients with higher levels of fusobacterium had a 65% better prognosis. In lab tests, the bacteria eliminated 70-90% of cancer cells within days by releasing toxic molecules. This groundbreaking discovery could revolutionize treatment for head and neck cancers. The study was published in Cancer Communications.

🇬🇧 🇮🇱 UK and Israeli scientists engineer cat parasite to deliver brain therapies

Researchers from the UK and Israel have engineered the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, commonly found in cat feces, to deliver therapeutic proteins to the brain, potentially treating disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This breakthrough could overcome the blood-brain barrier, a significant hurdle in neurological medicine. The engineered parasites successfully delivered the MeCP2 protein to brain cells in lab models, showing promise for future treatments. The study was published in Nature Microbiology.

🇺🇸 US researchers create new drug blocking cancer therapy resistance

US scientists have developed MTX-531, a first-in-class inhibitor that blocks cancer therapy resistance by targeting EGFR and PI3K signaling pathways. In mouse models, MTX-531 led to significant tumor regression in head and neck cancers and showed effectiveness against KRAS-mutated gastrointestinal tumors. Unlike other PI3K inhibitors, MTX-531 does not cause severe hyperglycemia, suggesting a safer treatment profile. The innovation, published in Nature Cancer, is advancing towards clinical trials.

That’s all for today, please reply to this email if you have any comments or feedback, we’d love to hear from you about what we can do better!

Have you enjoyed this email? Make sure to share it with your friends and colleagues.

Thanks for reading!