Daily Innovation News

June 10^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers demonstrate first chip-based 3D printer for portable rapid prototyping

Researchers from MIT and the University of Texas at Austin have developed the first chip-based 3D printer, a device smaller than a coin that uses reconfigurable light beams to rapidly create customized objects. This proof-of-concept device uses an array of optical antennas to steer light beams into a resin well, curing the resin into solid shapes in seconds. The innovation promises applications in on-the-go repairs and medical device creation, potentially revolutionizing portable 3D printing. The research was published in Nature Light Science and Applications.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop novel super-compact internally-rotating combustion engine

Avadi, a Washington-based company, has created an innovative combustion engine that simplifies traditional designs by eliminating the crankshaft and using an internally-rotating piston and sleeve arrangement. The Avadi MA-250 engine, weighing just 23.6 lbs, delivers 15.8 hp and 22.3 lb-ft of torque at 250cc. This design boasts a 42.12% brake thermal efficiency, surpassing typical gasoline engines. Despite challenges, including airflow deficiencies in its rotary valve design, the company continues to refine the engine, aiming for future testing and potential market breakthrough.

🪖 Military

🇨🇳 China to deploy a fleet of Manta Ray-like undersea spy drones for military and civilian use

China is expanding its fleet of coral-monitoring submersibles, inspired by manta rays, to include larger models for potential military reconnaissance. Developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University, these submersibles can carry powerful payloads and operate for extended periods. Equipped with advanced technology such as cameras, sonar, and the BeiDou navigation system, they can transmit real-time data. This innovation mirrors similar projects in the US and signifies a leap in underwater technology for both research and defense purposes.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇺🇸 US company develops AI-powered 'Black Box' to enhance surgical transparency and precision

New York-based Surgical Safety Technologies (SST) has introduced the OR Black Box, an AI-driven system designed to monitor and analyze surgical procedures, enhancing safety and efficiency. Comprising a tablet, microphones, and cameras, the platform analyzes over half a million data points daily to provide real-time insights into safety and compliance. Tailored to each hospital's needs, the system improves patient outcomes and reduces hospital costs by optimizing resource utilization and enhancing team communication. The technology ensures patient privacy and supports a data-driven approach to surgery.

🌎 Environment

🇺🇸 US researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 to boost photosynthesis in rice for the first time

Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have used CRISPR/Cas9 to enhance gene expression in rice by altering its upstream regulatory DNA, improving photosynthetic efficiency. This novel approach, which increases rather than decreases gene expression, demonstrates significant potential for boosting crop yields without adding foreign DNA. This method could accelerate the development of more efficient crops and address regulatory challenges, making it easier for farmers to adopt. The study was published in Science Advances.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop a method to efficiently extract lithium from seawater, accelerating battery production

Scientists at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have optimized a method to efficiently extract lithium from seawater, groundwater, and flowback water using particles of olivine iron phosphate. This new technique isolates lithium based on its electrochemical properties, enabling more efficient and environmentally friendly extraction compared to traditional methods. By optimizing particle size, researchers found a sweet spot for maximum lithium selectivity, potentially speeding up lithium production for batteries. The study was published in Nature.

💊 Healthcare

🇬🇧 UK researchers develop a bioengineered implant to trigger natural bone regeneration

Scientists from the University of Glasgow have developed a bioengineered implant using the polymer poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) that promotes natural bone regeneration. This breakthrough leverages growth factors to initiate the body's healing processes at specific sites, significantly aiding individuals with severe skeletal injuries or bone loss due to cancer. The implant, which works at low concentrations, minimizes unwanted bone growth and has shown promising results in mouse models. This innovative treatment could revolutionize bone regeneration therapies. The study was published in Advanced Materials.

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