Daily Innovation News

June 14^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇮🇷 Iranian scientists suggest satellites could predict earthquakes 19 days in advance

Iranian researchers have found that satellites can potentially predict earthquakes up to 19 days in advance by detecting chemical and atmospheric anomalies. This study, using data from the Chinese CSES-01 and ESA’s Swarm satellites, observed patterns in temperature, electron density, and other atmospheric elements before the 7.8-magnitude Turkey-Syria earthquake. These findings suggest that satellite technology could significantly advance earthquake early warning systems. The research was published in the Journal of Applied Geodesy.

⚡️ Energy

🇺🇸 US scientists develop 'liquid battery' to store renewable energy in liquid fuel

US scientists have developed a groundbreaking "liquid battery" that stores excess renewable energy as isopropanol, a liquid alcohol serving as a high-density hydrogen carrier. This innovative technology uses liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) to convert electrical energy into isopropanol, bypassing the challenges of traditional hydrogen storage. The discovery enhances the stability of renewable energy grids and offers a scalable solution for energy storage and transport. The research was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

🌎 Environment

🇨🇳 Chinese scientists discover gene to boost hybrid rice production by 38%

Chinese researchers have identified the GSE3 gene, which can revolutionize hybrid rice seed production by enabling mechanized separation with 96% purity. This breakthrough simplifies the traditionally labor-intensive process, increasing efficiency and yields by 21-38%. The innovation, achieved through CRISPR-Cas9 technology, promises to transform global agriculture and enhance food security. The research was published in Nature Plants.

🇺🇸 US scientists develop eco-friendly floor panels to replace steel in construction

US scientists have developed a groundbreaking floor panel made from recyclable natural materials, strong enough to replace traditional steel in multistory buildings. Created by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Maine, this innovation uses polylactic acid and wood flour, offering a sustainable alternative for modular construction. The new panels, showcased at the 2024 Housing Innovation Showcase, promote eco-friendly building practices and reduce construction labor costs by 33%.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US scientists develop amber-like polymer for long-term DNA storage at room temperature

US scientists have created an amber-like polymer using the 'T-REX' method to store DNA at room temperature, protecting it from heat and moisture. This innovative material can preserve entire human genomes and digital data, such as photos and music, without the need for freezing. The DNA can be easily retrieved without damage, offering a scalable and energy-efficient storage solution. The research was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

🇺🇸 US researchers discover honeybees can detect lung cancer from human breath

US researchers from Michigan State University have found that honeybees can detect lung cancer biomarkers in human breath, using their extraordinary sense of smell. The study involved monitoring honeybee brain responses to synthetic breath mixtures mimicking healthy and lung cancer-affected breaths. This discovery could lead to the development of non-invasive, real-time cancer detection devices inspired by honeybee olfactory systems. The research was published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics.

🇺🇸 US scientists develop drug-loaded microneedle patches to reverse alopecia hair loss

US scientists have created a new treatment to combat alopecia-related hair loss using painless microneedle patches loaded with an immune-regulating drug. These patches successfully regrew hair in mice within weeks by attracting and amplifying regulatory T cells, crucial for maintaining immune balance. This innovative approach avoids widespread immune suppression, reducing infection risk, and showing potential for long-term solutions. The research, offering hope for alopecia and other autoimmune skin diseases, was published in Advanced Materials.

🇺🇸 US scientists engineer plants to produce sugars in breast milk for improved baby formula

US scientists have discovered a way to genetically engineer plants to produce human milk oligosaccharides, the beneficial sugars found in breast milk. This breakthrough could lead to healthier and more affordable infant formulas and non-dairy plant milk. The plants use their natural sugar-making machinery to create these complex sugars, potentially bridging the nutritional gap between formula and breast milk. The research was published in Nature Food.

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