Daily Innovation News

June 27^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇦🇺 Australian researchers develop the world’s first personal quantum computer emulator to further STEM education

Australian researchers have developed Quokka, the world's first personal quantum computer emulator that fits in the palm of your hand. Co-founded by Simon Devitt and Chris Ferrie, this device aims to democratize quantum computing and revolutionize STEM education by making advanced quantum technologies accessible and understandable. Quokka emulates a 30-qubit fault-tolerant quantum computer, providing a hands-on learning tool for students, educators, and enthusiasts. The device includes a comprehensive library of content, tutorials, and programming interfaces to enhance quantum literacy.

🇨🇭 Swiss scientists move objects with sound, paving the way for noninvasive drug delivery

Swiss researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to manipulate objects using sound waves, regardless of their environment or physical properties. This technique, inspired by optical tweezers, can guide objects along a predetermined path in dynamic, uncontrolled environments. This innovation, published in Nature, holds significant potential for noninvasive, targeted drug delivery and other biomedical applications. The method relies on wave momentum shaping, which uses real-time positional data and a scattering matrix measurement to move objects with precision.

🚘 Transport

🇯🇵 Japan to build 310-mile conveyor belt to carry freight of 25,000 trucks daily

Japan is set to build the Autoflow-Road, a 310-mile automated conveyor belt network between Tokyo and Osaka to transport goods efficiently. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, aims to alleviate the delivery driver shortage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Operating 24/7, the system will use high-capacity pallet systems to move up to one tonne of cargo per pallet, potentially replacing the need for 25,000 truck drivers daily. This project will also optimize road space and improve environmental sustainability.

🌎 Environment

🇿🇦 South African scientists inject rhino horns with radioactive isotopes to combat poaching

South African researchers have launched the Rhisotope Project, injecting live rhinos' horns with non-toxic radioactive isotopes to deter poaching and facilitate tracking. This innovative method aims to render the horns unsuitable for human consumption and trigger nuclear alarms at international borders. If successful, the technique could be extended to protect other endangered species like elephants and pangolins. This project is a significant step in wildlife conservation, addressing the illegal trade driven by the high demand for rhino horns.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers develop algae-made robots to treat inflammatory bowel disease without drugs

Researchers from UC San Diego have engineered microrobots made from algae to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) without drugs. These biohybrid microrobots can be directed to specific sites within the body using magnetic fields and neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines. In experiments on mice, the microrobots reduced inflammation and improved IBD symptoms with no significant side effects. This innovative approach leverages natural cell membranes and shows promise for long-term, drug-free treatment of IBD. The study was published in Science Robotics.

🇨🇳 Chinese researchers develop gut treatment to prevent and repair noise-induced hearing loss

Chinese researchers have created an innovative oral treatment combining magnetic properties and gut microbiome knowledge to prevent and repair noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This treatment involves superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle assemblies (SPIOCA) coated with carboxymethyl cellulose, which survive the stomach's acidic environment. Tests on mice showed SPIOCA promoted hair cell survival and corrected gut microbiome imbalances caused by noise exposure. Published in the National Science Review, this breakthrough could lead to effective nanomedicine for treating NIHL.

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