Daily Innovation News

June 28^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers develop phone tech to block interference, providing a fourfold increase in noise-free calls

MIT researchers have developed a new MIMO system that significantly enhances wireless signals by blocking interference and improving call quality. This millimeter-wave multiple-input-multiple-output wireless receiver architecture cancels interference early in the signal chain using advanced phase shifters, providing a fourfold increase in noise-free calls. The system, which consumes less energy and space than current alternatives, can be switched on or off as needed, promising more robust and efficient signal reception. The research, supported by the MIT Center for Integrated Circuits and Systems, is crucial for future 5G and 6G applications.

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers achieve world record with 402 TB/s data transmission via optical fiber

Japanese researchers have set a new world record by transmitting 402 terabytes of data per second using a standard optical fiber. This was accomplished with a 37.6 THz optical bandwidth, utilizing six different doped-fiber amplifier variants and Raman amplification to cover all low-loss transmission bands of silica fibers. The breakthrough, achieved by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), significantly enhances the capacity of optical communication infrastructure, paving the way for future high-demand data services.

🚘 Transport

🇨🇳 China unveils the world’s first carbon fiber train, cutting energy consumption and emissions

China has introduced the Cetrovo 1.0, the world’s first passenger train made entirely from carbon fiber. This innovative train, developed by Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Co., is 25% lighter than traditional trains, reducing energy consumption by 7% and annual CO2 emissions by 130 tons. The train reaches speeds of up to 87 mph and features full automation, enhancing efficiency and passenger comfort. This breakthrough marks a significant step toward greener, low-carbon transportation solutions.

🪖 Military

🇬🇧 🇺🇦 UK scientists and Ukrainian beekeepers develop antimicrobial beeswax wraps to extend food shelf life in war zones without power

UK scientists, collaborating with local beekeepers in Ukraine, have developed beeswax wraps with antimicrobial properties to preserve food during power outages. This innovative solution uses beeswax, propolis, and antimicrobial herbs like sage to extend the freshness of perishables by several days. Essential for conflict zones, such as Ukraine, where energy disruptions are common, these wraps offer a natural and effective method for food preservation. The initiative aims to reduce food waste and provide crucial support for civilians and military personnel in affected areas.

🌎 Environment

🇺🇸 US researchers develop faster, cost-effective plant genome editing tool to improve agricultural sustainability

US researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have developed TATSI (Transposase-Assisted Target Site Integration), a novel technology that enhances genome editing in plants. This method combines the precision of CRISPR/Cas "scissors" with the efficiency of transposable elements' "glue" to integrate custom DNA into specific genome sites accurately. Published in Nature, this innovation promises to reduce the time and cost of developing improved crops with traits like virus resistance and elevated nutrient levels, addressing global agricultural and environmental challenges.

🇩🇪 German researchers develop IMPRINT to enhance DNA transformation in bacteria

German researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research have introduced IMPRINT, a novel method to enhance DNA transformation across various bacterial strains. Using a cell-free transcription-translation system, IMPRINT recreates complex methylation patterns, overcoming barriers posed by restriction-modification systems. This advancement, published in Molecular Cell, could significantly expand genetic engineering to more bacteria, aiding in the development of new antibiotics and cell-based therapies. IMPRINT holds promise for improving research on pathogenic and probiotic bacteria.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers develop ‘CRISPR 2.0‘ RNA-guided system for advanced genome engineering

Researchers at the Arc Institute, led by Patrick Hsu, PhD, have discovered an RNA-guided system enabling modular and programmable DNA insertions, excisions, and inversions. This groundbreaking tool, published in Nature, utilizes bispecific bridge RNAs to facilitate complex genome engineering tasks beyond the capabilities of CRISPR. The system, inspired by natural mobile genetic elements, allows for precise and large-scale genomic modifications, potentially revolutionizing synthetic biology, cell engineering, and gene therapy. This new approach could pave the way for more advanced and efficient genome design.

🇳🇱 Dutch researchers restore sleep-deprived memory loss using existing asthma and erectile dysfunction drugs

Dutch researchers have discovered that memories lost due to sleep deprivation can be restored using drugs already on the market for asthma and erectile dysfunction. Presented at the FENS Forum in Vienna, the study revealed that roflumilast and vardenafil helped retrieve hidden social and spatial memories in mice. This suggests that sleep-deprived memories are not lost but hidden, offering new potential treatments for memory-related conditions. The findings, from the University of Groningen, aim to advance the understanding of memory accessibility and pave the way for future studies.

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!