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March 24^th 2025

⚡️ Energy

🇩🇪 German scientists convert CO₂ into jet fuel at scale, producing 100 liters daily for aviation use

Researchers at Germany’s Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), alongside Sunfire and Climeworks, have developed an industrial-scale process to convert atmospheric CO₂ and water into synthetic jet fuel using green electricity. Their co-electrolysis method, which efficiently produces syngas in a single step, enables the creation of long-chain hydrocarbons via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Detailed in the Kopernikus P2X project, this system currently produces 100 liters of synthetic kerosene daily and aims to reach one tonne per day, offering a carbon-neutral alternative for the aviation sector. The advance addresses emissions from a sector that’s difficult to electrify.

🚘 Transport

🇫🇷 French engineers to deliver world’s first hydrogen-electric light jet with 90% fewer moving parts

French company Beyond Aero has announced plans to deliver the BYA-1, the world’s first certified hydrogen-electric light jet, by 2030. The aircraft features a battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system powering dual electric engines, offering zero-emissions flight and significantly reduced maintenance thanks to a powertrain with 90% fewer moving parts. With a projected range of 800 nautical miles and capacity for six passengers, the BYA-1 also promises lower fuel and operational costs compared to conventional jets. This milestone supports the shift toward cleaner aviation amid increasing interest in hydrogen propulsion technologies.

🌎 Sustainability

🇧🇷 🇺🇸 Brazilian and US engineers create 80% recycled cement matching strength of Portland cement

Researchers from the University of São Paulo and Princeton University have developed a cement made of 80% recycled material that matches the strength of traditional Portland cement while reducing carbon emissions by up to 61%. Detailed in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, the process involves heat-treating crushed concrete at 500°C to restore its binding properties, then blending it with finely ground Portland cement or limestone to optimize durability. This innovation significantly outperforms existing low-carbon alternatives like limestone calcined clay cement. If widely adopted, it could transform cities into circular economies by repurposing construction waste into high-quality building materials.

💉 Biotechnology

🇺🇸 US researchers create advanced CRISPR tool to study multiple gene interactions in disease models

Scientists at Yale University have developed a new CRISPR-Cas12a gene-editing platform that enables researchers to assess the effects of multiple genetic changes simultaneously, advancing beyond the single-gene limitations of traditional CRISPR-Cas9 tools. Published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the study describes four new genetically engineered mouse models that allow precise, parallel editing of several genes involved in immune system responses. This innovation accelerates the development of models for diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and genetic conditions, improving the ability to test therapies and understand complex genetic interactions. The tool offers a significant step forward in modeling human disease with greater accuracy.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers show drug cuts early-onset Alzheimer’s risk by 50% in genetic carriers

A study led by Washington University School of Medicine has found that long-term use of the discontinued drug gantenerumab halved the risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer's in individuals genetically predisposed to the disease. In the Lancet Neurology–published trial, participants received the anti-amyloid drug for up to eight years, with those on continuous treatment showing the strongest results. Though the drug was pulled after previous trials failed to meet benchmarks, this new data suggests early and prolonged treatment could significantly delay cognitive decline. The research is part of the ongoing DIAN-TU-001 trial, which may pave the way for Alzheimer’s prevention strategies for the general population.

🇺🇸 US scientists develop eye drops that slow vision loss in animal models of retinal disease

Researchers at the NIH’s National Eye Institute have created eye drops containing small protein fragments that significantly slow vision loss in animals with degenerative retinal conditions like retinitis pigmentosa. Published in Communications Medicine, the drops use a peptide derived from the naturally occurring PEDF protein to preserve light-sensitive cells in the retina without toxic side effects. In treated mice, up to 75% of photoreceptors were retained, and vision remained functional, showing promise as a bridge therapy until gene-specific treatments are available. Early testing on human retinal tissue models also showed protective effects, supporting the move toward human trials.

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