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March 4^th 2025

🚀 Space

🇪🇺 European scientists achieve first metal 3D printing in space

The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully 3D-printed metal parts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a major milestone in space manufacturing. Using a high-powered laser, the ESA-developed printer created stainless steel components in microgravity, proving that astronauts could produce tools and spare parts on demand without relying on costly Earth-based resupply missions. If tests confirm the durability of these printed parts, the technology could enable large-scale space construction and in-orbit recycling, making future Moon and Mars missions more self-sufficient.

🦾 Robotics

🇨🇳 Chinese researchers achieve first multi-humanoid robot coordination for industrial automation

UBTech has developed BrainNet, a groundbreaking AI system enabling multiple humanoid robots to collaborate efficiently in industrial settings. Demonstrated at Zeekr’s 5G Intelligent Factory, the Walker S1 robots showcased swarm intelligence, performing complex tasks like sorting, handling, and precision assembly with human-like adaptability. Using deep reasoning and multimodal AI, the robots autonomously schedule and coordinate tasks, enhancing efficiency in manufacturing. This innovation could transform automated production, reducing reliance on human labor while improving precision and scalability.

🌎 Environment

🇺🇸 US researchers develop highly selective membrane for sustainable lithium extraction from water sources

Scientists at Rice University have repurposed solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to create a highly selective membrane for extracting lithium from aqueous sources like wastewater and brine. Published in Science Advances, the study shows SSEs can achieve near-perfect lithium selectivity by blocking competing ions and water, making extraction more efficient and environmentally sustainable. This breakthrough could reduce reliance on traditional mining and enable lithium recovery from brines, wastewater, and other sources, helping secure a stable supply for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage.

💉 Biotechnology

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers develop artificial photosynthesis method to produce pharmaceuticals and green hydrogen

Scientists at Nagoya University have created a technique called artificial photosynthesis directed toward organic synthesis (APOS), which uses sunlight and water to convert waste organic compounds into valuable chemicals and renewable energy. By utilizing specialized photocatalysts, they synthesized over 25 useful organic products, including pharmaceutical materials, without generating carbon dioxide. The method also produces green hydrogen, offering a sustainable energy source. This breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, could revolutionize medical, agricultural, and energy industries by reducing waste and utilizing renewable resources.

💊 Healthcare

🇨🇳 Chinese researchers develop plant-based pill that improves blood sugar control in diabetes patients

A phase 2 clinical trial led by researchers from Peking University People’s Hospital in China found that a plant-based drug, berberine ursodeoxycholate (HTD1801), significantly reduced blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The 12-week trial showed that patients taking the highest dose saw an average 0.7% reduction in HbA1c, a key marker of glucose control, along with improvements in insulin resistance, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. The drug, derived from the berberine plant long used in traditional Chinese medicine, was well tolerated with mild to moderate side effects. These findings, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest HTD1801 could become a new oral treatment option for type 2 diabetes.

🇦🇪 Emirati researchers develop fluorescent tool to improve precision in cold-temperature cancer surgery

Scientists at New York University Abu Dhabi have created a nanoscale material that enhances the accuracy of cryosurgery by making cancer cells glow under freezing conditions. This breakthrough, detailed in Journal of the American Chemical Society, helps surgeons distinguish tumors from healthy tissue, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and improving patient recovery. The material remains fluorescent even in ice, integrating imaging with treatment for better surgical outcomes. This innovation could significantly advance cancer treatment, especially for aggressive and hard-to-target tumors.

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