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Daily Innovation News

May 10^th 2024

⚡️ Energy

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers develop a new significantly cheaper method to produce hydrogen fuel

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science have made a breakthrough in hydrogen fuel production by significantly reducing the need for iridium, a rare and expensive catalyst, by substituting it with manganese. This discovery could drastically lower the cost of hydrogen production and make it a viable alternative to fossil fuels. The team found that using manganese allowed for a reduction of up to 95% of iridium without compromising the efficiency of hydrogen production. This method, if scaled up, has the potential to support large-scale, sustainable hydrogen fuel production from water. The study was published in the journal Nature.

🚀 Space

🇬🇧 British researchers develop satellite system that uses air for fuel

Researchers at the University of Surrey’s Surrey Space Centre are developing a satellite system that utilizes air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) to function in very low Earth orbit (VLEO). This innovative system gathers air from the upper atmosphere to fuel its propulsion, offering potentially unlimited operational capacity for satellites. The project has received significant funding from the UK Space Agency to further develop and test this technology, which could enhance Earth observation, climate monitoring, and satellite communications by operating closer to Earth.

🦾 Robotics

🇺🇸 US researchers develop robotic feeding system for those who can’t feed themselves

Cornell University researchers have developed a robotic feeding system that safely assists people with severe mobility limitations, such as those with spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis. This system utilizes advanced computer vision, machine learning, and multimodal sensing to handle the intricate process of feeding, adjusting to the user's movements, and reacting to interactions like muscle spasms or bites. The system was tested across multiple locations, providing a promising aid to enhance independence and quality of life for individuals with significant disabilities.

💊 Healthcare

🇬🇧 British girl born deaf can now hear after new gene therapy treatment

An 18-month-old British girl, born deaf due to a genetic condition, can now hear in one ear after receiving a novel gene therapy treatment. The therapy corrects a mutation responsible for her auditory neuropathy by introducing a healthy gene into her cochlea using a specialized virus vector. This ground-breaking treatment has enabled her to hear soft sounds and begin speaking. This development is a significant step forward in gene therapy for hearing impairments.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop new GPS-like HIV vaccine strategy

Researchers at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute have developed a novel vaccine strategy for HIV that guides the immune system in generating broadly neutralizing antibodies, much like a GPS providing turn-by-turn directions. This approach, detailed in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, could revolutionize vaccine development not only for HIV but also for other diseases by directing the immune response to produce specific antibodies. This strategy is now moving towards trials in primates and potentially humans. Funding for this research was provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop new stomach lining burning procedure for weight loss

Researchers have developed a new endoscopic procedure that reduces the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which could lead to significant weight loss. The minimally invasive technique, called gastric mucosal ablation, burns the stomach lining where ghrelin is produced and has shown promising results in a small trial with 10 obese patients. This procedure could offer an alternative to traditional obesity treatments like drugs or surgery, especially for those unable to undergo these treatments. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

🇮🇪 Irish researchers develop a tailored vaccine to treat eczema in children

Research at Trinity College Dublin has led to promising developments in treating eczema in children through a tailored vaccine targeting the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which often aggravates the condition. This new approach focuses on immune signatures unique to children with eczema flares linked to this infection, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and reduce reliance on antibiotics. The study involves identifying key immune cells and biomarkers that differ in infected versus non-infected eczema patients, potentially paving the way for more targeted and effective treatments.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop microneedle patch to reverse hair loss caused by alopecia

Researchers at MIT, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School have developed a microneedle patch that delivers immune-regulating molecules directly into the skin. This innovative treatment aims to prevent T cells from attacking hair follicles, which can reverse hair loss caused by alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder. The patch has shown promising results in mouse models, significantly reducing inflammation and allowing hair regrowth without affecting the immune system elsewhere in the body. This approach, published in Advanced Materials, could potentially extend to other autoimmune skin diseases.

🔋 Electronics

🇳🇱 Dutch researchers develop a method to double the life of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at TU Delft have developed a method to significantly extend the life of lithium-ion batteries by introducing "chemical short-range disorder" into the cathode materials. This disorder enhances the stability during charging, nearly doubling the battery's capacity retention after 200 cycles and allowing faster charging. These improvements could reduce manufacturing costs and environmental impact, potentially leading to more durable and efficient batteries for everything from smartphones to electric cars. The study's findings are detailed in the journal, Nature.

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