Daily Innovation News

May 17^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers develop AI-powered headphones to selectively block or amplify sounds

Researchers at the University of Washington, led by Shyam Gollakota, have developed AI-powered noise-canceling headphones that allow users to filter specific sounds while preserving others. This technology uses a neural network trained on 20 sound categories and can be controlled via a smartphone app or voice commands. The system can isolate desired sounds in real time, significantly improving user experience in noisy environments. This innovation has potential applications for both the general public and individuals with hearing impairments.

🇪🇸 Spanish researchers develop lizard-inspired structures to prevent catastrophic building collapses

Researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València in Spain have created a new building design inspired by lizards' ability to detach their tails to avoid collapse. This method introduces "structural fuses" that segment a building's structure when a failure occurs, preventing total collapse and reducing damage. The innovative approach has been validated with full-scale testing on prefabricated concrete structures, showing its effectiveness and cost-efficiency. The study was published in Nature.

🇺🇸 US scientists create spider silk-inspired microphone for superior sound detection

Researchers at Binghamton University in New York have developed a groundbreaking microphone inspired by how spiders use their webs to detect sound through airflow. This new design, which responds to sound-driven airflow rather than just sound pressure, offers better directional sound detection and improved sound quality. By studying spider silk's response to sound, the team found that silicon could be a practical material for these advanced microphones, paving the way for innovative microphone designs. The findings were presented at a joint meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the Canadian Acoustical Association.

🌎 Environment

🇺🇸 US scientists create carbon-capture batteries to store renewable energy and fight climate change

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the US have developed innovative batteries that capture and convert industrial carbon dioxide emissions into solid forms while storing renewable energy. These batteries use two different formulations, one combining CO₂ with sodium and the other with aluminum, offering long-duration storage and stable performance. This breakthrough can help reduce carbon emissions and make renewable energy storage more efficient. The study was published in the Journal of Power Sources.

🇬🇧🇫🇷 UK biotechnology startup and Veolia trial enzyme-enhanced rock weathering for carbon capture

Veolia and FabricNano have partnered to use enzymes to accelerate rock weathering, a process that captures and stores atmospheric carbon dioxide in rocks. This innovative approach aims to speed up carbon sequestration from decades to just a few years, enhancing the efficiency of carbon capture. By applying this method to large particle basalt rock fines, this trial could significantly contribute to the UK’s net zero goals by 2050.

🇦🇺 Australian researchers halve cement content in low-carbon concrete using fly ash

Scientists at RMIT University in Australia have successfully reduced the cement content in low-carbon concrete by using 80% coal fly ash, double the amount typically used. This innovative approach also incorporates pond ash and nano additives to enhance density and compactness without compromising performance. The new concrete mix meets Australian engineering standards and offers a sustainable way to repurpose coal ash waste, reducing carbon emissions significantly. The study was published in Cement and Concrete Research.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers use gene therapy to relieve back pain and repair discs in mice

Scientists at Ohio State University have developed a gene therapy that uses nanocarriers to deliver genetic material to damaged discs, effectively reducing back pain and repairing the discs in mice. This approach could offer a long-lasting alternative to opioids for treating back pain by regenerating tissue and inhibiting pain symptoms. The therapy, which boosts healing by prompting cells to revert to a healthier state, shows promise for future applications in humans. The study was published in Biomaterials.

🔋 Electronics

🇸🇪 Swedish researchers develop air-doped organic semiconductors for sustainable electronics

Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden have developed a method to enhance the conductivity of organic semiconductors using air as a dopant. This new technique involves using light to activate a photocatalyst, allowing oxygen to improve the semiconductor's performance. This innovation could lead to cheaper, more sustainable electronics, reducing reliance on traditional, less environmentally friendly materials. The study was published in Nature.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop record high-density micro capacitors for future electronic devices

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Berkeley have created microcapacitors with record-high energy and power densities using engineered thin films of hafnium oxide and zirconium oxide. These microcapacitors store significantly more energy than conventional capacitors, making them ideal for on-chip energy storage in next-generation electronics. This advancement could lead to smaller, more efficient devices, benefiting applications like IoT sensors and AI processors. The findings were published in Nature.

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