Daily Innovation News

May 20^th 2024

⚡️ Energy

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers enhance bioethanol production with persimmon tannin

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that persimmon tannin significantly improves the growth of yeast in the presence of ethanol, leading to more efficient bioethanol production. The study showed an 8.9-fold increase in yeast cell numbers when persimmon tannin was added, due to its antioxidative properties that reduce ethanol-induced oxidative stress. This finding could advance sustainable energy solutions by making bioethanol production more efficient. The study was published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

🌎 Environment

🇮🇹 🇩🇪 Italian and German researchers develop biohybrid robot for reforestation

Researchers at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and the University of Freiburg have created a biohybrid robot named HybriBot, designed to assist in reforestation efforts. Made from a flour-based capsule and oat appendages, HybriBot moves in response to air humidity, enabling it to plant seeds in the soil without external power sources. This biodegradable and environmentally friendly robot could significantly advance large-scale reforestation and biodiversity protection. The development was part of the European i-Seed project.

🇺🇸 US researchers use beer yeast to remove lead from water

MIT and Georgia Tech researchers have developed a method to use repurposed beer yeast encapsulated in hydrogel capsules to efficiently remove lead from contaminated water. This innovative filter allows water to flow through while the yeast absorbs lead, making it cost-effective and suitable for low-income areas with high lead contamination. The process also ensures that the yeast can be easily removed after purification. The study was published in RSC Sustainability.

💊 Healthcare

🇳🇱 Dutch researchers discover new gene pathway for cancer cell suicide

Scientists at the Netherlands Cancer Institute have identified a new pathway for cancer cell death triggered by the Schlafen11 (SLFN11) gene, independent of the well-known p53 protein. This discovery reveals that SLFN11 shuts down ribosomes in damaged cells, causing immense stress and cell death, offering a new target for cancer therapies. This finding could lead to more effective treatments for tumors resistant to traditional chemotherapy. The study was published in Science.

🇬🇧 UK researchers develop novel resin for 3D printing custom intraocular lenses

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a novel resin for 3D printing intraocular lenses (IOLs), potentially transforming post-surgery eye care. This resin allows for highly customized and precise lens designs, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the need for adjustments. The innovation could make lenses more affordable and accessible, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions. The study was published in Current Eye Research.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop continuous toxic gas monitoring detector

MIT researchers have created a detector that can continuously monitor toxic gases using a composite material combining metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and conductive polymers. This new detector offers high sensitivity and reversibility, enabling it to maintain performance over many detection cycles. The device can detect gases like nitrogen dioxide at low concentrations and is suitable for both industrial and domestic settings. The study was published in Advanced Materials.

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