Daily Innovation News

May 21^st 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers at NASA develop first hybrid-electric jet engine core to cut emissions

NASA, in collaboration with private sector partners, is developing the Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) for a hybrid-electric turbofan jet engine. This compact core aims to reduce fuel burn by 10% compared to current engines, enhancing fuel efficiency and lowering carbon emissions. The project, part of NASA's Sustainable Flight National Partnership, has advanced to Phase 2, focusing on designing and testing the core in partnership with GE Aerospace. The HyTEC engine represents a significant step toward sustainable aviation, integrating hybrid-electric technology for the first time in airliner engines.

🇨🇦 Canadian YouTubers create "Dune"-inspired stillsuit to recycle sweat into drinking water

Engineers from the YouTube channel The Hacksmith have built a "Dune"-inspired stillsuit capable of recycling sweat into drinkable water. The suit, a combination of a Tyvek suit and a Dune costume, uses a thermoelectric cooler to condense moisture and a sports water filter to make it drinkable. This proof of concept demonstrates the potential for practical moisture recycling technology, although it remains in an early, rudimentary stage.

🇦🇺 Australian company showcases world's first drone-shepherd for remote cattle herding

SkyKelpie, an Australian company based in Cloncurry, Queensland, has successfully demonstrated the world's first drone capable of autonomously herding cattle. During the 'Beef 2024' exhibition, the drone showcased its ability to manage livestock remotely, thanks to an innovative docking station that allows for automated landing, recharging, and takeoff. This technology aims to streamline livestock management, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency by offering a fully autonomous mustering solution.

🚀 Space

🇺🇸 US-built Dream Chaser spaceplane ready for debut ISS mission

Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane, the world's first commercial spaceplane, has arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for its final preparations before its first mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This autonomous, uncrewed spaceplane will deliver 7,800 pounds of cargo, including food, water, and scientific experiments, and is designed to return to Earth with valuable scientific data. The Dream Chaser’s reusable design aims to enhance the efficiency and frequency of space cargo missions.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇺🇸 US researchers develop AI chips with a sense of time to reduce energy consumption

Researchers at the University of Michigan have created AI chips using memristors that can process time-dependent information, like audio and video data, more efficiently. These memristors, based on entropy-stabilized oxides, mimic biological neural networks by adjusting their resistance over time, enhancing energy efficiency by up to 90 times compared to traditional GPUs. This innovation could significantly reduce the energy consumption of AI systems, making them more sustainable and scalable. The study was published in Nature Electronics.

🌎 Environment

🇨🇦 Canadian researchers develop net-zero vertical farm for year-round berry production

Researchers at Western University in Canada have introduced the Agrotunnel, a vertical farm concept that uses AI monitoring and semi-transparent photovoltaic panels to provide optimal growing conditions and energy needs for year-round berry production. This innovative setup combines aeroponic and hydroponic systems inside a climate-controlled, fiber-reinforced polymer shell. The project aims to enhance food security and could be deployed in various locations, including remote and extreme climates.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US company Neuralink approved for second human brain implant trial

Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has received FDA approval for a second human trial of its brain-computer interface device, aiming to implant the device as early as June. The first trial faced issues when the device's ultrathin wires partially detached, but the company has proposed a fix involving deeper wire embedding to prevent future detachment. Despite initial setbacks, the first participant demonstrated success in controlling a computer cursor with thoughts. Neuralink aims to enhance the quality of life of people with paralysis, with over 1,000 patients showing interest in future trials.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop non-toxic analgesic for effective pain relief without side effects

Scientists at South Rampart Pharma have developed a new non-toxic, non-addictive analgesic named SRP-001, which has shown to be safe and effective in Phase 1 human trials. SRP-001 provides pain relief comparable to acetaminophen but without the associated risks of liver toxicity, kidney damage, or addiction. This novel drug holds promise for treating conditions like nerve pain and chronic pain, potentially revolutionizing pain management. The study was published in Scientific Reports.

🇦🇺 Australian researchers develop AI tool for rapid and accurate brain tumor classification

Researchers at the Australian National University, in collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute, have developed an AI tool called DEPLOY that significantly improves the speed and accuracy of brain tumor classification. Using histopathology images, DEPLOY predicts DNA methylation profiles to classify tumors into 10 major subtypes with 95% accuracy, potentially revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment. This tool can expedite clinical decisions and may be adapted for other cancer types. The study was published in Nature Medicine.

🇺🇸 US researchers restore bilingual communication in paralyzed man with a single brain implant

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have successfully used a brain implant to restore bilingual communication in a paralyzed man, enabling him to speak both English and Spanish. The implant, part of the BRAVO clinical trial, interprets neural signals from the motor region responsible for speech, allowing the patient to control a computer cursor with his thoughts to communicate. This breakthrough shows that brain areas controlling speech sounds are not language-specific, facilitating the implant's training in multiple languages. The study was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.

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