Daily Innovation News

May 23^rd 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US candy maker Airheads introduces the world’s first underwater vending machine

Airheads, known for its tangy taffy treats, has launched the world’s first underwater vending machine, aimed at reviving nostalgic poolside memories just in time for Memorial Day weekend. This unique vending machine, which operates at depths of up to eight feet, dispenses candy bars to swimmers and accepts “fun” as payment. The initiative encourages adults to relive their childhood pool experiences, with machines available for purchase at $7,000, including a lifetime supply of Airheads candy.

🇯🇵 Japanese scientists develop earthquake-proof resin that seals and heals rock cracks

Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have created a revolutionary resin-based material that can seal cracks in rocks and self-heal after seismic activity. Inspired by natural fossilization, this "concretion-forming resin" mimics the rapid calcite crystal formation around organic matter. Tested in a seismic-active underground lab, the resin maintained its seal and demonstrated self-healing capabilities, outperforming traditional cement-based sealants. This innovation holds potential for nuclear waste management, infrastructure maintenance, and more. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and industry partners.

⚡️ Energy

🇬🇧 UK funds drone-based wind energy system to enhance renewable power generation

Researchers at Bristol University, led by Dr. Duc H. Nguyen, have received a £375,000 grant from the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to advance airborne wind energy systems (AWES). This technology uses drones tethered to ground stations to harvest wind energy at higher altitudes, driving generators to produce electricity. Collaborating with Norwegian startup Kitemill and the University Carlos III of Madrid, the project aims to improve the efficiency, safety, and commercialization of AWES, potentially transforming the renewable energy sector.

🌎 Environment

🇬🇧 UK researchers develop a method to recycle cement, significantly cutting emissions

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have created a method to produce low-emission concrete by recycling cement using electric arc furnaces typically used for steel recycling. This innovative process can reduce concrete and steel emissions by repurposing used cement, which significantly lowers the carbon footprint without increasing production costs. The technology, capable of scaling to meet global demand, could transform the construction industry and help achieve net-zero emissions. The study was published in Nature.

🇺🇸 🇬🇧 US and UK researchers develop breakthrough method to recycle polystyrene

Chemical engineers from the University of Bath and Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a novel chemical recycling process using pyrolysis to efficiently break down polystyrene into its fundamental components. This method, which is both cost-effective and energy-efficient, promises to recycle up to 60% of all polystyrene, significantly reducing waste and carbon emissions. The process involves a pyrolysis reactor, heat exchanger, and distillation columns to convert polystyrene into pure monomer grade styrene and reusable by-products. The study was published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.

💊 Healthcare

🇰🇷 South Korean researchers find UV exposure can lead to weight loss

Researchers from Seoul National University Hospital have discovered that ultraviolet (UV) light exposure can regulate appetite and body weight by increasing levels of norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter reduces leptin levels and induces "browning" of fat, which converts fat stores into heat rather than storing calories. The study, which observed these effects in mice, suggests that UV exposure could be a potential tool for managing obesity and metabolic diseases. However, researchers caution against unrestricted UV exposure due to its risks and aim to develop safer therapeutic methods. The study was published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

🇺🇸 US researchers use non-invasive spinal stimulation to restore hand control in paralyzed patients

A clinical trial led by Onward Medical and involving 60 participants has demonstrated that a noninvasive device, ARCex, can restore hand control in paralyzed patients by delivering electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. The study showed that 72% of participants experienced improvements in hand strength and function, with 87% reporting an enhanced quality of life. This breakthrough offers a less invasive alternative to surgery and may soon receive FDA approval. The findings were published in Nature Medicine.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop adhesive coatings to prevent scarring around medical implants

Engineers at MIT have created a hydrogel adhesive coating that prevents the buildup of scar tissue (fibrosis) around implantable medical devices like pacemakers and drug delivery systems. This adhesive binds the device to tissue, minimizing the immune response and extending the device's functionality. The coating, tested successfully in various animal models, represents a significant advancement in biocompatible medical technology. The study was published in Nature.

🇺🇸 US researchers at MIT use light to control muscles, offering new hope for prosthetics

Researchers at MIT’s K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics have developed a method using optogenetics to control muscle contraction with light, potentially addressing issues in neuroprosthetic systems. Unlike traditional electrical stimulation, this approach offers more precise muscle control and reduces fatigue. By using genetically modified mice expressing light-sensitive proteins, the researchers achieved proportional and linear muscle contraction, akin to natural muscle control. This innovative method, still in early stages, could lead to improved prosthetic devices. The study was published in Science Robotics.

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