Daily Innovation News

May 30^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers develop ‘sunglasses for windows’ to cool indoor spaces and provide sun protection

Scientists have created electrochromic films that can switch from transparent to green or red to regulate indoor temperatures. Using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), these films provide sun protection and thermal insulation, switching colors quickly and maintaining stability. This innovation, published in ACS Energy Letters, offers a sustainable solution for smart windows and other optical devices, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings.

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers conduct first 5G communication test at 2.48 miles altitude

A consortium of Japanese organizations has successfully tested 5G communication from an altitude of 2.48 miles using a Cessna aircraft. This test, which utilized the 38GHz band and 5G New Radio standard, demonstrated the feasibility of High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) for 5G networks. The trial established a seamless data link between ground stations and the aircraft, showcasing potential applications for enhanced global connectivity. The study will aid in developing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) that extend throughout the ocean, air, and space.

⚡️ Energy

🇰🇷 Korean researchers develop Na-air battery platform for efficient energy storage

Researchers at POSTECH in South Korea have created a high-energy, high-efficiency all-solid-state sodium-air (Na-air) battery. This battery uses a solid electrolyte called Nasicon to effectively address the formation of carbonate, enhancing energy density and efficiency. The innovation, which operates without special equipment, is significant for green technologies such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The study, showcasing this breakthrough, was published in Nature Communications.

🦾 Robotics

🇬🇧 UK researchers develop robotic 'Third Thumb' to enhance hand function

A team at the University of Cambridge has developed the 'Third Thumb', a robotic thumb that increases the hand's range of motion and carrying capacity. Controlled by pressure sensors under the toes, the device enables users to manipulate objects efficiently, with 98% success in initial trials. This innovation, published in Science Robotics, could significantly benefit disabled individuals and enhance human-machine interactions. The technology emphasizes inclusivity and ease of use.

🇺🇸 US engineer develops automated pizza-making robot to boost efficiency and reduce waste

Aerospace engineer Omid Nakhjavani has created Pzza, an AI-powered pizza-making robot that automates the entire process, from dough preparation to packaging. Capable of producing up to 120 cooked pizzas per hour, Pzza promises a 30% increase in staff efficiency and significant reductions in waste and energy consumption. This innovation aims to revolutionize food production with precision and sustainability.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US scientists identify brain areas involved in stuttering

Researchers have pinpointed specific brain regions linked to stuttering, enhancing understanding of its neurological basis. This discovery could lead to better treatments for the condition, which affects speech fluency. The study, advancing knowledge about stuttering, was published in The Journal of Neuroscience.

🔋 Electronics

🇺🇸 US and Canadian researchers achieve high-quality graphene production by eliminating oxygen

Engineers at Columbia University, in collaboration with the University of Montreal and NIST, have developed a method to produce high-quality graphene by removing virtually all oxygen from the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. This approach, published in Nature, significantly improves the reproducibility and quality of graphene synthesis. The technique promises to advance large-scale production and practical applications of graphene.

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