Daily Innovation News

May 31^st 2024

⚡️ Energy

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers develop carbon nanotube to convert “low-grade” waste heat into electricity

Researchers have engineered a new type of carbon nanotube that can efficiently convert “low-grade” waste heat (below 200°C) into electricity. This technology has the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency in various industries by harnessing heat that would otherwise be wasted. The study, published in Advanced Materials, represents a major step forward in thermoelectric materials.

🚀 Space

🇯🇵 Japan set to launch world’s first wooden satellite on SpaceX rocket in move to reduce future space debris

Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry have developed LignoSat, the world's first wooden satellite, set to launch on a SpaceX rocket. Made from magnolia wood, the 10 cm cuboid satellite aims to reduce environmental impact, as it will completely burn up upon re-entry, leaving only biodegradable ash. This innovative approach could help mitigate space debris and lessen the environmental footprint of satellites. The satellite will be monitored in orbit for 5-6 months after its September launch.

🦾 Robotics

🇨🇳 Chinese AI hospital deploys robot doctors capable of treating 3,000 patients daily

China has launched its first AI hospital, where robot doctors, developed by Tsinghua University, can treat up to 3,000 patients daily. These AI doctors, trained in a simulated environment, achieved a 93.06% accuracy rate on US Medical Licensing Exam questions. This innovation aims to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare and can diagnose and treat 10,000 patients in a few days, a task that would take human doctors years. The AI hospital is set for practical deployment by late 2024.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇺🇸 US researchers use AI to decode whale communication

Scientists have created an AI-based system to decode whale communication, identifying distinct patterns and meanings in their vocalizations. This groundbreaking research could provide insights into whale behavior and social structures, contributing to marine conservation efforts. The study, highlighting the potential of AI in wildlife research, was published in Nature Communications.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers develop an antibiotic that spares healthy gut microbes

Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have created a new antibiotic, lolamicin, which targets drug-resistant bacteria without harming beneficial gut bacteria. Effective against over 130 multidrug-resistant strains, this antibiotic also prevents secondary infections like C. difficile. The study, published in Nature, represents a significant advance in creating antibiotics that reduce side effects associated with conventional treatments.

🇦🇺 Australian firm cryogenically freezes man after death for future revival

Southern Cryonics has successfully performed the first cryonics suspension in the Southern Hemisphere on a deceased Australian man, referred to as 'Patient 1'. The process, involving stabilization, cooling, and vitrification, was conducted in Sydney before transferring the body to a facility in Holbrook. The goal is to preserve the body at ultra-low temperatures, hoping future medical advancements will enable revival and treatment. This procedure marks a significant milestone in cryonics technology.

That’s all for today, please reply to this email if you have any comments or feedback, we’d love to hear from you about what we can do better!

Have you enjoyed this email? Make sure to share it with your friends and colleagues.

Thanks for reading!