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May 5^th 2025

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US scientists advance brain-computer tech to recreate lifelike touch sensations for paralyzed users

In a breakthrough study, University of Pittsburgh and University of Chicago researchers enabled brain-computer interface (BCI) users with tetraplegia to experience distinct, customizable sensations—like the warmth of a cat or the firmness of a key—through artificial touch. Published in Nature Communications, the innovation lets users tailor brain stimulation to create realistic tactile feedback, improving object recognition and making neuroprosthetics more intuitive. This marks a key step toward restoring nuanced, meaningful sensation in paralyzed limbs.

🚀 Space

🇬🇧 UK engineers unveil fusion rocket design that could slash Mars travel time to under four months

UK-based Pulsar Fusion has revealed Sunbird, a new fusion-powered space tug using aneutronic propulsion to combine high thrust with extreme fuel efficiency, potentially enabling Mars missions in just three months. Unlike traditional fusion reactors, Sunbird’s linear design leverages plasma leakage for thrust and uses deuterium-helium-3 fuel to minimize radiation, while also generating onboard electricity. If successful, this technology—set for Earth-based demos in 2025 and orbital tests by 2027—could revolutionize deep-space travel and positioning.

🦾 Robotics

🇺🇸 US scientists unveil open-source 3D-printable humanoid robot for under $5K to democratize robotics

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have developed Berkeley Humanoid Lite, a fully open-source humanoid robot that can be built for under $5,000 using desktop 3D printers and off-the-shelf parts. The 2.6-foot-tall robot features robust 3D-printed cycloidal gearboxes and reinforcement learning-based locomotion, offering advanced functionality at a fraction of commercial robot costs. By releasing all design files and software online, the project aims to make humanoid robotics accessible to researchers, educators, and hobbyists worldwide.

🌎 Sustainability

🇨🇳 Chinese scientists use drones to boost rainfall by 4% with just a cup of cloud seed

In a large-scale weather modification trial, Chinese researchers used drones to release just 2.2 pounds of silver iodide across Xinjiang, generating over 18.5 million gallons of additional rainfall—enough to fill 30 Olympic-sized pools. Conducted by the China Meteorological Administration, the operation used four drone flights to seed clouds at 18,000 feet, with satellite and ground data confirming a 3.8–4.3% increase in precipitation. This experiment showcases how low-cost, drone-based geoengineering could mitigate desertification and water scarcity in arid regions.

💉 Biotechnology

🇺🇸 US scientists develop universal human-based antivenom protecting against 13 of the deadliest snake venoms

In a major breakthrough, researchers at Centivax, Inc. have created a three-part human-derived antivenom that successfully neutralized the venom of 13 of the world’s most lethal snakes, including black mambas and king cobras, in mouse trials. Unlike traditional animal-based antivenoms, this formulation uses antibodies from a uniquely venom-resistant human donor and combines them with a small-molecule inhibitor for broad-spectrum protection. Published in Cell, this innovation could revolutionize snakebite treatment globally, offering a more effective and safer alternative for both humans and animals.

🇺🇸 🇬🇧 US approves UK-developed gene-edited pigs, paving way for disease-resistant pork production

The US FDA has approved gene-edited pigs developed by UK company PIC for human consumption, marking a major step toward using CRISPR to fight Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a disease that costs U.S. farmers $560 million annually. These pigs are engineered to lack a receptor that PRRS viruses need to infect cells, providing resistance across most strains while passing the trait to future generations. With no difference in taste or safety, the innovation could reduce antibiotic use, improve animal welfare, and shrink pork’s carbon footprint.

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Max

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