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Daily Innovation News

May 8^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers develop noise-cancelling silk fabric

Researchers at MIT have developed a new silk fabric that can suppress noise in large spaces. This thin fabric utilizes vibrations to either cancel out sound similarly to noise-canceling headphones or prevent noise transmission by keeping the fabric still, reflecting sound like a mirror. This innovative material could transform the way we manage noise in environments like offices or homes, offering a practical solution for creating quieter spaces without the need for bulky soundproofing materials. The findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials.

🇦🇺 Australian researchers cut the production time of cold-brew coffee from 24 hours to 3 minutes

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have innovated a method using sound waves to dramatically speed up cold brew coffee production. This new technology, incorporated into a modified espresso machine, enables cold brew to be made in just three minutes instead of the usual 12 to 24 hours. The process involves an ultrasonic reactor that utilizes sound waves to enhance the extraction of flavors and caffeine from coffee grounds, doubling the extraction yield. This breakthrough, published in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, could allow coffee enthusiasts to enjoy fresh cold brew quickly at home or in cafes without the need for extensive equipment.

⚡️ Energy

🇩🇰 Danish company produces the world’s first hydrogen fuel superyacht

The world's first hydrogen fuel cell superyacht, known as Project 821, is a pioneering effort by Feadship to create a greener alternative to traditional diesel-powered superyachts. This 260-foot luxury vessel uses hydrogen fuel cells that only emit water vapor, providing an eco-friendly power source. The superyacht features advanced cryogenic tanks to store liquid hydrogen at extremely low temperatures. While it offers significant environmental benefits, it currently lacks the capability for long voyages but can operate quietly and emission-free for short trips and stationary anchorage.

🇦🇹 Austrian company launches “Terracotta” solar panels designed for historic buildings

Austrian company Sonnenkraft has launched a new "Terracotta" solar panel designed to match red-tiled roofs, especially for historic buildings. These 400W double-glass solar panels, made with red frames and TopCon solar cells, offer a 20.02% power conversion efficiency. Approved by the German Institute for Building Technology, they provide an aesthetic solution for integrating solar power into traditionally styled buildings while maintaining high efficiency. This innovation caters to both heritage preservation and modern energy needs.

🇨🇦 Canadian researchers use ground reflectors to improve the efficiency of solar panels

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have developed an innovative method to enhance the efficiency of solar panels using artificial ground reflectors. This approach can significantly increase solar energy output, making the use of solar energy more economically viable. The study, conducted in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), demonstrated that reflective surfaces placed under solar panels could boost their energy production by up to 4.5%. This technique is especially beneficial in regions with significant snow cover or desert areas, enhancing solar power potential across diverse geographical locations.

🚀 Space

🇺🇸 US company develops space shuttle bus for trips to geostationary orbit

Portal Space Systems is innovating space travel with its Supernova satellite bus, led by propulsion expert Jeff Thornburg. This 500-kg platform is unique for its ability to quickly transition from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit, leveraging a solar-thermal propulsion system for enhanced mobility and a significant delta-V of 6 km/s. Ideal for national security missions, the Supernova promises a minimum five-year in-orbit lifespan and payload flexibility. The development, backed by notable venture funding and government awards, anticipates a demonstration flight by late 2025 or early 2026.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers achieve promising results in child heart pump tests

Researchers at Stanford have tested the Jarvik 2015, a small cardiac pump, showing promising results for children awaiting heart transplants. This device, attached directly to the heart, aids blood pumping and allows patients to engage in daily activities, potentially even at home. It offers a significant advancement over current technologies like the Berlin Heart, which is bulkier and restricts mobility. The study involved seven children, all of whom either received a transplant or showed heart recovery. Future trials aim to validate its efficacy further for regulatory approval.

🇺🇸 US scientist’s last work before death leads to several potential cancer treatments

John Herr's research at the University of Virginia has opened new possibilities for treating solid cancer tumors through a discovery in his lab. His work focused on the SAS1B protein, found in developing eggs and various solid cancer cells, suggesting its potential for targeted immunotherapies. Herr, who passed away in 2016, contributed significantly to this promising avenue for treating cancers that are currently difficult to manage. The findings, published in Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, offer hope for developing therapies that selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers develop a device that generates a magnetic field to treat depression

🇯🇵 Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a non-invasive device that generates an ultra-low frequency magnetic field, showing promise in treating depression. In a small preliminary trial with four patients, the device was used daily for eight weeks, resulting in improved symptoms without any adverse effects. This innovative approach could potentially offer a new, patient-friendly treatment for depression, especially for those who prefer non-medication options. The study, published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry, suggests further, larger-scale trials to confirm these findings.

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