Daily Innovation News

November 14^th 2024

⚡️ Energy

🇨🇳 China launches world’s largest offshore solar project with 1 GW development, set to power 2.67 million homes

China has connected the world's largest offshore photovoltaic (PV) solar project to its power grid, marking a major achievement in clean energy. Located off Dongying in Shandong Province, this project is expected to generate 1.78 billion kilowatt-hours annually, supporting China’s renewable energy goals by powering 2.67 million homes and reducing carbon emissions by over 1.3 million tons. The project employs innovative steel truss piling technology and integrates fish farming, optimizing the marine space for sustainable energy and food production.

🚘 Transport

🇺🇸 US company unveils EL9 electric aircraft with 1,265-mile range and ultra-short takeoff

US-based Electra has introduced the EL9, a nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft with a range of 1,265 miles and an ultra-short 150-foot takeoff capability, making it ideal for regional travel. Using advanced blown-lift technology and distributed electric propulsion, the EL9 can take off from small fields, potentially enabling air travel to places without airports. Designed for efficiency and sustainability, it produces lower emissions and noise, with a significant payload capacity for cargo. Electra has over 2,100 orders, with test flights set for 2027 and commercial availability by 2029.

🦾 Robotics

🇺🇸 US researchers create PanoRadar, giving robots clear "vision" through smoke and fog with radio waves

Researchers have developed PanoRadar, a breakthrough sensor system that uses radio waves to give robots precise 3D vision in challenging conditions, such as smoke or fog, where traditional vision systems fail. Unlike typical radar, which offers low-resolution imaging, PanoRadar creates detailed images comparable to LiDAR but is effective in low visibility and cost-efficient. Using AI, it combines reflections from multiple angles, enabling precise navigation in environments with reflective surfaces like glass. This technology could improve robotic performance in search-and-rescue and autonomous driving.

🌎 Environment

🇺🇸 US researchers develop reactor to efficiently extract lithium from geothermal sources with minimal waste

A new electrochemical reactor from US researchers isolates lithium from geothermal brines with 97.5% purity, potentially transforming lithium extraction. Using a lithium-ion conductive glass ceramic (LICGC) membrane, the reactor selectively allows lithium ions through while blocking other ions, reducing chlorine gas emissions and minimizing environmental harm. This advancement could address lithium shortages and reduce the ecological footprint of lithium mining. Details of the study were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers create rapid genomic test to detect nearly any infection in one step

A groundbreaking genomic test based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can detect nearly any infection from a single sample, significantly improving diagnostic speed and accuracy. By analyzing DNA and RNA, the test identifies pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and can deliver results within 12-24 hours. It’s especially effective for identifying rare infections in critical areas like the central nervous system, potentially enabling early detection of pandemics. Published in Nature Medicine, the test has FDA breakthrough device designation for further evaluation.

🇦🇺 🇺🇸 Australian and US researchers develop targeted, non-addictive painkiller for chronic pain relief

A new non-addictive painkiller remains inactive until it encounters chronic pain sites, addressing pain at its source. Unlike typical painkillers that simply reduce nerve signals, this targeted "prodrug" activates through a reaction with reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are present in higher concentrations at chronic pain locations. Tested in animal models of osteoarthritis and neuropathy, it effectively reduced pain without inducing tolerance, marking a significant advancement over opioid treatments. Published in Nature Biotechnology, this approach could lead to safer, more effective pain management for chronic conditions.

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers create AI video tool for easy blood pressure and diabetes screening

Japanese scientists have developed a contact-free AI tool that uses high-speed video to monitor blood flow changes in the face and hands, potentially detecting high blood pressure and diabetes without invasive tests or wearable devices. Tested with 215 patients, the tool accurately identified stage 1 hypertension with 94% accuracy and diabetes with 75% accuracy by analyzing subtle pulse wave changes. Presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, this tool could make home health monitoring more accessible, though further testing in diverse settings is needed.

🇺🇸 US researchers show stem cell heart cells safe in monkeys, offering hope for congenital heart disease

New research demonstrates that heart muscle cells grown from human stem cells can safely integrate into the hearts of monkeys with right ventricular pressure overload, a condition related to congenital heart defects in humans. These cells not only merged with existing heart tissue but also supported heart function, offering a potential alternative to heart transplants. The study’s findings, published in Cell Transplantation, mark a step toward using stem cells to treat heart defects that would otherwise require risky and limited donor heart transplants.

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