In partnership with

Daily Innovation News

November 22^nd 2024

💻 Technology

🇦🇺 🇬🇧 Australian and UK companies develop GPS-free drone navigation with fingerprint-inspired tech

Researchers from Australia and the UK have created a neuromorphic navigation system for drones, offering precise GPS-free positioning. Inspired by human retina function, the technology uses cameras to detect terrain changes and match them with a preloaded database of Earth surface "fingerprints." This efficient approach minimizes computational demands, enabling reliable navigation for drones in GPS-denied environments. Applications range from civilian to military use, with the system set for release by mid-2025.

⚡️ Energy

🇺🇸 US startup develops non-flammable, high-energy battery to replace lithium-ion cells

A US startup, Alsym, has unveiled a non-flammable battery with up to 10 times the energy density of traditional non-lithium alternatives, offering a safer, non-toxic solution for energy storage. Utilizing a water-based electrolyte and sustainable materials, these dendrite-free batteries prevent thermal runaway and provide flexible storage durations from 2 to 110 hours. This innovation supports decarbonization efforts in industrial sectors and renewable energy integration while reducing environmental and supply chain risks.

🇺🇸 US firm develops carbon fiber cathodes for next-gen nuclear fusion reactors

US-based KULR is producing advanced carbon fiber cathodes for small modular nuclear fusion reactors, aiming to deliver clean, limitless energy. Originally designed for aerospace, these cathodes support laser-based fusion reactions, a promising step toward commercially viable fusion power. This innovation addresses rising energy demands, such as those driven by AI-powered data centers, while advancing sustainable energy goals. KULR’s contribution highlights the critical role of cutting-edge materials in enabling the global shift to clean energy.

🚘 Transport

🇯🇵 Japan's Honda unveils solid-state battery line to revolutionize EV technology

Honda has launched its first demonstration line for all-solid-state batteries in Japan, advancing its goal of 100% EV or fuel cell sales by 2040. These next-gen batteries promise greater range, lower costs, and improved safety, addressing key EV limitations. Set to begin operations in 2025, the line marks a critical step toward mass production, positioning Honda as a leader in sustainable transportation.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇱🇹 Lithuanian researchers develop AI for depression diagnosis using speech and brain activity

Researchers in Lithuania have created an AI model that diagnoses depression with 97.53% accuracy by analyzing speech patterns and brain neural activity. This multimodal approach combines two data sources, enabling more precise and objective identification of emotional states. Unlike traditional single-data methods, this system could make depression diagnoses faster, remote, and less prone to subjectivity. Future advancements aim to enhance the AI’s ability to explain its decisions, improving transparency and trust. The research findings were published in Brain Science.

💉 Biotechnology

🇬🇧 British researchers use genetically modified parasites to deliver vaccines via mosquito bites

Researchers in the UK have developed a groundbreaking method of delivering malaria vaccines using genetically modified Plasmodium falciparum parasites through mosquito bites. This approach, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, involves parasites that stop developing after infecting liver cells, safely triggering immune responses without causing malaria. Initial trials showed the method was 90% effective in preventing malaria infection. Although labor-intensive, the technique could offer a revolutionary way to combat malaria in affected regions.

💊 Healthcare

🌍 International team maps first 100 million cells, advancing disease treatment and regenerative medicine

The Human Cell Atlas, a global initiative, has mapped it’s first 100 million cells, revealing critical insights into human biology and disease. Among its breakthroughs is the discovery of a new cell type linked to inflammation in gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. The atlas also aids in understanding early development and creating advanced organoid models, boosting regenerative medicine. With a draft atlas of the entire human body expected by 2026, this work could transform healthcare and disease research.

Start learning AI in 2025

Everyone talks about AI, but no one has the time to learn it. So, we found the easiest way to learn AI in as little time as possible: The Rundown AI.

It's a free AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest AI news, and teaches you how to apply it in just 5 minutes a day.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.

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!