Daily Innovation News

October 10^th 2024

🚘 Transport

🇺🇸 US scientists convert wastewater into jet fuel, cutting carbon emissions by 70%

US researchers have developed a method to turn wastewater from breweries and dairy farms into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using methane-arrested anaerobic digestion (MAAD) technology. This innovative process, which enhances volatile fatty acid production, could reduce aviation carbon emissions by up to 70%. The technology addresses the shortage of traditional bio-feedstocks and supports the US Department of Energy’s goal to meet 100% jet fuel demand with SAF by 2050.

🚀 Space

🇨🇦 Canadian scientists propose converting asteroid material into food for future space missions

Canadian researchers have suggested a radical idea: extracting organic compounds from asteroids to create edible biomass for astronauts on long-duration space missions. Using a process called pyrolysis, hydrocarbons from asteroids like Bennu could be broken down and used to grow nutrient-rich microbes. This innovative method could reduce reliance on Earth’s resupply missions and support space exploration. The study was published in the International Journal of Astrobiology.

🦾 Robotics

🇨🇳 Chinese researchers develop robotic ‘finger’ for safe and precise physical exams

Chinese scientists have created an ultrasensitive, human-like robotic "finger" capable of performing physical exams, such as detecting lumps and taking pulses, similar to a doctor's touch. The bioinspired soft finger (BSF) uses pressure sensors to mimic human tactile perception, making it a promising tool for early disease detection, especially in areas with limited medical professionals. This technology could revolutionize routine physical exams by improving accessibility and comfort. The study was published in Cell Reports: Physical Science.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇺🇸 US researchers create AI-powered electronic tongue with 80% accuracy for liquid analysis

US researchers at Penn State have developed an electronic tongue capable of distinguishing various liquids, including different types of milk, sodas, and coffee blends, with over 80% accuracy. Using a graphene-based sensor and an AI neural network, the device can even detect spoilage in liquids like fruit juice. This innovative technology could enhance quality control in food and beverage industries and potentially serve as a tool for medical diagnostics. The findings were published in Nature.

🌎 Environment

🇱🇹 🇪🇸 Lithuanian and Spanish scientists develop portable device to detect drought-stressed crops early

Researchers from Lithuania and Spain have created a handheld device that uses ultrasound to detect drought stress in crops before visible wilting occurs. The device instantly measures water potential and content in leaves, helping farmers manage irrigation more effectively and avoid overwatering. The tool provides real-time results and transmits data to a cloud-based drought map, optimizing water use and crop health. Originally designed for grapevines, it works on most plants with leaves larger than 3 cm.

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers create plastic polymer recyclable without compromising toughness

Japanese scientists have developed a high-performance polymer that can be chemically recycled without losing its heat or chemical resistance. This breakthrough polymer design includes a directing group, which allows strong links to be easily broken with a catalyst and reassembled, enabling infinite recycling. The innovation overcomes the traditional tradeoff between durability and recyclability, potentially revolutionizing plastic recycling. The research was published in Chemical Science.

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