Daily Innovation News

October 16^th 2024

⚡️ Energy

🇨🇭 Swiss researchers discover method to enable ultra-deep geothermal power, potentially unlocking limitless clean energy

Swiss researchers from EPFL have shown that rock at supercritical depths, once thought too soft to fracture, can be successfully cracked to allow water flow, paving the way for ultra-deep geothermal energy extraction. This breakthrough could lead to geothermal plants capable of producing vast amounts of clean energy worldwide, using fracking-like technology. If developed, such plants could meet global energy needs indefinitely. The findings were published in Nature Communications.

🇺🇸 US company to build world’s first lithium-sulfur gigafactory for lighter, high-energy batteries

US-based Lyten plans to invest over $1 billion in constructing the world’s first lithium-sulfur battery gigafactory in Nevada. These batteries will be up to 60% lighter than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells and offer higher energy density, making them ideal for electric vehicles, drones, and defense applications. The facility, expected to produce 10 GWh of batteries annually by 2027, will rely on locally sourced materials, reducing costs and eliminating the need for scarce minerals like cobalt and nickel.

🚘 Transport

🇺🇸 US engineers develop aircraft simplifying flying with car-like controls and enhanced safety

US engineers have developed the Airhart Sling, a prototype aircraft designed to simplify flying with a single control stick and automated systems. This aircraft eliminates complex cockpit controls, automating tasks like flight planning and pre-flight checks, while also reducing the risk of human error responsible for 90% of aviation accidents. Aiming to make self-piloted flight more accessible and affordable, Airhart Aeronautics plans commercial deliveries by 2026.

🇯🇵 Japanese engineers unveil swappable hydrogen fuel cartridges to extend EV range and power homes

Toyota has introduced lightweight, swappable hydrogen fuel cartridges designed to extend the range of fuel cell electric vehicles without the need for charging stops. These portable cartridges, showcased at Japan Mobility Bizweek, can be easily carried by hand or in a backpack, offering clean energy on the go. Toyota also envisions using the cartridges to power homes during outages and for daily activities like cooking, promoting hydrogen as a versatile and safe energy source.

🚀 Space

🇨🇳 China plans inland commercial spaceport to boost private space market and launch capabilities

China is set to build a new inland commercial spaceport in Mianning County, Sichuan province, to support its rapidly growing private space sector. This facility will complement the nearby Xichang Satellite Launch Center and is aimed at fostering commercial spaceflight, attracting rocket and satellite manufacturers, and promoting local economic growth. The spaceport will also help China expand its satellite constellations and increase launch rates, further advancing its goal to become a global space power.

🌎 Environment

🇫🇷 France plans to recycle low-level nuclear waste into everyday items like forks and doorknobs

France is considering a plan to recycle low-level radioactive waste from dismantled nuclear facilities into everyday items such as forks, doorknobs, and saucepans. Proposed by EDF, this project would process 500,000 tonnes of low-level radioactive metals over 40 years, avoiding long-term storage. Strict safety measures would ensure only low-level materials are used, but the plan has sparked public concern over potential health risks. A public vote and environmental approvals are scheduled for 2025.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop near-zero carbon cement production method to drastically cut CO2 emissions

Researchers in the US have introduced the "ZeroCAL" cement production process, which reduces CO2 emissions by 98% compared to traditional methods. This innovation skips the fossil-fuel heating of limestone, instead using a water-based solution and electrochemical techniques to produce calcium hydroxide, a key ingredient for cement, without releasing carbon dioxide. Cement production currently accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions, and ZeroCAL could play a crucial role in reducing this. The findings were published in Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers develop eye scanner to detect diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s

A team of US researchers has developed a breakthrough eye scanner capable of detecting early signs of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s through high-precision imaging of the eye. This advanced ophthalmoscope, developed by scientists at Indiana, Stanford, and Northwestern universities, can observe microscopic details in the eye and track red blood cells in real time. Using AI to enhance diagnosis, this technology could revolutionize non-invasive health screenings.

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