Daily Innovation News

October 31^st 2024

🚘 Transport

🇸🇪 Sweden launches world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, reducing emissions and commute time

Swedish company Candela has begun operating the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, the P-12, named Nova, on Stockholm's waterways. Using computer-controlled hydrofoils, the ferry glides above water, reducing energy use by 80% and cutting travel time in half compared to cars or public transit. Powered entirely by renewable energy, Nova reaches speeds of 25 knots, setting a new standard for eco-friendly, efficient waterborne transport. Candela’s breakthrough design is now attracting international interest, with orders placed in Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and Germany.

🇳🇴 Norwegian cargo ships to deploy world’s largest suction sails, cutting emissions by 45%

Norwegian shipowner Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (KCC) will outfit its upcoming CABU III cargo vessels with the world’s largest suction sails, measuring 78.7 feet. Developed by bound4blue, these eSAILs are designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with KCC’s goal of a 45% emission reduction by the end of the decade. The advanced sails, which use wind to generate forward thrust, mark a major step in decarbonizing the shipping industry.

🌎 Environment

🇩🇪 German researchers find 30% of global regions achieve economic growth while lowering CO₂ emissions

A study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) revealed that 30% of 1,500 regions worldwide have achieved "green growth," where economic expansion is paired with reduced carbon emissions. Regions with strong climate policies, particularly in Europe, show consistent success in decoupling economic growth from emissions, while North America and Asia demonstrate varied progress. However, the study warns that at current rates, fewer than half of the regions will achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, underscoring the need for intensified global climate action. The study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

🇺🇸 US student develops 90% efficient brine desalination tech, advancing sustainable water recovery

A student from the University of Texas at El Paso has developed a breakthrough desalination method, salt-free electrodialysis metathesis (SF-EDM), which converts over 90% of salt water into fresh water. This method, using electric currents and ion exchange membranes, offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional desalination, which leaves concentrated brine waste. Additionally, SF-EDM captures valuable minerals, including lithium, enhancing resource recovery while mitigating environmental impact. The research, published in Desalination, has gained support from NSF and is progressing to live testing.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop leaf-inspired graphene coating for 100% frost-free refrigeration

Scientists at Northwestern University have engineered a frost-resistant surface by coating a leaf-inspired texture with graphene oxide, achieving 100% frost prevention for up to 7 days. This innovative design, which mimics leaf structures, uses graphene oxide to trap and confine water vapor, preventing frost formation even in high-humidity conditions. This breakthrough, published in Science Advances, has significant potential for applications in refrigerators, aircraft, and power systems, potentially saving billions in energy costs and maintenance.

💉 Biotechnology

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers create hybrid cells enabling animal cells to photosynthesize, powering potential for lab-grown organs and meat

Scientists at the University of Tokyo successfully implanted chloroplasts from red algae into hamster cells, creating animal cells capable of photosynthesis. These hybrid cells maintained photosynthetic activity for two days, providing both energy and oxygen, potentially addressing hypoxia issues in lab-grown tissues and organs. This breakthrough, published in the Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Series B, could improve the viability of lab-grown meat and artificial organs by generating oxygen internally, allowing cells to grow beyond current size limits.

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