Daily Innovation News

October 3^rd 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US students develop AI glasses that use facial recognition to reveal personal info

Harvard students have developed AI glasses called I-XRAY that use facial recognition to reveal personal information like names, addresses, and phone numbers just by looking at people. The system employs a camera-equipped smart glasses model to capture images of faces and compares them to public images using facial recognition tools. It then uses large language models (LLMs) to extract detailed information from online sources. While not intended for public use, this technology highlights significant privacy concerns in the digital age.

⚡️ Energy

🇮🇹 Italian company Saipem launches 100 MW green hydrogen solution to decarbonize heavy industries

Saipem, in collaboration with Nel, has introduced IVHY 100, a cutting-edge 100 MW green hydrogen solution designed to help decarbonize challenging industries. This system uses Nel's advanced alkaline electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen efficiently and cost-effectively. A key advantage of IVHY 100 is its scalable, modular design, allowing it to adapt to growing hydrogen demands and facilitate large-scale production. This initiative is a significant step in promoting renewable hydrogen solutions and advancing global efforts toward green hydrogen adoption.

🇺🇸 US researchers to 3D-print tungsten for advanced nuclear reactors with DREAM TEAM project

The US DREAM TEAM, led by researchers at Iowa University, is pioneering the 3D printing of tungsten to create heat-resistant shields for nuclear reactors. Using a laser powder-blown technique, the team aims to overcome tungsten's brittleness, making it easier to incorporate into reactor components. This project is crucial for advancing nuclear fusion technology, which could provide a significant source of carbon-free energy. Future plans include developing new tungsten alloys to enhance durability and performance in extreme conditions.

🚘 Transport

🇦🇪 UAE launches world's first solar-powered biodiesel delivery truck running 8 hours on 1100W panels

Dubai-based ENOC Group has introduced the world's first biodiesel truck powered by solar panels. Equipped with two 550W panels, the truck can run for an entire 8-hour shift. It has a 1,320-gallon capacity with compartments for transporting two different biodiesel blends simultaneously. The solar energy generated is stored in two 240V batteries, significantly reducing carbon emissions. This innovation aligns with the UAE's sustainability goals, providing a clean energy solution while supporting the shift from fossil fuels to biofuels.

🇺🇸 LG Chem develops ultra-thin material to cut EV battery explosion risk by 50%

LG Chem has created a 1-micrometer-thin material called Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL) to prevent thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, a major cause of fires in electric vehicles and devices. Acting like a smart fuse, SRL allows normal electricity flow but blocks current if temperatures exceed safe limits, effectively stopping thermal runaway. Tests showed SRL reduces explosion risk in EV batteries when a 10kg weight was dropped onto them from 63% to 10%. The material can integrate into current production processes, promising enhanced safety and competitiveness in the battery market.

🚀 Space

🇬🇧 UK researchers develop metal-fueled thrusters, potential for limitless space travel

Researchers in the UK have developed a thruster technology capable of using any type of metal as fuel, potentially allowing spacecraft to fly indefinitely. This innovative propulsion system can refuel by mining metals from asteroids or moons, expanding the potential for deep-space exploration. Unlike traditional gas-phase fuels, this approach offers a more accessible and sustainable alternative for future space travel. The new technology could mark a significant leap in our quest to explore the farthest reaches of the universe.

💉 Biotechnology

🇳🇱 Dutch researchers develop first banana plant resistant to two major diseases

Scientists in the Netherlands have created a banana plant, named Yelloway One, that resists both fusarium tropical race 4 (TR4) and black sigatoka, two of the most damaging diseases in banana farming. Using traditional breeding combined with modern DNA analysis, researchers rapidly identified disease-resistant traits. Yelloway One is currently a greenhouse prototype, with field trials planned in the Philippines and Indonesia. This development could revolutionize banana farming by increasing resilience to disease, benefiting millions of small farmers worldwide.

💊 Healthcare

🇩🇪 🇦🇹 German and Austrian scientists find "pause button" in human embryos, potential IVF breakthrough

Researchers in Germany and Austria have discovered a "pause button" in early human development, similar to the embryonic diapause found in other mammals. By blocking the mTOR pathway in human blastoids, the researchers induced a dormant state, pausing cell division and development. This discovery could improve IVF success rates by either speeding up embryo development or pausing it for better assessment and synchronization with the mother’s body. The study presents new possibilities for enhancing fertility treatments. The research was published in Cell.

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