Daily Innovation News

October 4^th 2024

⚡️ Energy

🇸🇦 Saudi researchers develop electricity-free cooling system for solar panels using gravity

A team from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has created a cooling system that uses gravity instead of electricity to keep solar panels cool. The device reflects thermal energy back to the sky and collects water from the air, making it ideal for hot regions like Saudi Arabia, where overheating can reduce solar panel efficiency. Using a special polymer and silicon oil coating, the system allows water to slide off easily for collection. Tested over a year, it nearly doubled water collection compared to other technologies, offering a cost-effective solution for solar energy and water harvesting in remote areas.

🚘 Transport

🇨🇦 Canadian researchers achieve milestone in solid-state lithium batteries, boosting EV safety and efficiency

Researchers at McGill University have developed a solution to the "interfacial resistance" in all-solid-state lithium batteries, paving the way for safer and more efficient electric vehicles (EVs). By using a porous ceramic membrane filled with a small amount of polymer, they allowed lithium ions to move freely between the electrolyte and electrodes, eliminating bottlenecks that previously hindered battery performance. This breakthrough could lead to longer-lasting batteries with higher energy storage, reducing fire risks and extending EV range.

🪖 Military

🇺🇸 US Army tests solar drone capable of carrying 150 lb for months in the stratosphere

The US Army, in partnership with defense contractor AeroVironment (AV), has successfully tested Horus A, a solar-powered unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that can carry up to 150 lb of payload with 1.5 kW of power. The drone offers extended flight durations in the stratosphere and features advanced autonomy, redundant systems, and stratospheric performance capabilities. Horus A operated multiple payloads, including radar and communication systems, and demonstrated effective maneuvering in adverse weather. This innovation fills critical defense gaps, providing long-endurance surveillance, resilient communications, and network extension.

🦾 Robotics

🇨🇳 China’s robotic baristas offer fast, cost-effective coffee, transforming the industry

Shanghai-based Hi-Dolphin Robot Technology's "Cofe+" kiosks are redefining coffee service with fully automated, cost-effective robotic baristas. These compact kiosks, which occupy less than 2.5 square meters, can operate 24/7, brewing a cup of coffee in just 50 seconds and serving up to 300 drinks daily. They are cost-effective, requiring 90% less operating expense than traditional cafes and only 30 minutes of maintenance per day. Installed in over 500 locations, Cofe+ presents a contactless, hygienic option that could help coffee shops endure economic challenges.

💊 Healthcare

🌎 International team develops drug targeting key Alzheimer's protein hotspots

An international team, led by Lancaster University, has developed a promising drug called RI-AG03 that effectively targets both major aggregation-promoting 'hotspots' of the Tau protein in Alzheimer's disease. Unlike current treatments, RI-AG03 prevents the build-up of Tau proteins, which are responsible for neurofibrillary tangles that clog brain cells. The drug was successful in lab studies and fruit fly tests, significantly extending their lifespan. This peptide-based approach could offer a more targeted and safer treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. The study was published in Alzheimer's & Dementia.

🇺🇸 US researchers identify potential novel drug to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis

A new study published in Microbiology Spectrum reveals that a semi-synthetic compound called BPD-9, derived from the natural compound sanguinarine, shows potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including multi-drug resistant strains. BPD-9 demonstrated effectiveness against dormant and intracellular TB strains, key targets that limit current treatments. Notably, BPD-9 targets only pathogenic bacteria of the Mycobacterium genus, potentially sparing the beneficial microbiome. This discovery could lead to the development of a new, more effective anti-TB drug.

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!