Daily Innovation News

October 9^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers create smartphone apps to improve indoor navigation for the visually impaired

US researchers have developed two smartphone apps that guide blind users through indoor spaces using spoken directions, without the need for GPS. These apps use a phone's built-in sensors to map routes and track movement, providing a safer and scalable navigation solution. This innovation enhances mobility and independence for visually impaired individuals, especially in unfamiliar environments. The research was published in ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing.

🦾 Robotics

🇬🇧 UK engineers develop first robots capable of complex actions without electricity

UK engineers have created robots that perform intricate tasks using fluid pressure instead of electricity. This innovation allows robots to operate without electrical systems by utilizing a pressure-based control circuit, freeing up their computational resources for advanced functions. This design could enable robots to work in electricity-restricted environments, like radiation zones or MRI rooms, while reducing software strain. The research was published in Advanced Science.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇯🇵 🇺🇸 Japanese and US researchers develop AI model to accelerate discovery of photovoltaic and quantum materials

Researchers from Japan and the US have created an AI model that can predict the optical properties of materials with unprecedented speed and accuracy, potentially accelerating the discovery of advanced photovoltaic and quantum materials. This AI, called GNNOpt, uses crystal structures to predict optical spectra, operating a million times faster than traditional quantum simulations. The innovation could revolutionize the development of solar cells and optoelectronic devices. The findings were published in Advanced Materials.

🌎 Environment

🇺🇸 US engineers develop battery-free solar desalination system, offering affordable drinking water

US engineers have created a solar-powered desalination system that efficiently adjusts to sunlight variations without needing extra batteries. This innovation uses electrodialysis to desalinate brackish groundwater, providing up to 5,000 liters of clean water per day while cutting costs. The system could offer low-cost drinking water to remote communities, especially those lacking access to seawater and grid power. The research was published in Nature Water.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop mussel-inspired sticky bacteria to break down plastic waste faster

US scientists have engineered bacteria with adhesive properties inspired by mussels to efficiently degrade plastic, particularly PET. By incorporating a mussel-derived amino acid into the bacteria’s genetic code, the researchers increased the bacteria’s ability to stick to and break down plastic by 400-fold. This innovation could help tackle global plastic pollution and prevent biofouling in industries like shipping. The research was published in Small Methods.

💊 Healthcare

🇨🇳 Chinese scientists develop smart stitches that generate electricity for faster wound healing

Chinese researchers have created innovative stitches that generate electricity through movement, accelerating wound healing. These mechanoelectrical fibers speed up tissue repair and reduce infection risk by stimulating fibroblasts, essential cells for tissue regeneration. Unlike traditional methods, these bioabsorbable stitches don't require batteries and degrade naturally, eliminating the need for surgical removal. The study was published in Nature Communications.

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