Daily Innovation News

September 11^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇮🇱 🇺🇸 Israeli and US researchers create an AI-powered engine that generates DOOM gameplay in real-time

Researchers from Israel and the US have developed GameNGen, an AI-powered game engine capable of generating real-time DOOM gameplay. Using a neural model, the engine recreates textures, physics, and environments based on learned gameplay, eliminating preloaded assets. Although the current version achieves 20 fps, the innovation represents a breakthrough in AI-driven game development, with potential applications in creating entirely new games on demand.

⚡️ Energy

🇺🇸 US company develops solar, wind, and battery-powered EV chargers that replace streetlights

San Diego-based Beam Global has introduced BeamSpot, an innovative EV charging solution powered by solar, wind, and battery storage that replaces traditional streetlights. The system provides street lighting and EV charging without the need for grid upgrades or new infrastructure, making it ideal for urban areas with limited space and outdated electrical systems. BeamSpot also enhances resilience by keeping lights and chargers operational during power outages.

🚀 Space

🇺🇸 Elon Musk plans to send first SpaceX Starships to Mars by 2026 with crewed missions by 2028

Elon Musk has announced that SpaceX will send uncrewed Starship spacecraft to Mars in 2026, with the first crewed missions set for 2028. These missions are part of Musk's vision to establish a self-sustaining city on Mars and make humanity an interplanetary species. The timing aligns with the next optimal Earth-Mars travel window, and SpaceX continues testing its Starship rockets to ensure reliable Mars landings.

🇺🇸 US startup to launch first private mission to mine asteroid for critical metals in 2025

California-based space mining startup AstroForge has confirmed its first private mission to a near-Earth asteroid, aiming to extract critical metals like cobalt, nickel, and platinum. Set to launch in 2025, the Vestri spacecraft will assess the asteroid’s composition before mining and refining valuable materials. This mission follows AstroForge’s 2023 demo, advancing efforts to commercialize space mining and address Earth’s resource shortages.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers develop investigational mpox mRNA vaccine that reduces severity more than current vaccines

US scientists have created an investigational mRNA mpox vaccine, mRNA-1769, which significantly reduces disease symptoms and duration in primates when compared to existing vaccines. This new vaccine outperformed the commonly used MVA vaccine, showing fewer lesions, quicker recovery, and lower viral shedding. The mRNA-1769 also demonstrated potential to offer cross-immunity against other Orthopoxviruses, suggesting broader protective benefits. The findings were published in Cell.

🇺🇸 US scientists develop food dye technique to make skin transparent for improved diagnostics

Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a method to make skin and tissues temporarily transparent using a food-safe dye, FD & C Yellow 5. This breakthrough could enhance medical diagnostics by providing clear views of internal organs, aiding in blood draws, cancer detection, and laser-based treatments. The process is reversible and safe, with no long-term effects, potentially revolutionizing non-invasive medical imaging. The findings were published in Science.

🇺🇸 US scientists create versatile AI to diagnose and predict outcomes across multiple cancers

Researchers in the US have developed a ChatGPT-like AI tool capable of diagnosing, guiding treatment, and predicting survival across 19 cancer types. The AI model, named CHIEF, can analyze tumor tissue slides to detect cancer, predict tumor profiles, and forecast patient outcomes with high accuracy. It even identifies genetic mutations related to treatment response, providing a cost-effective alternative to genomic sequencing. This innovation could enhance personalized cancer treatment and improve survival predictions globally. The findings were published in Nature.

🇩🇰 Danish researchers discover gene that may unlock key to human longevity

Researchers in Denmark have identified a gene, OSER1, that could play a crucial role in extending lifespan. Found in multiple species, including humans, OSER1 was linked to longevity through its connection to the FOXO protein, a known regulator of aging. This discovery could lead to new treatments for age-related diseases, such as heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders. The findings were published in Nature Communications.

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