Daily Innovation News

September 12^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇮🇹 Italian researchers develop first magnet-controlled prosthetic hand enabling amputees to perform daily tasks

Researchers in Italy have created the first prosthetic hand controlled by magnets, allowing amputees to perform tasks like opening jars and using tools. The device, which uses implanted magnets and an algorithm to translate muscle contractions into commands, provides precise control over finger movements without wires. The first patient successfully tested the prosthesis, performing delicate tasks and regaining sensations in his missing hand.

🇺🇸 US researchers create a stretchable device that powers LED using body heat, which could eliminate the need for batteries in wearables

Scientists at the University of Washington have developed a flexible, durable device that converts body heat into electricity, capable of powering small electronics like LEDs and sensors. This resilient prototype, which still works after being pierced and stretched thousands of times, could revolutionize wearables by eliminating the need for batteries. It could also capture excess heat from electronics, providing a sustainable energy source for monitoring systems. The findings were published in Advanced Materials.

🚘 Transport

🇸🇪 Swedish researchers develop world's strongest battery out of carbon fiber, increasing EV range by 70%

Scientists at Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology have developed the world's strongest structural battery using carbon fiber as both electrodes, increasing electric vehicle (EV) range by up to 70%. This lightweight battery, which doubles as a load-bearing structure, could also make ultra-thin, credit card-sized mobile phones possible. The innovation reduces reliance on materials like aluminum and copper, enhancing energy efficiency. The findings were published in Advanced Materials.

🚀 Space

🇩🇪 German researchers plan swarm of robots to explore Mars' massive Valles Marineris canyon

German scientists are developing a mission to explore Mars’ Valles Marineris, the largest canyon in the solar system, using a swarm of robots. The VaMEx mission aims to send robots that can fly, walk, and drive to investigate caves, gather data, and search for signs of water or life. By working as a team, the robots will overcome communication challenges and explore Mars' hidden environments, potentially unlocking clues about its past.

🌎 Environment

🇨🇦 Canadian researchers create a 93% efficient solar-powered device to produce 20 liters of fresh water from seawater daily per square meter

Scientists at the University of Waterloo have developed an energy-efficient desalination device that converts 93% of sunlight into usable energy, producing 20 liters of fresh water per square meter each day. This solar-powered system mimics nature's water cycle and self-cleans to prevent salt buildup, offering a sustainable and portable solution for regions with limited access to fresh water. The findings were published in Nature Communications.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US researchers discover natural antimicrobial to combat cholera bacteria

Scientists in the US have identified a natural antimicrobial called MvcC, the first known microcin that targets cholera-causing bacteria. This discovery could lead to new treatments for cholera, a disease responsible for up to 143,000 deaths annually. Microcins, produced by gut bacteria, selectively kill pathogens without disrupting the gut microbiome, offering a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics. The findings were published in Cell Host & Microbe.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop AI to predict blood pressure from voice recordings with high accuracy

Scientists at Klick Labs have created an AI-powered tool that can detect high blood pressure through voice analysis. By examining vocal biomarkers like pitch and speech patterns, the technology achieved up to 84% accuracy for women and 77% for men. This non-invasive method could revolutionize early detection of hypertension, especially in underserved regions, offering a simple and accessible alternative to traditional screening methods. The study was published in IEEE Access.

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