Daily Innovation News

September 17^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US researchers develop blue-orange LED light to reset circadian clocks and combat SAD

Scientists at the University of Washington have created a novel LED light emitting alternating blue and orange wavelengths, simulating the colors of the sky, to effectively reset circadian rhythms. In a study, this light advanced participants' melatonin production by 1 hour, 20 minutes—far more than traditional blue or white lights. This innovation could help those affected by circadian disruptions, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), jet lag, and shift work. The study was published in Journal of Biological Rhythms.

🚘 Transport

🇺🇸 🇮🇱 US Ford trucks to feature Israel's AI-powered ADAS with HD cameras, no mirrors

Ford trucks will soon be equipped with Gauzy’s next-generation AI-powered advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), replacing traditional mirrors with HD cameras and interior displays. This Smart-Vision system improves driver safety by eliminating blind spots, offering real-time hazard alerts, and enabling easier maneuvering, especially when parking or reversing. Its self-learning technology enhances fleet efficiency and reduces accidents, aiming to revolutionize the global trucking industry.

🦾 Robotics

🇭🇰 Hong Kong chemistry professor plans 30,000 robot chefs to cook 3-minute meals with precision

Hestia Technology, founded by a Hong Kong chemistry professor, is revolutionizing the culinary world with 30,000 automated robot chefs capable of cooking over 200 dishes in under 3 minutes. These robots handle ingredient retrieval, cooking, plating, and cleanup, replacing up to three chefs. Hestia’s AI-powered system ensures efficiency, cutting energy, labor, and ingredient waste, while its cloud platform allows seamless recipe customization. This innovation aims to transform restaurant operations and sustainability.

🌎 Environment

🇮🇸 Icelandic architect proposes using volcanic lava for sustainable building materials

Architect Arnhildur Pálmadóttir is exploring the concept of "Lavaforming," suggesting that molten lava from volcanic eruptions could be harnessed for building foundations and entire cities. By channeling lava through controlled pathways or using 3D printing, the idea aims to reduce reliance on traditional construction materials, cutting carbon emissions and construction time. Though still conceptual, the project highlights the potential of using natural resources for sustainable development.

💉 Biotechnology

🇺🇸 US scientists create virtual AI-powered CRISPR lab to accelerate genetic research and drug discovery

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed CREME, an AI-powered virtual lab that mimics CRISPRi technology, enabling scientists to simulate gene activity changes without physical labs. This virtual tool, published in Nature Genetics, allows for unprecedented scale in genetic perturbation experiments, helping identify key genome regions and accelerating discoveries. By understanding gene regulation rules, CREME could lead to new therapeutic targets and democratize access to advanced genetic research.

💊 Healthcare

🇩🇪 German scientists develop an open-source tool to simplify the analysis of complex health data

German researchers have created "ehrapy," an open-source software designed to analyze large, complex health datasets efficiently. This tool, published in Nature Medicine, allows researchers to explore patterns and insights without prior assumptions, filling a gap in medical data analysis. While the software is currently aimed at research centers, future goals include integrating it into clinical practice and using it for electronic health records. Ehrapy is available to the global scientific community for further development.

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