Daily Innovation News

September 30^th 2024

⚡️ Energy

🇦🇺 Australian researchers generate electricity from solar energy at night using new device

Scientists at the University of New South Wales have developed a device that captures Earth's infrared radiation to generate electricity, enabling "solar power" at night. Using a specially designed thermoradiative semiconductor, the device converts radiant heat emitted by Earth into electrical power. Although its current efficiency is low, this breakthrough offers potential applications, from recharging wearable devices using body heat to powering satellites during eclipses. This innovation could help provide renewable energy around the clock.

🚘 Transport

🇯🇵 Japan’s Panasonic begins mass production of high-density 4680 EV battery cells

Panasonic has announced the mass production of its 4680 lithium-ion battery cells, designed to improve electric vehicle range, power, charging speed, and efficiency while lowering costs. These larger cells pack five times more energy than current 2170 cells, providing a lighter and more compact energy source. Although exact specs are pending, this development marks a significant leap for EV technology and is expected to promote wider adoption of electric vehicles.

🇺🇸 US scientists create jet fuel from plant waste, advancing sustainable aviation

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a method to convert plant waste, specifically lignin found in agricultural byproducts, into sustainable jet fuel. Using a process called "simultaneous depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation" (SDHDO), they successfully produced lignin-based fuel that can match or surpass the performance of fossil fuels. This innovation, published in Fuel Processing Technology, could significantly reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint and contribute to international carbon neutrality goals.

🪖 Military

🇺🇸 US company develops BMRT tech to detect snipers and bombs through walls from afar

A Florida-based company has introduced a breakthrough technology, Base Molecular Resonance Technologies (BMRT), capable of detecting firearms and explosive elements, like AR-15 rifles, from hundreds of feet away—even through walls and solid barriers. This non-intrusive tech can integrate into existing security frameworks, providing enhanced protection for high-profile figures and vulnerable public areas. In tests, the system successfully identified threats up to 580 feet away through buildings, offering a game-changing solution for law enforcement and public safety.

🌎 Environment

🇳🇿 New Zealand researchers create water purification device to boost hydroponics and sustainable agriculture

A team from the University of Canterbury has developed a photoelectrochemical water treatment device aimed at providing ultra-clean water for hydroponic farming. This cost-effective device uses solar energy during the day and switches to electrical power at night, allowing continuous purification of water by removing harmful micropollutants like pesticides and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Designed for large-scale use in agriculture, it could also support urban farming and reduce the food supply chain’s carbon footprint.

💊 Healthcare

🇺🇸 US scientists design new drug effective against drug-resistant malaria strains

Researchers have developed a new antimalarial drug, MED6-189, which disrupts key cellular functions in Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. Published in Science, the drug targets both the apicoplast organelle and vesicular trafficking pathways, preventing the parasite from developing resistance. MED6-189 is effective against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains, as well as other zoonotic malaria parasites. This breakthrough offers a promising new approach in the global fight against malaria.

🇺🇸 US researchers achieve "functional cure" for diabetes with stem cell therapy

A type 1 diabetes patient has been functionally cured for over a year using a new stem cell therapy, eliminating the need for insulin injections. In this phase I clinical trial, scientists induced stem cells from the patient's adipose tissue to develop into insulin-producing pancreatic cells and transplanted them into abdominal muscles. This approach improved cell survival and maturation while requiring less invasive procedures. Although immune system suppression remains necessary, this development marks a promising step towards more effective diabetes treatments. The research was published in Cell.

🇸🇬 Singapore scientists identify key protein for combating age- and cancer-related muscle loss

Researchers have discovered that maintaining optimal levels of the protein DEAF1 is crucial for muscle repair and regeneration, which often deteriorates with age or in cancer patients. Published in Autophagy, the study reveals that DEAF1 regulates autophagy, a cellular clean-up process essential for muscle health. This finding could lead to new treatments for sarcopenia and cachexia by adjusting DEAF1 levels to enhance muscle stem cell survival and repair capabilities. Understanding the role of DEAF1 offers hope for improving the quality of life in affected individuals.

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