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🇮🇪 Irish scientists recover fingerprints from fired bullets, solving decades-old forensic challenge

Irish researchers at Maynooth University have developed a safe electrochemical technique that can reveal fingerprints on fired brass bullet casings - long considered impossible due to heat damage from gunfire. Using a low-voltage, non-toxic process, the method exposes hidden fingerprint ridges within seconds and has proven effective even on casings aged over a year. Published in a Forensic Chemistry, this innovation could allow investigators to link bullets directly to suspects, not just the weapons used.

🇨🇳 Chinese scientists test inflatable space module to enable large-scale manufacturing in orbit

Chinese researchers have successfully tested an inflatable, reconfigurable space module designed for mass production in orbit, potentially transforming how materials and pharmaceuticals are manufactured in space. Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the structure overcomes launch constraints by expanding in orbit, forming a stable environment for industrial use. This breakthrough moves space manufacturing closer to practical application and underscores China's growing ambitions to lead in orbital industry and space exploration.

🇺🇸 Google unveil planned solar-powered orbital AI data centers to revolutionize machine learning infrastructure

Google has launched Project Suncatcher, an ambitious plan to deploy AI data centers in orbit powered by near-continuous solar energy, potentially transforming how machine learning models are trained and run. The proposed satellite networks would use interconnected Tensor Processing Units and high-speed optical links to deliver massive compute power while reducing reliance on Earth’s energy resources. Still in early stages, the project could redefine the scale and sustainability of future AI infrastructure.

Nanalyze, our go-to source for no-BS analysis on disruptive tech, released the following interesting pieces this week:

🇪🇸 Spanish scientists create first functional pig kidneys with human tissue, advancing organ transplant repair

Spanish researchers have successfully transplanted pig kidneys enhanced with human kidney organoids back into pigs, marking the first demonstration of functional hybrid organs using human tissue. Developed at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia and published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the study shows these humanized organs can function normally without triggering immune rejection. This breakthrough could significantly increase transplant organ availability and improve pre-transplant repair techniques.

🇺🇸 US researchers use AI to retrieve rare sperm, enabling pregnancy after 20 years of infertility

US scientists have developed an AI-powered method called STAR (Sperm Tracking and Recovery) that successfully identified and retrieved viable sperm from a man with azoospermia, enabling a pregnancy after nearly two decades of infertility. Created at the Columbia University Fertility Center and detailed in The Lancet, the system uses advanced imaging, AI, microfluidics, and robotics to scan millions of images and extract rare sperm cells without damaging them. This breakthrough offers new hope to men with severe infertility and could transform male-factor fertility treatment.

🇬🇧 UK scientists develop fluoride-free gel that regrows tooth enamel in just two weeks

British researchers have created a protein-based, fluoride-free gel that restores lost tooth enamel by mimicking natural enamel formation, enabling damaged teeth to regrow protective layers. Developed at the University of Nottingham and published in Nature Communications, the gel uses saliva to pull in calcium and phosphate ions, regenerating enamel with real structural and mechanical properties. This innovation could transform dental care by offering a true restorative solution, not just decay prevention.

🇺🇸 US scientists develop injectable brain implants that treat disease without surgery

MIT researchers have created microscopic, injectable chips that self-implant in the brain via the bloodstream, offering a non-surgical alternative for treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and brain cancer. Published in Nature Biotechnology, the wireless, cell-coated devices navigate autonomously, cross the blood-brain barrier, and deliver targeted neural stimulation without triggering immune responses. This breakthrough could eliminate the need for invasive brain surgery and reshape treatment for previously untreatable conditions.

🇳🇱 Dutch scientists develop artificial womb to help extremely premature babies survive and grow safely

A Dutch startup, Aqua Womb, has designed a clinical-grade artificial womb that mimics natural pregnancy conditions to support premature babies born too early for current treatments to help. The system uses synthetic amniotic fluid, a soft shell, and a human-made placenta to allow infants to grow and mature without exposure to air, reducing lung damage and health risks. Awaiting FDA trial approval, this innovation could transform neonatal care and survival for babies born as early as 22 weeks.

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