Emerging Technologies News #18

Inviting you for "QPT Talks"

Beyond AlphaFold: A.I. excels at creating new proteins?

In three papers published in the journal Science, biologists at the University of Washington School of Medicine show that machine learning can be used to create protein molecules much more accurately and quickly than previously possible. The scientists hope this advance will lead to many new vaccines, treatments, tools for carbon capture, and sustainable biomaterials.

Researchers develop painless tattoos that can be self-administered

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed low-cost, painless, and bloodless tattoos that can be self-administered and have many applications, from medical alerts to tracking neutered animals to cosmetics.

Researchers invent self-charging, ultra-thin device that generates electricity from air moisture

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) College of Design and Engineering (CDE) has developed a new moisture-driven electricity generation (MEG) device made of a thin layer of fabric - about 0.3 millimetres (mm) in thickness - sea salt, carbon ink, and a special water-absorbing gel.

Martian rock-metal composite shows potential of 3D printing on Mars

A little Martian dust appears to go a long way. A small amount of simulated crushed Martian rock mixed with a titanium alloy made a stronger, high-performance material in a 3D?printing process that one day could be used on Mars to make tools or rocket parts.

Turning carbon dioxide into valuable products with the help of DNA

MIT researchers are employing biological materials, including DNA, to achieve the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products.

MIT’s MOXIE experiment reliably produces oxygen on Mars

In a study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers report that, by the end of 2021, MOXIE was able to produce oxygen on seven experimental runs, in a variety of atmospheric conditions, including during the day and night, and through different Martian seasons. In each run, the instrument reached its target of producing six grams of oxygen per hour — about the rate of a modest tree on Earth.

A sustainable battery with a biodegradable electrolyte made from crab shells

In a paper published in the journal Matter, scientists create a zinc battery with a biodegradable electrolyte from an unexpected source—crab shells

Chinese astronauts have successfully grown rice onboard a space station

Chinese astronauts have successfully grown rice seedlings onboard the Tiangong space station and this experiment may yield key insights into how astronauts can cultivate food to support long-term space missions.

Synthetic Embryo with brain and beating heart grown from multiple stem cells without Eggs or Sperm

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have created model embryos from mouse stem cells that form a brain, a beating heart, and the foundations of all the other organs of the body – a new avenue for recreating the first stages of life.

Eye Implant made from Pig Skin restores vision to 20 people with diseased corneas in a pilot study

Researchers and entrepreneurs from Sweden have developed an implant made of collagen protein from pig’s skin, which resembles the human cornea. In a pilot study, the implant restored vision to 20 people with diseased corneas, most of whom were blind prior to receiving the implant.

Cambridge researchers change donor kidney blood type using “molecular scissors”

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully altered the blood type on three deceased donor kidneys in a ground-breaking discovery that could have major implications for kidney patients.

Artificial intelligence model can detect Parkinson’s from breathing patterns

A new neural network trained by MIT researchers assesses whether or not someone has Parkinson’s from their nocturnal breathing.

A more environmentally friendly air conditioner

Scientists report a prototype device that could someday replace existing “A/Cs.” It’s much more environmentally friendly and uses solid refrigerants to efficiently cool a space.

Engineers fabricate a chip-free, wireless electronic “skin”

MIT engineers have devised a new kind of wearable sensor that communicates wirelessly without requiring onboard chips or batteries.

MIT's WalkWise helps older adults stay safe and independent

MIT alumni-founded WalkWise uses a motion-detecting device for walkers to allow family members and care professionals to monitor adults with mobility challenges.

The best way to take pills according to science

Researchers examining the mechanics of drug dissolution and the natural anatomy of the stomach found that taking a pill while lying on your right side shortens the time it takes for medicine to be absorbed.

Thanks for subscribing to this newsletter. Recently I started a tech talk series dubbed "QPT Talks" for sharing the experience and expertise of Scientists, Engineers, Technologists, Doctors, and Entrepreneurs. Let me know if you are interested to participate, and refer this to your friends who may be interested. I may include the best and most useful "QPT Talks" videos in this new letter also.

0:04?/?2:38

A sustainable battery with a biodegradable electrolyte made from crab shells