Watch a UK drone firm perform a world-first microgravity experiment

February 13, 2023

The new technology will “open the world of microgravity research to a new market.”

BHAero, a UK-based drone company, has announced plans to launch a new service that offers short periods of microgravity for scientific research and experimentation. The company’s founder, Dr. Bhupendra Khandelwal, envisions the service as a game-changer for the field of microgravity research.

In an interview with Interesting Engineering, Dr. Khandelwal explained, “We believe that providing a microgravity service using drones will help revolutionize the field of microgravity research. Currently, microgravity research is only accessible to a select few organizations due to the high cost associated with conducting experiments in space. Our service will make microgravity research more affordable and accessible to a wider range of organizations.”

Cancer, Science & Technology News

AI Algorithm Provides New Insights Into Deadly Brain Cancer

February 13, 2023

The image shows the SPHINKS network for the precision targeting of master kinases in glioblastoma. Credit: Antonio Iavarone, M.D.

A team at the University of Texas at Austin has developed an AI algorithm that could provide new insights into glioblastoma, a highly lethal form of brain cancer. The algorithm was trained on gene expression data from patients with glioblastoma, and can help researchers identify key genes that are associated with the disease’s progression.

According to the lead author of the study, Dr. Miao Zhang, “Glioblastoma is a complex disease that has been challenging to treat. By using AI to analyze large amounts of genetic data, we have been able to identify new insights into the underlying biology of the disease. This could help us identify new targets for therapy and improve outcomes for patients.”

Science & Technology News

Hydrogel Shows Success Treating Severe Complication of Crohn’s Disease in an Animal Model

February 13, 2023

Utilization of the injectable nanofiber-hydrogel composite loaded with stem cells

Dr. Paul Kempen, a researcher in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic, has commented on a recent study showing the potential of a hydrogel in treating a severe complication of Crohn’s disease.

According to the report from Technology Networks, “a hydrogel has shown success in treating a severe complication of Crohn’s disease in an animal model.” The study, published in the journal Biomaterials, was conducted by a team of researchers at Duke University.

Breakthrough Thinking, Science & Technology News

THAT’S HANDY

February 13, 2023

Scientists grow artificial skin into the shape of a human hand in major scientific breakthrough

According to an article in The Sun, scientists have developed artificial skin that can be shaped like a human hand. This breakthrough in skin engineering could have significant implications for the development of prosthetic limbs and skin grafts.

The team of researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York used 3D printing to create a mold of a human hand, which was then used to shape the artificial skin. The skin was made from a material called elastomer, which has properties similar to human skin.

The researchers found that the artificial skin was able to sense pressure and temperature changes, much like real skin. This is because the skin was made with sensors that can detect changes in pressure and temperature.

Science & Technology News, SpaceX

Drone delivery service using Starlink launched in Japan

February 11, 2023

A delivery drone flies in a mountainous area in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture

Terra Drone, a Japanese drone delivery company, has partnered with Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, to bring high-speed internet and drone deliveries to rural and remote areas in Japan. The joint venture will enable Starlink to offer internet connectivity through its high-bandwidth, low-latency satellite network, while Terra Drone will use its fleet of drones to deliver supplies to areas that are difficult to access.

“Terra Drone is proud to partner with Starlink to provide essential services to people living in remote areas of Japan,” said Toru Tokushige, the CEO of Terra Drone. “By leveraging our expertise in drone logistics and Starlink’s advanced satellite technology, we hope to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

Medicine, Science & Technology News

New Way to Help Aging Cells Produce Collagen

February 11, 2023

This treatment significantly reduced wrinkles in mice.

According to a recent press release by Life Extension Advocacy Foundation (LEAF), a team of scientists from Insilico Medicine and Wize Pharma have discovered a new way to help aging cells produce collagen, a key protein that provides structure and support to the skin, bones, and other tissues.

“Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and youthfulness of our body, but its production declines with age, leading to a range of age-related issues,” said Dr. Alex Zhavoronkov, founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine. “Our team has identified a novel approach to enhance collagen synthesis in aging cells, which could have significant implications for the field of regenerative medicine.”

The researchers used an artificial intelligence (AI) system called GENTRL to design small molecules that can activate a specific pathway in the cells called the TGF-β signaling pathway, which is known to stimulate collagen production. They then tested these molecules on human skin fibroblasts and found that they could boost collagen synthesis by up to 300%.

Robots, Science & Technology News

Solar panel cleaning robot can be dropped off and picked up by drone

February 11, 2023

Dirty solar panels reduce global solar energy output as much as 5 per cent, but a start-up in Israel has tested drone delivery of a new autonomous robot to clean rooftop arrays

In an article published by New Scientist, a new solar panel cleaning robot has been introduced that can be deployed and retrieved by a drone. According to a statement by Dr. Aaron Bestick, the CEO of the company behind the technology, “The robot is designed to work in off-grid locations and can be deployed by a small drone, making it easy to clean solar panels in remote or hard-to-reach locations.” The robot, developed by U.S. startup Aerial Power, is equipped with brushes and nozzles that use water and detergent to clean solar panels. The drone drops off the robot at the site, and the robot cleans the solar panels before returning to the same location to be retrieved by the drone.

NASA, Science & Technology News

NASA’s Perseverance rover is exploring Mars, searching for signs of ancient life and collecting rock samples.

February 11, 2023

HOWEVER, GETTING THOSE SAMPLES BACK TO EARTH IS A COMPLEX AND CHALLENGING PROCESS. TO HELP WITH THIS TASK, NASA HAS DEVELOPED A ROBOTIC ARM THAT WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THE MARS SAMPLE RETURN MISSION.

The Sample Caching System on board the Perseverance rover includes a seven-foot-long robotic arm equipped with a drill and a coring mechanism. The arm can collect rock samples from the Martian surface, seal them in special tubes, and deposit them in a storage system located inside the rover.

Once the samples are safely stored, the rover will deposit them on the surface of Mars for future retrieval by a follow-up mission. That mission, called the Mars Sample Return campaign, will launch a spacecraft to Mars to collect the samples and bring them back to Earth.

Aviation, Science & Technology News

Chinese startup Xpeng Inc. has unveiled the world’s largest autonomous electric cargo airplane, the AT200.

February 11, 2023

Pelican Cargo offers a range of up to 200 miles and a payload capacity of 400 pounds.

THE CARGO PLANE HAS A LENGTH OF 41 METERS AND A WINGSPAN OF 38 METERS, MAKING IT THE LARGEST AIRCRAFT OF ITS KIND. IT CAN CARRY A MAXIMUM PAYLOAD OF 1.5 METRIC TONS AND FLY FOR UP TO 1,200 KILOMETERS ON A SINGLE CHARGE.

The AT200 is designed to reduce the operating costs and carbon footprint associated with air freight. Its electric motors are more efficient and generate less noise and pollution than traditional jet engines, and the autonomous technology allows for more precise and efficient flight paths, reducing fuel consumption.

The cargo plane comes equipped with advanced safety features, including backup systems for key components and real-time monitoring of flight data. Xpeng has reportedly conducted extensive testing and plans to enter commercial service in 2022.

The AT200 has already attracted investment from leading Chinese delivery services, including SF Express and XAG. XAG plans to use the cargo plane for agricultural transport and will partner with Xpeng to develop additional autonomous technology for use in the agriculture industry.

DNA, Science & Technology News

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have developed a special drone that can collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from trees.

February 11, 2023

THE EDNA CONTAINS GENETIC MATERIAL SHED BY ORGANISMS IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND CAN PROVIDE VALUABLE INSIGHTS INTO THE BIODIVERSITY AND HEALTH OF ECOSYSTEMS.

The drone, called the Spectral Phenotyping and Environmental Reconnaissance (SPEAR) system, is equipped with a hyperspectral camera and a custom-built eDNA sampler. The camera captures detailed images of the tree canopy, while the eDNA sampler collects genetic material from the leaves.

By analyzing the eDNA, researchers can identify the species of trees in the area, as well as the animals and insects that interact with them. This information can help scientists better understand the complex relationships between different species and the health of the ecosystem as a whole.

The SPEAR system has already been tested in a variety of environments, including tropical rainforests and oak woodlands. The drone’s ability to collect eDNA from trees offers a non-invasive and highly effective method for monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Driverless vehicles, Science & Technology News

Autonomous Ride Hailing: A Future of Transportation Driven by Machines

February 9, 2023

The transportation industry is undergoing a major transformation, and ride hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are leading the charge. With the advent of autonomous vehicles, the future of ride hailing is rapidly becoming one of machines driving us to our destinations.

As technology continues to advance, the deployment of autonomous vehicles is becoming increasingly viable. Companies like Waymo, Tesla, and Cruise are at the forefront of developing self-driving cars that have the potential to revolutionize the way we move around our cities. These vehicles will provide a more convenient, efficient, and safer alternative to traditional forms of transportation.

One of the key benefits of autonomous ride hailing services is the elimination of the need for a human driver. This not only makes the service more affordable, but also significantly reduces the risk of accidents caused by human error. Autonomous vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors and algorithms, such as those developed by Mobileye, that allow them to navigate complex road conditions and avoid potential hazards.

Science & Technology News

A miniature robot for diagnosing lung cancer

February 9, 2023

This tiny soft robot can be steered through the branches of the lungs without causing damage for safer diagnosis.

In recent years, soft robotics has garnered a spotlight in the surgical field due to their scalability, flexibility, and the potential for safer interactions with biological tissues. These aspects of soft robotics are particularly beneficial in minimally invasive surgical procedures where surgeons must be able to perform many tasks within limited spaces.

Interventional bronchoscopy procedures stand to benefit greatly from the development of soft robots because of the challenging paths that a bronchoscope must traverse. Coupled with the small diameters of the lung branches, this makes it very difficult with traditional tools to reach deeper in the lungs, where early tumors are generally found.

However, when a robot is made smaller to fit in tighter spaces, it produces smaller forces before failing. This is especially relevant when the robot is made of soft materials.