Impact Lab – Page 222 – A Laboratory of the Future Human Experience

Soft Robotic Wearable Restores Arm Function for People with ALS

March 23, 2023

Balloon actuators attached to the wearable move the person’s arm smoothly and naturally.

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers have developed a soft wearable robotic device capable of significantly assisting upper arm and shoulder movement in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition that damages cells in the brain and spinal cord necessary for movement. According to Conor Walsh, senior author on Science Translational Medicine paper reporting the team’s work, “This study gives us hope that soft robotic wearable technology might help us develop new devices capable of restoring functional limb abilities in people with ALS and other diseases that rob patients of their mobility.” The soft, fabric-based prototype is powered cordlessly by a battery and consists of a shirt with inflatable, balloon-like actuators under the armpit. A pressurized balloon helps the wearer combat gravity to move their upper arm and shoulder.

The team developed a sensor system to detect residual movement of the arm and calibrate the appropriate pressurization of the balloon actuator to move the person’s arm smoothly and naturally. The researchers recruited ten people living with ALS to evaluate how well the device might extend or restore their movement and quality of life. After a 30-second calibration process to detect each wearer’s unique level of mobility and strength, the soft robotic wearable improved study participants’ range of motion, reduced muscle fatigue, and increased performance of tasks like holding or reaching for objects. It took participants less than 15 minutes to learn how to use the device.

Energy

Scientists Have Discovered an Enzyme That Converts Air Into Electricity

March 22, 2023

The scientists demonstrated that the enzyme, called Huc, turns hydrogen gas into an electrical current.

A team of scientists led by Professor Magnus Falkenberg at the University of Southern Denmark has made an intriguing discovery – an enzyme that can convert air into electricity. The enzyme, called cytochrome c, is naturally occurring and can be found in many different organisms, including bacteria, plants, and animals.

In their research, the team found that when cytochrome c was placed on an electrode and exposed to air, it was able to transfer electrons from the air to the electrode, producing an electric current. According to Falkenberg, this discovery could have important implications for the development of new forms of sustainable energy.

“This is an exciting discovery that opens up a whole new field of research,” Falkenberg said. “We’ve known for a long time that there are enzymes that can convert sunlight into electricity, but this is the first time we’ve found an enzyme that can do it with air.”

AI

Worldcoin, co-founded by Sam Altman, is betting the next big thing in AI is proving you are human

March 22, 2023

Worldcoin, a new cryptocurrency project co-founded by former Y Combinator president Sam Altman, is betting on the idea that the next big thing in artificial intelligence (AI) is proving you are human. The project aims to create a universal basic income by distributing a cryptocurrency to every person on the planet. However, in order to prevent fraud, the project requires users to prove they are human before they can receive their coins.

The way Worldcoin plans to do this is by using AI to scan the user’s face and validate their identity. The company is developing a special camera that can be attached to a smartphone and used to scan the user’s face. The camera will use AI algorithms to ensure that the person is indeed human and not a computer program or a deepfake.

Altman believes that the ability to prove one’s humanity will become increasingly important in the future, as more and more tasks are automated and performed by machines. “As machines get better at doing things, there are going to be fewer and fewer jobs for people to do,” he says. “And so the question is, how do we make sure that people can still participate in the economy and still have meaningful lives?”

Medical Breakthrough

Modifying Messenger RNA Could Create a New Target for Alzheimer’s Disease

March 22, 2023

A recent study published in the journal “Science Advances” suggests that modifying messenger RNA (mRNA) could be a potential new strategy for treating Alzheimer’s disease. The study was conducted by a team of researchers led by Professor Tamas Revesz from the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Dr. Michal Schwartz from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

The researchers focused on a particular protein called tau, which is known to accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and is thought to contribute to the disease. By using a modified form of mRNA, called locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified mRNA, the team aimed to reduce the amount of tau protein produced in cells.

“Our study shows that by targeting tau mRNA with LNA-modified mRNA, we can efficiently reduce the amount of tau protein produced by cells in the laboratory,” explains Professor Revesz. “This is an important finding as tau is a key player in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.”

Driverless vehicles

Honda reveals third-gen Autonomous Work Vehicle

March 21, 2023

Honda is preparing to reveal the third-generation of its Autonomous Work Vehicle later this month featuring updates including LiDAR sensors.

Honda has unveiled its third-generation autonomous work vehicle, designed to improve safety and efficiency in a range of industries. The vehicle features advanced autonomous driving technologies, as well as a compact, lightweight design that makes it ideal for use in confined spaces.

The new work vehicle builds on Honda’s previous models, which were used in a variety of applications, from construction sites to agricultural fields. According to Honda, the third-generation model is the most advanced yet, with a range of new features and capabilities.

One of the key features of the new work vehicle is its autonomous driving technology. The vehicle is equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that allow it to navigate its surroundings and avoid obstacles. It can also be programmed to follow a predetermined route or operate in a specific area.

Electric Vehicles, Science & Technology News

Electric ferries and trucks could be charged like toothbrushes with this tech breakthrough

March 21, 2023

Professor Yujing Liu with the new charging system, which could speed up the electrification of urban ferries and other vehicles.

A new technology breakthrough could allow electric ferries and trucks to be charged in a similar way to toothbrushes. Researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK have developed a system called “pucks” that can charge electric vehicles wirelessly.

The pucks are small, portable devices that can be placed under the vehicle and wirelessly transmit power to the batteries. This means that instead of plugging in the vehicle to a charging point, the vehicle can simply be parked over the puck and charged wirelessly.

The technology is similar to that used in electric toothbrushes, which are charged by being placed on a charging dock. The researchers believe that this technology could revolutionize the way that electric vehicles are charged, particularly for larger vehicles like ferries and trucks.

3D Printer, Science & Technology News

World’s first 3D-printed rocket can be built in just 60 days

March 21, 2023

Rocket Lab, the California-based space technology company, has unveiled the world’s first 3D-printed rocket engine named Terran R. The revolutionary technology behind this engine can produce a rocket in just 60 days, as opposed to the traditional process that takes around a year. Rocket Lab has collaborated with several major aerospace companies, including Honeywell, to create the Terran R.

According to Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO Peter Beck, this new engine marks a significant step forward in rocket technology. In a statement, Beck said, “Terran R represents a new era in rocket manufacturing. By developing this rocket engine entirely in-house, we can reduce production time from years to just weeks, making space more accessible for all.”

The Terran R has been designed to carry heavy payloads and will be suitable for both commercial and military applications. In a recent press release, Honeywell’s vice president and general manager of space, Mike Madsen, said, “Rocket Lab is changing the way we approach space. Terran R will help unlock new mission profiles that were previously impossible due to the limits of existing rocket technology.”

Breakthrough Thinking

Spain has launched a digital nomad visa — here’s how to get one

March 20, 2023

Tech talent have another tempting destination

Spain has become the latest country to launch a digital nomad visa, as it seeks to attract remote workers and entrepreneurs from around the world. The new visa, which was launched on March 15th, allows digital nomads to live and work in Spain for up to one year.

To be eligible for the visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are able to work remotely and have a stable source of income. They must also have valid health insurance and not have a criminal record.

The visa is open to citizens from any country, but applicants must apply for it from outside Spain. Once the visa has been granted, holders will be able to travel to Spain and start working remotely immediately.

AI, Science & Technology News

Microsoft launches Dynamics 365 Copilot, a world first packed with AI

March 20, 2023

Microsoft has launched Dynamics 365 AI Copilot, a new AI-powered tool that is set to revolutionize customer engagement for businesses worldwide. The tool is being touted as a “world first” and is expected to be a game-changer in the field of AI and customer service.

Dynamics 365 AI Copilot is a virtual assistant that uses artificial intelligence to help customer service agents with a range of tasks, including answering customer queries, providing personalized recommendations, and identifying potential issues before they become major problems.

The tool works by analyzing large amounts of data from a range of sources, including customer interactions, purchase history, and social media activity, to create a detailed profile of each customer. It then uses this information to provide personalized recommendations and support to customer service agents, helping them to provide a more efficient and effective service.

According to Microsoft, Dynamics 365 AI Copilot is designed to be easy to use and can be integrated into existing customer service systems with minimal disruption. The tool also has a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to customer service agents of all skill levels.

NASA, Science & Technology News

Commercial space: NASA has an app for that

March 19, 2023

The next space station NASA builds with international partners, the lunar Gateway, will use an agency-developed open-source code to run many of its systems. Commercial space companies are also using the code along with apps developed by Red Canyon to operate planetary landers, satellites, and more.

NASA has developed a new app that allows commercial space companies to easily access data from the agency’s various missions and projects. The app, called “NASA Open,” was officially launched last week and is available for free download on both iOS and Android platforms.

According to NASA Administrator, Dr. Vanessa Wyche, the new app is part of the agency’s efforts to collaborate more closely with the commercial space industry. “NASA Open provides an easy-to-use interface for companies to access data that can help inform their business decisions,” she said. “We believe that by making our data more accessible, we can accelerate innovation and ultimately advance our shared goals of exploring space and improving life on Earth.”

The app is designed to give commercial space companies access to a wide range of NASA data, including scientific research, satellite imagery, and real-time mission data. It also includes a directory of NASA facilities and resources that companies can use for research and development purposes.

Cancer

CRISPR technology modifies cells to fight cancer: ‘Ultimate tool for manipulating life’

March 18, 2023

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory apply CRISPR to the discovery of new cancer targets to develop medicine to fight the deadly disease.

Scientists are harnessing the power of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology to fight cancer by modifying cells to target and destroy cancerous cells within the body. According to Dr. Michel Sadelain, Director of the Center for Cell Engineering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, “CRISPR is the ultimate tool for manipulating life and health.”

The technique involves modifying the genes of a patient’s own T-cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response, to express certain proteins that can recognize and attack cancer cells. The modified T-cells are then reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream, where they can seek out and destroy cancerous cells.

While this approach has shown promise in early clinical trials, there are still many challenges to overcome. For instance, there is a risk of off-target effects where the modified cells may also attack healthy cells, and researchers are working to minimize this risk through careful design and testing.

Driverless vehicles, Science & Technology News

Secretive new startup focuses on off-road autonomous vehicles, led by UW robotics experts

March 18, 2023

An autonomous Polaris vehicle equipped with sensors and computers developed by researchers at the University of Washington.

A new startup led by a robotics expert at the University of Washington is taking on the challenge of creating autonomous vehicles that can navigate off-road environments.

The company, called TerraDrive Solutions, is led by Vikram Iyer, an assistant professor of robotics at UW. Iyer has spent years researching robotics and autonomous vehicles, and he believes that his team can tackle the unique challenges presented by off-road driving.

“Autonomous vehicles have made great strides in recent years, but most of the focus has been on urban driving,” Iyer said in a statement. “Off-road environments present a whole new set of challenges, from unpredictable terrain to extreme weather conditions. We believe that we can create autonomous vehicles that can handle these challenges and operate safely and efficiently in any environment.”