New biodegradable, plant-based, spray-on coating offers alternative to plastic food wrap and containers
The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days, according to the study from Rutgers University.
Technology & innovation
New Chinese EV boasts groundbreaking 578-mile range
The Chinese manufacturer, NIO, claims the new ES7 can go 578 miles on a charge. By comparison, Tesla’s leading Model Y has a range of only 330 miles.
U.S. FDA approves first alopecia drug that restores hair growth in many patients
It is the first approved treatment for alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that affects about 7 million people in the United States.
Korean scientists develop “nanomachines” that can penetrate and kill cancer cells
This new method directly kills cancer cells via mechanical movements without anticancer medication, in contrast to the capsule-type nanocarriers that deliver therapeutic drugs.
China builds world-first full-function space solar verification tower
Xidian University in Xi’an has built a 75 meter-tall ground verification system to perform and test all phases of space-based solar power generation and transmission.
Energy Dome launches world’s first CO2 battery energy storage facility in Sardinia
These “CO2 batteries” can store renewable energy over long periods and release it quickly, at less than half the cost of big lithium batteries.
Japan successfully tests giant turbine that generates renewable energy using deep ocean currents
During future tests, developer IHI Corp is hoping to generate two megawatts, with the hopes of kicking off commercial operations in the 2030s, Bloomberg reports.
Vietnam develops ‘world’s first’ African swine fever vaccine for commercial use
African swine fever, one of the most devastating livestock diseases, was first detected in Vietnam in February 2019 and forced the country to cull around 20% of its hog herd last year.
Fastest carbon dioxide catcher heralds new age for direct air capture
The Tokyo Metropolitan University team’s new technology promises unprecedented performance and robustness in direct air capture systems.
First-of-a-kind blood test paves way for early Parkinson’s diagnosis
With no way of completely curing the condition, earlier diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can have profound impacts on treatment options and a patient’s quality of life.