Category: Technology

Using machine learning models to analyze protein information from genome databases, researchers learn how to design artificial proteins with specific functions.
The models analyzed data about chorismate mutase proteins, allowing researchers to learn their design and encode it into synthetic genes.
The genes were cloned into bacteria which built the proteins—they had the same functions as natural proteins, and they performed them even better than natural.
Researchers don’t yet understand how their machine learning models uncovered the design rules of proteins, but it enables them to create any type of proteins they want.
Study authors are commercializing the technology, and hope that it will revolutionize fields like energy, environment (car

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on July 31, 2020

inverse.com

Researchers create a self-healing material from a synthetic protein, based on a protein from squid ring teeth (the sticky suckers at the ends of squid tentacles).
The material was tested with different kinds of tear / cut damage, and it apparently fully regenerated in one second.
It could be useful for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), like self-healing face masks, but also wear-resistant robots or even prosthetic limbs.
It’s green and biodegradable, however it needs water or pressure to self-heal—the creators are looking for ways to initiate self-healing with light.

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on July 31, 2020

Targeted Dream Incubation (TDI) is a new method for dream experimentation, and it involves a wearable sensor device and an app that gathers data while you sleep.
It can also influence what you dream about by taking advantage of hypnagogia—the earliest stage of sleep, during which people still hear sounds.
TDI provides audio hints at just the right time (based on data from the wearable sensor), enabling researchers to manipulate the content of dreams.
It can be used to study dreams and sleep in new ways—so far the method was used to show how dreaming about a specific theme can help people solve problems.

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on July 31, 2020

Scientists have tried to make Cobalt-free batteries for years without success, but now a new method was developed that could even improve the performance of batteries.
The new battery replaces cobalt with nickel and a dash of manganese and aluminum, and the key was finding the right metals and ensuring even distribution of their ions.
Cobalt is the most expensive and hardest to find component for batteries, and this method removes it completely.
Study authors have worked with their university to form a startup, TexPower, to commercialize this technology.
If successful, they will have increased the energy density and lowered production costs of batteries in one fell swoop.

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on July 24, 2020

forbes.com

Using enzymes (from cancer cells) that produce hydrogen peroxide, scientists created a technology that replaces phosphate-based cleaners.
They combined the hydrogen peroxide with other bio-based chemicals, and now they want to make biodegradable fertilizers - their company is called Solugen.
Their tech was already proven better than other products used in spa cleaning, disinfecting wipes, and wastewater treatments for oil-and-gas runoff.
Making their products emits less carbon dioxide compared to competition, and are sold at the same price.
The enzyme approach is quite novel, and now the Solugen team is investigating several new enzymes to try and create other chemicals.

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on July 8, 2020

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