Tech Explorers

A 57-year-old woman with COPD has made history by receiving the world’s first fully robotic double lung transplant at NYU Langone Health in New York City. The groundbreaking surgery was performed by Dr. Stephanie Chang in October. Just a month before, Dr. Chang also performed the nation’s first fully robotic single lung transplant. #RoboticSurgery #LungTransplant #HealthcareInnovation #COPD #NYULangone

Scientists in Kenya found that lesser mealworm larvae can break down polystyrene, a common plastic, using bacteria in their gut. The larvae consumed more plastic when given a nutrient-rich diet, suggesting a new way to manage plastic waste. Instead of releasing the insects into the wild, researchers aim to use the bacteria and enzymes from their guts to develop large-scale recycling methods. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable waste processing and significant plastic reduction. #PlasticWaste #RecyclingInnovation #SustainableSolutions #Mealworms #PolystyreneDegradation

On November 18, 2024, Utqiagvik, Alaska, saw its last sunset of the year at 1:27 p.m. This northernmost US city will stay dark until January 22, 2025, as it enters the polar night. During this time, Utqiagvik won’t have direct sunlight but will experience a few hours of dim twilight each day. Deep in the Arctic Circle, it’s the only U.S. city where the sun doesn’t rise or set for over two months. Mayor Asisaun Toovak notes that while most people stay indoors during the winter, it’s a time for rest. Despite the long darkness, the community, with generations of families, thrives and enjoys the Northern Lights. #Utqiagvik #PolarNight #ArcticCircle #AlaskaSunset #EndOfTheYear #WinterSolstice

Innovative ocean cleanup system efficiently targets garbage hotspots using advanced computational models. It features 800 m U-shaped barrier with a 4 m deep mesh, collecting debris at 75 cm/s. Sensors signal a garbage ship to remove up to 13 tons at a time, while system seamlessly resumes operations#plasticfree #ocean #oceanlife #tech #technews

US-based company Tombot has launched Jennie, a hyper-realistic robotic puppy designed to provide companionship and comfort to individuals suffering from anxiety, dementia, PTSD, and depression. Jennie, a battery-powered Labrador, reacts to human touch, wags her tail, and barks on command. Covered in touch sensors and equipped with realistic puppy sounds, Jennie offers lifelike interactions that can alleviate loneliness and stress. Developed with input from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, Jennie's design is incredibly lifelike, featuring soft fur and expressive eyes. Inspired by the CEO's experience with his mother's Alzheimer's, Jennie is aimed at those who cannot care for real pets. Users can personalize and control Jennie via a free smartphone app. With a mission to bring joy and emotional support, Tombot's Jennie promises to be a comforting companion for people of all ages. #RobotPuppy #Jennie #Tombot #AnxietyRelief #DementiaCare #PTSD #EmotionalSupport #CompanionRobot

Tesla has the highest fatal accident rate among all car brands in the US, with 5.6 deaths per billion miles driven, according to a study by iSeeCars using data from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Despite Tesla's advanced safety features like Autopilot and Full-Self Driving, the study suggests these systems might create a false sense of security, which could contribute to the fatality rate. Even though modern cars, including Teslas, do well in crash tests, the higher fatality rates are probably due to driver behavior and road conditions, not the cars' safety in crashes.

This new battery will improve driving distance and extend battery life,” said Cao Shuang, BYD's managing director in Central Asia, during an interview at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. BYD is also developing battery reuse systems for applications like energy storage after their use in vehicles. BYD continues to lead in new energy vehicle (NEV) technology, aiming to provide the latest innovations globally. #BYD #BatteryTechnology #NEV #Innovation #ElectricVehicles #BladeBattery #COP29 #Baku #Sustainability

Luxury car manufacturer Jaguar, a 102-year-old British icon owned by Tata Motors, has unveiled a new logo and branding as part of its transition to an electric-only brand. The rebranding includes a redesigned logo, written as "JaGUar," blending upper and lower case characters in visual harmony, and a new prancing "leaper" cat design. This move comes ahead of the launch of three new electric cars in 2026, following the company’s decision to cease the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles over a year ago to focus on reinventing its brand. Jaguar’s managing director, Rawdon Glover, emphasized the need to change public perception and create a clear distinction between old and new models. The first new electric model, a four-door GT, will be built in Solihull. This bold rebrand underscores Jaguar's commitment to originality and innovation, paving the way for a sustainable future in luxury automotive. #JaguarRebrand #ElectricVehicles #LuxuryCars #TataMotors #ElectricOnly #AutomotiveInnovation #JaguarElectric

Hyundai Motor has announced a recall of approximately 145,000 electric vehicles in the US, including models such as Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Genesis variants from 2022-2025. The recall, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, addresses potential damage to the integrated charging control units, which could prevent the 12-volt battery from charging, leading to a loss of drive power. Hyundai dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and update the software and replace the fuse if necessary, at no cost to owners. This recall highlights ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of Hyundai's growing EV lineup. Despite this setback, Hyundai continues to expand its presence in the US EV market, with significant investments in a new $5.54 billion EV manufacturing facility in Georgia, expected to create over 8,000 jobs and produce up to 300,000 units annually. #HyundaiRecall #ElectricVehicles #EVSafety #Ioniq5 #Ioniq6 #Genesis #USAutoMarket #HyundaiEV

SUPARCO, Pakistan's space agency, announced its collaboration with China's Chang’E 8 mission for an exciting lunar exploration set for 2028. SUPARCO will contribute a 35 kg rover to this historic mission, which aims to explore the Moon’s south pole and conduct advanced scientific research. Equipped with cutting-edge instruments, the rover will map the lunar surface, study soil samples, and test new technologies for future space missions. #SpaceExploration #Pakistan #ChangE8 #LunarMission #SUPARCO #Innovation