{"id":99650,"date":"2018-11-30T00:22:57","date_gmt":"2018-11-30T04:22:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/?p=99650"},"modified":"2018-12-04T13:11:26","modified_gmt":"2018-12-04T17:11:26","slug":"brain-regeneration-data-storage-with-biocomputers-plastic-from-waste-gases-bamboo-diapers-gene-edited-wheat-jackets-from-bison-fluff-the-digests-top-10-innovations-for-the-week-of-nove","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/brain-regeneration-data-storage-with-biocomputers-plastic-from-waste-gases-bamboo-diapers-gene-edited-wheat-jackets-from-bison-fluff-the-digests-top-10-innovations-for-the-week-of-nove\/","title":{"rendered":"Brain regeneration, data storage with biocomputers, plastic from waste gases, bamboo diapers, gene-edited wheat, jackets from bison fluff : The Digest\u2019s Top 10 Innovations for the week of November 29th"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of November 29th.<\/p>\n

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#1 Brain regeneration can happen thanks to silk biomaterial<\/h4>\n

In Spain, researchers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid developed a silk biomaterial that can increase the survival of transplanted stem cells into the brain, improving recovery after a stroke or brain injury, according to Labiotech.
\nWhile stem cell transplants are promising for regeneration of the brain, most cells don\u2019t survive due to the inflammation that occurs after an injury. The researchers found that by encapsulating the stem cells with a silk protein based biomaterial, the cells were protected and had a higher chance of survival.
\n\u201cIn many cell therapy studies, most of the mesenchymal stem cells implanted don\u2019t survive beyond 1-2 weeks after the implantation,\u201d Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto, researcher at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), told Labiotech. \u201cIn this study we found that our biomaterial increases the survival of these cells in the brain to over 4 weeks. The changes were extraordinary, the treatment improved the sensory and movement ability of the animals that had suffered a stroke.\u201d<\/p>\n

More on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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#2 Biology could be the future of data storage<\/h4>\n

In Minnesota, researchers have been awarded $12 million by the National Science Foundation to develop biocomputers.
\nKate Adamala, a University of Minnesota biologist, will work with colleagues at Massachusetts Institute of Technology to design biobased circuits to embed in synthetic cells. The goal is to create biocomputers capable of storing 1,000 times more data than conventional computing.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s hard to program cells, which is why we don\u2019t have biological computers yet,\u201d Adamala says. \u201cThere are a lot of different genetic circuits out there, but none works perfectly. That\u2019s not good enough to do reliable computing. It has to work 100 percent of the time.\u201d
\nBiocomputing applications also include prosthetics that interface with the body and synthetic cells that have applications in space exploration.
\n\u201cWe are at this stage right now where computers were in the 1940s,\u201d she says. We are part of this bigger effort to make biological computing a reality.\u201d
\nMore on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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#3 Munich researchers use algae to convert waste gas to carbon fiber<\/h4>\n

In Germany, researchers at the Technical University of Munich are using algae to convert waste gas from manufacturing facilities into carbon fiber.
\nThe algae convert carbon dioxide into algae oil, which is then converted into polyacrylonitrile, a carbon fiber raw material.
\n\u201cThe system is easily scalable to large areas,\u201d Professor Thomas Br\u00fcck, head of the project team at TUM\u2019s Algae Cultivation Center, tells Composites World. \u201cPlants which together would cover the size of Algeria would offset all CO2 emissions from air transport.\u201d The technology could be used at large scale in Europe and North Africa and in industries such as power plants and steel processing, he adds.
\nThe carbon fibers produced are identical to conventionally produced carbon fibers, TUM says.
\nMore on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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#4 NREL researchers announce biobased acrylonitrile progress<\/h4>\n

In Colorado, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratories have made headway in their efforts to produce acrylonitrile\u2014a carbon fiber precursor\u2014from corn.
\nThe lab has produced 50 grams of renewable acrylonitrile from corn stover, the waste biomass left over from corn harvesting, with 3-hydroxypropionic acid as an intermediate product.
\nThe next phase of the research project will convert those 50 grams into carbon fiber with subsequent testing.
\nAgribusiness giant Cargill will also produce larger quantities of biobased 3-HP, while West Virginia nonprofit research institute, MATRIC, will convert the 3-HP into acrylonitrile. An unnamed Portuguese company will then convert that into carbon fiber, and Ford Motor Company will then test the carbon fiber against conventionally produced carbon fiber to evaluate its use in automotive parts.
\nNREL says the project will be considered successful if the strength and properties of the carbon fiber produced via biobased acrylonitrile is comparable to its petroleum-derived counterpart.
\nAccording to NREL, whether the process for biomass-derived ACN ultimately catches on will depend on the strength and properties of the resulting carbon fiber and how that compares to the traditional method.
\nMore on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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#5 Bamboo-based diapers, delivered to your door for just $60\/month<\/h4>\n

In Arizona, a subscription service for bamboo-based diapers has launched for just $60\/month\u2014a price any parent will call a bargain.
\nSTYR Labs says the service, dubbed DYPER, delivers diapers that are hypoallergenic, antibacterial and 100% biodegradable. They decompose approximately 75 days after use, versus traditional diapers that can take up to 500 years.
\n\u201cWe spent the last year creating the best possible bamboo diaper and spared no expense to ensure it is the softest, most absorbent and environmentally friendly diaper in the world, \u201c says Sergio Radovcic, Founder and CEO or STYR Labs.
\nThe size and number of diapers automatically shipped each month are based on the birthday and weight of the baby. The diapers are guaranteed to never run out thanks to DYPER\u2019s artificial intelligence ordering system.
\nMore on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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#6 World\u2019s first gene-edited wheat harvested<\/h4>\n

In Minnesota, Calyxt, Inc., a consumer-centric, food- and agriculture-focused company, completed the inaugural harvest of its high-fiber wheat product, the world\u2019s first gene-edited, consumer-focused wheat product. The high-fiber wheat product is already the seventh Calyxt product that has been deemed non-regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including powdery mildew-resistant wheat, high-oleic soybeans, high-oleic \/ low-linoleic soybeans, improved quality alfalfa, cold storable potatoes and reduced browning potatoes. Calyxt\u2019s high-fiber wheat was developed by using the Company\u2019s proprietary gene-editing technology, TALEN, to produce a small and precise modification in the wheat genome.
\n\u201cThe completion of these field trials for our high-fiber wheat is an important milestone as we continue to advance toward the finish line in commercializing our first-ever gene-edited wheat product for consumers,\u201d said Jim Blome, CEO of Calyxt. \u201cConsumer demand for high-fiber products has never been higher, as fiber is essential for healthy digestion, with the potential to decrease the risk of food-related chronic diseases like coronary heart disease and diabetes. Most adults only consume about half of the recommended amount of fiber in their diet but, with this latest advancement, we\u2019re one step closer to developing a product with up to three times more dietary fiber than standard white flour, resulting in a healthier alternative for consumers \u2013 with the same great taste that they love.\u201d
\nMore on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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#7 Bison-based jacket launched in time for Black Friday<\/h4>\n

In Pennsylvania, outdoor brand, United By Blue, launched its bison-insulated puffer jacket just in time for the holiday season. The new jacket and vest are insulated with 50% North American bison fiber that is otherwise discarded from the ranching industry and 50% recycled polyester blend. The bison\u2019s shaggy coat consists of a layer of hollow, compactable, resilient hairs that allow them to keep warm and dry in the harshest winter climates. United By Blue has spent the past 5 years creating a supply chain to intercept and harness the power of this natural fiber and diverting it from a landfill. Aside from its warmth capabilities (the jacket is recommended from 0-50\u00b0F), B100\u2122 is naturally temperature regulating, hypoallergenic, and lightweight.
\nBrian Linton, UBB\u2019s Founder & CEO said, \u201cWe don\u2019t use duck or goose down at United By Blue for this very reason. Despite progress in traceability, the down industry\u2019s live plucking practices remain too controversial to consider a viable option. We ventured into the world of synthetic insulation, but were never able to find something we could truly stand behind both technically and environmentally. Our only solution was to create something entirely new. Enter B100: Our very own sustainable insulation .\u201d
\nMore on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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#8 \u201cAppeeling\u201c idea: Potato packaging from potato waste<\/h4>\n

In Italy, designers Simone Caronni, Paolo Stefano Gentile, and Pietro Gaeli have invented an ecofriendly packaging for potatoes\u2014made from the starch and fiber components of potato skins.
\nThe three say they came up with the idea after seeing how much waste was involved in potato processing.
\nDubbed Peel Saver, the inventors tell Global Potato News the packaging is fully biodegradable and can even be used for fertilizer or animal food. The inventors are currently looking for funding.
\nMore on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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#9 Rutgers scientists develop catalysts to convert carbon dioxide into carbon building blocks<\/h4>\n

In New Jersey, Rutgers scientists developed catalysts that can convert carbon dioxide into plastics, fabrics, resins and other products. The electrocatalysts are the first materials, aside from enzymes, that can turn carbon dioxide and water into carbon building blocks containing one, two, three or four carbon atoms with more than 99 percent efficiency. Two of the products created by the researchers \u2013 methylglyoxal (C3) and 2,3-furandiol (C4) \u2013 can be used as precursors for plastics, adhesives and pharmaceuticals. Toxic formaldehyde could be replaced by methylglyoxal, which is safer.
\n\u201cOur breakthrough could lead to the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products and raw materials in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries,\u201d said study senior author Charles Dismukes, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at Rutgers University\u2013New Brunswick.
\nPreviously, scientists showed that carbon dioxide can be electrochemically converted into methanol, ethanol, methane and ethylene with relatively high yields. But such production is inefficient and too costly to be commercially feasible, according to study lead author Karin Calvinho, a chemistry doctoral student in Rutgers\u2019 School of Graduate Studies.
\nHowever, carbon dioxide and water can be electrochemically converted into a wide array of carbon-based products, using five catalysts made of nickel and phosphorus, which are cheap and abundant, she said.
\nMore on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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#10 Turkey poop could fuel your next Thanksgiving<\/h4>\n

In Israel, Ben-Gurion University researchers are focusing on ways to transform turkey poop into useful products like fuel. While experimenting with different manure types, scientists found one particular way to \u201ccook\u201d the poultry feces was most efficient and produced a hydrochar. They chose poultry feces because it is an abundant material and high in carbon and nitrogen which is key for energy production.
\nAfter experimenting with different temperatures and techniques and comparing the results, they found that roasting the feces to 842 degrees Fahrenheit without oxygen produced a biochar with similar combustion properties as coal, but the more efficient way to \u2018cook the poop\u2019 was by keeping the feces wet, lowering the temperature to 482 degrees Fahrenheit, and increasing the pressure to produce hydrochar. Hydrochar is a mix of biomass particles and water which can be separated to make a coal-like powder and a liquid organic fertilizer \u2013 doing double duty for doodo.
\nWhen converted to combustible biomass fuel, it could replace approximately 10 percent of the coal used in electricity generation, reduce greenhouse gases and provide an alternative and renewable energy source, Vivian Mau, one of the project\u2019s researchers told NPR.
\nMore on the story, here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of November 29th. #1 Brain regeneration can happen thanks to silk biomaterial In Spain, researchers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid developed a silk biomaterial that can increase the survival of transplanted stem cells into […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-99650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-featured-4"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99650"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99650\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}