Invention

Inventions

Engineers Solve Key Physical Hurdle in Exhaled Breath Diagnostics

Engineers at the University of Notre Dame have pinpointed why exhaled breath tests often produce inconsistent results, solving a problem that has stalled the diagnostic method for decades. The discovery provides the physical basis for a new invention in sample collectors, ensuring that noninvasive breath monitors can reliably detect pulmonary diseases without invasive procedures.

Archeology

Spear Wound in Shanidar Cave Points to Oldest Wooden Weapon Attack

A 75,000-year-old Neanderthal skeleton discovered in Iraqi Kurdistan carries what may be the oldest fossil evidence of fatal violence inflicted by a wooden spear. Excavated beneath almost eight metres of rock and sediment, the left shoulder blade of the individual known as Shanidar A preserves a clean circular puncture directed through the chest. The finding, reported in Scientific Reports, suggests that early hominins used pointed wooden projectiles not only for hunting large game but also in deadly interpersonal conflict.

Giovanni Sapere

AI

BBERT uses artificial intelligence to identify hidden bacteria in soil

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and partner institutions have developed an artificial intelligence tool called BBERT to identify unknown bacterial DNA fragments directly from environmental soil samples. The software, detailed in a study published in Nucleic Acids Research, borrows mechanisms from language processing to evaluate genetic material without needing exact matches in reference catalogs. The invention allows laboratories to reconstruct microbial genomes in less than half the usual time using conventional personal computers.

Letizia Giugliano

Tech

Transmitting Odors Over the Internet with Scentronic

Two research teams from The Ohio State University and Zhejiang Laboratory have demonstrated a method to digitize and transmit odors over network connections. The setup pairs an electronic nose with an emitting unit called Scentronic, using machine learning to classify scents before misting preloaded liquid fragrances. So far, the system has successfully transmitted the aromas of coffee, beer, cake, oranges and red wine.

Letizia Giugliano

Inventions

Intestine-inspired biobattery generates eight times more power

Engineers at Binghamton University have developed a bacteria-powered biobattery that produces over eight times more electricity per unit volume than conventional flat designs. The biological invention copies the shape, material, and mechanics of the villi that line the human small intestine to keep electricity-generating microbes alive and active.

Giovanni Sapere

Inventions

Otter Warmer Keeps Newborns Warm During Hospital Blackouts

A portable newborn warmer built without soft mattresses or seams is helping rural clinics care for infants when electricity cuts out. Developed by United States nonprofit Design that Matters and Vietnamese medical device manufacturer MTTS, the medical device known as Otter treated over 800 newborns across three countries by January 2026.

Giovanni Sapere

Robotics

MIT engineers build a snake-inspired soft robot to explore the small intestine

Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have built a flexible robotic enteroscope designed to navigate the narrow curves of the human small intestine. The new system combines soft robotics with snake-like locomotion to inspect tissue, apply medication and remove small polyps deep inside the digestive tract.

Giovanni Sapere

Inventions

3D Printed Neural Implant Combines Brain Monitoring and Targeted Cooling

Scientists in Germany and the United Kingdom have developed a 3D-printed implant prototype that pairs brain activity recording with targeted cooling. Published in the journal Advanced Science, this biomedical invention targets drug-resistant focal epilepsy by combining electrical sensing and localized thermal suppression in a single miniature device.

Letizia Giugliano

Inventions

Acoustic Tube Guides Matter Through Air Using Ultrasound

A research team led by the University of Helsinki has demonstrated an invention that transports liquids, mist, powders, and electric discharge through open air without solid containers. Powered by ultrasonic waves emitted by 256 miniature transducers, the contactless channel creates an invisible boundary that guides matter horizontally in midair.

Giovanni Sapere

News

Printable Synapse Chip Mimics the Brain and Dissolves in Minutes

Researchers are working on printable artificial synapses designed to emulate the extreme energy efficiency of the human brain. Reported by [New Atlas](https://newatlas.com/https:/refractor.io/science/quantum-computing/brain-inspired-synaptic-chip/) on October 18, 2026, the technology avoids the rigid metals and complex fabrication processes required by existing electronic hardware.

Giovanni Sapere

Gadget

RolTine 2.0 Packs Dual Straight and Curved Measuring into a Titanium Chassis

Design studio COMANDI-Corres has introduced RolTine 2.0, a pocket-sized measuring invention machined from aerospace-grade alloy that handles both flat spans and irregular curves. Built in Kowloon, the compact device eliminates the bulk of conventional contractor tools by combining a flexible tape with a rolling dial. Backers have already committed over $115,000 to the project, highlighting demand for durable everyday carry instruments.

Letizia Giugliano

Fashion

VitrA Tiles Unveils Metacode: Concrete Aesthetic Meets Oxidised Metal

VitrA Tiles has introduced Metacode, a new series of wall and floor tiles that blend the raw appeal of concrete with the sophisticated look of oxidised metal. Showcased on Dezeen Showroom in September 2026, these tiles represent an advancement in surface design, offering a distinctive aesthetic for both residential and commercial spaces.

Giovanni Sapere

Inventions

Diagnostic Revolution: The NaviCam Stomach System Transforms Endoscopy

A New Era of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis NaviCam Stomach System is an advanced capsule endoscopy system developed by AnX Robotics. Texas-based AnX Robotics offers versatility in the development and integration of technologies, including precise magnetic control, in-house ASIC design, artificial…

Sara Votta

Events

The 9th International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada, iCAN 2024

We cordially invite you and your organization to participate in the 9th International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada, iCAN 2024 proudly organized by Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills (TISIAS), locally supported by Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc. “The…

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