World innovation

AGRICULTURAL DRONES

Farmers have begun to use agricultural

drones adorned with cameras to

improve the treatment of their crops.

The drones allow farmers a unique

perspective that previously-used

satellite imagery could not provide.

They help to expose issues with

irrigation treatment, soil variation, and

distressed plants at a much lower cost

than methods like crop imaging with a

manned aircraft. The success of the

drones is made possible by

technological advances in GPS modules,

digital radios, and small MEMS sensors.

Together, these advances allow farmers

to bring greater precision to their craft

in order to reap greater rewards.

ULTRAPRIVATE SMARTPHONES

As concerns over personal privacy

grow, particularly in terms of new

technology, a Maryland-based company

seeks to provide an alternative. Silent

Circle, encrypts clients’ voice calls, text

messages, and file attachments.

Encryption prevents potential

eavesdroppers from listening in on

phone calls and protects metadata.

Silent Circle has big plans for the future

including a secure smartphone called

Blackphone. Blackphone will utilize

encryption tools currently used by

Silent Circle, as well as other software

that will help secure data.

BRAIN MAPPING

Neuroscientists have worked for

decades to better understand how the

brain functions. Recent advances in

brain mapping technology have made

that ambitious task easier. An

international team of researchers at the

Human Brain Project have created a

three dimensional atlas of the brain.

The maps resolution is fifty times better

than previous efforts. The atlas creators

digitally stitched together thousands of

brain cross-sections. The map shows

details up to 20 micrometers in size—

the estimated size of many human cells.

While this is a huge advancement,

scientists still aim to create a map that

shows details at 1 or 2 micrometers,

rather than 20.

NEUROMORPHIC CHIPS

Many companies around the globe are

working towards blurring the lines

between biological systems and man-

made creations. Qualcomm is making

significant steps in developing artificial

intelligence system with the use of

Neuromorphic Chips. These chips blend

neurology into traditional technologies

like smartphone chips. Qualcomm is

already testing chips in small robots

that allow the machines to perform

tasks that typically require a custom

computer. The chips can process

sensory data through sight and sound in

order to respond in ways that are not

explicitly programmed. For example,

the chips could anticipate user needs.

GENOME EDITING

Researchers in China created a pair of

monkeys with specific genetic

mutations. The scientists used a new

method of DNA engineering known as

CRISPR. CRISPR allows scientists to

modify fertilized eggs. This innovation

has great implications for the field of

biomedicine. The ability to alter DNA at

specific locations on chromosomes

makes it easier to study diseases.

Researchers at MIT have expressed

interest in studying brain disorders like

autism and Alzheimer’s disease. CRISPR

has the potential to aid researchers

studying such ailments, allowing them

to identify what genetic mutations

actually cause the disorders.

MICROSCALE 3-D PRINTING

The potential of 3-D printing technology

has many people excited about new

applications. But current printers have

important limitations. Up until recently,

most 3-D printers can only use plastic.

A group of researchers at Harvard

University, led by Jennifer Lewis, have

started to develop new 3-D printer inks.

Her team prints intricate objects using

materials that are chosen based on their

mechanical properties, electrical

conductivity, or optical traits.

Eventually new inks will enable a wider

variety of functions, including artificial

organ creation.

MOBILE COLLABORATION

The current infrastructure for

collaborating in a professional

environment can be counterproductive

to getting work done. This problem is

one that new apps like Quip aim to

solve. The intent is to develop a system

where every step of the collaboration

process happens in the same digital

space. It aims to create a more intimate

experience by implementing chat

features and a Facebook-style news

feed, in turn creating a more

collaborative experience.