DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Edward Kane, Journalist

DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane

IS YOUR DOG A GENIUS? HERE'S HOW TO TELL

Source: Brewster Kane

A study conducted by scientists at Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary shows the difference between gifted and not-so-gifted dogs. Here's what we know:
At the heart of the study is how well a dog can identify a toy by name
Specifically how many toys it can return by name and on command
Though rare, some dogs can identify a large number of toys by name
On average, genius dogs know 29 toy names
50% of Gifted Word Learners (GWL) dogs (an extremely rare group - i.e 41 found in 9 countries) in the study knew the names of 100 toys before the study was over
In any event, my little genius knows all of his toys by name, can retrieve them, but refuses to hand them over.

DIRT POWERED FUEL CELL RUNS FOREVER

Source: Northwestern

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a unique power source: a new fuel cell that runs on dirt. Here's what we know:
This new technology harvests energy from the microbes living in dirt
The scientists say given the fact that it's powered by dirt it can run forever
It can power sensors and communications equipment
Completely soil powered
Scientists say it can fuel underground sensors for agriculture and green infrastructure
It's an alternative to batteries that contain toxic, flammable chemicals
Size of a paperback book
All of the components of the new fuel cell can be purchased in a hardware store
Sustainable, renewable alternative to batteries
Tested and works in dry and wet conditions and the power outlasted similar tech by 120%
Can provide low amounts of energy to power decentralized networks of devices
New, clean, sustainable, non-toxic energy source now being developed at Northwestern.

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Important Innovations Collection