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Artificial wood from the laboratory

19.12.2023

Now not only meat, but also trees can be grown in laboratory conditions. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed artificial wood without harming any living trees.

This important scientific advance not only provides new opportunities in forestry, but also raises questions regarding the environmental impacts and potential challenges associated with the use of artificial wood. The prospect of reduced deforestation raises important questions about sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources.

The researchers extracted cells from the leaves of the major plant, a colorful subshrub often used for decoration. The resulting cells were placed in the conditions necessary for their reproduction - a liquid and nutrient medium.

The cells were then transferred to a gel matrix (a porous material made from gel tubes) where they continued to grow. To convert these cells into lignin, which gives wood rigidity, scientists added auxin and cytokinins - special plant hormones.

The experiment was completed successfully, the wood successfully grew in the matrix. This opens up the prospect of being able to grow material similar to that currently mined through mass logging. Moreover, the new method requires less equipment for transporting and subsequent processing of wood.

If this invention becomes widespread, it could lead to a reduction in logging worldwide. However, there is a possibility that this will not have a positive impact on the climate crisis.

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Smartphones charge faster and understand voice 24.02.2013

Major chipmaker Qualcomm has announced the development of Quick Charge 2.0 technology, which can reduce the charging time of batteries in smartphones and tablets by 75%. To realize the potential of the new technology, it is necessary that it be supported by both the mobile device itself and its charger. The technology can be present in the device as a separate integrated circuit or as part of an integrated circuit responsible for powering Snapdragon 800 family processors.

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Smartphone manufacturers with Snapdragon 800 processors will be able to define the wake-up word. When the phone "hears" it, being in any state, it will "wake up" and activate the voice control system. The technology is safe, the developer assured, as it only responds to the voice of the device owner.

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