This week we discover a new genetic modification tool that doesn’t have the unwanted side effects that CRISPR can produce. We also investigate Odd Radio Circles that have been discovered in space (no they are not Alien Radio Stations) and a propellor less flying car that uses the same principles as the Dyson Vacuum cleaner. Finally we take a quick look at Aquawatch, an initiative from the CSIRO to use space and ground based instruments to help manage Australia’s water supplies.
Retrons; a new Genetic Engineering Tool
A few weeks ago we talked about CRISPR, the breakthrough genetic modification tool that allows us to cut DNA and make specific changes to any individuals DNA. This tool holds great hope for eliminating many genetic diseases. Recent advances in CRISPR had removed the need to cut out DNA and allowed genes to be turned on and off.
Researchers at Harvard University have now created a new gene editing tool called Retron Library Recombineering (RLR). Retrons are segments of bacterial DNA that undergo reverse transcription to produce fragments of single stranded DNA (ssDNA). In June 2020 it was discovered that retron ssDNA detects whether a virus has infected the bacteria. Researchers became interested as it appeared they could be used for precise and flexible gene editing.
Recombination gene editing integrates ssDNA containing a desired mutation into an organism’s DNA. CRISPR cuts the DNA to insert the desired mutation whereas RLR combines the mutant DNA and a single stranded annealing protein and inserts it into a cell that is replicating. The new mutant DNA is therefore incorporated into the DNA of future generations of those cells.
The RLR process allows DNA modification without damaging the native DNA of the cell. CRISPR can produce toxic side effects which this process eliminates. Yet another step on the long march to eliminating genetic based diseases.
An Odd Radio Circle
An odd radio circle (OCR) is a gigantic (over a million light years wide) unexplained circle shaped radio structure in outer space. The phenomenon was first described by Ray Norris from Western Sydney University in 2020. Norris and his team have now detected four of these enormous circles glowing in faint radio wavelengths far beyond the Milky Way.
Using the Square Kilometer Array (a massive radio telescope recently built in rural Western Australia known as the SKA), CSIRO scientist Barbel Koribalski has recently discovered a fifth OCR. The structure has an elliptical galaxy at its’ center which may help explain the origin of the radio circle.
There are many theories surrounding OCRs. Some astronomers think that the OCRs are forged by jets of gas being spewed from the galactic cores of galaxies. Others speculate that they result from galaxies colliding (the Milky Way is due to collide with Andromeda in a few billion years) or possibly the spherical shock from two supermassive black holes colliding.
The discovery of OCRs is due to the advances in radio telescopes such as the SKA. These new (massive) instruments are sensitive and large enough to spot the huge bubbles. What other natural phenomena are out there waiting to be discovered?
Propellor less Flying Cars
We have seen the rapid development of a range of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) vehicles over the past few years. Most are enlarged drones with multiple propellors for takeoff and landing. Jetoptera has developed a bladeless alternative.
The vehicle uses a Fluidic Propulsion System which is similar to the bladeless fans used in a Dyson vacuums cleaner. The system uses fluid dynamics to take in a comparatively small flow of compressed air which is then used to suck in a much larger flow of ambient air at incredible speeds.
This fast moving air is directed backward over the VTOL’s ring shaped surface where it creates a negative air pressure. An equal pressure from the zones surrounding the ring create a net low pressure vortex in the center of the ring which then pulls ambient air through at a very high velocity allow the craft to fly.
The system improves propulsive efficiency by 10% and reduces fuel consumption by more than 50% (compared to small turbojets). It is also approximately 30% lighter and significantly less complex and quieter (15db) than conventional propellor driven craft with similar levels of total thrust.
Currently the system is gas driven however it could be powered by batteries. The energy required to propel their smallest aircraft at 200mph for 30 mins is 100kilowatt hours. This energy can be provided by 26kilos of gas or a 600kilo lithium ion battery. Jetoptera estimates that when batteries exceed 1,500 watts/hour/kilo they will be able to be used in their aircraft. In May 2019 we spoke about this development timeline.
AquaWatch
The CSIRO in Australia is establishing a comprehensive ground to space, national water quality monitoring system to oversee the nation’s freshwater and coastal resources. The system will include an extensive network of Earth observation satellites and ground based sensors placed throughout Australia’s rivers and waterways. This will provide real time updates, predictive analytics and forecast warnings to water managers.
The system will improve the management of safe drinking water and water resources including the health of the Murray Darling and the Great Barrier Reef. Other goals are to develop advanced manufacturing and engineering capabilities in Australia, early warning systems to reduce the economic impacts to fishing and tourism of harmful algae blooms and other contamination.
The CSIRO is working with SmartSat CRC, University of Queensland, UNSW Canberra Space, Curtis University, SatDek and Water Research Australia. They are actively seeking further collaborators.
Paying it Forward
If you have a start-up or know of a start-up that has a product ready for market please let me know. I would be happy to have a look and feature the startup in this newsletter. Also if any startups need introductions please get in touch and I will help where I can.
If you have any questions or comments please email me via my website craigcarlyon.com or comment below.
I would also appreciate it if you could forward this newsletter to anyone that you think might be interested.
Till next week.
Now thats progress. So I have just bought 4 Wifi controlled Dysons and attached them to the ends of the Corolla and put the Phone on the Dash. Taking off soon.