DTN 088: The Race to Commercialize Nuclear-Powered Batteries

Plus: China takes lead in robot density, first CRISPR treatment making its way to patients, battery-free bioelectronic implants, nanorobots nearing first human clinical trials, and more.

“Nuclear batteries can provide long-lasting power to pacemakers, sensors embedded in buildings and bridges, and even planetary rovers. While the technology has existed for decades, recent advances mean that many research organisations and companies are now exploring a range of new opportunities to grow the batteries’ use in commercial applications. These micronuclear devices harness the energy released during the natural decay of radioactive isotopes, but are much smaller than any nuclear reactor. In general, nuclear batteries produce just microwatts or even nanowatts of electricity. ‘The level of power these things can produce is way, way lower than if you’re [splitting] the atom,’ says Michael Rushton, a materials scientist at Bangor University in the UK. Nevertheless, this small – yet reliable – energy output still makes them suitable for certain applications like powering sensors, especially under extreme temperatures or in locations with no available sunlight. The long lifespan of these batteries is another advantage, ranging from decades to hundreds of years or more.” (Chemistry World)

Dawn Aerospace has flown its rocket-powered aircraft past the speed of sound.

Dawn Aerospace's Mk-II Aurora rocket plane has broken the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.1 and an altitude of 25 km during a test flight in New Zealand. This achievement marks a significant step toward the company's goal of developing hypersonic aircraft for commercial operations, including low-cost space access and satellite transport, with plans to compete with major players like SpaceX. (via TNW)

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