DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF 

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane

FAA CLEARS JETZERO'S BLENDED WING PLANE FOR TEST FLIGHTS

                                                                    Source:  JetZero

• CA-based JetZero's blended wing aircraft combines the fuselage and wings into an innovative, sleek shape that looks like a flying wing.  Here are some key facts about this cutting-edge flying innovation:
• JetZero is a step closer to launching its Jetliner passenger and military aircraft
• FAA has cleared their demonstrator Pathfinder for test flights over Edwards Air Force Base in California
• JetZero is working with NASA, USAF and FAA to get the Jetliner into service by 2030
• Here are some of the blended wing design advantages:

1. Much greater fuel efficiency: as much as 50% less fuel is needed to operate it than a conventional aircraft
2. More passenger and cargo space because of the blended wing & body design
3. 2 engines on top of the body that emit 4-times less noise than conventional competitors
4. Powered by clean aircraft powertrains like battery-electric, hydrogen or ammonia-based
5. Much more eco-friendly flying

• JetZero is well-funded, including by a $235 million USAF contract
• Next steps: flight testing over next 3 month and the development with Northrup Grumman of a large demonstrator plane - the size of a Boeing 767.

SCIENCE:  YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS & SAVE YOUR PET FROM DEMENTIA

                                                        Source: Stock & Brewster Kane

• Scientists at the University of California and University of Kentucky are saying it's a good idea to teach old dog new things.  It brings benefits for aging dogs' brains.  Here's what we know:
• The study involved 43 middle aged beagles over a 3-year period
• They engaged the dogs in free play and exercise daily
• The regime resulted in a 1.74% gain in cognition every year instead of yearly declines
• They used an MRI scan to measure brain structure changes
• When dogs were allowed to play with a variety of toys, exercise and free play with other dogs, their cognition steadily increased
• The MRIs showed the hippocampus area of the brain (associated with cognition) increased in size
• This area usually decreases with age
• The scientists added that cognitive decline is similar in dogs and humans and people, in kind, can benefit from playing with dogs
• The upshot seems to be that you and your dog can learn new tricks and beat dementia.

For more news stories like this, 

Smart Talk on Top New Innovations

FLIGHT PATH TO THE FUTURE

DAILY VEHICLE BRIEFING

AI BREAKTHROUGHS

SEARCH FOR LIFE IN SPACE

"Daily Innovation Brief"© By Edward Kane