DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF 

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane

SCIENCE:  YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS & SAVE THEM 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.

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.

"Daily Innovation Brief"© By Edward Kane