Sunflowers know their neighbors
When plants such as sunflowers are planted together in dense patches, they will grow in such a way to give maximum sunlight to their neighbors. A team including Tel Aviv researchers discovered that sunflowers can distinguish between another plant and an inanimate object such as a building.
Not secure enough
Two graduates from Israel’s Technion Institute have managed to seize control of Siemens’ new controllers, which are among the most secure in the world, by deciphering their communication protocol. As a result of the successful attack, Siemens have updated the software.
Another Quantum alliance
Israeli startups Quantum Machines and Classiq are now founding members of the QuEra Quantum Alliance Partner Program launched by QuEra Computing, a leader in neutral-atom quantum computing. The 19 leading quantum companies aim to advance quantum computer development.
A better fish farm
Traditional aquatics uses the wastewater from fish farms to grow hydroponic vegetables. Now scientists at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have also made use of the solid waste from fish by means of anaerobic digestion. The new system produces biogas, higher crop yields, using less energy and less water.
Converting waste into energy
Israel’s Co-Energy turns plastic and organic waste into energy. No waste pre-sorting is necessary. The process involves pyrolysis – super-heating without the use of oxygen. It turns plastic into a form of oil or gas and wood into biochar (a type of charcoal used to improve soil health). See also .
Removing Greenhouse Gas at scale
Israel’s BomVento (see previously) is developing a coating for the blades on wind turbines that can extract greenhouse gasses (GHG) from the air even as the turbines operate. BomVento estimates that the world’s 300,000 wind turbines could remove 3 billion tons of GHG per year.
When every second counts
Important video featuring Israel’s SeismicAI (see previously) and its earthquake warning system. SeismicAI aims to give customers four, five, six more seconds of warning which can allow people to take cover and for automated systems to shut down sensitive infrastructure.
Drought-tolerant watermelon
Watermelons require around 500 liters of water to grow to maturity. Israel’s Origene Seeds (see previously) has introduced the “Essence” and “Maxima” seedless watermelon varieties, which require 30% less water - and are sweeter than regular watermelons.
Preventing excessive fertilizer
Israel’s Yevul Info has developed Leaf Guardian – an AI-enhanced solution designed to prevent overfertilization, environmental damage, and ensure optimal plant health. It uses cameras, sensors, and other advanced technology to spot tiny changes in the green color of the leaves.
No moles here
Moles are a nuisance for lawns, gardens, organic greenhouses, crop fields, and golf courses. So the underground sound system from Israel’s Molex should be extremely attractive. Molex imitates the noises made by the presence of a mole’s preditor, repelling the moles and convincing them to burrow somewhere else.