This Smart Roof Can Cut Heating and Cooling Bills

Daily Upsider on December 16, 2023

UC Santa Barbara researchers, Charlie Xiao, Elliot Hawkes, and Bolin Liao, have introduced a solution to address the high energy consumption associated with heating and cooling in buildings. Their creation, outlined in a recent Device journal paper, is an adaptive roof tile designed to autonomously switch between heating and cooling states based on the temperature, without relying on electronics.

The breakthrough came with Xiao’s idea of utilizing a wax motor—a technology found in common appliances. The wax motor responds to temperature changes and adjusts louvers on the tile’s surface. In colder temperatures, the wax solidifies, closing the louvers and absorbing sunlight. As temperatures rise, the wax melts, opening the louvers to reflect sunlight and emit heat.

The researchers’ tests showed a significant reduction in cooling and heating energy consumption—3.1 times and 2.6 times, respectively—compared to non-switching devices with conventional coatings. Remarkably, the device operates without electronics, batteries, or external power sources, relying solely on the wax motor. Its simplicity allows for customization and potential mass production.

While still in the proof-of-concept stage, the researchers anticipate that this technology could positively impact the cost of heating and cooling our houses.

Inflation Going Down!

Daily Upsider on December 15, 2023

Wholesale inflation experienced a significant decrease in November, falling below the 1% annual rate. This is primarily due to a 1.2% monthly drop in energy costs, mostly from reduced gas prices, as reported by the Labor Department on Wednesday.

The core index, which excludes energy and food costs, increased by 0.1% and is currently running at a 2.5% annual rate. Most of the readings came in lower than anticipated.

November’s Producer Price Index compares to the revised October figure, which saw a 0.4% decline, marking the largest drop since April 2020.

Kathy Jones, the chief fixed income strategist at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, commented on social media, “All categories are seeing continued decline. Energy and food deflation, but services and other goods price increases are also slowing down.”

The report follows the release of the consumer price index on Tuesday, which showed a 0.1% inflation increase in November 2023, translating to an annual rate of 3.1%, a decrease from October’s 3.2% and the lowest pace since early 2021.

Two key components of the November CPI were an acceleration in shelter inflation and an increase in the index for used vehicles. However, market indicators of the prices of those items have shown recent declines.

“The good news is that leading indicators of both used cars (according to wholesale used vehicle auction prices) and shelter (such as the Zillow rent price index) suggest that these upside pressures will fade,” said BCA Research in a client note on Wednesday morning. “Thus, the disinflation trend will continue in 2024.”

The positive trend on inflation coincides with the Federal Reserve’s meeting on Wednesday to decide on interest rate policy. Economists expect the central bank to leave rates unchanged but will be watching for potential rate cuts in 2024!

Hopefully we all can see this reflected in our monthly expenses! 😉

S.F. Startup Boosting Dog Lifespan Gains FDA Support

Daily Upsider on December 13, 2023

San Francisco-based biotech firm, Loyal, has received conditional approval from the FDA for an experimental drug (LOY-001) aimed at extending the lifespan of large-breed dogs by at least one year. This marks the FDA’s first endorsement of a longevity drug, paving the way for further clinical trials. Loyal’s CEO, Celine Halioua, expects the drug to be available by 2026.

Administered via veterinarian injection every three to six months, LOY-001 targets the growth hormone IGF-1, potentially enhancing the well-being of large dogs. Despite the initial nod, Loyal must demonstrate full efficacy in a pivotal study to stay on the market beyond the five-year conditional approval period. The drug is now set for a larger study involving 1,000 older large and giant breed companion dogs.

Loyal’s broader goals include mitigating age-related ailments like cancer, arthritis, muscle atrophy, cognitive decline, and neurodegeneration in dogs. Simultaneously, Loyal is recruiting for clinical trials on LOY-002 and LOY-003. The company aims to maintain an affordable pricing structure for LOY-001, which has received $60 million in venture capital backing. In the context of canine longevity, other research at UC Davis has spotlighted the gene ERBB4 as a potential driver, emphasizing promising developments for dog lovers.

The Future of Water: Cheap Drinkable Seawater

Daily Upsider on December 12, 2023

In a rare collaboration, scientists from the US and China have created a groundbreaking, cost-effective, and efficient method for purifying seawater. The new passive solar-powered desalination tool can produce 4-6 liters of clean water per hour and has the potential to sustain a coastal household in sunny areas year-round when scaled up.

Despite the constant warnings from natural resource managers, city planners, and climate activists about the increasing severity of droughts in the future, the solution may have always been right in front of us. By utilizing the Earth’s vast amount of undrinkable water, the technology can significantly improve global access to clean water.

The tool uses thermohaline circulation, which is the same process that occurs in the ocean, to create swirling eddies that evaporate the water, leaving the salt behind. The water vapor is collected at a rate that can sustain daily household demands. This process, powered by sunlight, makes it possible for water to be even cheaper than tap water!

This breakthrough in solar desalination technology has the potential to address real-world problems in coastal communities with water scarcity issues. The components of the still are designed for a 10-year lifespan, making it a long-lasting and practical solution.

“Godzilla Minus One” Storms the U.S.

Daily Upsider on December 11, 2023

“Godzilla Minus One,” the 33rd installment in the Japanese franchise Godzilla, has exceeded expectations in the U.S. box office since its release on December 1st. Despite an extremely small $15 million budget, the film has grossed over $15.7 million in ticket sales in the U.S. and earned a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This brings the current Worldwide Box Office to over $42 million.

Directed, written, (as well as supervising VFX) by Takashi Yamazaki, the film explores post-World War II Japan and its reaction to Godzilla arrival. Yamazaki aimed to recapture the original spirit of Godzilla while focusing on the impact of war on individuals, specifically on the lead character, former kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima.

“Godzilla Minus One” has generated interest in action movies, especially those with reused characters, reinforcing the view that franchise films can still be well received if the quality is high. The film’s success has created lots of buzz where audiences appreciate its freshness and creative approach.

Looking ahead, we will see if the upcoming release of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” can keep up. Clearly, quality and creativity still resonate with U.S. audiences, despite concerns about franchise fatigue.

You can find tickets here.