Published in: Forum Agenda, 19. April 2024

1. South Korean nuclear fusion reactor sets new record

A nuclear fusion reactor in South Korea has set a new record, superheating a plasma loop to 100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds.

The Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) announced in a statement that the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) reactor had broken its previous record of 31 seconds, Euronews reports.

Nuclear fusion has the potential to provide limitless, carbon-free energy by mimicking the phenomenon that powers stars. However, there are still many challenges to overcome before the technology is commercially viable.

KSTAR is the prototype of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) based in France.

“This research is a green light for acquiring core technologies required for the fusion DEMO reactor,” KFE President Dr. Suk Jae Yoo said, adding that “we will do our best to secure core technologies essential for the operation of ITER and the construction of future DEMO reactors.”

2. UK to offer artificial pancreas to diabetes patients

Type 1 Diabetes patients in England are to be offered a new technology described as an artificial pancreas.

A glucose sensor under the skin calculates how much insulin is delivered via a pump, with trials showing the technology improved quality of life and reduced long-term health complication risks.

The total number of people living with diabetes globally is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045, International Diabetes Federation data shows.

The technology could help people redefine their lives, according to NHS England diabetes clinical director Dr. Clare Hambling.

“Type 1 diabetes is an easily missed diagnosis, so if you are concerned about symptoms – the four ‘T’s – going to the toilet, passing urine more frequently, with thirst, feeling tired and getting thinner, please come forward for support,” she told the BBC.

3. In brief: Other tech stories to know

Global smartphone shipments increased by 7.8% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC). This marks the third consecutive quarter of growth, indicating a recovery in the smartphone market.

Apple has announced plans to open its first retail store in Malaysia. The store will be located in Kuala Lumpur and is expected to open later this year, expanding Apple’s presence in Southeast Asia.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to produce hydrogen fuel from plastic waste. The technique involves using a photocatalyst and sunlight to break down plastics and generate hydrogen, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution and clean energy production.

4. More on technology from the Forum

As the metaverse evolves, comprehensively understanding identity is crucial for its potential to revolutionize how people interact and express themselves digitally, facilitating a space that respects privacy, security and human rights. Read more here.

Innovators need to learn to explain and sell the value of the technology they’re developing, argues Thomas Crampton, Co-Founder, Crampton Blackie Partners. He explores four ways innovators and entrepreneurs can engage more effectively with investors. Find out more here.

2025 will mark 100 years of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs based on quantum mechanics. With a second century of quantum development on the horizon, two quantum experts explore how governments, civil society and the private sector can collaborate to ensure inclusive and equitable advances. Learn more here.

(read original article to benefit from all graphs and visuals)

Image: DALL-E 3