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National Geographic
4 days ago
- Automotive
- National Geographic
This Harley-Davidson took the world's first motorcycle ride powered by solar fuel
On May 4, Aldo Steinfeld of ETH Zurich rode through the Swiss Alps on the world's first motorcycle journey powered entirely by solar gasoline. The fuel, developed by Synhelion and produced at the DAWN plant in Germany, is created by using concentrated solar heat to convert water and carbon dioxide into synthetic gasoline. Video by Davide Monteleone and Manuel Montesano The bike motored along the shores of Switzerland's Lake Zurich thanks to a new type of sustainable energy. Photographs by Davide Monteleone On May 4, on a quiet street in Herrliberg, Switzerland, along the shores of Lake Zurich, Aldo Steinfeld went for a ride on his Harley-Davidson. The day was warm and sunny, with stunning panoramic views of the Swiss mountains, and Steinfeld was making the first motorcycle ride powered by fuel created by the sun. The fuel was manufactured at the DAWN plant in Julich, Germany, which is owned and operated by Synhelion, a company that Steinfeld co-founded to research ways to replace petroleum products with sustainable, synthetic fuels. The plant, located outside Dusseldorf, features an acre of mirrors that concentrate sunlight on a 'receiver' that sits atop a 66-foot tower. Biomass (mostly agricultural waste) and water are fed into a reactor in the tower, which uses the sunlight to drive a chemical reaction that creates a synthesized gas of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. A series of chemical reactions then liquefies this 'syngas' into liquid hydrocarbons. Captured in a temporary studio using high-speed flash and macro photography, these images explore the physical texture and movement of Synhelion's solar gasoline. Aldo Steinfeld fills up his motorcycle with solar fuel. Scientists say one major advantage to the energy source is that it can easily replace currently used liquid fuels like gasoline. Solar fuel's drawback is that it remains expensive to produce, but scientists working at Synhelion say technological advances will allow them to commericially produce the fuel by around 2040. The idea, explains Synhelion co-founder and co-CEO Philipp Furler, is to produce 'renewable fuels, such as solar jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline, which can directly replace fossil fuels and are fully compatible with conventional internal combustion engines, aircraft engines, and existing global fuel infrastructure.' Fossil fuels, he points out, release carbon dioxide not only during their use, but also during their production. In contrast, he says, 'We take water and carbon dioxide, and we revert it back with renewable energy into a synthetic fuel, thereby closing the carbon cycle.' According to Synhelion's calculations, he continues, 'Our renewable solar fuels are nearly carbon dioxide-neutral, emitting only as much carbon dioxide as was used to produce them.' A life cycle assessment performed by Synhelion and the university ETZ Zurich, shows a net carbon emissions reduction of at least 80 percent—potentially up to 99 percent with further process improvements—compared to conventional kerosene. Furler also says solar gasoline 'delivers the same range and engine performance as fossil gasoline.' The emissions from the fuel are equal to the amount of carbon dioxide captured during its production, making it fully carbon neutral. This ride marks a symbolic milestone in sustainable mobility, showing that solar fuels can seamlessly power conventional engines—without fossil fuels. All of which sounds fine on paper. But the proof is in the pudding, and while DAWN has been operational since late last summer and Synhelion has contracts to develop fuels for clients including the Lufthansa Group and Zurich Airport, nothing beats real-world testing. By late 2024, Synhelion was ready to take its fuel for a spin. Which is where Aldo Steinfeld and his Harley-Davidson came in. Steinfeld, professor at the department of mechanical and process engineering at ETH Zurich, was Furler's doctoral advisor, during which time the two men began to develop their concept of solar fuel production. In 2014, under Steinfeld's guidance, Furler and his fellow PhD students demonstrated the feasibility of making solar fuels on a very small scale when they produced a test tube in the lab using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. 'A huge effort and probably the most expensive kerosene ever,' Furler joked to National Geographic last year. Two years later, Furler, Steinfeld, and Gianluca Ambrosetti founded Synhelion, and in 2019, they produced carbon-neutral fuels from a small-scale demonstration project in the center of Zurich. Their goal is to produce 110,000 tons of fuel a year by 2030 and roughly a million tons by 2033. That's significantly less than the approximately 385 million tons of jet fuel alone that is currently consumed annually, but Synhelion aims to contribute roughly half of Europe's synthetic aviation fuel demand by 2040. (Several other companies are also at various stages of developing synthetic fuels.) "This historic demonstration marks a significant milestone, showcasing the first-ever industrial-scale production of sustainable fuels from water and carbon dioxide," says Jonathan Scheffe, a mechanical engineer at the University of Florida who's not involved with this solar fuel research. He says the unique advantage of solar fuel is that it can easily replace traditional fuels without major retrofits to machines. "This breakthrough has far-reaching implications, with potential applications not only in the light-duty transportation sector, such as the Harley-Davidson showcased here, but also in the heavy-duty shipping and aviation sectors, which will require highly energy-dense liquid fuels for the foreseeable future," says Scheffe. As with any industry, ramping up production of a new technology takes time, which makes public demonstrations of progress invaluable, both to satisfy investors and show the public that synthetic fuels are a reality. Which is why, on a Sunday morning, Steinfeld clambered on his beloved motorcycle and went for a ride. Transportation produces about 20 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. More sustainable fuel options can help reduce those planet-warming gasses. 'The ride was smooth and uneventful in the best sense—the Harley-Davidson performed as usual, powered by our solar gasoline,' says Synhelion spokesperson Carmen Murer. She added that, 'the moment when the engine roared to life with solar fuel for the very first time was very emotional.' Steinfeld himself said simply that the ride was 'a dream come true.' Over the coming months and years, Synhelion plans to fuel different types of vehicles in other public demonstrations. According to Furler, such showcases show that there is 'a viable pathway for de-fossilizing transportation that is available today.' Steinfeld's ride will always be the first, of course. 'It wasn't about proving that the fuel works—we already know it does as it is fully compliant with national and international gasoline standards,' says Furler. 'It's about creating a truly special moment. We wanted to enjoy this milestone, celebrate Aldo's lifelong dedication to science, and see him have fun riding his motorcycle powered by the very technology he helped pioneer.'
Business Insider
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Wall Street Analysts Are Neutral on Top Healthcare Picks
Analysts fell to the sidelines weighing in on Day One Biopharmaceuticals (DAWN – Research Report) and InnovAge Holding (INNV – Research Report) with neutral ratings, indicating that the experts are neither bullish nor bearish on the stocks. Protect Your Portfolio Against Market Uncertainty Discover companies with rock-solid fundamentals in TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter. Receive undervalued stocks, resilient to market uncertainty, delivered straight to your inbox. Day One Biopharmaceuticals (DAWN) Oppenheimer analyst Matthew Biegler maintained a Hold rating on Day One Biopharmaceuticals today. The company's shares closed last Tuesday at $6.99. According to Biegler has currently 0 stars on a ranking scale of 0-5 stars, with an average return of -13.8% and a 28.1% success rate. Biegler covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Acrivon Therapeutics, Inc., Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, and Arvinas Holding Company. The word on The Street in general, suggests a Strong Buy analyst consensus rating for Day One Biopharmaceuticals with a $33.75 average price target. InnovAge Holding (INNV) William Blair analyst Ryan Daniels maintained a Hold rating on InnovAge Holding today. The company's shares closed last Tuesday at $2.85. According to Daniels is a 4-star analyst with an average return of 7.7% and a 49.6% success rate. Daniels covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Definitive Healthcare Corp, Lifestance Health Group, and Pediatrix Medical Group. InnovAge Holding has an analyst consensus of Hold.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beacon Therapeutics Announces Positive Phase 2 Interim 6-Month Data from DAWN Trial of Laru-zova in Patients with X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP) at ARVO 2025
Data also showed early and sustained improvements in mean sensitivity in study eyes, as observed by microperimetry, indicating enhanced visual function in participants evaluated at month 6 or beyond. Data demonstrated early improvements in low luminance visual acuity (LLVA), an important measure of visual function, with a greater number of two and three line improvements in the study eyes compared to previously treated fellow eyes in participants evaluated at month 6 or beyond. Ocular treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were generally non-serious and mild or moderate in severity, with a majority related to surgical procedures and steroids required by the protocol that have since resolved. There were no suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions, retinal detachments or endophthalmitis reported. XLRP is an inherited retinal disease often caused by mutations to the RPGR gene, affecting 1 in 25,000 males in the U.S., Europe and Australia. The disease often leads to blindness by middle age, with no available treatment options. Laru-zova is a potential best-in-class gene therapy designed to restore the natural function of both rods and cones in XLRP by delivering a functional copy of the RPGR ORF15 gene using a well-established vector with a proprietary capsid designed for high transduction of photoreceptors, and a codon-optimized gene to produce the full-length protein. 'Over the past five years we have built a compelling body of safety and efficacy data on laru-zova across three different clinical studies,' said Lance Baldo, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Therapeutics. 'We are pleased to be sharing the 6-month data update from the DAWN Phase 2 study that continues to demonstrate laru-zova's potential to enhance vision in patients with XLRP, including improvements in multiple measures of visual function. We look forward to continuing the advancement of this exciting novel treatment option for patients suffering from XLRP.' LONDON and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beacon Therapeutics Holdings Limited ('Beacon Therapeutics' or 'the Company'), a leading clinical-stage biotechnology company with a mission to save and restore the vision of patients with blinding retinal diseases, today announced 6-month interim safety and efficacy results from the Phase 2 DAWN trial of the Company's lead program, laru-zova (laruparetigene zovaparvovec), in patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2025 Annual Meeting being held May 4-8, 2025 in Salt Lake City. Laru-zova was generally well-tolerated by all DAWN participants evaluated at 6 months or beyond and initial data showed promising improvements in visual function across several key measures. Story Continues DAWN is an open-label study of laru-zova in participants with XLRP who have previously been treated with a full-length AAV vector-based gene therapy targeting the RPGR protein. The study aims to assess two dose levels of laru-zova for efficacy, safety and tolerability in the untreated eye of participants who previously received gene therapy for XLRP. The Company continues to enroll patients for its pivotal Phase 2/3 VISTA trial of laru-zova for patients with XLRP. Presentation Title: Subretinal gene therapy laru-zova (AGTC-501) for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP): Phase 2 DAWN preliminary month 6+ results Presenting Author: Mark Pennesi, M.D., Ph.D., FARVO, Director, Ophthalmic Genetics at the Retina Foundation in Dallas, Texas; Professor of Ophthalmology and Professor of Molecular and Medical Genetics, and Chief of the Paul H. Casey Ophthalmic Genetics Division at the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon Contact: info@ Media & Investors: beacon@ About laru-zova Laru-zova (laruparetigene zovaparvovec) is a potential best-in-class gene therapy currently being investigated for the treatment of patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). Laru-zova has the potential to restore the natural function of both rods and cones in XLRP by delivering a functional copy of the RPGRORF15 gene designed to produce the full-length protein. Laru-zova has Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Fast Track designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as well as Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the FDA and EMA. Laru-zova is investigational and has not been approved by FDA for use. About the DAWN and VISTA Studies DAWN (NCT06275620) is a Phase 2, open-label study of laru-zova in the fellow eye of male participants with XLRP who have previously been treated with an AAV vector-based gene therapy delivering the full-length RPGR protein. The objective of DAWN is to assess two different dose levels of laru-zova for efficacy, safety and tolerability in the target population. DAWN is also evaluating the changes in visual function and functional vision, and is the first trial in the laru-zova clinical development program that is collecting and evaluating low luminance visual acuity (LLVA) data. VISTA (NCT04850118) is a Phase 2/3, randomized, controlled, masked, multi-center pivotal study evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of laru-zova in two study groups compared to an untreated control group. The study will evaluate the proportion of participants with a 15 or more letter increase from baseline in LLVA and additional measures of functional vision. The VISTA study is currently enrolling. About XLRP X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) is an inherited retinal disease that predominantly affects males, typically caused by mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene. The mutations, which affect approximately 1 in 25,000 males in the U.S., Europe and Australia, result in progressive photoreceptor loss over time and visual dysfunction beginning in childhood, eventually leading to blindness and impacting quality of life with no approved treatments. About Beacon Therapeutics Beacon Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a mission to save and restore the vision of patients with blinding retinal diseases. The Company has an established scientific foundation that includes a late-stage clinical development candidate to treat XLRP and two preclinical programs targeting dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and an inherited cone-rod dystrophy (CRD). Beacon Therapeutics' investors include Syncona Limited, Forbion, Oxford Science Enterprises, TCGX and Advent Life Sciences, among others. Learn more about Beacon Therapeutics at
Al Jazeera
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
How dangerous is the latest India-Pakistan dispute?
The United Nations has called for calm between India and Pakistan amid soaring tensions after gunmen killed dozens of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Relations between the neighbours have plunged to their lowest level for years as both sides announced a series of diplomatic measures targeting the other. How serious is this crisis? Presenter: Cyril Vanier Guests: Maleeha Lodhi – Columnist for DAWN newspaper Sumantra Bose – Author of, Kashmir at the Crossroads: Inside a 21st-Century Conflict Elizabeth Threlkeld – Senior fellow and director of the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center
