Top News of Last Week with ANA

Azad News Agency (ANA) published a number of scientific and technological news during the past week whose top ones are as follows:

Iranian Firm Produces Slide Scanner with Telepathology Capability

A celular slide scanner for pathologists was produced by an Iranian knowledge-based company which provides a microscopic image magnification of up to 2,000 times for more accurate observation of tissue.

This product has telepathology capabilities and doctors can view and diagnose slides from anywhere in the world where the device is present. It is also possible to consult with other doctors and archive slides. Previously, slides were physically archived.

At present, countries like the US, Germany, and China have made this product, but there was no Iranian model. The celular device was not reverse engineered, but was designed and produced completely indigenously.

This device is used by pathology laboratories and universities, and so far nearly 50 devices have been sold to centers like the University of Iran, the University of Tehran, and some pathology laboratories in Tehran.

Iran to Launch 3 GPU Farms to Develop AI

An Assistant to the Iranian Vice-President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy announced the country’s plan to launch three graphics processing unit (GPU) farms.

“The existence of a GPU farm is one of the important indicators in the area of artificial intelligence technology, and we are launching a fast processing farm or the first GPU data center,” Mojtaba Alizadeh said.

Noting that the first GPU farm will be launched in May at one of the country's universities, he said, "Our goal is to show the world that Iran is a country that is progressing in the field of artificial intelligence."

“We will launch three GPU farms in Tehran, Kish Island, and other provinces by June and one of the most equipped GPU farms is on Kish Island which will be dedicated to the oil industry,” Alizadeh said.

Iranian Firm Uses Nanotechnology to Manufacture High-Quality Towel Radiator

An Iranian nanotechnology company succeeded in production of towel radiators which are resistant to corrosion and detergents and enjoy diverse and attractive colors.

Towel radiators, which are used in wet spaces, including bathrooms and swimming pools, face challenges like corrosion, mineral deposits, and reduced gloss. The use of nano-coatings based on the physical phase deposition (PVD) method has not only solved these problems, but also increased the useful life of the product.

The company had previously successfully implemented nano-coating technology in building valves in cooperation with a company that produces vacuum coating devices. The results of this collaboration include an increase in corrosion resistance from 160 to 350 hours in the salt spray test, the elimination of environmental pollution caused by traditional plating, and the creation of a variety of colors that have now become a model for the development of other products.

Towel radiators also have a stain-resistant and scratch-resistant surface with the same technology, making them easy to clean and resistant to acidic and alkaline detergents. These features are a significant competitive advantage, specially in high-traffic environments, including hotels and sports halls.

Iran among Advanced States with Pluripotent Stem Cell Technology

The deputy head of Royan Research Institute Mostafa Najjar Asl announced that Iran is standing among the leading advanced countries in developing the pluripotent stem cell technology.

“Iran ranks second in the region in this field and in the world alongside the European countries, including France and Germany,” Najjar Asl said.

He underlined that such a high position is the result of 30 years of efforts by the Iranian researchers and accumulated knowledge in this field.

“Two other products in the field of cell therapy and gene therapy, which are considered to be innovative treatments in the world, will enter the country's pharmaceutical market next year,” Najjar Asl said.

Iran to Launch Micro-Class Satellite

Iran announced plans to launch a micro-class satellite into the orbit in the near future.

Iran will launch a home-made micro-class satellite named ‘Navak’ into the space in the next few days, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi said.

Navak which weighs 40 kilogram and has been designed by the Iranian Space Research Institute will be launched into the orbit by using an upgraded Simorq rocket.

This launch signals progress toward accessing geostationary orbit (GEO) and bolstering national communication infrastructure.

Iran Joins World Producers of Flame Detector for Oil, Gas Industries

A knowledge-based company in Iran has made the country the fourth largest producer of flame detectors in the UV and IR spectrums in the world, a report said, adding the flame detectors are used in the oil and gas industries to prevent fire.

The device is used in many factories and the oil and gas and petrochemical industry for continuous flame monitoring and is capable of detecting a flame wherever there is a possibility of it, so that as soon as a flame occurs, it detects the flame and gives an alarm.

The flame detector includes two powerful infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectra. The Iranian engineers used artificial intelligence and microelectronics technologies in the design and construction of this device.

These two technologies are used to increase speed and accuracy. Artificial intelligence has helped us to raise the flame and identify the flame, and it is able to identify the flame at a horizontal and vertical angle of 60 degrees and a length of 15 meters. The Iran-made flame detector is installed on a base and can rotate 360 ​​degrees vertically and horizontally.

Iran’s Royan Institute Treats 500 Foreign Infertile Couples in One Year

The Deputy Director of Specialized Services at Royan Research Institute announced that 500 infertile couples from 23 world states have been treated in Iran last year (ended on March 19).

“The costs of treatment at Royan Research Institute for foreign patients are much lower than in other countries, and this, along with the high quality of services, has created a strong incentive for patients from all over the world to come to Iran,” said Ahmad Vosouq.

“Last year, nearly 500 infertile couples from 23 different countries in the world came to Iran for treatment, which shows the global trust in our services,” he added.

“We have been able to be known as one of the reputable centers providing international services worldwide. Our success rate in treating infertile couples is comparable to the best medical centers in the world,” Vosouq said.

Iran-Made Nano-Based Engine Oil Lowers Fuel Consumption, Pollutants

A knowledge-based company in Iran produced a special type of nano-based engine oil that by creating a ceramic layer on engine parts reduces fuel consumption and emissions, increases vehicle acceleration, and prevents cold start damage.

“The nanoparticles used in this engine oil, after being added to the base oil, are activated at engine temperature and form a uniform ceramic layer on the metal parts which not only repairs uneven cylinder surfaces but also prevents oil from leaking and makes cold starts safer, even if the engine is turned off for a long time,” said Hojjatollah Riazati, the managing director of the knowledge-based company.

The company has revolutionized the automotive lubricants industry by producing SN 10W-40 grade nano-based engine oil. This product, which contains ceramic nanoparticles, minimizes friction between engine parts and reduces engine operating temperature by filling the fine lines and pores of the cylinder.

Tests have shown that this technology reduces fuel consumption, increases vehicle acceleration, and significantly decreases oil consumption and engine vibration.

Iranian Knowledge-Based Firms’ Exports Increased by 121%

Exports of the Iranian knowledge-based companies amounted to $2,505 million last year which shows a 121% growth compared to the previous year.

“The number of knowledge-based companies last year reached 9,733, which shows an 18% increase compared to the previous year. The employment rate of knowledge-based companies also reached 409,000 in the previous year which has experienced a 27% increase compared to the year before,” said Mostafa Arab, the managing director of the knowledge-based Arzeshafarin Etemad Credit Assessment company.

He added that the income of knowledge-based companies last year shows an 87% increase compared to the previous year.

“The share of knowledge-based companies in GDP increased by 40% last year compared to the previous year,” Arab said.

Iranian Company Selected as Top Producer, Exporter of Aquatic Feed

Amir Aboudi, the managing director of 21 Bayza company, announced that his company has been selected as the top producer of aquatic feed in terms of quality and the top exporter of aquatic feed in the country.

“The main competitive advantage of 21 Bayza company is the production of feed that is suitable for the geographical and climatic conditions of different regions. In addition to increasing the growth rate and improving the aquatic animal immune system, this feature also reduces losses and increases economic efficiency,” said Aboudi.

“21 Bayza company is the first aquatic feed producer in Iran which uses extrusion technology. With a production capacity of 175,000 tons per year, our company not only meets the needs of the domestic market, but also exports to the international markets,” he added.

“Based on plans, 21 Bayza company plans to launch a new production line by next year,” Aboudi said.

VP: Iran Ready to Register Afghan Knowledge-Based Firms

Iranian Vice-President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy Hossein Afshin announced that the country is ready to register the Afghan knowledge-based companies.

“The Afghan knowledge-based companies can be registered in Iran, develop, attract capital and push the boundaries of technology,” Afshin said.

“As the Vice-President for Science, my first responsibility is to support Iran’s elites. This is an unquestionable commitment. Our mission is to nurture the Iranian talents, pave the way for their progress and turn Iran into a launching pad for its elites. This is our first responsibility and we will not hesitate for a moment,” he added.

Noting that Afghanistan is not just a neighbor, but also an opportunity to build a common scientific and technological ecosystem, Afshin said that the Iranian and Afghan elites can shape the future of the two countries by cooperation.

Iran to Connect All Remaining Villages to Broadband Network

An advisor to the Iranian Minister of Communications underlined firm determination of the government to eliminate communication deprivation from underprivileged areas and connect all remaining villages to the communication network by the end of the Seventh National Development Plan (2023-2027).

“100% coverage of villages with over 20 households based on the two principles of legal obligation and achieving communication justice is among the priorities of the Ministry of Communications in the 14th government,” said Nik Mohammad Balouch Zehi.

He added that there are a total of 39,645 villages with more than 20 households in the country, noting that nearly 10,000 villages still do not have a high-speed communication network.

“By the end of the Seventh Development Plan, all remaining villages will definitely be connected to the broadband network,” Balouch Zehi said.

Official: Nearly 10,000 Knowledge-Based Firms Active in Iran

Nearly 10,000 knowledge-based firms are active in Iran, a relevant official said, adding the firms export over $2.5 billion annually.

Reza Bakhshi Aani, the deputy for the development of the knowledge-based economy at the Iranian Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, made the remarks, saying that Iran has nearly 10,000 knowledge-based firms, and their sales performance this year has set a new record, though further growth is expected.

He added that nearly 250 trillion rials (Iranian currency) of these sales came from high-tech products.

Bakhshi Aani also noted Iran’s knowledge-based firms have exported around $2.5 billion worth of products this year, including nearly $500 million in high-tech exports.

Iran’s Royan Institute Produces Biological Wound Dressing for Diabetic Patients

The deputy director for research and technology department of Royan Research Institute announced the production of single-layer and double-layer medical skin for the treatment of wounds of diabetic patients and people with skin burns.

“One of our most important achievements this year has been the production of two types of medical skin, including single-layer skin and double-layer skin,” said Parvaneh Afsharian.

“The first product is a single-layer skin designed to treat third-degree burns and is used in cases where the body does not have any healthy skin for transplantation,” she explained, adding that this product has dimensions larger than a layer of human skin cells.

“The second product, a double-layer skin consisting of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, is designed to treat deep chronic wounds and is known as a completely biological wound dressing,” Afsharian said.

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