OGN Wednesday

Editor OGN Daily
Apr 16
3 min read

Mid-week collection of upbeat news stories from around the globe.

The Golconda Blue

Christie’s has announced what is sure to be a blockbuster sale in the jewelry world: the sale of a 23.24-carat fancy Golconda blue diamond. It is the largest of its kind to ever be offered at auction and has a jaw-dropping estimate of $35 to $50 million. The diamond will hit the block in Geneva on May 14th at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. The monster blue once belonged to Yeshwant Roa Holkar, the dashing Maharaja of Indore, and his equally glamourous wife, Krishna Bai Holkar, the Maharani of Indore - both veritable style icons of the ’20s and ’30s.

Woman with red lipstick smiling — Reason to smile

Lab Grown Teeth

Scientists have successfully grown human teeth in a lab for the first time, according to a new study. Researchers at King’s College London say the breakthrough could lead to patients regrowing lost teeth in future, offering an alternative to fillings or dental implants. The team developed a material that mimics the environment needed for tooth development, allowing cells to send signals and begin forming a tooth. Dr Ana Angelova-Volponi, director of regenerative dentistry at King’s College London, said the research has the possibility to “revolutionise dental care”. The research, in collaboration with Imperial College London, has been more than a decade in the making.

Solar Rails

Canadian building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) manufacturer Mitrex has launched its solar railing system, a clever new product designed for both residential and commercial applications. The SolarRail system, available in semi-transparent and opaque models, is designed for use on balconies, walkways, and other architectural features, making it suitable for both retrofit and new-build projects. The solar railing system is designed to integrate solar technology into building designs seamlessly. By combining functionality with aesthetics, the SolarRail system aims to offer a sustainable solution that enhances energy efficiency without compromising on design.

Needle-Free

Needle phobia is extremely common - some two-thirds of children and one-fourth of adults fear shots. In one study, 27 percent of hospital employees reported avoiding the flu vaccine because of their phobia. In response to this problem, the Dutch company FlowBeams has unveiled the rather James Bond-sounding BoldJet, an injection system that uses a laser to heat liquid, propelling high-velocity “liquid microjets” through the skin. Though “laser” and “high-velocity” may not sound especially reassuring, the thinness of the microjets makes the process less painful than a traditional injection. Additionally, the system reduces biowaste and removes the possibility of accidental needlesticks. BoldJet was a 2025 Innovation Award honoree at CES.

Shipping Agreement

After nearly a decade of negotiations, nations have come to a “landmark” global shipping agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new International Maritime Organization (IMO) Framework introduced a carbon pricing mechanism that will require ships with high emissions to pay for the excess pollution they release, reports EcoWatch. It also sets mandatory fuel standards for the shipping industry. The framework was agreed upon during the meeting of IMO and the Marine Environment Protection Committee in London. It aims for net-zero shipping emissions by 2050.

"Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day." W. Earl Hall