Latest Stories from Jamie
Autonomous drones are advancing firefighting efforts
The market growth for autonomous firefighting drones is on a rapid rise in 2023 and we could soon see devices put to use in both natural and domestic emergencies. As the climate crisis ignites blazes of increasing severity and regularity across the planet, emergency services will inevitably become stretched. Like the vast majority of industries, technology will be used to compensate for any disparity between demand and available manpower β the...
Fragments of interstellar meteor discovered in the Pacific Ocean
Harvard University Professor Avi Loeb has recovered tiny iron fragments near the fireball path of the first recognised interstellar meteor. Tests are now underway to discover more about its mysterious origin beyond our solar system. Scientists looked on in wonder in 2014, as a 500kg fireball plummeted from the sky and crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Manus Island. In the years that followed, research was compiled to determine whether the...
Climate change is altering the colour of our oceans
As climate change continues to throw marine ecosystems out of balance, MIT research shows that the colour of our oceans are physically changing. When we talk about natural wonders of the world, we typically associate rich colour with health and vitality β particularly with fauna and flora. In the case of our oceans, however, the aesthetically pleasing βdeep blue seaβ generally means organic life isnβt overly prosperous. Despite being markedly less...
Is the vertical farming bubble popping already?
Vertical farming had been touted by numerous experts as the future of food production in a warming world. In 2023, however, such companies are withering and key players have called it a day.Β If farming conditions become untenable due to climate change, weβll just take our crops indoors, right?Β In theory, the concept of vertical farming may seemΒ an easy winΒ for the future of food production. Stacking vegetables from floor to ceiling...
Microsoft beats FTC in historic bid to land Activision Blizzard
Microsoft has passed arguably the most vital hurdle to becoming sole owners of Activision Blizzard in the most expensive tech deal of all time. Is this the beginning of an anti-competitive market within gaming? The controversial deal which will dwarf what Disney paid for Marvel is a huge leap closer to getting done. First announcing its bid to buy Activision Blizzard β the acclaimed publisher behind Call of Duty, World of...
Nearly half of US tap water contains forever chemicals says study
The US Geological Survey has completed a comprehensive analysis of the nationβs tap water quality. Alarmingly, it found that 45% of samples were contaminated with harmful forever chemicals. Apparently, weβve yet another annoying boon for the bottled water industry. The US Geological Survey has just released the details of its comprehensive report on the quality of Americaβs tap water. Specifically, the federal agency had tested for levels of βforever...
Shell makes U-turn on oil phase-down pledge to βreward shareholdersβ
Shell is the latest fossil fuel giant to scale back its climate pledges in favour of increasing pay outs to shareholders. The company claims it has already reached its green target after selling interest in a Texan oilfield during 2021. Despite making record profits in 2022, Shell believes its shareholders deserve even grander payouts. The all-too familiar caveat of this decision is that sustainable targets will take the hit. Last week,...
A once-retired California mine could supply the US renewable revolution
The US may have its own rare Earth element supply chain, and the very first in the Western Hemisphere at that. Could this end Chinaβs dominance over the Westβs renewable revolution? Just across the border from Nevada resides the only large-scale rare-Earth element mine in the entire Western Hemisphere. Named Mountain Pass, the 600-foot pit in the California sand is chock-full of precious rare-Earth ores which are essential for the formation...
Opinion β Mizzyβs rise sets a dangerous precedent for young creators
Meet Mizzy, the epitome of chasing attention and clout at all costs. His illegal βpranksterβ antics have garnered a cult-like following online and ignited concern that aspiring creators may follow his blueprint. βHate brings likes, hate brings views,β says 18-year-old Bacari-Bronze OβGarro, aka Mizzy. Like millions of youngsters, Mizzy has shunned the idea of a conventional career in favour of chasing the influencer dream. Achieving social media stardom is harder than...
Tencent launches WeChat Palm Payments in China
This week, Tencent started introducing palm recognition through its WeChat Pay service. The tech is to be installed in Beijingβs Airport Express Line, where it will take payments by scanning peopleβs palm prints and their unique formation of veins without physical contact. Like the idea of completing financial transactions with the wave of a hand? That prospect is, as of this week, a reality in China thanks to its national tech...
