Latest Stories from Jamie
World’s first ‘living robots’ can now technically reproduce
It’s but a matter of time until humanity is completely redundant… well not really, but this is definitely big. Living robots can now technically reproduce. If you’re expecting some kind of kinky rendition of Transformers, take your dirty mind and head elsewhere. There’s nothing arousing about this, though it is amazing. In 2020, while most of us were resigned to a life of solitude, a cohort of US scientists were busy...
Decentraland is a crypto metaverse where virtual land is worth millions
If you thought Facebook’s Metaverse was confusing, strap in for Decentraland. Running on a blockchain system, this virtual world allows people to create avatars, buy virtual land, attend events, and set up crypto businesses. Imagine The Sims, but with very real ramifications and you get Decentraland. Billed as the world’s first fully-decentralised virtual world, this metaverse spawned in 2017 and has steadily grown in popularity alongside cryptocurrency. Running on an Ethereum blockchain...
Nurdles are causing as much natural damage as oil spills
Nurdles are probably the worst form of toxic waste you’ve never heard of. Floating in the oceans, billions of these tiny plastic pellets are causing as much damage as oil spills today. We’re at the stage where it feels like humanity is deliberately sabotaging its own planet. Case in point number 100,000: nurdles. By definition, nurdles are technically a form of micro-plastic because they’re small and – you guessed it –...
Biotech start-up uses plant protein to slash production costs of cellular meat
Many point to lab cultivated meat as the future of food systems, yet manufacturing has been hindered by large production costs. Biotech start-up Tiamat Sciences aims to change that. The concept of non-sentient meat is one we can all get behind. Making it a reality, however, is proving difficult. Granted, it sounds a little outlandish to grow meat within the four walls of a lab, but several biotech outfits hailing from...
Companies are now 3D printing entire low cost communities
With the 3D printing market projected to reach nearly $56 billion by 2027, companies are now using the technology to build affordable housing and plan to utilise it in disaster zones. 3D printing is fast expanding beyond sneaker designs, children’s toys, and elaborate cosplay costumes. Though there’s definitely a future for the tech within more mainstream industries, the potential for real positive impact is what makes it so exciting. In recent...
Map outlines Earth’s most important natural carbon banks
‘Irrevocable’ carbon banks – we’re talking tropical forests, mangroves, peatlands, and other natural areas – store massive amounts of greenhouse gases. Which areas are currently most vulnerable to spilling over? The term ‘irrevocable’ is often used to describe natural carbon banks. This is because they sequester so much carbon that if it were to start being released – due to deforestation, wildfires, and logging – it wouldn’t be possible to recapture...
Climate paper says Bitcoin mining is putting vulnerable nations at risk
A new climate paper suggests that the carbon footprint of cryptocurrency is on the rise. Putting already vulnerable nations at further risk, experts are now calling for a global ban to ‘proof of work’ transactions. We’re slowly getting our heads around the confusing and ever-changing world of cryptocurrency. Putting aside the burgeoning realm of NFTs and on the fly investing for now though, it’s become one of the worst kept secrets...
Crypto investors raised $40 million to buy a copy of the US Constitution
Pipped at auction by a late bid, crypto investors were close to purchasing a rare and early copy of the US Constitution for over $40 million. Is a practical purchase ever made using cryptocurrency? Whether we’re talking of the multi-million dollar sales of eight bit gifs, the early year hijacking of the stock market, or how an OG dog meme became a profitable investment venture overnight, it’s safe...
The key takeaways from Glasgow’s COP26 climate deal
Billed as vital crunch talks to prevent climate disasters before the end of the century, delegates from around the world convened in Glasgow for COP26. Running over the summit’s original deadline, how has the final deal shaped up? If you’ve been with us over the last two weeks, you’ll now be accustomed to the topsy turvy nature of climate reform. One minute, you’re celebrating an important announcement from a coalition...
Olive waste is helping to heat homes in Syria
Locals in Syria’s Idlib province have discovered an eco-friendly way of generating fuel and heating their homes using olive waste. As COP26 highlighted, the burden of innovating clean power by no means falls on developing nations. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t got sustainable and affordable ideas of their own. In Syria’s north-western Idlib province, locals have found an ingenious alternative to diesel – which is typically used to heat homes...
