Latest Stories from Jamie
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...
US start-up finds way to halve cost of making solar cells
A start-up called Leap Photovoltaic has reportedly slashed the cost of developing solar technology in half. Could this help the overall supply chain to grow? Over the coming weeks at COP26, crunch talks of how we can phase out fossil fuels and bring about more renewable energy will be had. During a live interview with The Economist last month, climate expert Oliver Morton paid particular attention to solar power and...
China makes underwhelming energy pledge ahead of COP26
President Xi Jinping is attempting to wean the world’s biggest polluter off coal, with a target of peaking China’s carbon emissions in 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Is this bold enough? In the run up to COP26, pressure is mounting against China to make some drastic commitments. If reports are to be believed, the world’s largest polluter has yet to officially select a delegate for the summit and president...
US plastics could reportedly create more emissions than coal by 2030
The American plastics industry is being described by climate experts as ‘the new coal,’ as emerging reports show a release of 232 million tons of greenhouse gases per year. By this stage you’re probably sick to the back teeth, like we are, of the daily doom scrolling through despondent climate stories. However, it’s important to underline the crucial issues we face in the build-up to COP26. We wouldn’t want those with...
