Latest Stories from Jamie
Is voice AI on the verge of a marketing explosion?
AI speech synthesisers may feel like a novel gimmick now, but as the technology becomes more sophisticated, could we see a full-scale integration into the marketing world? Apparently, AI audio synthesisers are about to get a whole load more sophisticated than Eminem’s rap generator. Like that’s even possible. Despite the many ethical issues surrounding the recreational use of AI and its potential for nefarious uses - with non-consensual deepfake porn, doctored...
Potty training cows could put a dent in nitrous oxide emissions
In a bid to finally address the massive environmental toll of livestock emissions, scientists have decided to potty train cows. Yes, you read that right. Early signs are positive. If you can potty train a child, you can potty train a cow. At least that was the theory posited by a group of environmental scientists, not to sate their famed German sense of humour, but to cut back on huge emissions...
Can fungi become a pillar for toxic waste clean ups?
In the last 20 years, mushrooms have proved a natural and cost-effective way of cleaning oil spills, contaminated soil, and toxic metals from lakes. Given our current climate crisis, should we be utilising fungi more? If you’re of the opinion that mushrooms are only good for a tasty risotto or brief invincibility in Super Mario, this deep dive into the environmental application of fungi will blow your mind more than...
Twitch begins its clampdown on hate raids after streamer boycotts
After streamers staged a 24-hour boycott on the platform in response to recurring hate raids, Twitch has finally started its legal clampdown on key offenders behind in-app harassment. For RekitRaven and other key streamers behind the growing #TwitchDoBetter movement, it’s safe to say: congratulations, the platform has definitely responded. Late last month, we covered a story explaining the anti-progressive trend of ‘hate raids’ on Twitch, whereby bigoted users coordinate to...
Major solar storms could cause a global ‘internet apocalypse’
Every 100 years or so, normally harmless electromagnetic particles from the sun conjure a major solar storm. With the potential to damage electrical grids and undersea cables, scientists are concerned the next may cause a global ‘internet apocalypse’. In 2021, seeing Wi-Fi signal drop off in the lower corner of a desktop is enough to send anyone spiralling into despair. Now, if it isn’t too painful, imagine that scenario unfolding on...
Genaq to convert air humidity into drinking water for millions
Spanish humanitarian firm Genaq is bringing clean drinking water to refugees and natural disaster survivors by extracting atmospheric humidity from the air. Spanning 45 countries, its ingenious generators currently provide up 1.5 million litres a day. With constant media emphasis on last month’s alarming IPCC reports and the general obsession of how humanity continues to screw the planet, it makes a nice change of pace to honour a company...
Astroscale satellite successfully removes space debris in first demo
Unveiled back in March, Astroscale developed a magnetic satellite capable of removing debris orbiting our planet. This week it has successfully completed its first outer space demo. This week, scientists hit a major milestone in the aim of removing space junk from our atmosphere. Back in March, we covered a story on Japanese-UK space solutions company Astroscale and its vision to create a magnetic satellite capable of removing decommissioned hardware...
Twitch streamers plan 24-hour boycott in response to ‘hate raids’
Twitch streamers from marginalised communities have regularly spoken out against abuse and harassment they receive on the platform. With instances of ‘hate raids’ continuing to slip past moderators, a day long boycott now aims to drive change. If you’re big into streaming, you’ll likely have seen the hashtag ‘#TwitchDoBetter’ bouncing around on Twitch and Twitter throughout August. During a broadcast earlier this month, popular streamer RekitRaven – who is Black...
TikTok expands its first-party creative tools with AR Effects Studio
With AR developers opting for Facebook and Snapchat as their go-to apps for creating effects, TikTok is set to completely overhaul its own creative features. Could this spell the beginning of the end for TikTok’s feeder platforms? As TikTok moves to stop feeder AR softwares like Spark AR and Snap AR from profiting off its massive audience, one message is clear for the social giant’s 1 billion plus user base:...
Taliban holds $1tn worth of minerals needed to address climate change
While Afghanistan remains propped up by humanitarian aid, the Taliban is sitting on $1tn of untapped mineral wealth, as well as vital resources to combat climate change. Despite being one of the world’s poorest nations, Afghanistan is sitting on an untapped mineral wealth which could help to transform its economy forever. Such prospects now dwindle in the unanointed hands of the Taliban. Seizing power for a second time, their fighters have...
