Sexual harassment is already plaguing the metaverse
In only its early days of beta testing, a woman reported being groped in a metaverse called 'Horizon Worlds'. Immersive VR on the platform makes such experiences all too real, generating calls for stronger safety features. Recently, the term ‘metaverse’ has become unavoidable, whether you’ve got a keen eye for...
Current in Technology
Uber and Arrival unveil new ride-sharing electric car
Electric car brand Arrival has collaborated with Uber to create a new, low-carbon vehicle designed with ride-sharing in mind. Let’s face it, whether you’re for or against ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt, they are undoubtably here to stay. Popular in cities, ride-sharing services can be a more environmentally...
SafeUP app makes solo travelling safer for women
As a woman, travelling involves regularly assessing where is safe to go and what is safe to do. The SafeUP app is helping women stay connected to one another in case they need to ask for help - wherever they are. Women change their personal behaviours in the interest of...
Climate tech start-ups raise a record $32bn in 2021
Opinions may vary on how significant the role of tech should be in solving the climate crisis, but that isn’t stopping overall investment growing within the sector every year. A decade ago, tech entrepreneurs searched for ways to emulate the likes of Zuckerberg and Bezos, filling market gaps with what...
Are sustainable aviation fuels the future of flying?
Reaching a net zero emissions target by 2050 will require innovation, particularly within the transport sector. SAFs could be the answer to cleaner, greener aviation. I’ll be honest, I love planes. They take us on holidays, get us closer to the people we love, and give us a fleeting bird’s...
High-tech methane detectors are helping the US crack down on emissions
80 times more detrimental to our climate than carbon dioxide, methane is responsible for 30% of all warming since pre-industrial times. Here’s how the US is utilising tech to tackle such emissions domestically. If you kept up with the key developments of COP26 last month, you’ll know that any chance...
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...
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...
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...
