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...
Current in Technology
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...
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...
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...
You decide – is facial recognition technology essential for public safety?
Facial recognition software has been controversial since it’s conception, but news that it will be implemented into London's security cameras has sparked widespread concern over its potential for abuse. If you live in London, the CCTV capital of the world, you are captured by security cameras at least 300 times...
EU pushing Apple to change its phone ports to USB-C
Despite slowly removing accessories and ports from its devices straight out of the box, Apple could soon be forced to change all its iPhone ports to USB-C to reduce their overall environmental impact. Anyone who’s purchased an iPhone in the last few years (which is, statistically, probably most of...
Phykos creates AI seaweed planting vessels to naturally store carbon
With the aim of creating more natural carbon banks, Phykos has pioneered an autonomous device capable of growing seaweed in shallow water and dragging it out to the open ocean. As you’ve probably heard by now, seaweed is good for a whole lot more than livening up your weekly stir fry. One of nature’s most remarkable allies when it comes to sustainability, seaweed is thought to sequester nearly 200 million...
Apple is collecting iPhone data to help detect underlying mental health issues
Apple believes health data gathered from our iPhones, such as sleep patterns and typing behaviour, may help to identify underlying mental health conditions or cognitive decline. We’ve all experienced that dystopian moment when a targeted phone ad pops up for an item you were just talking about. But this is a whole other level of eerie. Apple is reportedly intrigued by the possibility of using live iPhone data to bring...
El Salvador citizens up in arms as Bitcoin becomes legal tender
All businesses with the capacity to accept crypto payments must legally do so in El Salvador. But why exactly are citizens up in arms over the changes imposed by President Nayib Bukele? Once a novel business endeavour among young US traders, crypto currency is continuously spreading – much like a virus, if you ask the citizens of El Salvador. On Wednesday (15/09), thousands of Salvadorans took to the streets to protest...
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...
