FabricNano’s cell-free biotech could make microplastics a thing of the past

Apr05
by on April 5, 2024 at 9:55 am
Posted In: Uncategorized


When researchers revealed the results of a study on the prevalence of microplastics in human placentas earlier this year, the findings were profoundly disturbing. Researchers analysed 62 placental tissue samples — and found microplastics in all of them.  In the words of the lead author of the study, “If we are seeing effects on placentas, then all mammalian life on this planet could be impacted.” The world desperately needs to quit its addiction to fossil-based fuels and other fossil-based chemicals, for the sake of both planetary and human health (which are inextricably linked). This is where synthetic biology, or synbio,…

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Opinion: Tech can’t cure the loneliness it causes

Apr04
by on April 4, 2024 at 4:15 pm
Posted In: Insider


Technology is often accused of causing loneliness. The US Surgeon General recently warned that tech can deepen isolation, increase fear of missing out, and reduce social interaction. Surveys frequently show that isolation among young people surges when their social media use grows. But what could possibly solve these problems caused by tech? Why, more tech of course! It’s a common response from (who else?) technologists, who have a remarkable variety of marketable solutions. From interactive streaming and online gaming to AI lovers and virtual friends, our generous tech lords offer countless alternatives to in-person interaction. Unfortunately, the cure is often…

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Silo AI launches Nordic LLM family to protect Europe’s linguistic diversity

Apr04
by on April 4, 2024 at 9:00 am
Posted In: Insider


Europe’s linguistic diversity has received a boost into the AI era with the launch of new LLMs for Nordic languages. Fittingly named Viking, the model family is the brainchild of Finnish startup Silo AI. The company claims to host Europe’s largest private AI lab and has pledged to protect the continent’s digital sovereignty. Viking is the latest step of that mission. By integrating Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish into its open-source models, Silo AI plans to expand digital inclusivity. Peter Sarlin, the startup’s CEO and co-founder, wants the LLMs to “bridge gaps” in digital communication. “We aim to cater…

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The new tech trends set to shape the smart cities of tomorrow

Apr03
by on April 3, 2024 at 9:17 am
Posted In: Uncategorized


The World Bank estimates that by 2050 the global urban population will double in size, putting ever-increasing pressure on city streets, housing markets, infrastructure, government services, and the environment. Luckily, over the last few years, advancements in the fields of AI, IoT, robotics, and the ongoing deployment of 5G have made the timing ripe for new technological solutions to come to the rescue. In 2023, the global smart cities market was valued at $748.7 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030. These new solutions are set to reshape…

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What it’d take for the EU to ban TikTok

Apr01
by on April 1, 2024 at 8:00 am
Posted In: Apps


The US is getting increasingly aggressive about TikTok. In March, the House of Representatives passed a bill that could see the Chinese social media app banned across the entire country due to security concerns. If signed into law, the bill would give ByteDance — the company that owns TikTok — six months to sell the platform. If this doesn’t happen, TikTok won’t be accessible to users in the United States. While there’s still a long way to go before this becomes reality, the intent is clear: the US government will ban software it sees as a threat.  This got us…

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