This ‘literacy pen’ instantly teaches you to read and write

Apr05
by on April 5, 2024 at 2:55 pm
Posted In: Uncategorized


The World Literacy Foundation and Dutch marketing firm Media.Monks have teamed up to create a pen designed to help millions of people around the world grappling with illiteracy.   The device, dubbed Literacy Pen, is compatible with any standard pen or pencil. Users slip the device onto the pen and then speak their desired words into the built-in microphone. Voice dictation technology then transcribes these words, letter by letter, onto a digital screen built-in to the device. The user can then copy the words they see onto paper all using the one pen. “The device ensures an effective learning experience by…

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The race is on to commercialise fusion energy. Europe could lead the charge

Apr05
by on April 5, 2024 at 12:46 pm
Posted In: Uncategorized


The unimaginably complex task of creating, containing, and commercialising fusion energy is undoubtedly one of the greatest scientific endeavours of our time.  Since the 1950s, hoards of the world’s top scientists and engineers have toiled away trying to turn the process that powers the Sun into a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source for humanity.  Despite huge progress, fusion energy has always seemed to be that “20-years-away” technology. But the tides are changing.  “We have all the materials, magnets, and lasers we need to make fusion viable today,” Peter Roos, CEO at Novatron Fusion, told TNW.  “Now we need…

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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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