Why the humble city bus is the key to improving US public transit

Public transit in the U.S. is in a sorry state. With aging infrastructure, inadequate funding, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership has been on the decline. To combat this problem, many look to new technologies, such as self-driving cars and flying taxis, to ease transportation woes. As an urban policy and planning researcher, however, I believe that the city bus offers a more viable, near-term solution.

City buses have been around for over a century and provide an accessible, low-cost mode of transportation. When operated efficiently, they can reduce traffic congestion and encourage people to ditch their cars. In particular, buses provide an efficient service to neighborhoods that are otherwise underserved by public transit. To revitalize urban bus systems a comprehensive approach is needed that emphasizes both operational and infrastructure investments.

Operational investments can include route adjustments and scheduling changes to better meet customer needs, as well as expanding use of ride-sharing services. Improvements in infrastructure can focus on building better bus stops for riders, purchasing buses that are cleaner, quieter and faster, and using advanced technologies such as real-time tracking and Wi-Fi access. Such upgrades can make the experience of using public transit more pleasant, increasing ridership and helping to offset the cost of service.

Ultimately, a successful effort to revive public transportation requires a combination of solutions. Technologies such as self-driving cars and flying taxis should be considered, but they are in the longer-term future. In the near-term, investments in bus systems have the potential to create meaningful improvements in public transportation.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/why-the-humble-city-bus-is-the-key-to-improving-us-public-transit

Buy SuperforceX™

More than 2 million citizens power Europe's renewable energy transition

Collective Action Playing Important Role in Decarbonization of Europe

More than 2 million citizens across 30 European countries have participated in thousands of projects and initiatives in support of transitioning to renewable energy, according to a recent analysis published in Scientific Reports. These investments, which range from 6.2 to 11.3 billion euros, show the significant role that collective action is playing in the decarbonization of Europe.

The report, authored by an international team of researchers, surveyed 1,157 case studies drawn from 30 European countries. Their data revealed that citizens have become increasingly active in developing and managing green energy projects to combat climate change. Examples include solar and wind installations, biomass heating, and sustainable transportation initiatives.

The a uthors of the report suggest that citizen engagement is essential to successful environmental transitions. Through their collective action, citizens can establish more democratic, effective, and resilient alternatives to the current energy system. In order to achieve a carbon-free Europe, citizens and policy makers must continue to engage in shared initiatives.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/more-than-2-million-citizens-power-europes-renewable-energy-transition

Buy SuperforceX™

Grasshopping robots made possible with new, improved latch control

Why Can't Robots Jump Across Grass and Sand?

It's long been a mystery why animals and insects can jump across grass and sand, while robots have yet to be able to do the same. But according to Professor Sarah Bergbreiter of Mechanical Engineering, the answer may come from an unlikely source - existing latch mechanisms.

Originally seen as an 'on' or 'off' switch to release stored energy, these latch mechanisms may now be used to control the jump performance of robots across a variety of terrains. Under the guidance of Bergbreiter, researchers are beginning to understand how these latch mechanisms can be adjusted to allow robots to successfully jump across both grass and sand. This could potentially revolutionize how robots are used in a wide range of industries.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/grasshopping-robots-made-possible-with-new-improved-latch-control

Buy SuperforceX™

Edible electronics: How a seaweed second skin could transform health and fitness sensor tech

How Biodegradable Health Sensors Could Change Health Care

Scientists at the University of Sussex have recently trialed a new type of biodegradable health sensor which could revolutionize the way we look at personal health care and fitness monitoring. Their research could have far-reaching implications for the future of health care technology.

The new sensors are made from biodegradable materials, such as proteins and polysaccharides, and are designed to be firmly embedded in the body. These sensors are capable of measuring a variety of metrics, including temperature, pressure and humidity. For example, they can detect changes in body temperature due to fever or exercise, as well as changes in blood pressure.

The sensors are powered by a small battery and are capable of transmitting the data to a receiver. This means that health care providers can monitor the health of their patients remotely, without having to rely on direct contact. The sensors are also more cost-effective than traditional monitoring devices, as they are biodegradable and do not require frequent replacement.

The research team believes that the sensors could play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes, as well as offering new avenues for monitoring health and fitness. By providing healthcare providers with more comprehensive data, they will be able to diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases much more easily and effectively.

The biodegradable health sensors could also be used to monitor the activity levels of athletes, giving coaches and trainers a much better understanding of how their athletes are performing. This data could be used to tailor training and nutrition plans, helping athletes reach their peak performance.

The research team is now working to refine the sensors and make them even more effective. They are also testing the sensors in a variety of medical and sporting applications to ensure that they are safe and reliable.

The success of this trial is extremely encouraging and could have a significant impact on the way we experience health care and fitness monitoring technology. It is an exciting time for the field of healthcare technology, and this research could open up a range of new possibilities.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/edible-electronics-how-a-seaweed-second-skin-could-transform-health-and-fitness-sensor-tech

Buy SuperforceX™

Clones, noseprints, flying taxis: Sci-fi meets reality at expo

Discovering Hidden Tech Gems at the Mobile World Congress (MWC)

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is an opportunity for the top telecom companies to come together and share insights, but without exploring the more limited side roads of the conference, many tech gems are often overlooked.

At MWC, there is a tremendous amount of networking opportunities as well as a chance to see the latest gadgets, applications and services. Innovators have been setting up shop here for years to showcase their new products, and this year was no different.

Some of the more unique finds at this year’s MWC included the Bixby-enabled Samsung Galaxy S8, the new Pismo Wave, a 3D printing pen for beautifully intricate device prototypes, and the MagniFone, a mobile phone that translates written text into Braille.

The newest technology showcased at the MWC this year was impressive, but it was only a small portion that was made available. To really get a sense of what is happening in the world of tech, it is important to visit the back alleys of the conference and explore what different innovators and startups are doing.

Though the Mobile World Congress is primarily focused on the telecom sector, there are still plenty of tech gems to be found during the conference. From the incredible, game-changing accessories to the one-of-a-kind prototypes, the hidden gems at the MWC have the power to shape the future of technology.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/clones-noseprints-flying-taxis-sci-fi-meets-reality-at-expo

Buy SuperforceX™

Internet access, privacy 'essential for freedom': Proton chief

Internet Privacy Company Proton Can Spot Attacks on Democracy Before They Hit the Headlines

An internet privacy company has the ability to identify attacks on democracy in a country before they make their way to the headlines. Chief executive of Proton, the Switzerland-based company, recently told AFP how their team can spot these attacks. The method is simple: they watch for an increase in demand for their services.

"We're constantly monitoring the demand for our services around the world," the chief executive said. "By analyzing the data of VPN usage, we can often detect a surge before it's too late. We can spot an attack on a country's democracy before the headlines start to report on it."

The chief executive went on to explain that, in some cases, the demand for their services will start to increase well before any article appears in the news. In those cases, their data can help warn the population of an impending attack, allowing them to act accordingly.

Proton's services are mainly used to protect users from cyberattacks and data theft. However, the ability to detect an attack on democracy in a country gives their services an added layer of protection.

The company also has plans to expand its services to other countries in the near future.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/internet-access-privacy-essential-for-freedom-proton-chief

Buy SuperforceX™

Tech rivals chase ChatGPT as AI race ramps up

ChatGPT: How Global Tech Giants are Integrating the AI Revolution

The competition to keep up with industry leaders will always be top of mind for global tech giants — and Microsoft has been no exception. With the groundbreaking integration of ChatGPT-like artificial intelligence (AI) into their world leading platforms and applications, tech companies have been quick to roll out announcements regarding their own ChatGPT adoption. The latest to join the charge? YouTube.

The AI-like Chatbots are reshaping the way user interact with apps and sites, and allowing for more natural conversations. By mimicking human thought, ChatGPTs offers a more "human-like" experience when it comes to carrying out automated conversations. This opens up new possibilities for customer service, product recommendations, and other automated dialogue options.

And YouTube is not alone in their decision. Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple have all rolled out their own plans to integrate AI-based programs into their systems. Amazon has created Alexa to bring AI-based conversation into the home; Microsoft has incorporated AI into its consumer products with the launch of Cortana; Facebook has announced its own ChatGPT-based tool; and Apple is taking steps towards the implementation of its own AI program, Siri.

With the integration of AI into their platforms and applications, tech companies are showing how eager they are to stay at the top of their game. The AI revolution is quickly becoming part of the everyday life, and thanks to these companies, the transition is becoming easier for people to digest.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/tech-rivals-chase-chatgpt-as-ai-race-ramps-up

Buy SuperforceX™