Tech Archives - Page 2 of 3

Nov112024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

USC Unveils Breakthrough Low-Cost Wildfire Detection System Using Mobile Phones to Alert Within Seconds

Breaking News, Environment, Idea & Innovations, Tech

In a significant advancement for wildfire detection, researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed an innovative system named FireLoc that leverages everyday mobile phones to detect wildfires within seconds of ignition. This new approach aims to provide critical early alerts, reducing the time needed to identify and respond to fires and potentially saving lives and properties in high-risk wildfire areas. How FireLoc Works: A Low-Cost, Community-Centric Solution FireLoc, presented at the ACM SenSys conference on November 5, employs a network of strategically placed, affordable mobile phones equipped with basic cameras and sensors, all mounted on properties in fire-prone regions. These devices act as early-warning sensors, scanning their surroundings for tel...

Nov92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cyclone Freddy Shows the Life-Saving Impact of Early Warning Systems in Mozambique

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations, Tech

In a dramatic contrast to Cyclone Idai's devastation in 2019, the powerful Cyclone Freddy, which struck Mozambique twice in 2023, demonstrated the life-saving potential of an Early Warning System (EWS). Mozambique’s preparedness, boosted by United Nations and World Bank support, helped protect communities, saving hundreds of lives and significantly reducing economic damage. This success story showcases how investment in EWS can drastically change outcomes in disaster-prone areas. When Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique in 2019 with winds reaching 195 km/h, it left over 600 people dead and caused catastrophic flooding. The country faced widespread destruction, with estimated damages soaring to US$3 billion. Schools, infrastructure, and critical services were decimated, underscoring the need for...

Sep262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

SpaceX Proposes $15 Billion Investment in Vietnam for Starlink Satellite Service

Breaking News, Space, Tech

SpaceX is looking to invest a substantial $15 billion in Vietnam, with the focus on expanding its Starlink satellite service in the near future, according to the Vietnamese government. The proposed investment was discussed in a meeting between SpaceX Senior Vice President Tim Hughes and Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, during the latter's visit to the US for the United Nations General Assembly. The Vietnamese government is currently reviewing the proposal, though no further details have been provided, and SpaceX has yet to comment on the matter. The government noted last year that SpaceX had shown interest in offering its low-Earth orbit satellite service in Vietnam, though earlier reports suggested those plans were delayed. Lam expressed that Vietnam would work wi...

Aug182024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Harnessing AI for Disaster Management: A World Humanitarian Day Spotlight on #TechForGood

Breaking News, Tech

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to spark debates around its potential impacts, it is crucial to recognize how this technology can be a force for good, especially in the realm of disaster management. This year's World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19, emphasizes the role of innovation and technology in enhancing our ability to respond to crises. By showcasing how various organizations and private sector entities are leveraging #TechForGood to #ActForHumanity, we can explore the transformative power of AI in disaster preparedness and response. AI-Powered Disaster Preparedness: A Case from Peru One of the most significant challenges in disaster management is managing the overwhelming amount of information available and ensuring that the right people receive the most per...

Aug62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Early Warning for All: Liberia Becomes First West African Nation to Launch EW4All Initiative

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech

In a significant move towards enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience, Liberia has become the first West African nation to launch the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. The launch event, held over two days, saw participation from key stakeholders, including Ansu V. S. Dulleh, Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency. Dulleh highlighted the need for inclusive and equitable early warning systems that account for diverse vulnerabilities, such as gender, age, and disability. Upcoming Events RA V TCC-22 with EW4All & WRP Programme Date: July 30 - August 2, 2024 Location: Brisbane, Australia Workshop & Study Tour on CAP & CB Date: August 1-2, 2024 Location: New Delhi, India Mozambique National EW4All Roadmap Launch Date:...

Jun302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Transformative AI Initiative Revolutionizes Extreme Weather Forecasting in East Africa

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech

In a pioneering effort to revolutionize extreme weather forecasting and early warning systems, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Oxford University Physics Department, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and various national meteorology agencies across East Africa have joined forces. This initiative comes at a crucial time for East Africa, where climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, from devastating droughts to deadly floods. Dr. Shruti Nath, a climate scientist at Oxford University Physics, emphasized the transformative potential of the new AI-based weather forecasting approach. Traditional models often fall short in predicting extreme weather, particularly in regions with limited resources and infrastructu...

Jun282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New Tool Developed by University of Hawai Scientists Enhances Long-Term Forecasting of El Niño Events

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Tech

As severe weather events draw increasing global attention, scientists at the University of Hawai at Mānoa are making strides in improving the forecasting of droughts, floods, and other climate scenarios. Researchers from the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) have developed a novel tool that allows for the prediction of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events up to 18 months in advance. The research, which integrates insights into the physics of the ocean and atmosphere with predictive accuracy, was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature. "We have developed a new conceptual model - the so-called extended nonlinear recharge oscillator (XRO) model - that significantly improves predictive skill of ENSO events over one year in advance, better than g...

Jun252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Dutch Startup’s Ambitious Plan to Restore Arctic Sea Ice Using Skating Rink Technology

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech

In an innovative attempt to address the critical issue of melting Arctic ice, a Dutch startup, Arctic Reflections, is exploring a technique traditionally used to create outdoor skating rinks. This approach involves flooding fields with thin layers of water to gradually build up ice, which could potentially be applied to the Arctic ice caps to combat their rapid decline. Melting Arctic Ice Crisis Arctic ice is shrinking by nearly 13% per decade, with scientists warning that ice-free summers in the Arctic could become a reality by 2050. This not only accelerates global warming due to the reduced albedo effect (where ice reflects sunlight back into space), but it also endangers polar bears' habitats and the lifestyles of Indigenous communities dependent on Arctic ecosystems. Fonger Y...

Jan82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Unlocking the Lifesaving Potential of Location-Based Technology with Cutting-Edge Solutions to improve Emergency Response

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech, Thoughts & Talks

In the recent age of technological advancement, location-based technology stands out for its versatility and wide-ranging applications. While commonly recognized for mapping, navigation, and analytics, one of its most impactful yet often overlooked use cases is its potential to save lives and expedite emergency/disaster response efforts. This article explores the views and insights of the transformative role of location-based technology in emergency situations, shedding light on its capabilities, applications, and the potential it holds for improving overall emergency preparedness. The Power of Location-Based Technology in Emergencies There are views and pictorial representation of a scenarios where chaos erupts due to an emergency, and it counts every second by the humanity. The traditi...

Jan12024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

India successfully Launched XPoSAT to Explore the Mystery of Black Holes: Understand the Facts about Satellite Launch

Breaking News, Space, Tech

On 1st January, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSAT) from Sriharikota, marking a significant step in exploring the mysteries of black holes. Here are key facts about this groundbreaking mission: The launch took place at 9:10 am, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which successfully placed XPoSAT into its intended orbit of 650 km with a 6-degree inclination. The launch was described as a "textbook launch" by astrophysicist Dipankar Bhattacharya, with the satellite achieving the expected orbit for conducting scientific studies. The mission marked the 60th flight of the PSLV and positions India as only the second country, after the US, to have an observatory dedicated to studying black holes. ...