Coronavirus testing

These nano-factories won’t ever match the production levels of Unilever’s large factories, and that’s the point. Instead of having a few big factories that need to produce tons of products or require ingredients to ship from far locations, Unilever envisions these small factories deployed wherever, and whenever, they’re needed. “They offer an exciting new way of manufacturing,” says Trifunovic. “A way that is less wasteful, promotes locality, and reduces food and fossil fuel waste.” … [Read more...] about Unilever’s new nano-factories fit in a shipping container, so they can go anywhere in the world

The Vaccine Credential Initiative is made up of tech companies Microsoft, Salesforce, and Oracle; healthcare providers Evernorth and the Mayo Clinic; and nonprofits Mitre, CARIN Alliance, Change Healthcare, Safe Health, and the Commons Project. It also includes Epic and Cerner, which make electronic records software used by more than 50% of the U.S. healthcare market, ensuring the standard will have broad reach. The Commons Project also works with the World Economic Forum, which has agreed to introduce the standard to participants in its global Common Trust Network as well as airline partners. … [Read more...] about Tech giants want to help you prove you’ve been vaccinated for COVID-19

So, are governments’ phasing strategies wrong? “Absolutely not,” both Porfiri and Rizzo flatly emphasized. Vaccinating elderly people first is necessary and right for reducing deaths. “For example, if you give 2,000 vaccines to people who are older than 80 years old, you may end up saving their lives,” Porfiri says. “But, if you ask the question whether you stop the chain of transmission, 2,000 won’t do the trick. The disease is still going to spread.” They added that continuing to prioritize by age could be more effective in reducing the death count than putting frontline workers at the front of the queue. That’s been a decision based more on economic outcomes, Rizzo says, than purely on infection rates, because the government wants to keep society running as much as possible. … [Read more...] about These scientists created a model city to figure out the most effective order to give the vaccine

The average price of a gallon of gas across the country rose to $2.40 on Monday, according to data compiled by the American Automobile Association (AAA) via The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. That price rise is the highest in 11 months—which seems a bit odd, considering we’re in the midst of the worst part of the pandemic so far. Many businesses are still shut, theaters and restaurants are closed, and millions of people are still working from home. And vacations? Forget about them. … [Read more...] about Why are gas prices rising? Here’s the weird but simple reason you’re paying more right now

But perhaps the most impressive test was when the subject was asked to walk while spelling words backward, which is a test of cognitive load (or how mentally distracting the prosthesis is). With the feedback loop in place, the subject wasn’t forced to slow down walking, and was 82% accurate in spelling words backward (as opposed to just 58% without the special feedback). … [Read more...] about Scientists can hack your nerves so artificial limbs feel lighter