Istanbul’s ‘reverse vending machines’ trade recyclables for metro fare
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality plans to install at least 100 of the machines in 25 locations by the end of 2018.
Technology & innovation
In ‘world first’, ultra-cheap printable solar panels are launched in Australia
Less than one millimeter thick and held down with double-sided sticky tape, the panels are similar in texture to a potato chip packet and can be produced for less than $10 per square meter.
New therapy bot helps children with autism perfect their social skills
Robotics startup LuxAI has created QTrobot, a bot designed to help children with autism learn valuable social skills.
France just banned smartphone use in schools
The new legislation means that students between the age of 3 and 15 will either have to leave their phones at home or keep them turned off during the school day.
Research successfully transplant lab-grown lungs in pigs
Eventually, bioengineered lungs could replace donor ones altogether. And that could make the transplant waiting list a thing of the past.
McDonald’s and Starbucks are joining forces to build a fully recyclable, compostable cup of the future
Starbucks and McDonald are teaming up on sustainable cups and inviting all of their competitors in the industry to join in.
Chinese citizens are using blockchain to warn each other of unsafe vaccines
By using the blockchain in this new way, Chinese citizens may have finally found a way to express themselves that’s beyond the government’s reach.
Tokyo announces plan to install solar roads in time for 2020 Olympics
Japan has decided to continue the introduction of solar roads on government owned property, and will more likely focus on parking lots.
Blockchain companies take aim at clean energy transaction costs
Advocates argue that blockchain platforms can reduce certification costs and eliminate the need for audits altogether. In turn, the platforms could provide a leg-up to small-scale distributed generators.
California laws seek to limit surveillance technology
California privacy advocates say it is “more critical than ever that the amount of surveillance and personal data collected be the bare minimum, to ensure the safety of our community from unlawful and inhumane targeting.”