Category Archives: Futurist

HUMANS may rely on exoskeletons to have realistic sex in the metaverse, one sex tech expert has revealed.

Daniel Goldin, vice president at adult site Dreamcam, spoke to The Sun about a new exoskeleton technology called Dreamtouch.

1

Dreamtouch is the name of an exoskeleton that Dreamcam is working on.

It's predominately made up of smart gloves and a virtual reality headset that could give you a very realistic sensory experience.

Goldin told The Sun: "The exoskeleton connects to VR gloves that activate your sensory nerves through innovative, high-speed tech.

"This sends electrical signals across your body to give you a smooth, real-time experience, all in VR.

"Dreamcam collects and analyzes a set of spatial coordinates for all physical objects using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs).

"This allows us to mimic the full body sexual experience than an in-person encounter provides."

Goldin doesn't think the exoskeleton would make metaverse sex feel exactly the same as it does in real life.

However, he doesn't think this is a bad thing.

The sex tech expert explained: "It is different, but not in a bad way. I would argue from experience that it is just as good, if not better.

"VR sex isnt limited to ones physical traits and behaviors. The Dreamtouch technology provides different feelings and sensations that traditional sex cannot provide.

"While it may not provide the same feeling or emotions involved with body to body contact, we feel that using the Dreamtouch technology will open up new avenues of sensation that have never been truly felt during real sex."

Having virtual reality sex may sound like a futuristic concept but Goldin expects it will become normalized.

He told The Sun: "The metaverse is here to stay. It is quickly becoming a world where will we all work, play, and yes, date/have sex in.

"If we are really all in on the metaverse, all aspects of human behavior will translate into this virtual medium.

"The desire to have sex is a prominent part of human nature, and we expect that desire will translate as we integrate into a more virtual world."

The exoskeleton isn't as expensive as you may think.

Goldin says the gloves will cost at $299/230 and software will cost $50/38.

He added: "I think this piece of equipment will be a necessity for all adults living in the metaverse.

"Sex plays a huge role in any society, and we have no reason to believe that this will be any different in the metaverse.

"Furthermore, we as humans are always looking to enhance our sexual experiences and technology is one of the major ways we have achieved this enhancement."

Metaverseis a broad term. It generally refers to shared virtual world environments which people can access via the internet.

The term can refer to digital spaces which are made more lifelike by the use of virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR).

Some people also use the word metaverse to describe gaming worlds, in which users have a character that can walk around and interact with other players.

There is also a specific type of metaverse which uses blockchain technology.

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Virtual reality exoskeleton will aid futuristic sex in the metaverse, expert reveals... - The US Sun

Solar panels are an excellent way to capture the free energy that comes from the sun. However, even solar panels have one major drawback: when the sun goes down, the power stops flowing. To prevent that happening, we can capture that energy, and store it in one of the best solar batteries.

These batteries can also harness energy generated by wind turbines, or any other form of sustainable electricity production. Depending on the size of the solar battery, you can then use them for anything from charging a cellphone, to heating an entire home.

Solar batteries come with a variety of specifications. Whole-house units from brands like Tesla, Generac, and LG cost thousands of dollars. Then there are smaller models that fit in anything from golf carts to motor yachts, plus compact units for hiking and camping. In this article, were focusing on the best solar batteries for vehicles, off-grid cabins, tiny houses, and marine use.

Best AGM: VMaxTanks 12V, 125Ah Best Budget: Weize 12V, 75AH Best Lithium: ExpertPower 12V, 100Ah Best Hybrid Gel: Renogy 12V, 100Ah Best Portable Pack: Blavor Qi Portable Charger 10,000mAh

We researched the products from more than a dozen manufacturers in order to find a selection of different solar batteries, and offer solutions for a variety of needs. The following were the key criteria:

Performance: All but one of the solar batteries we used produces 12 volts of power, so the Amp hour rating (Ah) is the major difference. Two batteries of the same Ah will deliver broadly similar performance, so we chose a variety of capacities in order to provide suitability for different tasks.

Chemistry: A number of different chemistries are used within solar batteries. While they all perform very much the same when new, some degrade more quickly than others. We have chosen one solar battery from each of the four main types in order to highlight how this impacts on performance and lifespan.

Brand and Price: Some brands are widely recognized as supplying quality products, and in the main we stuck with those who have a long-established reputation for durability a key facet of any battery. That said, price is always important so we have also tried to highlight value for money. The best solar panels will help you save more money and energy.

Why It Made The Cut: The VMaxTanks 12V solar battery offers reliable, safe performance, and is frequently recommended both for RV use and for off-grid living.

Specs: Amp hours: 125Ah Cycles: 1,000 (see below) Weight: 75 pounds

Pros: Long lifespan Safe to use at any angle Maintenance free

Cons: A little pricey Heavy

If youre looking for a solar battery you can depend on to start your vehicles, the VMaxTanks 12V solar battery is a good choice. Its designed with AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), a type of lead-acid battery chemistry that has long proven an effective way to store power. However, unlike the original liquid-filled lead-acid type, AGM batteries have the electrolyte stored in sealed plastic containers. They wont spill if tipped over so they can be used on their side or stood on end. They also require no maintenance beyond recharging.

The VMaxTanks 12V solar batterys 125 amp hours of output also makes it a good option for the higher demands of RV use. However, better value will be achieved when several units are wired together to provide higher output for off-grid use. It also performs well in cold weather, where lithium ion batteries are less effective.

While more expensive than some, the VMaxTanks solar battery can be expected to last 8 to 10 years, or around 1,000 cycles. VMaxTanks quote a lifespan of up to 3,600 cycles, but by then it will only take a 10 percent charge. A noticeable drop in performance usually occurs when AGM batteries have dropped to around 40 percent capacity, at which point they are frequently replaced. Hence our lower cycle rating. Another way to save energy is by investing in the best solar panels.

Why It Made The Cut: Weize has a reputation for producing affordable batteries that offer competitive performance. This 75Ah model offers proven reliability, and the versatility to power a number of small electric vehicles.

Specs: Amp hours: 75Ah Cycles: 600 (estimated) Weight: 46 pounds

Pros: Reliable power for small vehicles No maintenance requirement Competitive price

Cons: Shorter life than premium models Packaging offers minimal protection

The Weize solar battery is another popular AGM model. So it has proven reliability, and is safe to use in any position without risk of spilling acidic electrolyte. It is maintenance free, and works well at low temperatures.

The Weizes compact design, and 75Ah capacity suits a wide variety of functions. It is relatively lightweight at 46 pounds, making it viable for campsite use, and in small boats with trolling motors. It is ideal as a backup for a sump pump in the event of a power failure. It will run a variety of electric vehicles such as golf carts, lawn equipment, and wheelchairs. It can also be used to power emergency lighting.

This batterys lifespan is quoted at around 6 years. While we were unable to find a figure for cycles, it is likely to be around 600 to 700. While these figures are lower than some, the Weize solar battery still represents good value when the low price is taken into account.

That said, we cant speak from direct experience, but we have seen several reports of batteries being damaged on arrival. Most felt this was due to packaging that doesnt provide sufficient protection.

Why It Made The Cut: ExpertPowers LiFePO4 uses active battery management to boost performance and extend operating life. It is among the most durable solar batteries on the market, delivering consistent power levels for many years.

Specs: Amp hours: 100Ah Cycles: Over 2,500 Weight: 22.6 pounds

Pros: Consistently high performance Outstanding durability Very light

Cons: Expensive Not as efficient as AGM in cold weather

Lithium ion batteries typically provide more power than lead acid and AGM, and over a longer period. LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is the latest chemistry, and provides superior performance. A typical AGM solar battery provides about 50 percent of its capacity before power drops off. The ExpertPower LiFePO4 solar battery delivers up to 80 percent. They also degrade by only around 1 percent per year. The ExpertPower LiFePO4 is quoted as having a minimum life of 2,500 cycles, but it may be as high as 7,000 cycles over a 10-year period. They recharge faster than AGM too.

The ExpertPower LiFePO4 uses no rare earth metals so it is more environmentally friendly than many competitors. Theres also no danger from accidental overcharging, as the cells are incombustible. This makes the ExpertPower solar battery popular in hazardous environments.

In fact there are few applications that dont benefit from the ExpertPower solar battery including RVs, marine craft, and off-grid installations. The only minor drawback is a drop off in performance in extreme cold (below 0 degrees Fahrenheit). Additionally, although the cost of the ExpertPower 12V solar battery is competitive for its kind, the initial cost is two or three times that of AGM alternatives.

Why It Made The Cut: Renogys 12V solar battery comes from a company whose focus is on renewable energy. It uses proprietary plate technology to provide excellent service life with high safety levels.

Specs: Amp hours: 100Ah Cycles: 750 Weight: 63.9 pounds

Pros: Outstanding durability Non-hazardous Useful carry strap

Cons: Slow recharging More expensive than AGM

Renogys hybrid gel solar battery uses another form of lead-acid chemistry. While less common than AGM, it has actually been around for longer. It combines pyrogenic silica (which is inert) with sulphuric acid, as found in other lead-acid batteries.

The result is a thick gel that allows the battery to be used at any angle. It is also highly resistant to vibration, and very tolerant of temperature extremes. These features make hybrid gel solar batteries a popular choice for marine, off-grid, and industrial applications. Hybrid gel batteries are also frequently paired with emergency generators and medical equipment due to their longevity and reliability.

Renogys 12V hybrid gel solar battery has a life expectancy that can reach 12 years. Self discharge is also relatively low at around 3 percent per month, so it can be shelved for long periods if necessary. Recharge cycles are comparable with AGM, but the Renogy solar battery discharges more thoroughly for extended time between charges. That said, it isnt rated as highly as typical lithium alternatives.

Why It Made The Cut: The Qi portable charger has its own solar panel, providing energy storage potential wherever you go. It can then charge a variety of mobile devices via USB or wirelessly.

Specs: Amp hours: 10Ah Cycles: Unavailable (see below) Weight: 10 ounces

Pros: Rugged construction Multiple charging options Great value

Cons: Solar charging slow Comparatively bulky

Our final choice is somewhat different, but the Blavor Qi portable charger is an efficient way to provide energy for people who need to charge their mobile devices while on the move. With a maximum of 10,000 mAh (10Ah) available it is theoretically capable of charging three devices simultaneously, though this does reduce charging speed. It will also depend on connectivity. The Blavor Qi offers wireless charging for suitably specified cellphones, plus 2 USB ports.

The rugged design is rated IPX5 waterproof. Technically that means it can sustain a consistent low-pressure spray. In real terms it can take more or less any weather conditions short of being submerged. It is also dustproof, and shock-resistant, though the level of protection does make it a little bulky when compared to some rivals. An LED flashlight is built in, as is a compass. These underline the Blavor Qi portable chargers suitability for hiking and camping.

Blavor does not provide charge cycle information. Similar devices offer anywhere from 200 to 1,000 cycles but unfortunately there is no way to assess this without running the Qi portable charger for its entire lifespan. The relatively small size of the solar panel does mean battery recharging speed is quite slow. Hanging it from the outside of a pack to maximize exposure is recommended where practical.

Solar battery chemistry is a key issue, and we have discussed this in detail with each of our top four picks. The following are other features that will have a major impact on finding the best solar battery for a particular function.

The voltage demands of any piece of equipment are fixed. So for example many golf carts use a 6-volt battery, most cars use a 12-volt battery, and large trucks might use a 24-volt battery. You cant fit a 24-volt battery on a golf cart, or a 6-volt battery on that truck. It wont work.

However, each battery can vary in terms of Amp hours (Ah). Strictly speaking, this is the number of amps the battery can supply in an hour. However, in real terms the figure is more about how long the battery will provide power before it needs recharging. So for example a 100Ah solar battery can provide 10 amps for 10 hours. A 200Ah solar battery will provide the same 10 amps for 20 hours, or 20 amps for 10 hours.

Both batteries will run the same 12-volt equipment, but one will do it for longer than the other. The tradeoff is cost. More Amp hours means higher prices, which is why a recommended Ah is often advised by buggy, car or RV manufacturers. A more powerful solar battery could be fitted, but performance gains may not be sufficiently noticeable to warrant the increased costs.

For off-grid use, in a cabin or small homestead for example, it is possible to connect 12-volt solar batteries together, in series or in parallel, in order to increase voltage and/or amp hours. How to do that goes beyond the scope of this article, and we suggest expert advice is sought. You can also take your energy saving to a new level by adding solar power to your home.

Most solar batteries are called deep cycle because they provide (discharge) a higher percentage of their stored energy than standard lead acid models. This can vary from around 50 percent to more than 80 percent depending on chemistry.

Each time a solar battery goes through a discharge and recharging cycle, it loses a little of its capacity. For at least the first couple of hundred cycles, the difference will be negligible, but eventually it will impair performance to the point where the solar battery will not provide sufficient power to drive the required equipment. Whole-house models are rated in years, and frequently last more than a decade. While this is also true of smaller solar batteries, they may also be rated in cycles. Typically this will be upwards of 500 cycles, and it can be several thousand.

It is also worth checking self-discharge rates. The charge in any battery will trickle away if left unused. Figures are usually given as a percentage per month. Old-style lead acid batteries can have self discharge as high as 20 percent, whereas the best solar batteries can be as low as 1 percent.

Most 12-volt solar batteries are fitted in vehicles or stationary equipment, so weight isnt usually a problem. However, if youre using backup batteries for camping for example, its a figure worth checking. They can vary from around 20 pounds, to upwards of 70 pounds.

Choosing the correct size can also be important. Physical dimensions shouldnt be difficult to find, but there is also a figure called the BCI Group Size (Battery Council International) which is an international standard often quoted by vehicle and equipment manufacturers.

Q: What are the best batteries for solar power?Lithium ion, and in particular lithium iron phosphate, are generally considered the best batteries for solar power because they are more compact, and have better discharge cycles. However, they tend to come with higher price tags.

Q: What size solar panel to charge 12v battery?The size of a solar panel to charge a 12V battery can vary. Any panel with an output above 100 watts will do it, but could take 12 hours or more. A 200-watt solar panel might do it in 8 hours or less. For more accurate figures, you would need to look at the performance of a specific panel.

Q: How much does a solar battery cost?Solar battery cost can be anywhere from around $70.00 for a 12-volt model to over $10,000 for a whole-house installation. Mostly it depends on power output, though battery chemistry also has an impact.

Q: Which solar batteries last longest?The longest lasting solar batteries are lithium iron phosphate (also called LiFePO4), a type of lithium-ion battery.

Q: How many solar batteries are needed to power a house?It isnt really a question of how many solar batteries are needed to power a house, but rather the amount of power required. While smaller units can be daisy-chained for tiny homes and cabins, the usual approach to adding solar power to your home is to use just one or two high capacity units. And you can add more energy-efficiency to your life with the best rechargeable batteries.

Our top pick for best solar battery, the VMaxTanks 12V solar battery is a powerful all-around model that underlines the capabilities and versatility available. The Weize model is a more affordable option for those who need to power less demanding devices like mobility scooters or trolling motors. While both of these are likely to appeal for their competitive pricing, investing in a lithium solar battery like the ExpertPower LiFePO4 can actually work out as better value in the long term. Especially if the demand is for consistently high performance, and frequent charging cycles.

This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurisms owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.

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The Best Solar Batteries of 2022 - Futurism

The Greater Houston Partnership hosted Houston House at SXSW, a two-day activation program led by innovation leaders and startup founders, from March 13-14. With over 630 attendees over the two days of programming, Houston House delivered a diverse set of panels discussing venture capital funding, equitable energy transition, commercial aerospace and more! If you didnt get a chance to attend our panels, heres a glimpse of the conversations surrounding the advancements happening in Houston.

Felix Chevalier., Co-Founder, Urban Capital NetworkDenise Hamilton, Work Futurist and CEO, WatchHerWorkJesse Martinez, Investment Partner/Venture Partner, Resolved/ VamosVentures

Houston Houses kickoff on March 13 offered a space for startups and technology to converge. The big question for startup founders is often where do I begin? The answer is funding. The panel discussed how founders can overcome challenges when it comes to securing funding.

For founders, you have to pack your bags and get out there, like SXSW. Walk around the street, go to free shows, or stand at the hotel lobby. The opportunity is out there to meet people to whatever your objective might be.Felix Chevalier, Co-Founder of Urban Capital Network

I am a solo founder and I remember I met with multiple technical co-founders, but I was told because youre a black woman youll never be able to raise the money.Denise Hamilton, Work Futurist and CEO of WatchHerWork

Despite setbacks, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed startup businesses back on track. After the pandemic, you eliminate the geographical boundaries. I can be in Miami, in Silicon Valley, but I choose Houston for its unlimited resources and talent.Jesse Martinez, Investment Partner, Resolved Ventures & Venture Partner, Vamos Ventures

David Gow, CEO, Gow Media & SportsMap Tech Acquisition Corp.Chris Buckner, CEO, MainlineLori Burgess, Chief Operating Officer, Beasley EsportsAshley DeWalt, Managing Director, DivInc

The booming technology market has expanded to new horizons, including collegiate esports and the advancement in wearable technology. The panel discussed the growth in collegiate esports investments by Houston-based universities like University of St. Thomas and University of Houston.

Historically, strong young gamers with elite teams have skipped college and gone directly to pro. In the next 3-5 years, schools will dive into esports to attract those top-tier students and match the full rides football players are given.Lori Burgess, COO, Beasley Esports

Houston is a great home for entrepreneurial innovation. We have an opportunity to create a VC sports tech company that will follow up with all stages to capture and engage a sports tech capital hub.David Gow, CEO, Gow Media

Dr. Douglas Terrier, Associate Director of Vision & Strategy, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationR. Matt Ondler, CTO, Axiom SpaceTim Crain, Chief Technology Officer, Intuitive MachinesArturo Machuca, Director, Ellington Airport and Houston Spaceport (Houston Airport System)

With Houston Spaceports expansion and improvements, Houston will be the first major metropolitan area in the U.S. to create an environment available to private companies wishing to use a spaceport. The mission is to create a focal point for aerospace innovation with a collection of aerospace companies that will lead the U.S. to transition from government-driven to commercial-driven space programs.

When I think about the Houston Spaceport and think about the summer of 2015 when we got our license, fast-forward a couple years and now were building the largest space station--I can just begin to imagine what Houston will bring to the table in the next 5 years.-Dr. Douglas Terrier, Associate Director for Vision and Strategy at NASAs Johnson Space Center

Joanna Nathan, Manager, New Ventures, Johnson & Johnson Center for Device InnovationJames Reinstein, President & CEO, Saranas Inc.Kevin Coker, President & CEO, Proxima Clinical Research, Inc.

As home to the largest medical city in the world, Houston is at the forefront of advancing life sciences. Innovation drives collaborations with medicine and cutting-edge technology leveraging resources of enterprises to develop life-saving solutions.

From microbiome engineering to antibiotic resistance, Kevin Coker, President and CEO at Proxima Clinical Research, Inc., commented that, synthetic biology is going to make a huge difference and cost will decrease in the upcoming years as medical device technology continues to advance. 3D Systems is looking to manufacture the first human organ in East Downtown Houston, so how much more exciting can it get than that?

Jason Bock, VP, Biologics Development, MD Anderson Cancer CenterMichael Curran, Associate Professor / Founder, MD Anderson Cancer Center / ImmunoGenesis, Inc.Larry Hope, New Ventures and Business Development, MD Anderson Cancer Center

The MD Anderson Cancer Centers panel discussed next-generation cell engineering for tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) programs. Housing the largest comprehensive cancer center in the U.S., based in Houston, MD Anderson has extensive expertise in developing and manufacturing innovative cell therapies, including groundbreaking work with TILs and setting the proper foundation for biotechnological advancements.

It is my belief that TILs are poised for a significant impact in the field of cancer therapy, and engineering improved TILs is a vital part of advancing this modality.Jason Bock, VP, Biologics Development, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston House Panelists. From left: Hossam Elbadawy, Grace Chan, Shawn Cumberland, Vidisha Prasad

Hossam Elbadawy, Managing Director & Technology Partner, SCF PartnersShawn Cumberland, Managing Partner, EnCap Energy TransitionGrace Chan, Investment Associate, bp VenturesVidisha Prasad, Managing Partner, Adya Partners

Venture capital experts launched day two of Houston House. Climate change and energy 2.0 have become top priorities for companies with a focus on the hydrogen space. Experts on the panel examined how private and corporate investors continuously seek opportunities in clean technology.

Houston has great resources, including talent, infrastructure, and money, which is what puts Houston at the forefront of the energy transition.Grace Chan, Investment Associate at bp Ventures

Andrea Course, Venture Principal, Shell VenturesDale W., Managing Director, Halliburton LabsMichael W., Senior Investment Manager, Equinor VenturesDawn James, Director, Global Industry Strategy - Energy & Sustainability, Microsoft

The panel explored the collaboration needed for success in the energy transition and voiced consensus that the foundation of corporations with the agility of startups is critical.

"Its true that its going to take everybody, this is the ultimate group project.Dawn James, Director of Global Industry Strategy - Energy & Sustainability at Microsoft

Particularly in Houston, corporations have the experience, talent, expertise, connections, and facilities that are going to be important to commercialize the technologies of the future.Dale Winger, Managing Director, Halliburton Labs

Trevor Best, CEO, Syzygy PlasmonicsMoji Karimi, CEO, Cemvita Factory Inc.Federico Marques, Founder & CEO, Moonflower FarmsJane Stricker, SVP of Energy Transition and HETI Executive Director, Greater Houston Partnership

With the ongoing emergence of energy transition companies in Houston, startups are tackling climate change head on. Comprised of the founders of some of the most promising tech startups, the panel discussed their input in accelerating the global energy transition.

In Houston, weve launched The Ion, Halliburton Labs, Greentown Labs, a pretty broad range of incubators creating an ecosystem of innovation just in the last two years that allow for this green energy transition.Jane Stricker, Executive Director at HETI

If youre a climatetech VC and youre not looking at Houston, Texas, then youre about to miss out because things are happening in Houston.Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics

If I want Houston to become a bio-manufacturing hub, which I think it could be, the city has done a great amount in showing the vision and the will giving a new generation for companies to grow.Moji Karimi, CEO, CemvitaFactory

John Hall, President and CEO, HARC | Houston Advanced Research CenterDana Harmon, Executive Advisor, Texas Energy Poverty Research InstituteJane Stricker, SVP of Energy Transition and HETI Executive Director, Greater Houston Partnership

The panel discussion allowed for an open dialogue on the disparity of the economic and human health outcomes related to climate change.

Climate change has disproportionately affected low-to-moderate income communities the most, so how do we address the inequities? To remain the nations leader in energy, Texas must lean into its abundant renewable energy resources and lead the development and manufacturing of technologies that reduce and eliminate the climate and health pollution emitted by fossil fuels in commerce, industry, and vehicles.John Hall, President and CEO, HARC | Houston Advanced Research Center

In some of our recent data, what weve seen is people will, basically, self-meter energy consumption in Texas in July, August, September, and we do have evidence of heat exacerbated health effects caused by energy insecurity, so not being able to find cooling stations and things like that. There are important health implications associated with energy use, so we need to think about it holistically.Dana Harmon, Executive Advisor, Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute

The entire Houston House at SXSW program will be available on demand soon.

Read more from the original source:
Houston House Spotlights Tech and Innovation at SXSW - Greater Houston Partnership

Uh, that's not good. Bad Break Up

As if the threat of nuclear disaster at the hands of a mad oligarch wasnt enough, sea levels might rise after a section of Antarctic ice the size of Philadelphia abruptly shattered, exposing vulnerable glaciers to the sea and more rapid melting.

A large section of the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica, dubbed Larsen-B, has broken up into the ocean, according to a press release from the Earth Institute at Columbia University. Images from NASA satellites showed the ice shattering from January 19 to 21.

The ice previously helped protect many glaciers along the Antarctic Peninsula from the sea. But now, scientists say, the glaciers are vulnerable to accelerated melt that could raise sea levels even further.

The international team of scientists behind a new study about the breakup in the journal Remote Sensing of Environment still arent sure why exactly the Larsen-B ice shattered so quickly. However, some believe that the warming summer temperatures and winds carrying warm air could be partially responsible.

Its difficult to tell what actually caused the disintegration as the sea ice was already showing cracks prior to the breakup, Stef Lhermitte, a geoscience and remote sensing researcher at the Delft University of Technology, said in the release.

Regardless of the reason it broke up, the event still represents a serious threat to the glaciers it previously protected. The Larsen-B ice used to buttress the glaciers, holding back water flow from pushing them into the sea and minimizing their contribution to sea level rise. With it gone, the glaciers are now exposed and at risk of melting faster.

Sadly, this is just yet another grim example of anthropogenic climate change in action and yet another plodding step toward an uncertain environmental future.

READ MORE: Sea Ice That Slowed the Flow of Antarctic Glaciers Abruptly Shatters In Three Days [Columbia University]

More on glaciers: Welp, Scientists Say Antarctic Sea Ice Is at a Record Low

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The Sea Ice That Protects Antarctic Glaciers Just Completely Shattered, Scientists Say - Futurism

WATERLOO Its a concept seemingly ripped from a science-fiction script levitating pods that could transport cargo or people at breathtaking speeds topping 1,000 km/h through near-vacuum tubes.

The hyperloop concept, popularized by Tesla and SpaceXs Elon Musk, builds on ideas first conceived around compressed air and propulsion more than 200 years ago.

Today, there are several companies around the world working on ever-changing hyperloop technology, while students at post-secondary institutions, including the University of Waterloo, are developing prototypes to prove its feasibility.

I do think its quite likely, said Krista Porter, business lead for UWs 124-member hyperloop design team, Waterloop. As a human population all over the world, people are continuously striving to evolve I think its due time that something new comes up.

Founded in 2015, Waterloop is currently working on its fifth pod prototype, called Goose V, as team members get ready for a return to competition this year after being sidelined by the pandemic.

Propelled and levitated using a linear induction motor, the technology would see the pod reach high speeds through a near-vacuum tube thanks to greatly-reduced friction and air resistance.

Its basically a train, but youre removing all the inefficiencies, said team member Emrys Halbertsma.

At about 1.8 metres (six feet) long, Goose V carries a motor and battery pack, a motor controller, and guidance and braking systems; the hyperloop concept envisions full-size cargo or passenger pods, carrying up to 28 people each, and Waterloop hopes to design and build a working full-size pod in the coming years.

The team is also building its first test track at the Region of Waterloo International Airport; made of I-beams and about 100 metres long, the track is expected to be in use when UW hosts the Canadian Hyperloop Conference at the end of May.

This is just the first iteration of our test track, Porter said. We recently drafted up plans for a vacuum tube track, but we are still very much in the research phase of that, and also, were going to have to work hard to find funding to build that.

Porter said 10 teams from India, the United States and Canada have signed up so far for the upcoming conference. Waterloop will also be taking part in a competition as part of European Hyperloop Week in the Netherlands in July, and theyre hosting a green tech webinar on March 25 showcasing groups and teams at UW with a focus on sustainability.

Much of the teams progress is made possible through the generosity of sponsors that have provided everything from welding services to software and tools.

This is technology that requires money to make, and we are just a student team that does not generate any money ourselves, Porter said. If we didnt have sponsors, our team would not be where it is today.

Hyperloop technology can seem far-fetched and faces considerable challenges, cost and safety among them. Virgin Hyperloop, one of the key corporate players, announced last month that its going to focus on cargo rather than passengers.

Id say cargo is very feasible, said Halbertsma, adding theres clearly demand for the ability to move freight very quickly.

There are still a lot of unanswered questions, but its definitely technology thats worth exploring.

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A University of Waterloo team is working to develop futuristic levitating pods that can move people or cargo at breathtaking speeds - Waterloo Region...

American futurist

Peter Schwartz (; born 1946) is an American futurist, innovator, author, and co-founder of the Global Business Network (GBN), a corporate strategy firm, specializing in future-think and scenario planning.

Schwartz was born in 1946 to Klara and Benjamin Schwartz, Hungarian Jews who had been in concentration camps and were living in a displaced persons camp in Stuttgart, Germany.[1] The family soon moved to Norway, where they lived until he was five. At this point, they emigrated to America as stateless aliens on the S/S Stavangarfjord, arriving at the Port of New York in April 1951 and like nearly all displaced persons were taken to Ellis Island. They found a new home in Camden County, New Jersey, and Schwartz graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School in 1964.[2] He won a National Merit scholarship, and was able to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) on full scholarship. He served as RPI's May commencement speaker for the class of 2009.[3][4]

According to Stewart Brand, Schwartz was a member of Students for a Democratic Society. After graduating in 1968 with a B.S. in aeronautical engineering, Schwartz taught high school in Philadelphia and worked in the innovative student housing program at UC Davis. In 1972 he became an employee at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI), where he began to develop his unique method of scenario planning, and rose to director of the Strategic Environment Center.[1] In 1982, he moved to London to work for Royal Dutch Shell as head of scenario planning. In 1985, while giving a speech at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory of UC Berkeley, he met his future wife, Cathleen Gross. He moved to live with her in Berkeley, California, in 1987. They married and had one child, Benjamin "Books" Schwartz, born in 1990.

Schwartz has written several books, on a variety of future-oriented topics.

He has also worked as a consultant on several movies, including Minority Report, Deep Impact, Sneakers, and WarGames. He serves on the board of directors for the Long Now Foundation.[6] He also serves in the boards of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and the Asia Internet Coalition In 2007, Schwartz moderated a forum titled "The Impact of Web 2.0 and Emerging Social Network Models" as part of the World Economic Forum in Davos. He serves on the Research Innovation and Enterprise Council of Singapore and in 2014 was appointed an International Distinguished Fellow of the Prime Minister's Office. He was also voted into the Futurists hall of fame by the Association of Professional Futurists in 2012. Additionally, Schwartz is also a member of the Berggruen Institute's 21st Century Council.[7]

Schwartz founded the Global Business Network (GBN) in 1988 in his Berkeley basement with several close friends including Napier Collyns, Jay Ogilvy and Stewart Brand. Schwartz called GBN an information hunting and gathering company, and describes it as a high level networking and corporate research agency.[1] In 2001, it was bought by premier strategy consulting firm the Monitor Group, although it continued to operate as a distinct entity. The Monitor Group was acquired by Deloitte in 2013 which elected to shut down GBN.

He left the company in October 2011, to work at Salesforce.com as Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning. His role there includes the job title "Chief Futures Officer".[8]

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Peter Schwartz (futurist) - Wikipedia

David Houle| Sarasota Herald-Tribune

In my last column, I explained why one of the forecasts from A Look Into 2022 A Split Screen Year the ascendant strength of labor and employees this decade was, in fact, happening. I mentioned what has been called the Great Resignation would be looked back upon as the clear demarcation of the beginning of this trend.

The numerical reality of the changing workplace and the changing employment marketplace is truly unprecedented. From April 2021through the fourth quarter of 2021 there had regularly been 400,000 to 500,000 resignations in the U.S. on a monthly basis. When this happened last April, it was a huge historical milestone. That milestone has been surpassed many times since then.

The pandemic has clearly affected us in many ways. One of the most noticeable ways is how much people have changed how they think about work. After one has spent months working from home, being more productive, having more time with loved ones, having more personal time, it becomes difficult to go back to the pre-COVID workplace.

The last full year pre-COVID was 2019. That was a record year in U.S. history for time spent commuting.The average commute distance for Americans that year was 27.6 minutes one way, or almost an hour a day.Five hours a week. In addition, the cost of gas, auto maintenance andparking to do this average commute can be more than $100 a week.

The world has changed. The view of work has been transformed. The old, 20th century model of commuting to an office five days a week is not coming back as the norm.

There is not one person I have interacted with since the first lockdown who has not had some significant change in how they view work, their life, how they work, where they can work remotely from, and how work and personal and family have been rebalanced. When death has been at the door, the pleasures of ones home become ever more important

A fundamental change has occurred, and the sooner employers and companies understand this, the better off they will be.

Iforecast that this decade will see a complete reinvention of work. The workers will gain more power, altering the dynamic with employers. This power will only partially be gained in the old ways of union strikes and stop-work actions. It will be gained as ever more people work from home, choose to become independent contractors and indeed become digital nomads. Talent will have increasing leverage in the area of employment negotiations.

For the last decade, I have consistently spoken and written about how, in the Shift Age, the Physical Reality will give way to the Screen Reality. Since March 2020, it has. We like to be working on our screens, living in a nice place, with family nearby.

Companies going forward will have fewer employees, more technology and more training. In addition, the corporate world will start to more fully embrace the dynamic of the creative class and will increase the number of contract workers.

It is estimated that by 2030 there may well be one billion people working as digital nomads globally. This entire movement of have laptop and phone, work from nice places really went into high gear during the time of the pandemic.

This, in fact, is significant for Sarasota County in particular. Since the beginning of COVID two years ago, the county has been one of the top counties in Florida, and therefore in the entire country, for digital nomads. There is more than anecdotal evidence that people have left congested cities where they had to live to be close to work, to move to nicer places to live such as Sarasota and Manatee counties where they now work remotely.

This is an entirely new economic development strategy for our area. Clearly, the booming residential real estate market locally is evidence that this is happening. The economic development model from the last century is to lure companies to move here and bring all their employees with them. This usually meant that some special tax incentives had to be offered to lure a company to relocate. Now we can avoid giving out any tax incentives and still reap the benefit of the influx ofwealth and population.

The workplace of 2025 will be vastly different than that of2019.

The key point to make about this is that it is time for both Sarasota and Manatee counties to rethink our vision for the workplace of the future. The old workplace is rapidly receding in the past and the new one is rushing toward us. We can hugely benefit from current dynamics but we must open up our thinking to do so.

Sarasota resident David Houle is a globally recognized futurist. He has given speeches on six continents, written seven books and is futurist in residence at the Ringling College of Art andDesign. His website isdavidhoule.com. Email him atdavid@davidhoule.com.

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THE FUTURIST: The collapse of legacy thinking about the workplace - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

NASAs Mars Exploration Program released an intriguing, beautiful image of what it almost certainly not a flower this week.

The space agencys Curiosity Rover merged six images on Friday to complete a photo of a tiny, microscopic formation that indeed looks like it could be an organism, but is actually created from delicate mineral crystals. The photo was taken by the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) at the end of Curiositys robotic arm, according to NASA.

Abigail Fraeman, Curiositys deputy project scientist, tweeted the image along with a penny added for scale, shown below.

A beautiful new microscopic image from @MarsCuriosity shows teeny, tiny delicate structures that formed by mineral precipitating from water, Fraeman said online.

She went on to share details about similar structures found in the past, explaining via Twitter that flower-like deposits were found on Mars in the Pahrump Hills and made of salts called sulfates. The faux flowers are made of diagenetic crystal clusters, according to ScienceAlert.com. Diagenetic refers to the recombination or rearrangement of minerals, and these three-dimensional crystal clusters are probably made of a combination of minerals that include the sulfates Fraeman mentioned.

In addition, Fraeman retweeted a 3D model of the flower created by Simeon Schmauss using the images the rover captured.

Plenty of fans likened the sandy image to a zen garden, and Fraeman even captioned the photo as a moment of zen.

I would call this a Martian Zen Garden, one user tweeted in response to Schmauss model.

It might not be a real flower, but the mineral structure sure is pretty to look at and provides scientists with much-needed intel on the Martian surface.

More on space photography: The Webb Telescopes Latest Star Photo Is Absolutely Magnificient

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Mars Rover Snaps Image That Looks a Lot Like an Organism, Though of Course It's Almost Certainly Not - Futurism

You might have blinked and missed multi-disciplinary artist Domino among the throngs of party-goers atRolling Stonespre-Super Bowl party. As hundreds of Los Angeles most influential traipsed between the events star-studded performances, roped-off areas, and red carpets, digital-art darling Domino could be found surveying the non-fungible art adorning the walls of presenting sponsor Coinbases, well, base. Sure, iann diormay have been ascending the outdoor stage 100 feet away, but here was a room exhibiting some of the most exciting contributions to the NFT landscapeincluding Dominos own.

The allegiance betweenRolling Stoneand Coinbase served as further evidence of the Crypto Bowl titled such because the Super Bowls highly-coveted commercial airtime was practically dominated by first-time advertisers: cryptocurrency companies. Coinbase itself was no exception. Not only did its bouncing QR code promotion subsequentlycrash the app, but the brand refused to allow a first-time convergence of sport, tech, and entertainment to go by without including NFTs the newest and decidedly hottest way to diversify ones investment portfolio.

As such, Domino is among the 12 creators recruited to collaborate on an exclusive piece available to the partys Coinbase Wallet users. This kind of release represents exclusive access to the NFT big leagues, or for long-time collectors, the opportunity to obtain another piece of history. But for Domino, a musician, magician, and artist, who sold his first NFT in 2021, the marketplace is so much more than a cash grab.

A lot of people still see a chance to get rich quick, but for me, its always been about community, he explains. While I trained in so many different crafts; performance, design, film, which all taught me a lot, I owe my momentum in NFTs to community events like Twitch streams and building relationships with other artists.

RS Collection, Powered by Coinbase was unveiled at Rolling Stone Live: Los Angeles

Wes and Alex for Rolling Stone

Domino sold 20-25 NFTs in the first two months, the first for one ETH (approx US $3,000, which takes 96 days to mine), the second for two, and so forth. He would go on to generate $120k in sales and over 3 million interactions for his musical project,Presessence, Vol. 1,in three weeks. He acknowledges his stratospheric growth within his artwork for the Coinbase collaboration: a series of self-portraits representing his journey.

Its been interesting to watch because it went from digital art being a joke to selling at Chrysties [for] $60 million dollars. I feel like the next step is music how will the Grammys recognize this kind of movement?

Surrounding Domino in the Coinbase camp are the submissions of his peers. Theres KidEight, a graphic designer and animator whose cherub creation EVOL sells out within minutes for tens of thousands. In this instance, a menacing EVOL is a Rolling Stonecover star, decked in his signature ski mask and Cuban link chain. KidEight reflected on his contribution to the collaborative NFT saying, I try to bring a level of humour to my work. When I got approached to be apart of the collaboration it was a no brainer that EVOL should get his own Rolling Stone cover. It is a bit tongue in cheek but also a manifestation of what I believe this characters potential is culturally.

Theres also Emmy Award-winning motion graphic artist Emonee LaRussa, who counts the likes of Kanye West and Lil Nas X as collaborators, with a mind-bending holographic. Famed surrealist Jeff Manning continues his exploration of Afrofuturism with a gilded harp, while industry darling and Apple-favorite Elise Swopes abstractly reimagines a cityscape.

The NFT Gallery at Rolling Stone Live: Los Angeles featured the works of artists who contributed to the RS Collection

Rich Polk for Rolling Stone

In full color-blocked glory is a stand-out piece from Boss Beauties. Unlike the other offerings, Boss Beauties is helmed by a wife-husband duo, who work in conjunction with an artist to characterize female empowerment. Co-founded by Lisa Mayer to benefit My Social Canvas, her non-profit that equips young women with mentorship and scholarships, the Boss Beauties collection features female role models throughout history alongside women simply living their truth. For Rolling Stone x Coinbase, they conceptualized a rocknroll queen complete with a WAGMI pin (an acronymic rallying cry for the crypto community that stands for We are all gonna make it). Co-founder Anthony Furlong hopes Boss Beauties is only the beginning when it comes to mission-oriented NFTs.

A lot of these projects will give back to charity off their initial mint, but its not really built into what they do whereas thats where we come from, he explains. We want people to sell the Boss Beauties and pay off their student loans.

Its still all about the original mission, but we want to build it out on a global scale, adds Lisa Mayer. We want to empower women all over the world to be everything they want to be.

The collaborative NFT will be animated and re-released on Coinbases NFT marketplace soon. The contributors are excited for their availability to the public and the evolution of NFT blockchain Ethereum, which they believe will soon adopt a more eco-friendly proof of stake system that is more circulatory, requiring less electricity. As for whats next for non-fungible tokens, they, like many of us, cant really speak to whats in store. But for now, theyre just happy to be in the room.

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Crypto Futurism and Pop Culture Converged at Rolling Stone Live: Los Angeles - Rolling Stone

A Spanish company is pouring tens of millions of dollars into becoming the worlds first commercial octopus farm, in spite of mounting evidence that the creatures can feel pain and pleasure, nevermind the environmental impacts of cephalopod farming.

A Reuters report about Nueva Pescanova, the company set to start farming octopi pending European Union approval, spotlights the significant ethical and environmental concerns looming over the startup fishery thats already loaded 65 million euros (the equivalent of $74 million USD) into its efforts.

Octopi have been getting unprecedented attention in recent years. From the 2014 video of an octopus walking on land to the endless stream of footage showing octopi adorably (and sometimes ferociously) fighting with other aquatic animals and humans alike, these feisty creatures are beloved online and off, as evidenced by Netflixs stunning, uber-popular documentary My Octopus Teacher.

Yet in spite of the overwhelming public and scientific acknowledgement of their intelligence, which in 2021 led the UK to legally declare them sentient, octopi fishing has boomed, with some analysts declaring it the fastest-growing food production sector globally. Naturally, overfishing octopi has become a major concern hence the desire for octopus farms.

Octopus fishing and potential farming, critics say, is fraught for a number of reasons. Reuters notes that previous captive octopi-breeding efforts have blown up because get this the cephalopods exhibit cannibalism, self-mutilation, and aggression towards each other.

While Nueva Pescanova director David Chavarrias stressed to Reuters that the company hasnt yet observed cannibalisticbehavior in its octopi, the company hasnt provided many details on the creatures conditions at its facilities.

To foster a quality of life high enough to keep such intelligent animals comfortable would cost much more than would be profitable, according to the World Wildlife Foundations Raul Garcia, who directs the organizations fishing conservation efforts in Spain.

Octopuses are extremely intelligent and extremely curious, Garcia toldReuters. And its well known they are not happy in conditions of captivity.

Eduardo Almansa, a scientist whose employer, Spains Oceanography Institute, developed Nueva Pescanovas farming technology, told the news wire that if we want to continue consuming octopus we have to look for an alternative because the fisheries have already reached their limit.

Environmental researchers,though, have warned that farming octopi harms the environment just as much as fishing for them would.

Octopus farming would increase, not alleviate, pressure on wild aquatic animals, Jennifer Jacquet, a professor of environmental studies at New York University, wrote in a 2019 analysis where she and fellow researchers came out against the proposed practice. Given the depleted state of global fisheries and the challenges of providing adequate nutrition to a growing human population, increased farming of carnivorous species such as octopus will act counter to the goal of improving global food security.

This rock-and-a-hard-place scenario, as many activists point out, is good cause to simply stop buying and eating octopus. But short a global vibe shift away from eating these intelligent cephalopods or the EU deciding not to let octopi farming go ahead, its hard to imagine this wont be an ethical flashpoint for years to come.

READ MORE:Worlds first octopus farm stirs ethical debate [Reuters]

More octopi:Scientists: Octopuses Love to Fling Objects at Each Other

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Critics Horrified by World's First Octopus Farm - Futurism