As of 2016, the global economic benefits of genetically modified crops surpassed $150 billion. Considering the first engineered crop was developed by Calgene in 1994, this progress is simply incredible. Although having caused quite a stir when first released publicly, the farmers, and even consumers, have grown fond of these new innovations. It goes without saying that the latest scientific breakthroughs are rigorously tested, which … Continue reading The Rise of GM Crops
On the 1st April 2016, the Guardian newspaper published an April Fool’s article describing the Foodini – “the first 3D-food printer to print all types of real, fresh, nutritious foods”. Many people smirked actually tempted to buy. But it wasn’t a joke. 3D food printing is no sci-fi experiment or Wallace & Gromit invention. Today 3D food printers actually exist and are coming to your … Continue reading 3D-printed Food
In today’s economic climate, where most of the world is stuck at home and groups larger than a small family are banned, it would seem logical that the first industries to struggle would be ones based on travel and/or large gatherings of people. So, cruise liners, being the perfect blend of the two with an average of 3,000 guests per ship, look like they may … Continue reading Coronavirus: The iceberg that could sink the cruise industry
In the past, technological innovation had led to higher worker productivity, which led to rising wages, which led to increased purchasing power for workers, which led to higher demand, which led to more innovation to meet that demand. Innovation has made our lives easier. With the Industrial Revolution, people shifted into factory jobs from agriculture and as automation became more advanced, humans again shifted, this … Continue reading The Rise of Automation: Why it will be different this time
“A reminder that the virus does not discriminate, we are all at risk.” These were the words UK Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove presented to the public when Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for coronavirus. Covid-19 may not discriminate but it certainly impacts individuals, companies, and countries differently, for better or worse. Despite the unrelenting news about suffering and hardships as countries struggle to … Continue reading The Hyper-Digitalisation of Covid-19
China’s quick recovery from Covid-19 has sparked concerns about the country’s increasing geopolitical power. The crisis has exacerbated anti-Chinese rhetoric which has encouraged Western firms to lessen their reliance on Chinese goods and services. However, somewhat worryingly, this isn’t possible in one increasingly important market: the market for rare earth elements (REEs), which plays a crucial role in the production of most electronic goods- everything … Continue reading China’s Stranglehold on Rare Earth Elements
Work is central to humanity. It governs our purpose and use of time; without it we would lose all sense of hierarchy and social solidarity. Not only is it vital to individuals and their livelihoods, it is also a central part of culture and societies internationally, with work being a staple of social order and status. Nations and communities who productively employ people are usually … Continue reading The New Age of Work
The rapid increase in global data production that is currently taking the world by storm is by no means a recent phenomenon. Indeed, ever since the very earliest stages of mankind’s existence, data in some form has been the metric used to evaluate almost everything, from decisions regarding the implementation of new technologies to deciding on the most suitable design for a product. It is … Continue reading The Data Revolution
In 2008 the first cryptocurrency Bitcoin was launched. While still providing a means for exchanges and the store of value, cryptocurrencies have the distinct advantage of being decentralised as opposed to the more typical fiat currencies (e.g. the US Dollar) which rely on banks and governments to declare it legal tender and maintain its value. However, Bitcoin has the advantage of cutting out the ‘middle-man’ … Continue reading The Bitcoin Bubble
Mobile data has become ubiquitous with cellular packages, and its usage is likely to increase further. Access to mobile data is essential for consumers due to the unreliability and privacy concerns of public Wi-Fi networks and long commuter hours spent around the globe. However, even with increasing demand, data prices in India (which houses the world’s second highest number of mobile users) have been drastically … Continue reading Indian Telecom Revolution
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