A whole swarm of robots can now be controlled with just the swipe of a finger May 13, 2015 It is now possible to control an entire fleet of robots just by gently swiping the screen of a smart tablet. The machines, which look more like cute toys than man-killing monsters, are drawn to wherever there is a beam of red light, and this can be determined by where you place your finger [...]
London house prices: Allsop to auction new-build London flats online – so you can bid on a home from your sofa May 13, 2015 Bargain hunters are used to getting their hands on decrepit "fixer-uppers" at auction. But for the first time ever next month, they will be able to get their hands on a set of sparkly new flats – in an online auction. Auctioneers Allsop will sell off homes at the West Drayton Waterside development, on the [...]
Unhealthy lifestyles are taking their toll: The number of young people suffering strokes is on the rise May 12, 2015 The number of working-age people suffering strokes is going up, and it's largely the result of our unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles. Research by the Stroke Association charity shows how in England last year, 6,221 men aged 40-54 were admitted to hospital for the condition, which was 1,961 more than in 2000. For women falling [...]
A class of her own: Anthemis founder Amy Nauiokas talks gender and the future of banks May 10, 2015 What makes someone exceptional? Being chief executive of Barclays Stockbrokers by 34? Heading up four major departments at Cantor Fitzgerald in the wake of 9/11? Or setting up and running both a digital financial services investment and advisory firm and a media production company? These are just the highlights of Anthemis and Archer Gray founder [...]
The world’s most valuable start up? Uber eyes $50bn valuation from next fundraising round May 10, 2015 Uber is aiming to become the world's most valuable startup in a new fundraising effort. The disruptive taxi-hailing app, already valued over $40bn, is aiming to raise between $1.5bn and $2bn in a private funding round according to report in the Wall Street Journal. Such a valuation would set Uber on course to become the most [...]
Finding diamonds has just been made a lot easier, thanks to a rare African plant May 7, 2015 The Pandanus Candelabrum is more than just a fairly dull-looking, palm-like plant found in Africa – it is also a clue to where diamonds might be hidden. This rare species is very particular about its living conditions, and as such will only grow in soil fit for a diamond. The discovery was made by [...]
Global carbon dioxide level is at its highest in over three million years May 7, 2015 The amount of carbon dioxide in the world's atmosphere has reached its highest point since humans came into existence, and there's little chance of reversing the damage. In March 2015, the US National Atmosphere Administration (Noaa) measured the global concentration of the gas as 400 parts per million (ppm), adding that the last time it [...]
The rise of Cyberchondria: Search engines are wrongly making us believe we have terrible diseases May 7, 2015 You're feeling a bit funny – what could the cause be? A life-threatening disease? If MrDoctor123 on unknown medical blog considers it to be a vague possibility, then surely there's a genuine risk of imminent death. This over-reliance on the internet to self-diagnose our medical problems is spreading across the world faster than a highly [...]
2015 General Election 2.0: The best political apps for last-minute swatting May 6, 2015 We’re all agreed that this has been the most digital election yet. Between #milifandom and the #cameronettes, social media and online registration has played a larger role in getting people to vote than ever before. Think tanks, newspapers and crowdfunders have all had a go at creating the ultimate election tool to capture the [...]
SpaceX shows off its Dragon abort system for keeping humans safe in space missions May 6, 2015 SpaceX flexed some rocket muscle today, as it attempted to show Nasa how safely it can send humans up into space via a cargo ship. The US aerospace company, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, tested the abort system aboard its Dragon capsule, which it hopes to eventually use for transporting humans to and from [...]