Hyperloop: Elon Musk’s crazy transport system just came a step closer to its 2020 launch goal as it’s about to be tested in Nevada December 9, 2015 Hyperloop, the ambitious (some may say crazy) project to build a high speed transport system that would shoot people from A to B in pods travelling almost at the speed of sound, will begin testing its technology as soon as spring 2016. The brainchild of Tesla and Space X entrepreneur Elon Musk, work will begin on testing [...]
Men lose their brain power faster than women, but their bodies stay in better shape December 9, 2015 Men might not really be from Mars and women almost certainly aren't from Venus – but in the battle of the sexes, one gender has more staying power when it comes to their brains. Women's minds stay in tip-top condition for longer than men's, but their bodies deteriorate faster, according to a new study in [...]
Private equity house KKR to buy scientific testing specialists LGC from London investment firm Bridgepoint December 8, 2015 American private equity firm KKR has agreed to buy life sciences firm LGC from London-based investment group Bridgepoint for an undisclosed sum. LGC said under KKR’s ownership it plans to “continue the rapid development of the business” with a particular focus on the US and Asia. The company specialises in scientific testing, including DNA testing [...]
Sequoia Capital just made a big bet on insurance tech with $13m Lemonade investment December 8, 2015 Sequoia Capital, one of the world's leading venture capital firms which was an early backer of Apple, Google and Yahoo, has invested millions in a fintech startup with designs on disrupting the insurance world. New York-based Lemonade, a p2p insurance company which has yet to launch, has landed $13m (£8.7m) from the Sequoia and London-based VC firm Aleph Capital. It's [...]
Google’s Eric Schmidt wants to solve online terror activity with a “spell-checker” for hate and harrasment December 8, 2015 Google chairman Eric Schmidt has said tech companies should be involved in fighting terrorist propaganda from the likes of Islamic State (IS), as well as other online hate speech. In an editorial for the New York Times, the tech boss made the case that the internet revolution has brought good, but also challenges: "For all the good people can [...]
From 3D selfies to more cybersecurity woes – are these the 10 consumer trends that will define 2016? December 8, 2015 Crystal ball-gazing is an imperfect art, but technology manufacturer Ericsson has nevertheless had a go at predicting which consumer trends will be hot in 2016. And from 3D selfies to printing food, it all sounds a bit… futuristic. But company's ConsumerLab said consumer interest in them is "quite strong". So without further ado, here are 10 ways our [...]
Digital health, wearables and apps: 9 in 10 Brazilian doctors use WhatsApp to talk to patients December 7, 2015 Do you get WhatsApp messages from your doctor? Almost certainly not if you’re reading this in the UK – but if you’re in Brazil it’ll be an everyday occurrence. Brazilian doctors are 40 times likelier than their British counterparts to use the social media platform to communicate with their patients. A new global study of [...]
Gett Wine: Now Londoners can get wine on-demand within 10 minutes as taxi app expands product delivery range December 7, 2015 There's a new solution to wine emergencies (we've all been there): on-demand wine delivery straight to your door. Whether it's a last minute event and you need to show up with a bottle in hand, or it's just been a long week at the office, getting hold of the latest red is now as easy [...]
David Cameron’s age according to a robot after 10 years as Conservative party leader December 6, 2015 It's hard work being a leader. Understandably, anyone put in charge of a country, or a political party's bid to do that, can expect to look a little greyer and a little more grizzled after a few years at the top. From a fresh-faced 39 year-old to a near 50 year old, David Cameron is celebrating [...]
Geminid meteor shower 2015: What causes it, where can I see it and when will it be at its peak? December 4, 2015 This evening, lots of shooting stars will appear in the sky, and will continue lighting it up for a good two weeks. The Geminid meteor shower is due to make its annual appearance over our heads from 4 to 17 December, and this year it promises to be as impressive as ever. At their peak [...]