Three Solutions for 2023

For this last post of the week (and of the year), here are three success stories from the past year. All too often in the news, it can be easy to fall down a rabbit hole of despair as nothing seems to go right in the world. So, take a moment to breathe and remind yourself that positive change is happening, and you can be part of it.?

All-terrain chairs in US National Parks?

Imagine being able to explore rugged trails, go fishing, or simply soak in the tranquility of nature in a state park, regardless of your mobility challenges. Thanks to the introduction of all-terrain 'track chairs' in National Parks across the US, this is now a reality for many. These innovative wheelchairs, equipped with tank-like treads, are breaking down barriers and empowering people to experience the great outdoors in a way that was once thought impossible. From the shores of Michigan to the heart of Georgia, these chairs are not only providing access to nature, but also opening up a world of adventure for those who were previously sidelined. The growing availability of these chairs is a testament to the commitment of various states to make the beauty of their parks accessible to all.??

AI Brings the Past to Life?

A recent ground-breaking study by a team from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and Mainz University of Applied Sciences has unveiled an AI system capable of deciphering ancient cuneiform texts, representing a significant leap in understanding one of humanity's earliest writing systems. The researchers focused on a set of cuneiform tablets from the Frau Professor Hilprecht Collection, some over 5,000 years old, originating from ancient Mesopotamia and inscribed with languages like Sumerian, Assyrian, and Akkadian. The AI system, based on the Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) architecture, utilized a unique dataset consisting of 3D models of 1,977 cuneiform tablets, with detailed annotations of 21,000 cuneiform signs and 4,700 wedges. This novel technology not only democratizes access to these ancient records but also opens up new avenues for research, allowing for broader analysis and interpretation of historical texts.??

A Golden Return for Rare Moles?

The De Winton's golden mole, a species not seen since 1937 and feared extinct, has been rediscovered near the coastal town of Port Nolloth in north-west South Africa. This elusive, blind, and iridescent mole, named for the oily secretions that help it "swim" through sand, lives in underground burrows and had not been detected for 86 years. The rediscovery was made possible by a two-year search effort, which involved the use of a border collie dog trained to sniff out the moles. The finding was confirmed through genetic sequencing of samples. The discovery has provided hope for the conservation of other lost or imperilled species, and it has also revealed the potential of eDNA technology for future discoveries. In addition to the De Winton's golden mole, evidence of three other mole species, including the endangered Van Zyl's golden mole, was found in the area. The rediscovery highlights the importance of continued conservation efforts for vulnerable species.?

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