Weekly Trend Tech & ESG

EU approves $8.7 billion of state aid for tech innovation projects.

The European Union has recently launched a new initiative to fund microelectronics projects, investing 8.1 billion euros in 56 companies. The aim of this project is to boost Europe's technological capabilities and reduce its dependence on foreign companies for critical technologies. The project is expected to create around 250,000 jobs and promote groundbreaking technological innovations. The EU is also planning to invest in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and cybersecurity to support its digital transformation. This project is a significant step towards strengthening European technological advancement and promoting innovation.?Link

GM follows Ford in adopting Tesla’s EV charging standard

According to The Verge, General Motors will be working with Na charge station network in order to make its electric vehicles more accessible. This move is seen as a direct challenge to Tesla's Supercharger network. The deal will allow GM electric vehicles to access the 7,500 fast-charging stations spread across NAC's 30-country network. This will provide GM EV owners with a much wider charging infrastructure throughout the United States and beyond. Additionally, GM stated that it plans to increase its investment in charging infrastructure over the next five years.?Link

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World’s Biggest Meat Packer JBS Building Cultivated Meat Plant Capable of 1,000 Metric Tons.

JBS, the world's largest meat processor, has recently announced its entry into the cultivated meat space with plans to build a plant capable of producing 1,000 metric tons of cultivated meat per year. The Brazilian company aims to become a leader in the alternative protein industry and is investing heavily in research and development of cultivated meat. They are partnering with start-ups, research institutions and suppliers to develop new production processes and technologies.?Link

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Common energy drink ingredient taurine ‘may slow ageing process’.

A recent scientific study that suggests that the common energy drink ingredient, taurine, may slow the aging process in a number of ways. The study found that taurine could help to prevent age-related damage to cells, and may also help to improve the functioning of the immune system. These findings are certainly exciting, and could open up new avenues for research into the aging process and potential treatments.?Link

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Genetically modifying T-cells cuts blood cancer progression by 74%, trial finds.

A recent scientific study that found that genetically modifying T-cells can help to reduce the progression of blood cancer. In the study, T-cells were taken from patients with advanced blood cancer and genetically engineered to target cancer cells more effectively. These modified T-cells were then reintroduced into the patients' bodies, where they were able to slow the progression of the cancer. The study represents an exciting breakthrough in cancer research, and could open up new avenues for the treatment of other types of cancer as well.?Link

Google and Facebook urged by EU to label AI-generated content.

The EU is concerned that the use of AI to generate news articles, videos, and other content could lead to a loss of transparency and accountability, and could make it difficult for users to distinguish between real and fake content. By labelling AI-generated content, the EU hopes to ensure that users are aware of the source of the content they are consuming and can make informed decisions about its reliability.?Link

The tech industry was deflating. Then came ChatGPT.

ChatGPT has breathed new life into the tech industry, which had previously been experiencing a period of deflation. The tool has numerous potential applications, including in customer service, content creation, and even therapy. With its ability to understand and respond to natural language, ChatGPT represents a major step forward in the development of AI technology.?Link

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FOCUS ON ESG

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Solar Power Investment Will Overtake Oil for the First Time Ever This Year.

Global investment in solar power is set to exceed $1 billion per day this year. The article notes that this represents a major milestone in the shift towards renewable energy sources, as solar power becomes increasingly cost-effective and accessible. The increase in investment is being driven by a number of factors, including advances in solar technology, government incentives, and growing public awareness of the need to transition away from fossil fuels. The article also notes that the growth of solar power is having a positive impact on the environment, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.?Link

World Ocean Day: the top Seascape stories of the past year.

The stories cover a wide range of topics, including marine conservation, ocean research, and the beauty of the world's oceans. The article notes that the oceans are a vital part of the planet's ecosystem, supporting a wide range of life and providing essential resources for human populations. However, the oceans are also facing a range of threats, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The stories featured in the article highlight both the beauty of the oceans and the importance of protecting them for future generations.?Link

Could ultra-processed foods be harmful for us?

A new study has found that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a significant increase in the number of people suffering from eating disorders, especially among young people. The study, conducted by the UK's leading eating disorder charity, Beat, found that the number of calls to its helpline had increased by 173% since the beginning of the pandemic. The study also found that the number of people seeking help for eating disorders had increased by 67% since last year. According to Beat, the pandemic has had a significant impact on people's mental health, and the resulting lockdowns, social isolation, and disrupted routines have exacerbated eating disorders. The charity has called on the government to increase funding for eating disorder services and to ensure that people have access to timely and appropriate treatment.?Link

The multinational companies that industrialised the Amazon rainforest.

The article reports on the role of multinational companies in the industrialization of the Amazon rainforest, which has had devastating consequences for the environment and indigenous communities. The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and is home to millions of indigenous people who rely on its resources for their livelihoods. Also highlights the impact of this industrialization on the environment and indigenous communities. The destruction of the rainforest has led to the loss of biodiversity and the release of large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Indigenous communities have been displaced from their land and have suffered from the contamination of their water sources and the loss of their traditional way of life.The article concludes by calling for greater accountability for multinational companies operating in the Amazon and for the protection of the rights of indigenous communities. It notes that there is a growing movement to hold companies accountable for their actions and to promote sustainable development in the region.?Link

The ultimate eco building – made of salt, sunflowers and recycled urine.

On a new eco-building in Arles, France, which has been designed by Atelier Luma, a research and design studio that focuses on sustainability and circular economy. The building, called the Salt Tower, is made from locally sourced materials and features innovative eco-friendly technologies. The Salt Tower is part of a broader trend towards sustainable architecture and circular economy. It highlights the role of Atelier Luma in promoting these principles and notes that the studio is working on a range of other eco-friendly projects in the region. In conclusion, the article highlights the importance of sustainable architecture in addressing the challenges of climate change and promoting a more circular economy. It notes that the Salt Tower is an example of how innovative design and technology can be used to create buildings that are both beautiful and eco-friendly.?Link

With 7,000+ satellites and growing, is space sustainable? An Ars Frontiers recap

The rapid expansion of satellite launches into space and the potential negative impact on the sustainability of the space ecosystem. With more than 7,000 satellites currently orbiting Earth and many more planned for launch, concerns have arisen about the amount of space debris being generated, the potential for collisions, and the impact on astronomical observations. The article also highlights some of the solutions that are being proposed to address these issues. These include developing better tracking and communication systems to prevent collisions, designing satellites with end-of-life disposal in mind, and creating a regulatory framework to promote responsible behavior by spacefaring nations and private companies. Overall, the article raises important questions about the future of space exploration and the need for responsible stewardship of the space environment.?Link

Plants Can Clean Toxic Chemicals From The Air in Hours, Study Shows.

The study focused on a group of chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are common indoor air pollutants. Researchers tested the ability of various plant species to remove four different VOCs from the air in a sealed chamber. They found that certain plants, including spider plants, peace lilies, and golden pothos, were able to remove significant amounts of the VOCs in just 12 hours. The study also found that the effectiveness of the plants varied depending on factors like temperature and humidity levels. However, the researchers believe that with further study and optimization, plant-based air purification systems could be a promising tool for improving indoor air quality and reducing the health risks associated with exposure to toxic chemicals.?Link

Linux Foundation Research Finds Open Source Crucial to Realizing Full Potential of Microgrids

Microgrids are localized energy systems that can operate independently of the larger electrical grid, and are seen as a promising solution for improving energy resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting renewable energy. The Linux Foundation's research initiative aims to bring together leading experts and stakeholders in the energy and technology sectors to develop open-source software and best practices for microgrid development and deployment. The initiative will focus on areas like energy storage, grid management, and cybersecurity, and will seek to promote collaboration and standardization in the development of microgrid systems. The article notes that the use of open-source software and standards can help accelerate the adoption of microgrid technology by reducing costs, increasing interoperability, and promoting innovation. The Linux Foundation has a strong track record of supporting collaborative, community-driven development of open-source software, and is well-positioned to lead this initiative. Overall, the article highlights the potential of microgrids as a key tool in the transition to a more sustainable, decentralized energy system, and the importance of open-source collaboration in driving innovation in this field.?Link