In this episode of the podcast, Nature reporter Davide Castelvecchi joins us to talk about the big science events to look out for in 2020. We’ll hear about multiple missions to Mars, a prototype electric car, efforts to prevent dengue, and more.
Technology Review: AI Camera & Sensor Systems At CES 2020 (WSJ Video)
Two new smart systems use cameras, artificial intelligence and an assortment of sensors to keep watch over you—Patscan looks for threats in public spaces, while Eyeris monitors the driver and passengers in a car. WSJ’s Katherine Bindley visits CES to explores their advantages, as well as their privacy costs.
Nature Videos: BBC Earth’s “Best Of The Decade”
The last 10 years have been unforgettable. Here are our favourite moments from the last decade, let us know yours in the comments.
Planet Earth http://bit.ly/PlanetEarthPlaylist
Essays: 61-Year Old Canadian Writer Don Gillmor Reflects On Baby Boomers (Maclean’s)
From a Maclean’s Magazine online essay (01/08/20):
Boomers tore down institutions—divorce rates went up, churchgoing went down. We demonized the corporations that previous generations had venerated, though we bought their products in record numbers, our idealism blurring with the search for the perfect pair of jeans. We wanted it all. In place of institutions, we created the cult of the individual, our own particular Frankenstein.
So much of our music comes back to us in unfortunate ways, Dylan’s anthems barely recognizable in sappy orchestral arrangements that fill the hours we spend on hold. And we seem to be permanently on hold these days. We are between 55 and 73 years old now, still defining this as middle age, still a potent economic force because of our numbers, controlling 70 per cent of disposable income, though it feels to many of us that we have already disposed of it. Still, we bought houses when they were vaguely affordable. And politicians still cater to us because we vote en masse. However, we are largely left out of the cultural conversation, as music and social media continues to evolve, always leaving us one app behind the curve.
New Travel Books: “Hong Kong – Trope City Edition”
This carefully curated and bound collection offers a unique modern perspective of Hong Kong. Each chapter in Trope Hong Kong is accompanied by a map of the area along with the locations where the photographs were taken. In many cases, there are several photographs of the same location, shot at different times of the day, in different seasons, with different tones.
Trope Hong Kong, the third volume in the Trope City Editions series, celebrates the juxtaposition of colorful chaos and architectural order of this iconic, constantly changing city. The collection highlights the work of 17 emerging photographers from Hong Kong and beyond, who through their passion for the craft, creative development, and social media smarts have amassed a collective Instagram following of 1.3 million.
Vintage: “1955 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible” (Classic Driver)
From Wikipedia:
The Cadillac Eldorado is a premium luxury car that was manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 to 2002 over twelve generations. Competitors and similar vehicles included the Continental Mark series, Buick Riviera, Oldsmobile Toronado and Chrysler’s Imperial Coupe.
The Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac line. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957–1960 had distinct bodyshells and were the most expensive models that Cadillac offered those years. The Eldorado was never less than second in price after the Cadillac Series 75 limousine until 1966. From 1967 on, the Eldorado was built in high volumes on a unique two door personal luxury car platform.
For 1955, the Eldorado’s body gained its own rear end styling with high, slender, pointed tailfins. These contrasted with the rather thick, bulbous fins which were common at the time and were an example of the Eldorado once again pointing the way forward. The Eldorado sport convertible featured extras such as wide chrome body belt moldings and twin round taillights halfway up the fenders. Sales nearly doubled to 3,950.
Travel & Nature Videos: “Castleton Tower”, Utah (Conservation Alliance)
This The Conservation Alliance success story is a classic. In 2001, funding by The Conservation Alliance lead to the acquisition of 221 acres surrounding iconic Castleton Tower in Castle Valley, Utah—home to one of the “Fifty Classic Climbs of North America.”
In the clip, you’ll see Dave Erley, former two-term mayor of Castle Valley, and Wendy Fisher, Executive Director of Utah Open Lands, explain the history of the Castleton Tower Preservation Initiative. Once threatened by development, the climbing community and Utah Open Lands worked together to secure permanent access to Castleton Tower.
Tech Videos: “Impact Through Disruptive Innovation” (Harvard)
At the Wyss Institute, we leverage insights into how Nature builds, controls and manufactures to develop disruptive technology solutions for healthcare and the environment. Our innovations make an impact in the world through commercialization by new startups and corporate alliances.
Learn more about technology translation at the Wyss Institute
Technology: Preview Of Innovations On January 7 At CES 2020 (Video)
See some of the CES exhibitors who kicked off CES 2020 by showcasing their consumer technology innovations at CES Unveiled. This is just the start of what you’ll see at CES.
Physician Profiles: Best-Selling Author Abraham Verghese MD (JAMA Video)
In this video, best-selling author Abraham Verghese, MD, discusses the origins of the study he coauthored identifying 5 practices that foster meaningful connections between physicians and patients.
Boomers Daily 