While the question of whether SuperApp models will make it in the US or not remains unanswered, South East Asia, South Asia, India, Africa are embracing Super App models. Some countries have more than one SuperApp. The discussion with Neha Mehta is on SuperApps.

Super App models with Neha Mehta

She has authored the newly released book 'ONE STOP', by Penguin Random House.

Pre-order US https://buff.ly/3v1Jckf ; UK https://buff.ly/482JyWeNeha Mehta is a Lawyer and Sustainability expert focused on 'People', 'Planet' and 'Prosperity'. As a former international civil servant, Neha has been involved in international affairs, multilateral diplomacy, policymaking, and development efforts towards SDGs on a global scale.

As the Founder of FemTech Partners, Neha's work is at the helm of technology and innovation to amplify women's voices and perspectives. Neha has worked with financial regulators to develop policies that address gender equality, financial inclusion, and climate change to build a more equitable and sustainable financial landscape.

These policies contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes and create a more responsible and inclusive financial sector. Neha's portfolio of work includes FinTech, climateTech, inclusive finance, and sustainability. Neha is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI), and women in tech. She holds a Double degree in Law and Commerce and attended King's College, London on Chevening Fellowship. Neha has over 18 years' experience across Asia, Oceania and Europe.

Dr. Efi Pylarinou is the No.1 Global Woman Influencer in Finance & the Data conversation by Refinitiv, a Top Thought Leader by Onalytica, and a Top Digital Futurist, Linkedin and Twitter Voice, by Engatica.A seasoned Wall Street professional & a recognized technology thought leader on innovation topics. Founder of Efi Pylarinou Advisory servicing Big Tech, Financial Services and Fintech clients.

She strongly believes in building bridges between the old and the new economy. She shares her passion of content creation with her 190,000+ followers on Linkedin and 18,000+ on Twitter. Join her on the social platforms ?https://linktr.ee/Efiglobal

See more podcasts here.

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As dawn's gentle light unfurls over the vibrant tapestry of Southeast Asia, a profound journey unfolds at the crossroads of ancient spiritual wisdom and the cutting-edge realm of artificial intelligence (AI). Authored by a traveler who has navigated the disciplined paths of a Catholic private school and emerged as a staunch agnostic, this article delves into the diverse spiritual landscapes of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists in Malaysia and Singapore. It's inspired by an experience akin to the serene awakening under the Bodhi Tree - a profound sense of love and unity felt amidst the congregation of a Sunday church service, evoking a deep spiritual connection.

Each visit to the church, a haven of human emotions, paints a vivid contrast: the rich tapestry of faith, hope, and community within its walls stands in beautiful juxtaposition to the precise, algorithmic world of AI, much like the contrast between a tranquil Zen garden and the dynamic flow of a bustling city. This duality sparks a contemplation as deep as the meditative insights of Buddha: How does the mystical essence of faith reconcile with the concrete reality of AI? The intense wave of collective emotion experienced within the church, akin to a moment of enlightening clarity, offers a unique lens to view the enigmatic convergence of spirituality and technology.

This article is not merely a contrast of the old and the new; it's an exploration of the intricate dance between enduring spiritual beliefs and the rational world of AI, akin to the harmonious balance of Yin and Yang. From echoing church chants to a firm agnostic viewpoint, the narrative investigates how different faiths are responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. It traverses a rich, multicultural, and interfaith landscape, exploring diverse responses: from Islam's fluid integration of science and faith, to Hinduism's philosophical embrace of technology within its spiritual ethos, and Buddhism's mindful distinction between the spiritual and the scientific, echoing the search for the Middle Way.

The aim is to resonate with the dialogues within these communities, seeking insights as profound and transformative as the Buddha's journey to enlightenment. What can the evolving relationship between faith and AI unveil about the future of spirituality in a technologically advanced world? As a steadfast agnostic observer, deeply moved by the spiritual harmony and unity witnessed, this article invites readers on a journey of introspection and enlightenment. It seeks to discover the symphonic interplay between the divine and the digital, where the rush of transcendent love meets the steady rhythm of technology, in one of the most intriguing intersections of our time.

Let's set our prayer wheel in motion and begin exploring!

Science Meets Scripture: A Historical Overview

As we traverse the historical landscape where the realms of religious faith and scientific inquiry intersect, we encounter a rich and diverse mosaic of perspectives, each distinct in its cultural and philosophical roots. This journey through time uncovers a multifaceted dialogue between various faiths and their approaches to scientific advancements, painting a vivid tableau of diversity, harmony, and thoughtful contemplation.

Within the Islamic world, the relationship with science is often seen as a dance of synchronized rhythms, punctuated by occasional discordant notes, particularly in areas such as the theory of evolution. This complex interplay resembles a garden of diverse flora, where different plants representing religious doctrine and scientific exploration coexist, some in harmony and others in subtle contrast, reflecting a nuanced understanding of their coexistence.

Hinduism offers a contrasting kaleidoscope of interwoven hues, where the vibrant colors of science and religion blend seamlessly. This fusion is akin to a confluence of rivers, where spiritual currents and scientific streams merge and enrich one another. Th...

Ugreen, a global leader in consumer electronics and charging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its Revodok Series Hubs and Docking Stations. Under the banner "Expand Your Creativity," these new products cater to diverse user demands and comprise three distinct series: Revodok Max Series, Revodok Pro Series, and Revodok Series.

Ugreen Revodok Series Hubs&Docking Stations, expanding User Creativity & Empowering Productivity

The Revodok Max 213, the premier product of the Revodok Max Series, is specifically tailored for professionals in fields like media, data/financial analysis, photography, audio/video production, engineering, and design. It epitomizes "Ultra-high Speed and Ultra-high Efficiency", facilitating seamless collaboration and productivity in multi-device offices and high-performance equipment settings.

With its Thunderbolt 4 interface, the Revodok Max 213 offers a remarkable 40Gbps transmission speed, providing rapid file transfers. It also functions as a flexible monitor interface, ensuring smooth connectivity without sacrificing performance. Professionals can enjoy a single 8K, 30Hz display setup for Windows, or a dual 4K, 60Hz display with Mac models that have the M1/M2/M3 Pro, Max & M1/M2 Ultra chips, and Mac models that support two external screens for varied content display.

Designed to cater to the varied needs of professionals, the device comes with 13 ports, providing a wide range of connectivity options. There's a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, perfect for high-performance computing, multimedia transmission, and large-scale online data transfers. The Max 213 supports 90W fast charging, ensuring devices are charged quickly and efficiently. It also provides dual TF/SD card reading ports which are great for professionals who frequently use memory cards.

The Revodok Max 213 is compatible with computers that have Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB-C interfaces. Protecting the internal parts, there is an enhanced heat dissipation system, featuring a triple heat dissipation design with an aluminum shell, two-sided thermal aluminum sheets, and built-in heat dissipation silicone which guarantees optimal performance even during prolonged use. Priced at 399,99, the Revodok Max 213 will be available at Amazon and Ugreen website in mid-February with discount.

All four variations of the Revodok Pro Series are dedicated to delivering an exceptional user experience, encouraging users to "Enjoy the Prime Experience" as its primary focus is to cater to professionals such as developers, financial analysts, gamers, product managers, educators, graphic designers, content creators, and more. The Revodok Pro 210, for example, supports 8K HDMI to a single screen for Windows, high refresh rates, and dual 4K, 60Hz output for smooth visuals.

It offers 85-watt fast charging for extended gaming or work sessions. The Gigabit Ethernet port ensures a stable, fast internet connection for high-stakes gaming or crucial video calls. Also included is a USB data interface for simultaneous multi-device connection, guaranteeing seamless interaction. Priced at 69,99, the Revodok Pro 210 is available both at Amazon and Ugreen's website with a 34% discount.

The Revodok Series is another series in Ugreen's long line of products, tailored to meet the needs of individual users.

James Scouller is an executive coach and author of the trilogy, How To Build Winning Teams Again And Again

Team Building: 3 Common Problems & Solutions

Did you know that research shows 75% of business teams fail? Behnam Tabrizi reported this finding in his 2015 Harvard Business Review article, "75% of Cross-Functional Teams Are Dysfunctional". He studied 95 teams in 25 leading companies, chosen by an independent panel of academics and experts. In fact, they weren't just dysfunctional, they failed. More specifically, they failed on at least three of five criteria: (1) meeting a planned budget (2) staying on schedule (3) adhering to specifications (4) meeting customer expectations (5) maintaining alignment with the company's corporate goals.

Clearly, organisations are struggling to form teams. But why? That's too big a topic for an article as short as this, but I will outline three common problems and suggest solutions.

Problem #1: Missing Behaviours

Let's imagine you're watching a top professional football team emerging from the tunnel before kick-off. And imagine your surprise when eight of the players go to the left back position and the other three stand near the centre circle to play the main striker role. What would you be thinking?

I'll bet you would see their team set-up as ultra risky. Too many would be playing the same role, leaving huge gaps for their opponents to take advantage of. So it wouldn't surprise you when they lose every game.

Surely that would never happen in business, would it? It sure would. Indeed, it does, a lot.

In the business world, we assume we have the right blend if for example we appoint the heads of Sales, Manufacturing, Finance, R&D, IT and HR or perhaps regions or business units to the top team. But job titles - reflecting technical knowhow and experience in one part of the business - don't guarantee the right behavioural blend. Indeed, a poor blend can lead to constant clashes of opinion, sloppy or over-optimistic planning or poor follow-through. So what does guarantee a good blend?

Solution: choose people for the team that give you a winning blend

What is a winning blend? Some people think it's matter of personality, but it isn't. The key is to find the right mix of team role behaviours. That means bringing in people who can play the equivalent of the eleven positions in a football team.

But in a business team, what are those positions?

The answer comes from Meredith Belbin's 1970s research. Many have forgotten it, and others don't know about it. But it's as valid now as it was then. He uncovered eight behaviour clusters (he called them team roles) that add value and gave them names. We don't have the space here to describe those roles, but it's important to say that you don't always need eight people. Many of us can play two of those roles skilfully and occasionally three.

Using Belbin's simple questionnaire-based process, you can find out who can comfortably play which roles, whether you have an overload in one team behaviour and, indeed, if you have huge gaps. The Belbin model is an excellent tool for helping you get that winning blend.

Problem #2: Not Enough Commitment

Many of my clients have told me privately they suspect some colleagues aren't fully committed to the team. In my experience, insufficient commitment is indeed a common problem.

If you've read widely - or if you check on the internet - you'll often see this advice: "Make sure everyone speaks up as you're considering a decision because even if they disagree, most people just want to be heard and know their colleagues have understood their view. That way you can disagree and still commit."

I think this is correct. However, I don't think it's enough.

In my view, if you want commitment in your team, you must all be clear what you are committing to. In other words, you must know your top priority. After all, how can you gain commitment if no one's sure what they're committing to?

Solution: agree your number one goal

Through t...

A sustainable hydrogel formulation for wound dressing prevents wound expansion with its low-adhesion and low-swelling properties and heals wounds

Hydrogels have demonstrated promise for effectively treating skin wounds. However, currently available hydrogels adhere to the skin and swell when absorbing fluid discharge, causing the wound site to expand during the initial stages of recovery. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a novel type of hydrogel using a biocompatible substance found in seaweed. This hydrogel results in lower adhesion and swelling, but provides a high therapeutic effect, promising recovery without wound expansion.

Skin Wounds cure from Seaweed and Hydrogel

Acting as the main interface between the internal and the external world, the skin is the largest and most important organ of the human body. It is frequently exposed to many types of physical injuries or wounds, including cuts, scrapes, scratches, infections, and ulcers. Unfortunately, as one ages, the skin becomes more frail and less capable of healing itself without help. With many countries experiencing a rapid rise in the aging population, the demand for treating such skin wounds has created a greater need for accessible and effective wound care products.

Over the past few decades, hydrogels have received a lot of attention for treating skin wounds. When applied over a lesion, these special gels can promote healing by absorbing discharged fluids (exudates) and keeping the wound protected, well-hydrated, and oxygenated.

However, most developed hydrogels are given adhesive properties to skin tissue to follow skin movement. Since these hydrogels are sticky and adhere to the skin and wound site, they stretch and expand the wound itself once they swell up after absorbing exudates. This not only causes pain to the user but also puts them at a higher risk of bacterial infection due to the wound area expansion.

Therefore, in order to create hydrogels that can effectively treat wounds without interfering with the wound healing process, it is necessary to experiment with the preparation of hydrogels based on new ideas while utilizing existing material properties.

Against this backdrop, a team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, have now proposed an innovative and highly-value added medical material for treating skin wounds. As reported in their recent study published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, they developed a novel, low-cost hydrogel using a component found in seaweed, achieving physical properties completely different from those of conventional hydrogels.

The study, which was made available online on 8 November 2023, and will be published in Volume 254, Part 3 of the journal in January 2024, was led by Mr. Ryota Teshima, a Master's student at TUS. Assistant Professor Shigehito Osawa, Ms. Miki Yoshikawa, Associate Professor Yayoi Kawano, Professor Hidenori Otsuka, and Professor Takehisa Hanawa, all from different faculties and departments at TUS, were also a part of this study.

The method of preparation of the proposed hydrogel is quite straightforward. It was made using alginate, calcium carbonate, and carbonated water. Alginate is a biocompatible substance that can be extracted from beach-cast seaweed. Most importantly, it does not adhere strongly to cells or skin tissues. Thanks to the special structure formed by alginate and calcium ions, in addition to the protective effect of the CO2 in carbonated water against acidification, the resulting hydrogel not only exhibited ideal pH and moisture conditions for wound recovery but also demonstrated significantly lower adhesion and swelling, compared to other commercial hydrogel wound dressings.

The researchers tested the effectiveness of their new hydrogel using cell cultures and a mouse model, both of which yielded excellent results. "Through animal experiments, we demonstrated that our hydrogel has a high therapeutic effect and at the same time...

From Rathlin in the north to Cape Clear in the south, the islands off the coast of Ireland have long been a source of inspiration and of myth. But they're home to a rich diversity of wildlife too - and a wide range of people. In Inis na nIontas, actor and comedian Ardal O'Hanlon takes us on a fascinating journey, unearthing the history, observing the wildlife and meeting the islanders trying to live sustainably within their extraordinary environment.

Inis na nIontas is Ardal O'Hanlon's first Irish-language show. His mother, Teresa, is a native Irish-speaker and, in this series, Ardal fulfils a longstanding ambition to practise and improve his Irish and promote its use to a wider public.

Ardal O'Hanlon's first Irish-language show

The first episode will be broadcast on TG4 on 10th January at 9.30pm. It focusses on the north, beginning on Rathlin Island, famous for its countless seabirds and, unique to the island, the golden hare. Here, Ardal learns how an astonishing archaeological find has rewritten Irish history, and he tastes some noodles made from kelp, sustainably farmed on the island.

From Rathlin, Ardal travels to remote Tory Island off Donegal, where he learns of its musical tradition and its mystical past, and we see how farming practices are being fashioned to encourage the endangered corncrake. Next, Ardal heads to Arranmore, the largest island of the north. Here, he learns how the islanders are encouraging new residents, while on a beautiful, small islet the threatened little tern has found a welcome sanctuary.

In the second episode, Ardal continues down the west coast to the Aran islands, where he learns from a practising monk of their ancient Christian heritage while, all around, a remarkable range of flora blooms, encouraged by traditional farming methods. Heading south, Ardal visits the abandoned Great Blasket Island, former home to Irish author Peig Sayers, now home to a thriving seal colony and two young caretakers. On nearby Valentia, Ardal is shown fossilised evidence of early life emerging from the sea.

Along the island's coast, Ireland's only vermouth producers forage for ingredients, while in the surrounding waters oyster conservationists are hard at work. The episode ends with a visit to spectacular Skellig Michael, a UNESCO world heritage site made internationally famous in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. With Luke Skywalker long gone, the island is home to numerous puffins and the world's most dramatic ancient monastery.

In the final episode, Ardal is in the far south, where he discovers beautiful Garnish Island. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, Garnish is a paradise filled with gorgeous, lush gardens. It's also a breeding ground for the rare and majestic white-tailed eagle. By kayak, Ardal sees its thriving seal colony, before heading further south to Sherkin Island, where he's at sea once more, being introduced to a playful pod of dolphins. A local historian tells us of the island's piratical past and a resident artist explains why Sherkin has become a painters' paradise.

Ardal visits Cape Clear

A short hop takes Ardal to Cape Clear, Ireland's southernmost island, where he's taken on a tour in one of the island's electric buses - the only in Ireland. We meet the island's resident ornithologist, who explains the huge importance of the island for migratory birds, and visit a gin distillery that uses foraged kelp. A climactic clifftop view, out across the Atlantic, marks the end to an unforgettable journey.

From mighty, windswept cliffs to sub-tropical Edens, the islands of Ireland are extraordinary in their diversity and, for Ardal, the filming has been a revelatory experience.

ARDAL O'HANLON - 'It was remarkable for me to witness the extraordinary diversity of our islands and to meet such a range of astonishing people. As an Irishman, I'd obviously heard of a lot of these places, but I was quite taken aback by visiting and seeing for myself. I was genuinely moved. We have some of the most breathtaking scene...

Guest post by Maggie Herbert is a big fan of tech and someone who's really into investing in cryptocurrencies.

Over the past ten years, cryptocurrency has swept the financial world off its feet, and there are no indicators that this trend will slow down. With the explosive growth of Bitcoin and the introduction of several altcoins, the world of digital currencies is always changing. Looking into the crystal ball of the future, what can we anticipate for the year 2024 and the years beyond? This essay will examine the fascinating prospects that the bitcoin industry has to offer.

What could cryptocurrency offer in 2024

The Power Source of Cryptocurrency

The underlying technology of cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, will keep developing. It has already been used in a number of sectors, including supply chain management and healthcare. More cutting-edge applications of blockchain are expected in the upcoming years, including enhancing governance transparency, protecting personal information, and transforming the gaming sector with blockchain-based assets.

The Emergence of CBDCs, or Central Bank Digital Currencies

Globally, central banks are experimenting with virtual currencies of their own. Leading the way are the Digital Euro of the European Central Bank and the Digital Yuan of China. The goal of these CBDCs is to preserve government oversight and regulation while offering the advantages of cryptocurrencies, such as quick transactions and lower fraud. This may give the cryptocurrency space more acceptance and validity.

Digital Money and Property

From Virtual Currency to Physical Assets

Beyond digital assets, cryptocurrency is starting to leave its effect in the real estate sector. Cryptocurrencies allow buyers to buy real estate in a variety of global locales. Blockchain technology guarantees safe, transparent transactions, which has the ability to completely transform the real estate industry and increase its accessibility to a worldwide clientele.

How NFTs Affect Things

The newest thing in town is Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), which stand for distinct digital assets that might range from virtual real estate to digital art. NFTs could start to appear in even more facets of our life in 2024 and beyond, such as concert tickets and educational credentials. Our creativity is the only restriction on their possible applications.

Tighter Regulation Monitoring

Innovation and Security in Balance

Regulators will probably intervene as the bitcoin industry expands to safeguard investors and maintain market stability. It's critical to strike the correct balance between security and creativity. Anticipate more nations to formally codify their tax laws and regulations pertaining to cryptocurrencies, since this would lend further credibility to the sector.

Safeguarding Your Assets with a Crypto Wallet App

Before entering the realm of digital currency, one must have a crypto wallet app. To manage, store, and exchange your cryptocurrency holdings, these applications offer a safe environment. You may take advantage of mobile payments and access your assets from any location with a crypto wallet app. To safeguard your assets, make sure you use trustworthy wallet software.

The Rise of Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Bank-Free Banking

In the realm of cryptocurrencies, Decentralized Finance, or DeFi, has gained popularity for providing a variety of financial services outside of conventional banking establishments, including lending, borrowing, and trading. DeFi platforms have the potential to become strong substitutes for traditional banks for a large number of individuals.

The Compatibility of Blockchains

Shattering Obstacles

Future developments should see a rise in blockchain interoperability, allowing for smooth asset transfers and cross-chain capabilities. As a result, there will be more flexibility and efficiency, which will make it simpler for people to explore the complicated world of cryptocurrencies.

The Crypto Revolution in Green

Climat...

SymPhysis Medical, a Galway MedTech company addressing a distressing condition experienced by individuals with late-stage cancer, today announces that it has raised 1.5M in a seed-plus funding round. The investment stems from follow-on investments from Furthr VC, Boole Investment Syndicate, Irrus Investments and HBAN's MedTech Syndicate.

SymPhysis Medical was co-founded by CEO, Tim Jones, and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Michelle Tierney. The company is developing a drainage device, called 'releaze', for individuals with fluid in the chest, a condition which can significantly compromise the quality of life for 50% of people with late-stage cancer. Currently, patients must rely on a nurse or family carer for assistance with draining when they go home. SymPhysis Medical's device will empower patients to manage their condition independently at home, providing a sense of dignity and time away from the hospital, so they can spend it with loved ones.

In the last two years, SymPhysis Medical has grown from a team of three to 13, with a strong focus on building its quality and research and development teams. It has also invested in an expanded office space to accommodate its growing team.

SymPhysis Medical will use its latest funding - which follows 1.9M investment raised two years ago - to grow its team, continue the development of its device and achieve regulatory clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. SymPhysis Medical will continue to fundraise for an additional 4.5M+ in early 2024 to further support these activities, along with the expansion of its team in Galway and the US. New hires will be in the areas of research and development, product engineering and commercialisation.

The investment comes on the back of a series of successes this year for the SymPhysis Medical team. Earlier this month, the company won the 'MedTech Collaboration Award' at the Irish MedTech Awards for its partnership with the world-renowned UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA). The company also won the Excellence in Innovation award at the inaugural Life Science Industry Awards held earlier in the year.

SymPhysis Medical's user-centric approach is rooted in patient and public involvement (PPI) which is a focus of the BioInnovate Ireland programme, a needs-led innovation programme affiliated with Stanford University in the US. The company works closely with NICA's VOICE programme - an international network of patients and family members, partnering with clinicians and innovators to discuss unmet clinical needs - to understand the far-reaching impact of fluid in the chest.

Meanwhile, it is developing its product under the guidance of Galway University Hospital Respiratory Consultant, Dr. David Breen.

Tim Jones, CEO, SymPhysis Medical, said: "This funding comes at an exciting time for our company as we continue to expand our team and office footprint. We are now in the fine-tuning phase of our product development. The funding, along with the ongoing support we have received from Enterprise Ireland, will bring us to our initial goal of getting regulatory clearance in the US - and our ultimate goal of reaching the unmet needs of cancer patients worldwide. With half of late-stage cancer patients experiencing fluid on the chest, we know that our device will have a profound, global impact on patients and their loved ones at the most difficult time.

"From the outset, our focus has been on making this a device for patients, led by patients. Working with patients with life-limiting cancer and their loved ones has provided us with vital insights, which would have been missed if we were solely within a lab setting. These communities are end-user experience subject matter experts and our product is better because of them."

Dr David Breen, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Lead Clinician for Lung Cancer Services, Galway University Hospital, said: "Symphysis Medical has shown unwavering commitment to improving devices used for the...

Recent volcanism on Mars reveals a planet more active than previously thought

A vast, flat, "featureless" plain on Mars surprised researchers by revealing a much more tumultuous geologic past than expected, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Arizona. Enormous amounts of lava have erupted from numerous fissures as recently as one million years ago, blanketing an area almost as large as Alaska and interacting with water in and under the surface, resulting in large flood events that carved out deep channels.

Why Mars is not geologically dead

Lacking plate tectonics - shifting chunks of crust that constantly reshape Earth's surface - Mars has long been thought to be a geologically "dead" planet where not much is happening. Recent discoveries have researchers questioning this notion, however. Just last year, a team of planetary scientists, also at UArizona, presented evidence for a giant mantle plume underneath the region Elysium Planitia, driving intense volcanic and seismic activity in a relatively recent past.

In the most recent study, a team led by Joana Voigt and Christopher Hamilton at UArizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory combined spacecraft images and measurements from ground-penetrating radar to reconstruct in three-dimensional detail every individual lava flow in Elysium Planitia. The extensive survey revealed and documented more than 40 volcanic events, with one of the largest flows infilling a valley named Athabasca Valles with almost 1,000 cubic miles of basalt.

"Elysium Planitia is the youngest volcanic terrain on the planet, and studying it helps us to better understand Mars' past as well as recent hydrological and volcanic history," the authors write in their paper. Although no volcanic activity has so far been observed on Mars, "Elysium Planitia was volcanically much more active than previously thought and might even still be volcanically alive today," said Voigt, the first author of the study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets.

A plethora of Mars quakes recorded by NASA's InSight lander between 2018 until 2022 has provided proof that beneath its surface, the red planet is anything but dead.

"Our study provides the most comprehensive account of geologically recent volcanism on a planet other than Earth," said Hamilton, associate professor at LPL. "It is the best estimate of Mars' young volcanic activity for about the past 120 million years, which corresponds to when the dinosaurs roaming the Earth at their peak to present."

The findings have implications for research surrounding whether Mars could have harbored life at some point in its history, according to the authors. Elysium Planitia experienced several large floods of water, and there is evidence that the outpouring lava interacted with water or ice, shaping the landscape in dramatic ways. Across Elysium Planitia, Voigt and her co-authors found ample evidence of steam explosions, interactions that are of great interest to astrobiologists because they may have created hydrothermal environments conducive to microbial life.

The team used images from the Context camera onboard NASA's Reconnaissance Orbiter, or MRO, combined with even higher-resolution images from MRO's UArizona-led HiRISE camera in selected areas. To obtain topographical information, they took advantage of data records from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter on another NASA spacecraft, Mars Global Surveyor. These survey data were then combined with subsurface radar measurements taken with NASA's Shallow Radar, or SHARAD, probe.

"With SHARAD, we were able to look as deep as 140 meters (460 feet) below the surface," said Voigt, who completed the study as part of earning her doctoral degree at UArizona. She is now a postdoctoral researcher at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL, in Pasadena, California.

"Combining the datasets allowed us to reconstruct a three-dimensional view of the study area, including what the topography was like befo...

Three, Ireland's largest mobile network, is the first Irish operator to launch the next evolution of 5G, 5G Standalone, which has the potential to accelerate innovation across industries and unlock exciting possibilities for businesses and consumers.

Operating initially on a trial basis, the 5G Standalone technology, powered by Ericsson, will be available to select corporate customers who will have the opportunity to test and trial its capabilities.

5G Standalone is the next advancement of 5G technology - meaning the 5G network operates with a 5G dedicated core network, supporting enhanced speeds, providing minimal latency and enabling higher device density and capacity. In contrast, currently all 5G capabilities rely on a 4G radio coverage footprint and 4G core network, so while speeds are quicker and latency has improved, there is still a reliance on 4G.

With 5G Standalone, businesses can harness the full potential of 5G technology, unlocking a new era of connectivity that will empower industries and will change how many operate today. 5G Standalone technology facilitates an array of possibilities including the remote operation of unmanned mobile vehicles and equipment, logistics inventory robots, enhanced Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), real-time manufacturing process controls and real-time sports analysis, helping to enhance athletes' performances.

As the next evolution of connectivity, 5G Standalone also offers 'network slicing', which will enable Three to build virtual end-to-end networks tailored to specific business requirements. This key feature of 5G Standalone allows infrastructure to be divided into multiple networks, supporting greater efficiencies for businesses. In addition, network exposure functions which are unique to 5G Standalone technology will provide new business capabilities and drive innovation.

One important feature of 5G standalone technology is that it can ensure unparalleled performance and seamless connectivity for mission critical applications such as Public Safety/First Responders including Paramedics, Fire Brigade, Garda and Disaster Recovery Teams.

David Hennessy, Chief Technical Officer Three Ireland & Three UK comments: "Three Ireland is delivering on groundbreaking technology developments that are going to inherently advance the way we live, utilise and interact with technology. 5G Standalone is the next evolution in 5G technology, as we move fully away from a reliance on 4G and into 5G core technology.

Three Ireland has partnered with Technological University Shannon (TUS) to trial 5G Standalone technology and begin showcasing its capabilities in real-life scenarios.

Commenting on the launch of Three's 5G Standalone technology, Dr. Enda Fallon, Head of Department of Computer and Software Engineering from TUS states: "We are delighted to partner with Three Ireland on the launch of 5G standalone technology in Ireland, working alongside them as we advance use case studies of this technology. This will enable researchers to design and evaluate the transformative solutions of the future, solutions that have yet not even been contemplated.

John Griffin, Head of Ericsson Ireland, said: "The introduction of 5G Standalone capabilities on a public network for the first time in Ireland marks a new milestone in our partnership with Three Ireland. 5G standalone is the ultimate next step in meeting the growing connectivity demands from consumers and businesses who require premium performance.

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