This week’s TECHtonics feature was written by VOA reporter Matthew Hilburn. Canadian researchers are developing a device that could allow mobile phones to be used to measure the oxygen content in the blood, a vital sign useful for diagnosing a variety of ailments, including some that threaten the lives of women and children. Roughly 6,000 […]
Kenyan Wearable Tech Helps Save Lives
Posted January 17th, 2014 at 3:05 pm (UTC-5)
Boda boda, anyone? If you don’t know what that is, stick around. Boda boda is the local name for Kenya’s favored mode of transportation. It is becoming more popular in both rural and urban areas across the country. Also known as the motorcycle, the boda boda saves Kenyan riders time, gives them maneuverability to zigzag […]
Robots Test Healthcare Waters in Japan, US
Posted January 10th, 2014 at 2:26 pm (UTC-5)
Decades ago, the notion of robots assisting people was mostly the stuff of science fiction stories – harbingers of things to come. Well, that day is here. Robots have been in use in auto manufacturing, rescue and demining operations for some time. But they are now beginning to be utilized the healthcare sector in the […]
Is There a Future for Decentralized Digital Currency?
Posted January 3rd, 2014 at 3:53 pm (UTC-5)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably heard some of the recent fuss surrounding Bitcoin – with some saying it is too volatile for currency, or it’s a scam or a fad, while others insist it’s the future of currency. For better or worse, the world’s first decentralized digital currency – meaning it […]
Game Changers: Playing for a Better World
Posted December 27th, 2013 at 2:30 pm (UTC-5)
Gamers have heard it all before: games are a waste of time! They are bad for your health. They promote violence, etc., etc. But the fact is some are also catalysts for positive change. And that’s exactly what Games for Change is about. Games for Change is a non-profit hub that promotes video games as […]
3-D Printing Brings New Promise for Developing World
Posted December 20th, 2013 at 3:30 pm (UTC-5)
The growth of three dimensional (3-D) printing technology brings opportunities scientific, entrepreneurial – even culinary. Some people are using the devices to build custom creations out of chocolate. “I don’t know if it’s good chocolate,” said Prabhjot Singh, Director of Additive Manufacturing at General Electric (GE), which uses 3-D printers to make parts for aviation […]
Game Addiction Plagues Asia, Grows in US
Posted December 6th, 2013 at 6:05 pm (UTC-5)
Recent estimates put the number of gamers worldwide at around 1.2 billion. China and Southeast Asia are home to about 84 million of them, according to market intelligence firm, Nico Partners. The downside is that Asia is the world leader in online gaming addiction. Dr. David Greenfield, Director of the Center for Internet and Technology […]
Wi-Fi Solutions Fill Basic Gaps for Developing World
Posted November 29th, 2013 at 2:20 pm (UTC-5)
A host of governments, United Nations agencies and tech companies, including Google, are working on projects aimed at providing developing countries with low-cost broadband Internet connectivity. Google estimates that two-thirds of the world’s population lacks fast, affordable Internet access. To bridge the gap, the company has been experimenting with Wi-Fi-beaming balloons. “Project Loon […]