Category: Innovation

At the CES tech conference, Honda presented two concept cars, the “Space-Hub” and “Saloon,” providing a sneak peek into their forthcoming electric vehicle (EV) lineup set to launch in North America by 2026.

The inaugural model in the new “Honda 0 Series” EV range will draw inspiration from these concepts, aligning with Honda’s commitment to the principles of being “Thin, light, and wise.” Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe emphasized the goal of creating value and advancing mobility experiences.

The initial model, based on the Saloon concept, is slated for release in North America, followed by rollouts in other regions. The Saloon features a futuristic design with neon lighting, a redesigned Honda “H,” and a minimalistic digital cockpit. Entry is facilitated by a falcon wing door opening from the roof.

The Space-Hub, a larger minivan/shuttle variant, shares design elements with the Saloon. Both concepts suggest a focus on autonomous driving, indicated by retractable steering yokes.

Honda’s 0 Series will debut with an advanced driver-assistive system, followed by a subsequent automated driving (AD) system. Developed under the “human-centric” safety concept, the AD system incorporates advanced AI, sensing, recognition, and driver monitoring technologies for more natural and precise risk predictions during autonomous driving.

While specific specifications are undisclosed, Honda projected fast-charging capabilities for the 0 Series models in the late 2020s. The EVs aim to charge from 15% to 80% battery capacity in approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

John Walsh, co-founder of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and host of “America’s Most Wanted,” expresses concerns about the technological gap between law enforcement and criminals, particularly in smaller jurisdictions. Criminals, including human traffickers and sexual predators, utilize advanced technology and encryption, posing challenges for law enforcement.

Cellebrite DI, Ltd. addresses this issue with the launch of “Operation Find Them All,” a donation initiative providing its technology to nonprofits combating child endangerment.

Matt Parker, co-founder of The Exodus Road, said he saw what a difference one piece of Cellebrite technology made in investigating the human trafficking of Rohingya Muslims in Malaysia in 2015. Through “Operation Find Them All,” Parker hopes to bring Cellebrite technology to other countries, even if the governments have previously not prosecuted human trafficking cases.

Cellebrite’s CEO, Yossi Carmil, stresses the strain on law enforcement resources and the company’s commitment to supporting these organizations. Kent Nielsen, digital forensic investigator for the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, said his department currently uses Cellebrite technology to process data gathered from cell phones as well as its AI-driven software to analyze the data to find potential leads.

The initiative aims to enhance investigative processes, as demonstrated by success stories from law enforcement agencies already using Cellebrite technology. Walsh hopes increased access to technology will empower organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Dr. Harvey Karp, CEO of Happiest Baby, introduces Snoo, a revolutionary bassinet designed to emulate the soothing rhythm of the womb for infants.

Key Features:
Snoo employs automated rocking and shushing to create a calming environment, addressing the rhythm babies are accustomed to. Notably, it secures infants on their backs, aligning with safe sleep practices and reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

FDA Approval:
In a landmark move, Snoo received De Novo approval from the FDA in March, setting a new industry standard for infant care. This recognition underscores the potential of technology in enhancing infant safety during sleep.

Future Vision:
Happiest Baby envisions the next step – insurance coverage for Snoo. Priced at $1,700, insurance coverage could make this innovative technology more accessible, ensuring its benefits reach a broader audience. As Happiest Baby looks ahead to insurance coverage, Snoo looks to become a widely accessible tool, positively impacting the health and well-being of infants.

Thoughts:
This is certainly an interesting idea, we will see if it catches on. I wonder what you parents think about it? Does this seem like something you would give a try? Or is there something else that works just fine for you?

Every year, mosquitoes are responsible for about 350 million human illnesses. Furthermore, a recent study found that light pollution might be extending the mosquito blood-feeding season.

While there are plenty of mosquito repellents out their, none of them work perfectly, (and some do not seem to work at all). So new solutions are always welcome, particularly natural ones.

Luckily, new research on bite protection has utilized a readily available natural molecule, cellulose, to create a product that reduced mosquito feeding on human skin by 80 percent.

When treated with sulfuric acid, cellulose, which is inexpensive and widely available from sources such as wood industry waste and local food and paper waste, forms nanocrystals. These cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) form a strong and transparent barrier film.

When combined with water and a small amount of glycerol, these CNCs can be applied to the skin as a spray or gel to prevent mosquitoes from feeding through the skin.

Adult female mosquitoes require human or animal blood to produce eggs, so a significant reduction in this food source, particularly in densely populated areas, could positively impact mosquito population control.

CNCs and the effective barrier they create have also been developed for various “green” applications, such as soundproofing, removing dye from textiles, and manufacturing strong binders like superglue and composite materials as strong as bone.