Technology & Innovation — December 11, 2009

Google Vs World

Google.org has demonstrated a new tool which, if implemented, could help to combat climate change by monitoring the state of the world’s rainforests.

bigthinkeditor

Google.org has demonstrated a new tool which, if implemented, could help to combat climate change by monitoring the state of the world’s rainforests. “[The] new ‘high-performance satellite imagery-processing engine’ can process terabytes of information on thousands of Google servers while giving access to the results online. The platform, which was demonstrated on Thursday at the International Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, would allow anyone using the tool to monitor whether or not trees were being chopped down in a given forest. It analyzes satellite images to show forest changes over a given time period. The platform could be used as a tool for countries to conform to REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries), a program proposed by the United Nations.”

A vibrant space image showing a star-forming region with clusters of bright stars and colorful nebulas in shades of red and green.

Hard Science

The “Big Crunch”: New dark energy data raises questions about Universe’s fate

Here's what recent DESI measurements suggest — and why it's too early to update conventional predictions about the Universe's distant future.

A collage of images featuring an anatomical drawing of a heart, a portrait of a bearded man embodying everyday philosophy, a brain illustration, and a smartphone showing an unread message notification.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: “Is it OK to ghost the people you date?”

Nicole has been dating someone for a while but it's not working out from her point of view. Is sudden radio silence an ethical option?

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Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: “Can I ever swear in front of kids?”

Irene is on a bus with her young kids when two men come on, cussing like sailors. Should Irene step in and say something?

Woman wearing pixelated sunglasses sits at a desk, with graphic overlays of a line graph demonstrating workplace equality, classical figures in discussion, and a clock indicating 2 o'clock.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: “Should I have to work the same hours as my inefficient colleague?”

Rich is brilliant at his job. He completes work in half the time of his coworkers. Should he have to sit at his desk just as long?

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Business

Answer these 7 questions to maintain your AI edge

It’s not enough just to stay current and competitive with AI — you’ll also need to build a long-term strategy.

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