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The Age
a day ago
- The Age
Ten technology changes that will transform your next holiday
Travel for good By collecting valuable research data, citizen science is a hands-on way for travellers to help give back to the destinations they visit. Not too long ago, expensive hardware made researchers reluctant to hand over the controls to inexperienced travellers, but advances and cheaper technology are opening new opportunities. Guests at Ritz-Carlton Maldives can aid turtle conservationists by piloting drones (after completing simulation training) to detect harmful ocean plastic and ghost nets, and at Tanzania's Usangu Expedition Camp they can help set up camera traps to monitor big cat activity. The iNaturalist app has also gamified conservation tourism by helping travellers collect wildlife sightings, much like Pokemon. Antarctic cruise operator HX encourages travellers to download the app once onboard to help document whale, seal and penguin sightings on a voyage to the White Continent. See GPS self-guided tours Elon Musk's SpaceX has ambitious plans to launch thousands of satellites into orbit, with a record number of satellites launched in 2024. More satellites armed with next-gen technology will lead to stronger GPS systems, which is making independent travel more accessible. Australia-based European adventure company UTracks now provides hikers with a GPS-enabled app designed to help them navigate the trail and alert them if they go off-course. Closer to home, Australian Cycle Tours has developed a similar app that gives cyclists turn-by-turn instructions and statistics, such as distance covered, while suggesting local sights, cafes and restaurants for a pitstop. See Hotel service goes digital One legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it forced companies, such as Hilton Hotels, to adopt socially distanced digital room keys that can be downloaded to your phone. That innovation has since diverted hundreds of tonnes of plastic cards, so expect it to become more widespread as hotels increasingly go green. Also on the rise are AI-powered concierges such as Jean, the digital butler recently introduced at Park Regis by Prince Singapore. Jean can be called on for room service or to help decide how to spend your day in Singapore. Marriott Hotels has also created Renai, which merges staff insights with ChatGPT and other open-source data to create local recommendations. See Smart gate tech rolls out Last year, Sydney's International Airport joined the rollout of SmartGate systems across Australia, joining Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth in the move to the new Gen 3 technology, reducing the time it takes to clear customs (in theory, at least). While biometric technology has been in airports for a while now, a push for frictionless travel will see automated electronic gates introduced at border crossings and ports. Testing is already under way in Malaysia, Singapore, Bhutan, India and Zimbabwe, with updated algorithms that can adapt to a growing problem with deepfakes and spoofing, such as fake fingerprints and facial masks. Power banks tighten up In April, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and other Asian carriers tightened their rules on carrying lithium-ion power bank battery packs due to the fire risk posed by overheating. Battery packs can still be taken onboard along with other carry-on items, but travellers won't be allowed to use it, charge it using seat-back power outlets, or place it in overhead lockers. South Korea has indicated it will also require battery packs to be stored in a plastic bag. Virgin Australia and Qantas now allow power banks to be used or charged onboard and don't plan to change their policies, though Qantas advises against using power banks during flights. Drones take flight Aided by AI and armed with specialist accessories, drones are now being deployed to do more than just capture sweeping beach panoramas. Case in point: New Zealand, Spain, France and the United States are trialling lifeguard drones to patrol tourist beaches and deliver life vests to struggling swimmers. Drones armed with bacteria-destroying ultraviolet light are being used to clean airports and aircraft cabins, while cities such as Dubai, Shanghai and Miami are embracing environmentally friendly drone light-shows instead of fireworks. Australia has joined in on the aerial entertainment with Wintjiri Wiru, a light show at Uluru that brings Aboriginal storytelling to life using 1200 drones. See Loading Emissions-free flights With the International Air Transport Association aiming to achieve net zero by 2050, the race is on to decarbonise Australia's aviation industry, which produces about 5 per cent of Australia's carbon emissions. Smaller Australian aviation companies are already retrofitting existing aircraft with green propulsion systems, such as Kite Magnetics in Victoria and Stralis in Queensland. But fleet manufacturers such as Boeing will need more time to adapt, transitioning to blended fuels made from waste by-products before switching entirely to electric. Perth-based FlyOnE is expecting to offer fully electric commercial flights later this year, with cheaper emissions-free air travel to be more widespread in the next five years. See
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First Post
3 days ago
- Health
- First Post
What is Creatine, the supplement Patrick Schwarzenegger's character in 'The White Lotus' added to his famous shake?
Creatine is a compound the body makes in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. We can also get it from animal proteins like red meat, fish and chicken. read more Creatine has become one of the most talked-about supplements online. It's the same Patrick Schwarzenegger's character in 'The White Lotus' added to his famous shake. Considered to be used for fitness, doctors and medical experts often debate its advantages and side-effects. Dr Imtiaz Desai, a Sydney, Australia-based exercise physiologist, said, 'If we keep it super simple, the body has three sorts of energy systems.' He added, 'It should enable you to do a few more repetitions at the same weight.' It's mostly considered to be a safe supplement in the longer run. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is Creatine? Creatine is a compound the body makes in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It is then stored in our muscles and brains. It is a crucial chemical ingredient in our body. It is a quick fuel for our muscles. We can also get it from animal proteins like red meat, fish and chicken. It has also been labelled as magic powder. It has been popular among fitness athletes, Olympic players. There are cotton-candy flavoured creatine drinks available. It is now a one billion dollar global market. Netizens react One user wrote- 'Creatine is awesome and especially for women in peri menopause and menopause.' Another said, 'I've been using Creatine for couple of months now. It's amazing. Not just for extra energy at the gym or squash court, but also removed brain fog and hence improved memory as well as got rid of my muscle cramps and aches.' A third commented- 'If you take such things then put work in gym it will pay off, drink water with creatine.' And another comment read- 'Doctors aren't dieticians… So there is no logic behind consulting a doctor before consuming protein and creatine. They will just prescribe the brand that paid them bucks. I have seen doctors suggesting shitty protein powder with loaded sugar , fats, and other preservatives. So talk to a certified and experienced dietician not doctors.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
1News
4 days ago
- Sport
- 1News
Ryan Satterthwaite's family urge people not to take part in viral tackle game
The family of a 19-year-old who died after playing an impromptu tackle game based off a competition popularised on social media is urging people not to take part in the events. Ryan Satterthwaite suffered a serious head injury while playing a game based on the controversial craze with friends in Palmerston North. He died in hospital on Monday night. Events, where participants compete in full-contact collisions without protective gear, had gone viral on social media and raised concerns about concussion and brain injury. Pete Satterthwaite, Ryan's uncle, told 1News that Ryan and his friends were looking for "harmless fun" when they decided to play the game. "Something tragic has eventuated from it," he said. Pete said the events Ryan and his friends were imitating were 'utter stupidity'. ADVERTISEMENT Ryan Satterthwaite, 19. (Source: 'Don't do it, it's utter stupidity. It seems like a bit of harmless fun, and as a teenager, I probably would have been doing the same thing with my friends, but no one gives any thought to the consequences," he said. 'They can have all of the medical supervision they like. They can have all the tackling practice that they like, but nothing is going to prevent serious injuries from happening." Pete said Ryan's family wanted people to know that run it style games were unsafe. 'The ultimate goal is to hurt the person in front of you, run over the top of them to achieve your goal, and if you're doing it for money, no one is going to be thinking about the consequences of your actions. 'You're leading with your body, you're leading with your shoulder, you're leading with your head. 'If you're a rugby player or a league player, you get the opportunity to run around somebody, your body is conditioned to take the tackles, to do those sorts of things. I don't know what the organisers were thinking when they thought we could put it in a controlled environment.' ADVERTISEMENT A man takes a tackle while participating in an Auckland RUNIT event. (Source: Photosport) He said that even with disclaimers not to try the game at home, its viral nature meant people would always recreate what they saw. "Someone is going to try this at home or at the beach, in the backyard, or at a park. Someone's gonna do this, someone's gonna get seriously hurt. Ultimately, Ryan has paid the ultimate price." Following the 19-year-old's death, tributes have been flowing for Ryan. 'The support from his family and all his friends, I mean, was amazing. And just to see the amount of young people at the hospital giving the family support, giving Ryan support, blew me away," Pete said. Two 'trials' were held in west Auckland recently as part of the Australia-based Runit Championship League competition. A prize of $200,000 was advertised for the winner of the final. ADVERTISEMENT Trusts Arena has since said it will not host any more events following safety concerns. 'There is no way to do this safely' – advocate Stacey Mowbray of Headway said Ryan Satterthwaite's death was an 'absolute tragedy' but wasn't surprised it happened. (Source: 1News) Stacey Mowbray, chief executive of brain injury support group Headway, called Satterthwaite's death an 'absolute tragedy', but wasn't surprised it happened. She called the activity 'dangerous by design', and said it was 'glamorised, glorified, intentional violence'. 'There is no way to do this safely." She blasted the organisers of the Run It Straight events. ADVERTISEMENT 'I know the organisers are saying that they're doing it under controls, but when you're asking two people to intentionally clash at each other, there's no way to do it safely. 'This death is on them. It's shocking. The idea that they have any protocols that protect people from this type of impact is not true. Whether it's done in 'controlled' environments or in the backyard, it makes no difference. 'They knew people were going to copy, that's part of what makes a social media trend go viral, which is what they wanted.' She called on athletes and others who were influential in the space to speak out against the events. 'Their voices are the ones that our young people are going to be listening to.' A man takes a tackle while participating in an Auckland RUNIT event. (Source: Photosport) Pete Satterthwaite expressed similar feelings. ADVERTISEMENT 'I am hoping that out of this, we'll get some All Blacks, some rugby league players to stand up and express what a dumb idea that this particular game is,' he said. Mowbray said the activity carried a risk of 'immediate brain injury' or death for the participants. Headway also had concerns about concussion. 'You don't need to be knocked out to be concussed. On the night we saw knockouts, we saw wobbly legs, but you can have delayed symptoms for days, up to weeks. 'We just want to highlight that's not the only risk.' She said it was upsetting that the activity was being compared to sports like rugby and rugby league. 'It is not the same. 'Of course, there are risks in contact sport, but these sporting organisations and codes have done a huge amount of work responding to the research over many years to try to reduce the risk.' ADVERTISEMENT In a statement to 1News yesterday, RUNIT, the organisers of the Runit Championship League events, called Satterthwaite's death "tragic news". "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Ryan. "Any contact sport like boxing, martial arts or combat-style activities should only be held in highly controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support." It said all RUNIT events followed established protocols, which included the screening of participants for suitability, strict guidelines around where and how to tackle (between the shoulders and hips only), as well as having medical support and assessments both during and after competition. "We do not encourage any copying of the sport as it should only be done under the strict conditions outlined above in sanctioned RUNIT events."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SEDA Experts Announces Expansion into the Australian Expert Witness Market
SEDA Experts LLC, a leading US-based financial expert witness firm specializing in complex economic, financial, and accounting disputes, is pleased to announce its expansion into Australia. The move is part of the firm's strategic plan to extend its global reach and increase its capacity to deliver top-tier litigation support. New York, NY, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SEDA Experts LLC, a leading US-based financial expert witness firm specializing in complex economic, financial, and accounting disputes, is pleased to announce its expansion into Australia. The move is part of the firm's strategic plan to extend its global reach and increase its capacity to deliver top-tier litigation support. Since its inception, SEDA Experts has become a recognized leader in providing sophisticated financial expertise in the U.S and Europe, assisting top law firms and corporations in intricate and high-stakes litigation disputes. The firm's team provides objective, credible, and authoritative expert opinions that make a significant impact in complex litigation. With its expansion, the company aims to provide the same high level of service to its clients in Australia. "SEDA's expansion to Australia will provide clients in the region with unparalleled access to a diverse team of professionals with deep expertise in various financial sectors. We are glad to increase our commitment to Australian clients, whom we are already serving locally and across the globe," said Peter Selman, Managing Partner and Chairman of SEDA Experts. In anticipation of the Australian market's unique requirements, SEDA Experts has recruited Simon Thackray, former Senior Equities Analyst at Jefferies and Citibank, Mark McKendry – former group treasurer at Auswide and senior bond trader at JPMorgan, Quantitative Finance expert Rubin Rajendram; and Tim Davies, former Director of FX Structuring at Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Lloyds Bank. The team will be led locally by John Feeney, an Australia-based former banker. 'The expansion of SEDA into the Australian jurisdiction will bring a broad range of skilled witnesses across many financial products and sectors. We have many Australian experts who can be complemented by the international reach of SEDA. This will bring a local focus with a global reach,' said Mr. Feeney. About SEDA Experts LLC SEDA is a leading expert witness firm specializing in financial services. We support international law firms by offering the highest level of expertise across the financial industry and providing access to the most influential financial services industry leaders. We provide superior independent advice, data analytics, valuation, and elite expert reports and testimony services to law firms, regulators, and leading financial institutions. CONTACT: Name: Damiano Colnago Email: dcolnago@ Job Title: Managing Partner
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Alberta Court of Appeal dismisses Grassy Mountain appeals made by Northback and Piikani, Stoney Nakoda Nations
Article content The Alberta Court of Appeal dismissed Tuesday appeals made by an Australia-based mining company and two First Nations for a new hearing over a proposed coal mine along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Article content Article content In 2021, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), acting as part of a joint provincial-federal review panel, had turned down provincial approval for the Grassy Mountain project proposed by Benga Mining, now Northback Holdings. The federal government also rejected the proposal that year. Article content Article content Benga, Piikani Nation and Stoney Nakoda Nation challenged the AER decision, appealing both to the Alberta Court of Appeal as well as filing applications for a judicial review in the Court of King's Bench. Article content Article content Permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal was denied, and Justice Allison Kuntz turned down three separate judicial review applications made to the Court of King's Bench in December 2023. Article content Following an Oct. 8 hearing, Justices Jane Fagnan and Karan M. Shaner upheld the dismissal of the judicial review applications, with Chief Justice Ritu Khullar dissenting. Article content In their majority decision, the justices noted that Kuntz had pointed out that none of the judicial review applications challenged the constitutional validity of section 56 of the Responsible Energy Development Act (REDA), which prohibits judicial review. Article content Kuntz had dismissed the judicial review applications because they were barred by the REDA section. Article content Article content In upholding that 2023 ruling, the justices wrote that Northback and the two First Nations were essentially arguing that the section is 'ineffective for constitutional reasons.' Article content Article content 'The appellants did not provide timely notice of the constitutional issue raised before the chambers justice,' the justices concluded in Tuesday's ruling. Article content 'In the circumstances, the chambers justice did not err in determining that s 56 barred judicial review by the Court of King's Bench in this case.' Article content
