Latest news with #DowntoEarth
Toronto Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
BSI Engineering and Surveying Makes a LiDAR Triple Play in New Episodes of Down to Earth
Huntsville, AL, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GeoCue announces the premiere of a new three-part edition of its award-winning drone surveying reality series, Down to Earth. The latest episodes feature BSI Engineering and Surveying and showcase how this Alabama-based firm has leveraged a full spectrum of LiDAR technology—aerial, mobile, and handheld—to drive efficiency, scale operations, and unlock new opportunities. See how in the first episode of Down to Earth, The LiDAR Triple and watch HERE. BSI has built a reputation for high-quality surveying services across the Southeast. Their secret? A strategic investment in advanced technology that includes TrueView drone LiDAR, dual-purpose mobile mapping, and GeoCue's new TrueView GO handheld LiDAR/SLAM scanner —a complete 'LiDAR Triple Play.'
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
BSI Engineering and Surveying Makes a LiDAR Triple Play in New Episodes of Down to Earth
Huntsville, AL, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GeoCue announces the premiere of a new three-part edition of its award-winning drone surveying reality series, Down to Earth. The latest episodes feature BSI Engineering and Surveying and showcase how this Alabama-based firm has leveraged a full spectrum of LiDAR technology—aerial, mobile, and handheld—to drive efficiency, scale operations, and unlock new opportunities. See how in the first episode of Down to Earth, The LiDAR Triple and watch HERE . BSI has built a reputation for high-quality surveying services across the Southeast. Their secret? A strategic investment in advanced technology that includes TrueView drone LiDAR , dual-purpose mobile mapping , and GeoCue's new TrueView GO handheld LiDAR/SLAM scanner —a complete 'LiDAR Triple Play.' From road extensions to sanitary surveys and corridor mapping, see how BSI's investment in LiDAR technology helped them scale faster, deliver more, and increase safety and precision on every job. Watch now, in the latest Down to Earth episodes- the LiDAR Triple Play. In the first episode, viewers are introduced to the origins of BSI's journey into LiDAR. Originally relying on total stations and GPS for topographic surveys that could take months, the firm began using drones in 2016 to cut that time dramatically. 'With the drone technology, months turned into a week,' says Jonathan Ham, PLS, Surveying Director. 'We took a leap of faith into LiDAR, and it changed everything.' The episode highlights how drone-based LiDAR transformed their workflow, keeping field crews safer and delivering better data faster. Episode two highlights the efficiency and versatility BSI gains by deploying the right tool for each task. The BSI team sets out for a full day of data collection using three LiDAR tools in tandem: a drone-mounted system for aerial data, their mobile mapping system for road features, and the TrueView GO for capturing critical sanitation as-built details. 'With LiDAR, we're getting more done in less time,' said Project Surveyor Austin Dawkins. 'The TrueView GO gave us more detail in 10 minutes than a field crew could collect in hours.' In the third and final episode, the team returns to the office to process the data from all three systems using GeoCue's LP360 software . They demonstrate how one unified platform enables them to extract valuable insights from aerial, mobile, and handheld datasets with precision. 'LP360 allows us to process all our data in one place, customize deliverables for every client, and move from field to finish fast,' explains Ham. 'We're wrapping up projects in record time and already on to the next one.' Whether you're just beginning your journey with LiDAR or looking to expand your technology, BSI's story provides a clear blueprint for growth, productivity, and long-term ROI. Get started by watching episode 1 now: WATCH Down to Earth- The LiDAR Triple Play About BSI Surveying and Engineering BSI, formerly known as Barrett-Simpson, Inc., provides engineering, surveying, and environmental services throughout southeast Alabama. Founded in 2004 by Tim Simpson and Bill Barrett, the firm is grounded in the principles of service, teamwork, and excellence. BSI's team of civil engineers and land surveyors combines advanced technology with precise attention to detail to deliver high-quality results. Offering a full range of services from planning to construction management, BSI remains committed to quality, innovation, and outstanding client service. To learn more about BSI, visit About GeoCue GeoCue brings geospatial experts the very best in drone, mobile and land surveying equipment, geospatial point cloud software, workflow, training, and support for high-accuracy LiDAR and imagery mapping to help civil engineering and surveying professionals achieve successful data collection, processing, and management. With TrueView LiDAR/Imaging sensors and LP360 point cloud data processing software, we are the leader in LiDAR mapping processing in North America, able to meet customers where they are in terms of technology, adoption, budget, and resources. To learn more about GeoCue, visit Attachments
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make disturbing discovery after analyzing stroke patients' arteries: 'We did not know that'
Plastic seems to end up in every nook and cranny known to humans, from the depths of the ocean to the stomachs of woodland creatures. As one surgeon discovered, there's a dangerous new addition to the list: our arteries. Ross Clark, a vascular surgeon and scientist at the University of New Mexico, led a study examining plaque buildups in the veins of people who had strokes. He found that samples from those individuals had over 50 times the amount of broken-down plastic particles in their carotid arteries than those of a non-stroke patient. Even people who had not suffered a stroke but had plaque were living with 16 times more plastic in their arteries, according to Down to Earth. Clark's findings suggest that microplastics and smaller nanoplastics can find their way into our bloodstreams and plaque blockages. Since the carotid artery supplies blood to the brain, anything that gets in the way can have life-changing and potentially fatal health impacts, such as strokes and heart attacks. The full findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Vascular Discovery 2025 Scientific Sessions in April. The presence of microscopic bits of plastic flowing through our veins is alarming, to say the least. Karen L. Furie, chair of neurology at Brown University's medical school, was also surprised. "Up until this point, we have known that plaque components include elements of fat, calcium, fibrous tissue, inflammatory elements in the blood," she explained, per Down to Earth. "But we did not know that micronanoparticles of plastic might be associated with atheromas [plaques]." Beyond the normal dangers of plaque buildups, Clark and his team suspect the plastic particles may mess with the immune responses of certain anti-inflammatory genes. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The findings also showcase the extent of the world's plastic problem, which wreaks havoc on all kinds of ecosystems. Products cover the Earth that will degrade into particles less than one-hundredth the size of a human hair, Down to Earth explained. There are tons of ways to pitch in to reduce plastic pollution, from upgrading your personal belongings to supporting businesses that do the right thing when it comes to plastic. As for keeping our arteries safe, the researchers have their work cut out for them. Further studies will be needed to understand what's going on behind the scenes, from how plastic gets in our bodies to whether it is a cause of artery disease or just a related symptom. Clark and his team are already refining their process for sifting out other particles and identifying plastics. "Now that we are aware of the presence of these materials in atherosclerotic plaques, the next steps will be to investigate what exactly they are doing there (if anything)," he told Down to Earth. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Guardian
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
UK falling behind on tackling microplastic pollution, scientists say
The UK is falling behind on international efforts to tackle microplastics, scientists have said, as the pollutants continue to infiltrate food, ecosystems and human bodies. The tiny fragments of plastic have been found in human testicles and brains, and they burrow into plants, inhibiting their ability to photosynthesise. The impact on human health is largely unknown, but they have been linked to strokes and heart attacks. Microplastics are broken down from plastic waste and have polluted the entire planet, from the summit of Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. People consume the tiny particles via food, water and by breathing them in. Scientists have warned that the UK is falling behind the EU and US, which are already introducing enforceable targets and limits on microplastics in areas such as wastewater and drinking water. They have called for ministers to create a comprehensive approach to reduce the pollution, with targets to address microplastics at source, as well as funding research to establish safe microplastic exposure thresholds and identify key interventions to improve neglected areas such as soil and air quality. Dr Antaya March, the director of the global plastics policy centre at the University of Portsmouth, said: 'Microplastic pollution represents a complex, transboundary policy challenge with implications for environmental health, public well-being, and long-term economic resilience. Its diffuse sources and persistence across ecosystems call for a coordinated and forward-looking response. 'The fact that the evidence is still emerging should not be a reason to delay action. A national roadmap informed by international developments is not only timely but necessary to ensure policy coherence and future readiness.' The scientists have recommended that the government sets up a roadmap with measurable targets and timelines to tackle the microplastic problem. They are also calling for interventions in high-emission sectors such as agriculture. Sewage sludge that contains high concentrations of microplastics is spread on fields as fertiliser, and plastic-based mulching is contributing to widespread soil contamination. At the moment, there is a ban in the UK on cosmetic products that use microbeads, but the scientists said these tiny plastics need to be recognised and designed out of products beyond this, including setting design standards for clothing and other textiles so they shed less. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion Prof Fay Couceiro, from the microplastics research group at the University of Portsmouth said: 'Microplastic pollution is an escalating threat with potentially irreversible consequences. Without decisive action, the UK's environment and global leadership will be compromised, with potential impacts to public health. Implementing a robust, forward-looking microplastic policy framework is urgent and essential to protect us, our environment and the economy.' The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has been contacted for comment.
The Guardian
02-05-2025
- Climate
- The Guardian
Glut of early fruit and veg hits UK as climate change closes ‘hungry gap'
A glut of early strawberries, aubergines and tomatoes has hit Britain as the dry, warm weather has eliminated the traditional 'hungry gap', growers have said. It has been a very dry and sunny spring, with one of the warmest starts to May on record expected. Temperatures could reach 30C at the earliest point on record later this week, forecasters have said. Nick Haigh, a grower at the Community Farm south of Bristol, said many of their Mediterranean vegetables had come weeks earlier than expected. 'It feels like it's the middle of May already,' he said, 'We have loads and loads of crops right now, tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers, peppers, they are all ready two or three weeks early. We are crazy busy already. We are feeling the push right now.' Usually this time of year is known as the 'hungry gap', when winter vegetables have run out and we are waiting for the summer crops to arrive. However, the sunny, dry weather has eliminated this, he said. 'A few months ago we thought it would be the worst hungry gap ever, now we are saying there is not going to be a hungry gap. We got really poor harvests last year, – we didn't get very much squash, for example – so we didn't have the storage vegetables that would usually get us through the hungry gap. Last year was awful, it was completely wet.' The extremes of weather, made more acute by climate breakdown, are catching farmers by surprise as they never know whether they will have to deal with floods or drought. 'You just can't predict the climate anymore. What might be your predictable dates you might plant things by just don't work anymore,' he said. 'We are having to try to be more adaptable to different techniques based on the climate. It's keeping us on our toes for sure. Some rain would be great though, we are looking at the weather waiting for the rain.' Kew Gardens, the science research facility in south-west London, has noticed a glut of berries coming up early. Hélèna Dove, the head of the kitchen garden at Kew, said: 'The recent warm weather is really showing how much our growing seasons are shifting. Traditionally, a good kitchen gardener would be proud to have ripe strawberries by Wimbledon as it would demonstrate their skill and expertise. We already have ripe strawberries in the kitchen garden at Kew Gardens, and it's only April.' Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion She said gardeners were experimenting with stone and tropical fruits, which do not usually fare well in the UK's traditionally mild climate: 'The warm spring means crops like citrus, kiwi, and tropical plants are thriving earlier, with longer seasons and better yields. We're even growing peaches, apricots, and nectarines outside currently, something that would have been unthinkable in previous years due to the risk of late frosts and lack of early pollinators. 'This time of year is also known as the hungry gap for these early pollinators, once the winter crops have ended but the new season's plantings are not yet ready to harvest, but with plants such as calendula flowering early, there is a reliable food source this year. While some traditional fruits such as apples are struggling, this is an opportunity to rethink what we plant, working with the climate to save energy, water, and potentially even reduce imports.' Farmers are, on the whole, enjoying the sunny growing season. Dale Robinson, supply chain head at the organic vegetable box company Riverford, said: 'This spring has been one of the warmest many of us can remember, bringing a real sense of joy and hope to our fields. Crops like purple sprouting broccoli and wild garlic have thrived, and the early warmth has allowed for timely planting of main crops. It's a welcome change from the delays caused by last year's wet winter – the wettest on record. 'While we celebrate these favourable conditions, our growers remain mindful of the increasing unpredictability brought about by climate change. The real challenge lies not in the gradual shifts, but in the erratic weather extremes – sudden frosts, hailstorms, droughts – all of which can undo months of hard work in a single day.'
