Tech for Good Ten: New discovery of RNA virus combat treatment, the safety world of autonomous cars here and now and how tech can aid in extreme weathers

22nd December 2015 Posted by: Cat Cochrane

Welcome to the Tech For Good Ten, where we share the best 10 links in the Tech For Good world from the past seven days.

We’re aiming to share a wide range of links, meeting the people behind the latest digital innovations, showcasing the greatest tech for good products, looking at the future of social change technology, and exploring the themes and social issues that technology is tackling locally and globally.

Most importantly, we’ll be meeting the people and institutions who are actually using this technology, showing the positive difference it makes in their lives, their communities and the world around them.

We’re also encouraging debate around “What exactly is Tech For Good?” Join the debate in the comments below. We’re here to discuss all things Tech For Good.

Got a link to share with the Tech For Good Team? Tweet us at @techfotgoodtv, or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Tech For Good Ten | 22.12.2015

1// Self-driving cars are just around the corner, with designers promising lives will be saved

With accident-free rides are the heart of the future, what will a world of autonomous cars look like?

2// 2015 was the year one Central American nation created 99% of its energy from renewable sources

Costa Rica’s energy state electric agency reports it spent 285 days of the year powered by it own natural resources

3// The prosthetics company that was turned into a global community thanks to ethical design

e-NABLE’s founders created a 3-D print design open source domain with a variety of free prosthetics available to enhance and improve

4// The story behind the marine researchers banded together to solve our oceans’ plastic problem

The pursuit of preventing the flow of marine debris into seas and oceans, 80% of which originates from land

5// The design of this network fire alarm system prevents flames spreading in poor, crowded areas

A simple sensor that alerts neighbours, emergency responders and the community faster than any domestic smoke alarm

6// Ideas around how technology can help us cope better is rising extreme of weather

Can emerging innovations in the field of drones and 3D-printing help provide vital services to people and communities affected by flooding?

7// Next generation technology is turning throwaway plant parts into biofuels

Cheap and much easier to burn than fossil fuels, biofuels have the potential to fundamentally alter the clean energy market and the environment

8// Has the Paris Climate Summit secured solar power’s future for the next six years and more?

What is the possibility of every house and home having photovoltaic solar panels on their roofs one day?

9// The best 10 current and new apps that track sleep and improve health

Discovering what wakes you up during the night, while monitoring heart rate and pulse give insights to how to better improve a good sleep

10// New compound triggers immune response to range of viruses, including Ebola and Hepatitis C

Scientists are now reporting the discovery of a drug-like molecule that could be used to combat all RNA viruses