11/18/2024: The Pros & Cons of Wikipedia

Summary

Engineers in South Korea have developed a revolutionary morphing wheel that adapts to obstacles, including stairs, offering new possibilities for mobility. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Sarah devastates Honduras, and efforts to combat pollution intensify in New Delhi. US President Biden attends the APEC Summit, and historical moments are revisited, including the creation of Standard Railway Time and the debut of Mickey Mouse. Other highlights include the growth of Wikipedia and a quirky innovation: a flying drone to clean up after dogs. From tech breakthroughs to international news, the world is full of surprising stories.

Takeaways

• 😀 South Korean engineers have reinvented the wheel, creating a new design that adapts to obstacles and stairs.
• 😀 The new wheel can spin at up to 18 mph on flat surfaces but morphs into a softer mode for overcoming bumps and obstacles.
• 😀 The technology behind the adaptive wheel is inspired by the surface tension of water droplets, allowing it to change shape when needed.
• 😀 One challenge for the new wheel is making it affordable and marketable, as traditional wheels remain cheap and reliable.
• 😀 Honduras faced catastrophic flooding and mudslides due to Tropical Storm Sarah, which brought up to 30 inches of rain.
• 😀 U.S. President Joe Biden attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Peru, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• 😀 New Delhi has implemented temporary bans on non-urgent construction projects to combat severe air pollution, which has reached dangerous levels.
• 😀 The air pollution in New Delhi has been so severe that it has caused respiratory problems for many residents, with particulate matter levels 40 times over WHO's safety threshold.
• 😀 On November 18, 1883, Standard Railway Time (SRT) was established, creating time zones across the U.S. to improve train scheduling and reduce confusion.
• 😀 Wikipedia, launched in 2001, became the largest online encyclopedia, with its open-editing model creating both vast reach and criticism for inaccuracies.
• 😀 A Minnesota inventor is working on a drone designed to clean up dog waste, offering a fun and hands-free solution for pet owners.

Q & A

What is the new invention introduced by engineers in South Korea?

Engineers in South Korea have developed a reinvented wheel that can spin at up to 18 mph on flat ground but can morph into a soft mode to navigate obstacles and stairs. Specially designed spokes allow the wheel to adjust and move over bumps more easily.

How does the South Korean invention differ from traditional wheels?

Traditional wheels perform well on smooth surfaces but struggle with obstacles, especially stairs. The new wheel can adjust its structure to navigate bumps and obstacles, making it more versatile than traditional wheels.

What inspired the design of the reinvented wheel?

The design of the reinvented wheel is inspired by the surface tension of water droplets, which can change shape when needed, similar to how the wheel adjusts its form to handle obstacles.

What challenges have other reinvented wheels faced in the past?

Other reinvented wheels have faced challenges in being affordable and bringing their technology to market. They also tend to require special sensors to keep functioning, which adds to their complexity and cost.

What impact did Tropical Storm Sarah have on Honduras?

Tropical Storm Sarah hit Honduras, causing catastrophic flooding and mudslides, with as much as 30 inches of rain expected. Tens of thousands of people in the country were affected as the storm moved through neighboring regions.

What is the significance of the APEC Summit that President Joe Biden attended in Peru?

The APEC Summit focuses on economic growth and prosperity in countries surrounding the Pacific Ocean. President Biden's attendance also included a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, reflecting on the relationship between the U.S. and China.

What measures have been taken in New Delhi to combat air pollution?

New Delhi has temporarily banned non-urgent construction projects, sprayed water and chemicals on roads to settle dust, and discouraged the use of coal or wood for heating. Despite these measures, the city's air pollution remains severe.

How severe is the air pollution in New Delhi?

The air pollution in New Delhi has reached levels 40 times higher than the World Health Organization's safety limits. The pollution, especially in the dry season, is exacerbated by vehicle emissions, factory smoke, and agricultural burning.

What was the significance of the establishment of Standard Railway Time (SRT) in 1883?

SRT, established on November 18, 1883, divided the U.S. into four time zones. It resolved confusion caused by varying local times and became a key advancement for the growing railroad industry and the importance of accurate timekeeping for schedules.

What is the origin of Wikipedia, and how is it different from traditional encyclopedias?

Wikipedia was co-founded in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. Unlike traditional encyclopedias, anyone can contribute to Wikipedia, which is both a strength (allowing rapid updates) and a weakness (raising concerns about accuracy).

How do senior citizens contribute to Wikipedia, according to the transcript?

Senior citizens, like Urina Karova, contribute to Wikipedia by using their life experience and knowledge. Over 700 Czech seniors have completed training to become contributors, helping to gather and write articles on various topics.

What unique product is being developed by a man in Minnesota for pet owners?

A man in Minnesota is developing a flying doggy cleanup drone. This device would clean up dog waste in the yard remotely, offering a convenient solution for pet owners who want to keep their yards clean without handling the mess directly.

What humorous aspect is mentioned about the flying doggy cleanup drone?

While the drone is designed to clean up dog waste, there's a humorous concern that it could accidentally drop its own 'litter' or 'cargo' while in operation. The device is intended to help keep the yard clean without the pet owner having to do the dirty work.