Redacción de The Smart City Journal, Author at thesmartcityjournal.com

How to keep AI from killing us all

In a new paper, UC Berkeley researchers argue that companies should not be allowed to create advanced AI systems until they can prove they are safe As companies build ever more powerful AI systems — with capabilities that rival or even exceed those of humans — research into AI safety is lagging far behind. "I think…

Drink with your partner, it’s good for you

Couples who drink together have a longer life, says new study A healthy diet and exercise can help us live longer. But who knew that drinking with your significant other could be linked to a greater life expectancy? Alcohol and relationships may actually be a good mix, after all. Savour together, stay together Findings published…

How Crowd Intelligence Tackles Crucial Challenges

In the era of rapid innovation, crowd intelligence emerges as a potent force, poised to address critical challenges through collective wisdom and collaboration In this thought-provoking two-minute video, explore the fascinating concept of crowd intelligence and its untapped potential alongside artificial intelligence. Discover why crowd intelligence holds immense promise, potentially rivaling AI in its impact…

The oldest international event for Smart Cities and Smart Destinations is back in April

On April 17th and 18th, the tenth edition of Portugal's oldest event for Smart Cities and Smart Destinations takes place. Smart Travel was launched in 2014 in Trás-os-Montes, where it was based (in Bragança until 2019) Since the pandemic, Smart Travel has reconfigured itself and started to explore new destinations and new stages, bringing the…

New tools and insights to better connect citizens with democracy

15 Horizon-funded projects exploring the current challenges to democracy, and testing innovative solutions that support better engagement with the democratic process In 2024, citizens go to the polls for the European Parliament elections. In the face of reduced trust in governance, increased political polarisation, and growing external threats to democracy, this Results Pack highlights 15…

Imagining virtual reality as a simple tool to treat depression

Some of the 17 million Americans afflicted with major depressive disorder each year may soon receive a surprising new prescription from their clinician: Have fun on a virtual reality device Engaging in activities that make you feel good may seem like overly simplistic advice, especially when directed at people with severe depression. But the science…

Study improves understanding of effects of household air pollution during pregnancy

Researchers from Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health have found that pregnant mothers' exposure to air pollution from indoor stoves did not affect the development of their babies in any statistically significant way, challenging conventional wisdom regarding the impact of household air pollution on fetal growth The study, published in Lancet Global Health, was conducted in…

Tackling urban problems with nature-based solutions

Upsurge showcases different ways to bring nature back into cities to combat air pollution and tackle the negative effects of climate change. In Belfast, it is through research and community gardens An unused, derelict site in Belfast’s Lower Botanic Gardens has been earmarked for research and community gardens. This initiative is part of the EU-funded…

Hybrid intelligence can reconcile biodiversity and agriculture

A research team at the Technical University of Munich and the University of Hohenheim show a promising way to achieve both goals at the same time Preserving biodiversity without reducing agricultural productivity: So far, these two goals could not be reconciled because the socio-ecological system of agriculture is highly complex, and the interactions between humans…

Enforce net zero with global ‘ground rules,’ say Oxford academics

Academics at the University of Oxford have called for rigorous net zero ‘ground rules’ – encompassing laws, regulation and policy – to be implemented and enforced across the world, in an article published in Nature Climate Change yesterday 'Climate pledges are not backed up by the necessary action. This ‘implementation gap’ illustrates the limits of voluntary action.…