Robots are being integrated into Korean society handling a variety of routine but necessary jobs. This story from the BBC depicts their role as prison monitors.
Electronic devices are being modified into a professional tools which will analyze crop diseases and identify cancer markers reports Miller-McCune. This year tablet devices are seen as family-worthy gifts as parents realize their appeal to children as readers and learning devices reports Bloomberg.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be holding hearings to determine the cause of a fire in GM's new hybrid electric vehicle the Chevy Volt, reported on by NewsDaily.com and most recently, by Bloomberg. (updated)
Retirees with some wealth were once advised to invest in tax exempt bond funds for additional income. "Muni bond" returns are shrinking due to the lower interest rates cities and states are charged for borrowing, but there could be additional risk as localities lose jobs suggests Bloomberg.
Doctors who treat Medicare patients are cutting back on office expenses, like staff nurses. Didn't policymakers anticipate physicians would cut their operating costs as soon as government threatened reduced reimbursement services?
The success of entrepreneurial websites that invite donors to participate in the growth of small businesses broke through the hesitancy of potential contributors to give online. USAToday reports that even the USO has a website that invites donations that will help brighten the holidays for soldiers and their families.
Some physicians are reviving house calls while technology moves primary care medicine into the 21st century. One advantage of remote patient care is less time and fuel wasted in getting to the doctor's office notes an article on Forbes.
Judges will be asking federal agencies to prioritize the welfare of the public as their primary responsibility. Typically, offending firms have been allowed to settle securities violations by paying a financial penalty reports the Wall Street Journal. Recently, a New York federal judge spotlighted the minimal information shared in these consent judgments, bringing daylight to the long accepted practice and suggesting the public would benefit from knowing more.
The tough economic situation is forcing more families to live together, three generations under one roof, a retiree with adult children who've lost their home or job with the penniless grandson/college graduate searching for a job.
Architects will continue to be expand the use of prefab exterior walls in new home construction while biomimicry is suggesting new ways to tackle housing in an age of climate change. Take a peek at a small house built to achieve LEED Platinum status without breaking the budget.
Health insurers have attracted more state oversight after lawsuits like the one filed against Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of California. The pending case alleges that mid-year premium hikes violated state regulations and seriously increased health coverage costs for customers according to the LATimes.
