Author: Connected World
Computational biology and AI (artificial intelligence) are transforming how we understand and fight cancer. As cancer research generates massive volumes of data—from genomic sequences to treatment outcomes—researchers are increasingly turning to advanced math, AI, and computational methods to uncover patterns hidden in the noise. As one example, Purdue University’s Collaborative Core for Cancer Bioinformatics, led by computational biologist Dr. Nadia Lanman, uses big data and AI-driven analysis to help scientists make sense of enormous datasets that would otherwise overwhelm traditional research methods. By applying algorithms and machine learning, Dr. Lanman’s work aids projects ranging from cellular differentiation studies to predictive…
#Factoftheweek 85% of U.S. homeowners now rely on at least one smart-home device, and more than half plan to buy more in the next year. This is according to Vivint’s inaugural How We Home report. It seems this holiday season, millions of homeowners aren’t just decking the halls—they are outfitting the house with connected technology. Here’s a few key drivers: Most homeowners bought 1-3 new devices this past year, and new interest remains high. Security and energy are two top priorities. Cost and simplicity still influence decisions. Integration matters to buyers. What does this mean as we head to the…
Airports are increasingly embracing digital innovation, as operations become more complex and realtime coordination becomes essential. One example of this trend is the rollout at Nantes Atlantique Airport in France, which recently implemented the Airport Community App across its entire campus workforce. The deployment at Nantes follows successful implementations at other airports within the VINCI Airports network including airports in Lyon, London (Gatwick), and Portugal (ANA). The app connects all staff—from airfield crews to terminal operations, including partners and third-party personnel. This enables realtime data flow from the tarmac to the control room. Here is how this can help: Facilitate…
#Factoftheweek $15.6 billion in 2025 rises to $23 billion by 2036 The global RFID (radio-frequency identification) market is accelerating, and IDTechEx now forecasts growth from $15.6 billion in 2025 to $23 billion by 2036. After digging into IDTechEx’s latest research, one thing is clear: There are many regional differences to note with RFID. Here are a few: The Americas are leading the charge. Fueled by massive UHF (ultra-high frequency) adoption, the Americas represent 38% of global end use, with retail and logistics driving the momentum. Walmart continues to push toward near-universal RFID tagging. UPS is rolling out RFID across its…
#Factoftheweek The number of active consumer asset tracking devices in Europe and North America reached 15 million at the end of 2024—and it will grow to 30.7 million units by the end of 2029. That’s a lot of tracking! It’s also a 15.4% growth rate. Let’s break it down. Consumer asset tracking devices can use cellular, satellite, LoRa, or Sigfox, and can be divided into four main categories: Family and child tracking Pet tracking Vehicle tracking, including cars, bikes, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, etc. General asset tracking, including bags, luggage, keys, wallets, clothes, electronics, tools, and sports equipment. In the months…
Detecting how forests respond to logging, storms, or fire—and ultimately measuring forest recovery and growth—is not an easy feat. Enter remote sensing technologies and forest monitoring science. Researchers from the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have received a new grant from the U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station. The study will combine repeat collections of airborne LiDAR and photogrammetric point clouds from the National Agriculture Imagery Program with spectral data to measure forest growth and change over time. Here is how this can help: Distinguish between disturbances and gradual regrowth for more…
My work takes me into warehouses and DCs (distribution centers) throughout North America, observing the various processes needed to receive, process, and ship products to businesses and consumers every day, and recommending automation solutions to improve process efficiency and accuracy. In the past few years, especially up through 2025 to date, the deployment of software and automation solutions in warehouses and DCs that are based on AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms has grown significantly. If you have read my earlier articles here in Connected World, you can see both my interest–and concerns–about this trend. These deployments have been made to remedy…
Digital health and home-based medical technologies are transforming long-term care—especially in mental health, where relapse after treatment remains a significant challenge. A new international study shows just how effective this shift can be. A major global research effort, the PSYLECT study, has demonstrated remotely supervised, at-home brain stimulation therapy can prevent relapses of major depressive disorder in 75% of patients. Published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, this study offers strong evidence that accessible, non-drug treatments can help people maintain recovery in the months after initial therapy, which is a period where relapse rates have historically reached 85%. The study…
#Factoftheweek South Korea’s cellular M2M and IoT (Internet of Things) services market is projected to grow from $578 million in 2024 to about $900 million by 2029, which represents an 8.6% growth rate. GlobalData suggests major factors fueling this growth include: Great 5G penetration. Smart manufacturing government programs and financial support. Broad demand in smart cities, smart buildings, connected transportation, and more. Telcos are bundling device management platforms and industry-specific IoT solutions to retain and monetize enterprise customers. What do you think? Will South Korea’s telcos become major IoT ecosystem architects?
#Factoftheweek 19.2 million to 33.2 million fleet management systems in just five years? What’s fueling this more than 70% growth by 2029. According to Berg Insight, it’s a boom in North American commercial-vehicle telematics. Here’s a few key drivers: Strong market consolidation Rapid fleet digitalization M&A fueling scale OEM + aftermarket mix Fleet penetration rising What does this mean? Fleets are doubling down on connectivity and data. And we can expect the digitalization of commercial transport to continue to accelerate in the next few years. With all this in mind, will the top telematics players maintain their dominance? Will niche…