Smart Takes

Archive: 09-2011

• Cost of solar in U.S. dropped 17% in 2010, report says

  The average cost of solar energy systems in the United States decreased by a record amount in 2010 and the first half of 2011, according to a new DOE report.

  September 16, 2011, 6:37 AM PDT | By Andrew Nusca

• The ‘Contagion’ question: are we really prepared for a pandemic?

  Is the threat of pandemic real in the film Contagion? Yes, writes a Columbia University epidemiologist — and we’re not nearly as prepared for it as we could be.

  September 15, 2011, 7:43 AM PDT | By Andrew Nusca

• Teenage driver study sends lawmakers back to drawing board

  A study about teenage driving confirmed that tougher licensing laws for 16-year-olds reduced deadly accidents among the age group but increased them among 18-year-olds.

  September 15, 2011, 6:45 AM PDT | By Andrew Nusca

• So we’ll live to age 100. Now what?

  Scientific advancements will help us live to 100 and beyond. With so many elderly people around, how will society cope? Author Sonia Arrison weighs in at The Economist’s Human Potential...

  September 15, 2011, 4:56 AM PDT | By Andrew Nusca

• In a global economy, can you innovate without women?

  Companies in search of talent are looking to women for help. But who will help them succeed? Economist Sylvia Ann Hewlett sounds off at The Economist’s Human Potential conference.

  September 15, 2011, 3:13 AM PDT | By Andrew Nusca

• James Dyson unveils latest invention: bladeless fan heater

  Inventor and engineer James Dyson took to the stage in New York City to unveil his latest product, the Dyson Hot, a design-forward fan heater.

  September 14, 2011, 5:21 PM PDT | By Andrew Nusca

• The globalization gap: how tech disrupted the labor market

  Globalization has caused a sudden and wide rift in the world labor market. But who will pick up the pieces? Experts discuss at The Economist’s Human Potential conference.

  September 14, 2011, 1:14 PM PDT | By Andrew Nusca

• Ford: Multiple technologies needed to boost fuel economy

  “We believe that there aren’t silver bullet solutions on fuel economy,” says Ford’s CFO.

  September 14, 2011, 12:49 PM PDT | By Larry Dignan

• WellPoint on Watson: A ‘unique disruptor’

  WellPoint’s CFO says that IBM’s Watson technology can “help doctors do their job a lot better and more efficiently.”

  September 14, 2011, 11:35 AM PDT | By Larry Dignan

• Streetcars prepare for resurgence in U.S., Canada

  Streetcar manufacturers are readying stock for a resurgence in North America, including Siemens, Bombardier, Alstom and Kinkisharyo. Here’s a look at what’s going on across the continent.

  September 13, 2011, 9:01 AM PDT | By Andrew Nusca