|
|
Low-Cost Networking Solution Holds Promise for Rural Latin America
Computers and communications technology can play an important
role in improving people's economic prospects in all kinds of settings—even
in communities that still rely on time-honored methods of manual production.
A team of academic researchers in Uruguay is developing an innovative system to
bring low-cost networking to rural enterprises so they can streamline their
business processes and improve efficiency and communication.
More... |
|
|
|
|
|
Wireless Sensor Network Provides Early Flood Detection for Underserved Countries
Devastation caused by flooding is often more severe in the developing world, where sophisticated
flood detection technologies are neither affordable nor practical. To address this urgent problem,
a team of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is designing a low-cost, wireless flood detection
system that meets the needs of communities with limited resources and rudimentary communications infrastructure.
More... |
|
|
|
|
|
Portable Diagnostic Device Can Help Save Lives
Many people in the developing world live without easy access to medical care, especially in rural areas.
When medical emergencies happen, crucial diagnostic equipment is rarely available and local health workers
often lack the expertise to determine the appropriate treatment. A team of researchers at the International
Institute of Information Technology in Hyderabad, India, is addressing this challenge by developing a low-cost,
portable diagnostic system that can collect vital patient data and transmit it to doctors in other locations who
can direct timely treatment and help save lives.
More... |
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Language-Learning Tools Help Pave the Way to Literacy
In many developing countries, literacy in a "world language" such as English can make the difference
between a life of poverty and socioeconomic opportunity. To help nurture these possibilities,
researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, are combining the immersive nature of electronic
games with the rapid growth of cell phones to create a mobile language-learning environment for
children. Their innovative approach is yielding promising results among the rural poor in India.
More... |
|
|
|
|
|
Wireless Device Gives African Women a Voice in Community Radio
In sub-Saharan Africa, women's living conditions and social status have declined in recent
decades, despite efforts to alleviate poverty and disease. To help address these challenges,
two researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder are aiming to empower women in Kenya
by bringing their voices to the influential medium of community radio.
More... |
|
|
|
|
|
HIV/AIDS Information System Taps Cell Phone
Texting Capabilities
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has devastated communities throughout
sub-Saharan Africa, which comprises just 11 percent of the world’s
population but 63 percent of those currently living with this condition.
There are an estimated 12 million AIDS orphans—children who have
lost at least one parent to the disease—in the region. Here is how
one group of researchers is using mobile phone technology to create
a unique system for delivering HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment
information to the people who need it most. More... |
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Diagnostic Kit Targets the “Last
Mile” of Preventive Healthcare
Lack of access to low-cost diagnostic tools prevents many people in
developing countries from receiving the kind of medical screening
that can help save lives. Here’s the story of how one team of researchers
is combining advanced computer science research with wireless
technology to overcome these obstacles and make important medical
technology and expertise available to underserved populations. More... |
|
|
|
|
|
HealthLine Offers Speech-Based Access
to Medical Information
When cutting-edge innovations are employed to confront urgent real-world problems in poorer regions of the world, the results can be transformative. Here’s the story of how one team of researchers is
using technology to improve healthcare delivery in places where
doctors and medical facilities are scarce.
More... |
|
|
|
|
|
The Classroom of Tomorrow, Built with Today’s Technology
Computers can be instrumental in transforming education in underserved
communities, but not if they are simply used to facilitate
memorization and test-taking. A team of researchers in Chile is exploring
affordable and innovative uses of computers in the classroom
that promote collaborative learning and nurture intellectual creativity.
More... |
|
|
|
|
|
KioskNet Offers an Innovative Connection for
Rural Internet Kiosks
The developing world is hungry for communications technologies that
can bring vital services to underserved populations and help boost
economic development. One team of researchers is blending computer
science innovations with appropriate technology to create a system
that could prove transformative in emerging economies.
More... |
