When a disaster strikes, humanitarian agencies (人道主义机构) like The World Food Programme (WFP) need information more than anything else. They need a clear picture of the damage to roads and bridges, for example, to be able to take quick action.

WFP has published a picture of damage to the epicenter (震中) of the earthquake which struck Haiti. The picture, which has been produced in the form of a satellite-based map, shows great damage to the epicenter, where 90% of the buildings were destroyed. In the map, one pixel (像素) stands for half a meter of land. That's a very close look of how things are on the ground. It helped rescue teams a lot.

WFP's Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch produced a series of clear maps showing the damage of Haiti. The maps have been produced in partnership with a research and development institute called In formation Technology for Humanitarian Assistance, Cooperati on and Action (ITHACA). The organization was set up years ago especially to work with WFP in bringing developments of satellite technology into its response to disasters. Just a few years ago, this would have meant having to wait for helicopters to overfly areas and for human beings to physically see the damage. The satellites which operate around high above our heads are of great help. They are able to see through clouds, which is helpful when weather conditions prevent the use of optical instruments(光学仪器) .

Now both WFP and ITHACA have teams working around the clock to make use of more new technologies to help people actively deal with natural disasters. “Deaths and injuries from natural disasters can be reduced if the disaster can be predicted. Several disaster prediction technologies have been developed over the years. We are also working hard to provide a more effective instrument to predict natural disasters,” said Riccardo Roscelli, president of ITHACA.

In the vast Atlantic Ocean, the hogfish is showing a talent that seems straight out of a science fiction novel. This species has the extraordinary ability to observe its surroundings through its skin, without the use of its eyes. The process behind this phenomenon is the subject of in-depth study, with researchers seeking to unlock the potential technologies this vision mode might inspire.

At the heart of the hogfish’s skin vision are special cells’named chromatophores, which are cells capable of changing color. However, the standout role is played by another set of cells, their iridophores. These cells are sensitive to light and send the signals to chromatophores, managing a complex interaction that enhances a visual understanding of their environment.

Exploring the complexities of this vision mode is not without challenges. Scientists are on the verge of fully understanding the complex relationship of these cells. The complicated manner in which these cells communicate and cooperate to create a unique vision system presents a fascinating yet difficult field of study. As Justine Allen, a researcher deeply involved in this study, admits, “We are far from truly understanding it.”

Despite the challenges, the scientific community is buoyant about the potential breakthroughs that might occur from this line of research. Revealing the secrets of hogfish’s skin vision can potentially lead to revolutionary developments in various fields. The horizon seems to be broad with possibilities like the creation of smart clothes that adapt to changing light conditions, or highly advanced cameras that copy the hogfish’s unique visual capabilities. Furthermore, the applications could extend to the car industry with smart cars adapting to changing environmental conditions, or even in the medical field with devices capable of non-invasive (非侵入的) sensing techniques.

As researchers explore deeper into this mystery, the potential seem limitless. Understanding the hogfish’s unique vision can open doors to technologies that are yet to be realized, presenting a future where science fiction might just integrate with reality.

A number of Americans predict that driver-less cars will revolutionize the form of travelling in cities and on highways However, recent experiments have shown that autonomous vehicles also have the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans, especially the elderly and disabled, so long as the government and lawmakers carry out smart policies

A retirement community in Alabama which has been transformed by a small group of driverless taxis shows the potential of self-driving cars to change people's lives in America. Although the modified Ford Fusions are currently limited to a two-mile road, residents are already having the benefits of them to take part in social activities which they would otherwise be unable to enjoy simply because they could not get to them.

When the experimental run finally reaches 15 miles of road, these residents whose average age is 77 will also have a convenient and reliable new way to keep their appointments. Because these cars continue to serve residents there, it is not difficult to understand why California is gradually simplifying regulations for the business.

In New Jersey, ahead-thinking policies have the potential to unlock other hidden benefits of autonomous vehicles, especially for those with physical disabilities. The New Jersey Disability Righted for the development of this technology, saying that it could give people with disabilities greater opportunities in the workforce and enable them to lead more satisfying and independent lives.

Many Americans admit that autonomous vehicles will be the future of transportation, but it is too often overlooked that this future cannot arrive fast enough for millions of Americans on others for day-to-day travel. The policymakers should follow the lead of places like California and New Jersey, and pass regulations to unlock these hidden benefits of driverless cars.