#on a much larger and more interconnected scale

[foolishfalls]

watching the internet burn down in real-time feels kind of insane to my chronically online mind. i spent my formative years on this site. it influenced me a lot for better or worse and i'm glad i was able to grow and experience more than this but it also sucks that the internet just really isn't the same separate world of escapism and media it used to be it's just another place for us to be sold things now and another thing to distract us and take up our time.

[headspace-hotel]

Everything is interconnected in ways that are unimaginably complex. I see this in my reading and in my observations of nature. Because of this I am starting to think that plant sameness both contributes to and is contributed to by animal sameness, especially birds.

Lots of invasive plant species in my area are spread by birds. But which kinds of birds? I'm not sure if we know.

But the species of birds which feed upon the berries of the invasive species, are likely to be highly abundant in the areas overtaken by the invasive species, spreading a larger number of seeds of invasive species into the other areas those birds go. When the high density of invasive plants excludes other birds, it causes even greater density and exclusionary capacity of the invasive species, and even more favorable conditions to the birds that feed upon them.

So basically, when plant sameness reduces the number of animal species (and fungus species) that can survive, and when this plant sameness is repeatedly reinforced through management of the landscape, it can start to perpetuate itself through the animal sameness that was created

What this suggests to me, is that there may be a critical threshold of fragmentation and destruction of habitat where invasive species removal by itself is pointless or worse, because the larger-scale landscape has too much plant sameness and animal sameness for native species to come back.

What to do...? Maybe choose plantings for the restored area specifically for vigorous dispersal and high seed and fruit production?

Native, quasi-native and cultivated food plants could all be appropriate, because the goal is to attract the dispersers that cannot survive in the invasive species monoculture environment and redirect dispersers that previously relied on invasive species for food.

This facilitates dispersal of plants between the newly planted restoration and other habitat fragments that can support non-monocultured wildlife.

[probablyasocialecologist]

Scientists have not yet agreed on a precise definition of life, but many experts have phrased it more or less like this: Life is a system that actively sustains itself. The laws of thermodynamics dictate that everything in the universe will inevitably fall apart, dissolving into a homogenous mush. Living systems use available energy to temporarily evade this outcome and maintain their improbably organized structures. More than genetics or reproduction, it is this capacity for self-preservation that unites life at every scale, from protist to prairie. In this sense, ecosystems are very much alive. The feedbacks between ecosystems and the organisms within them, and their reciprocal evolution across great spans of time, culminate in an emergent capacity for extreme longevity that eclipses what is possible at the level of the individual. Although ecosystems are not organisms, they nevertheless demonstrate growth, resilience, and self-regulation. Those systems best able to recover from major disturbances, and maintain the processes, relationships, and infrastructure that define them, will endure the longest. Ecosystems survive and evolve not through differential reproduction, but through differential persistence. The tenacity of the planet’s longest-lived ecosystems reveals an essential characteristic of life at any scale: interconnection. By definition, all living things are systems made of smaller interrelated parts. Those systems are themselves inextricable from the larger networks that surround them. Every individual tree is a universe of mineral, water, and cell harboring sprawling communities of microbes and fungi. At the same time, a tree is a vital component of the larger forest, landscape, and even the very weather systems on which it depends. 

10 June 2024

[hallowpen]

The Idea of Shared/Linked Karma as it Relates to Home and Peach in Peaceful Property

I made a comment in my last post about Peaceful Property that Home and Peach exist in balance of one another... and that if I were to elaborate on that, it would make that post longer than it needed to be.

Well, thanks to @thebroccolination, I have once again boarded the Peaceful Property train... and the time is nigh!!!

I just want to preface this by saying, this is all just my own personal read of the series and I, in no way, hold any of this to be an absolute interpretation. Ideas of cyclical karma and karmic soulmates / linked karma have always interested me... if my love of The Sign is anything to go by hehe

So, what are the beliefs around shared/linked karma? It's basically the idea that two or more spirits are interconnected through their actions and inactions. The karma created by one will affect the experiences of the others through shared circumstance and interaction. This interdependence would create shared karmic consequences. An example of this would be familial karma, which is dispersed throughout the series as the "curse" (or negative karma) of the Vimarnsukman family.

The relationship between Home and Peach can represent the ideas of a negative karmic relationship blossoming into a positive one. And their linked connection started the instant Home hit Peach with his car.

Buddhism doesn't necessarily propagate "predetermined destinies" so much as "fates" or karma born of individual choice. Circumstances will always present you with a choice, and your decision is what will determine your karmic fate. The choices that are presented throughout one's lifetime, give one with the opportunity to balance their karmic scale... but only if they are willing to pursue positive actions that foster good karma.

Karma has a funny way of trying to balance the scales. Peach and Home reconnecting after the hit and run was the universe's way of presenting Home with the choice to correct his past mistakes... but only happens because of that mistake. Home hits Peach with his car, Peach dies and is resuscitated... but with the ability to see ghosts, Peach's friend Best purchases one of Home's properties that is haunted by a ghost only Peach can see and exorcise, Home wants to hire Peach for his ability. Home needed Peach to help "see" the manifestation of his family's negligence and ignorance, and Peach's ability to do that was granted to him only after Home's own negligence and ignorance. Karma is such a tangled web hehe

In developing a relationship with Peach, someone who Home has wronged in the past, Home can begin to foster enough good karma to counteract his (and his family's) negative actions. Their working together to alleviate the suffering of other spirits creates a positive and important karmic bond, which perpetuates a sense of shared communal well-being that mitigates Home's negative karma. (A lot of this also falls into the idea of harmonious justice which was another prominent concept throughout the series... this is a much larger discussion that I lack the mental capacity to delve into right now).

Home eventually gaining the ability to "hear" those who were never listened to... when the thing him and his family struggle with the most is communication, when he wanted Peach to hear him out after finding out about the hit and run, when his spirit seeks to connect with Peach after his own accident. If Peach can see the ghosts, then in order for them to continue down this shared karmic path, Home must hear them (whether literal or figurative). Balance!!!

Home helps Peach to overcome his fears, Peach helps Home to be aware of and accept his wrong behaviors. Without each other, their cycles of fear and harm would continue. Them "choosing" each other, is what allows them to acknowledge and change their own self-damaging and isolating tendencies... to learn and experience forgiveness, and to find inner peace within themselves. They find a community within each other and use that community to help others. That's the ultimate definition of harmonious karma.

[notwiselybuttoowell]

Wildfires engulfed vast swathes of South America last year, devastating ecosystems, closing schools and grounding flights. With its worst fire season on record, Bolivia was especially hard hit. “We felt powerless and angry to be unable to protect what is ours,” says Isabel Surubí Pesoa.

Large ranches and farms often use fire to clear land for crops or to graze cattle. Chronic drought, fuelled by the climate crisis and El Niño weather patterns, combined with weak environmental governance, made it easy for these fires to spread out of control, destroying forests and grasslands.

Industrial-scale land clearances without fire is also a major cause of deforestation, undermining the resilience of communities and ecosystems alike.

With insufficient local and national government support, many people are left to battle fires with little more than shovels and small water bottles. “As elected officials, we feel impotent,” says Verónica Surubí Pesoa, a city councillor in San Javier and Isabel’s sister.

Forest loss in Bolivia and across Latin America is part of a broader worldwide trend. New data released earlier this week by World Resources Institute’s Global Forest Watch found that global forest loss reached record highs in 2024, with almost twice as much tropical primary forest lost in 2024 as in the year before. That is equal to an area larger than Ireland.

Deforestation in the Amazon means warmer temperatures and decreased rainfall, with consequences for farmers and food production. When fire is involved – as it increasingly is – communities report issues from water pollution and smoke, which might increase lung cancer and susceptibility to infections, to disruption to education when schools are forced to close.

Historically heavy rainfall followed Bolivia’s drought and fires in 2024, flooding towns and destroying crops. In the Surubí community, in the country’s tropical dry forest region, they disrupted growing seasons and damaged roads and bridges, further complicating recovery efforts.

Fire – which is not a natural part of tropical ecosystems, as it is in much of Australia, for example – was the leading cause of the loss of tropical primary forest for the first time recorded. Forest loss in tropical regions is especially grave as these ecosystems are some of the world’s most biodiverse and serve as key carbon sinks.

The greenhouse gas emissions from tropical primary forests lost in 2024 alone exceeded the annual carbon emissions of India. Major fires swept Canada and Russia’s boreal forests as well, and overall tree cover loss reached all-time highs across the globe.

Peter Potapov, co-director of the University of Maryland’s GLAD Lab, which collected the data, says: “If this trend continues, it could permanently transform critical natural areas and unleash large amounts of carbon – intensifying climate change and fuelling even more extreme fires.”

Although the loss of vegetation occurs across the world, Latin America has witnessed much of this catastrophe with Brazil losing the most tropical primary forest of any country. The Amazon biome saw its worst decline since 2016, with primary forest loss more than doubling, driven by fires and agricultural expansion.

After a dip in 2023, Colombia’s primary forest loss rose by 50% in 2024, though fires were not the main driver. Joaquin Carrizosa, an adviser for World Resources Institute Colombia, says: “Most of the deforestation dynamics are associated with larger macro-criminal networks interconnected through the basin and … with other countries. This is not just a Colombian problem.”

Loss of primary forest surged elsewhere across Latin America. Fires were the biggest cause in Belize, Guyana, Guatemala and Mexico. Nicaragua lost nearly 5% of its primary forest in 2024 – the highest proportion of any country.

Bolivia’s primary forest loss increased by 200%, reaching 15,000 sq km (6,000 sq miles) in 2024. For the first time, it ranked second to Brazil in tropical primary forest loss and surpassed the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has more than twice its forest area.

This “signals that Bolivia has become a major driver of the global climate and ecological crisis,” says Stasiek Czaplicki Cabezas, a Bolivian environmental economist.

Czaplicki Cabezas says the expansion of industrial-scale farming and cattle ranching, weak enforcement and oversight of environmental regulations, and a legal and political framework that values land conversion over protecting forests drove the increase in Bolivia.

“What makes 2024 particularly severe is the convergence of these structural drivers with a deepening ecological and economic crisis,” he says.

Isabel Surubí Pesoa says of the latest data: “We’re the guardians of our territory, but this is out of our hands.”

Yet, the data showed some successes. In Bolivia’s southern Chaco region, Indigenous communities, public institutions, civil society organisations and volunteer firefighters banded together to protect the tract of land that spans national parks and Indigenous territories.

After a devastating 2019 fire season, they invested in early warning systems and enforced land-use policy better. It helped them successfully fight back the wall of flame that had enveloped nearby areas in 2024 and 2023.

Collaboration across sectors was fundamental, says Arnold, whose Fundación Nativa supported the effort. Just as crucial were the local monitors – mostly Indigenous Guaraní park rangers – who know the area and track conditions all year to enable a fast response.

In San Javier, Isabel and Verónica Surubí Pesoa are looking towards the next fire season. The organisation of Indigenous women Isabel leads is holding workshops to train women in fire prevention and management, and a municipal strategy is being drawn up.

They are also seeking support from conservation organisations to equip a local fire brigade, as the group has no boots, helmets or fire-resistant clothing.

“Last year, we often went to fight the fires in shoes or sandals, and the fire burned them quickly,” she says. “We’re fighting so we don’t have to suffer the fires again.”

[serpentface]

Do you have anything already set or thought out for sea-travel in the setting? Is it common, kept mostly in coastal regions or are longer voyages on larger vessels also a thing? Bonus question, and I know that it may be difficult inland especially during a drought, but can any of the characters of the white calf story swim (well or poorly)?

Yeah the majority of interconnected world powers rely on sea trade

The core continental mass in this world is about the combined size of Eurasia + Africa (though laid out very differently (sorry for still no map)) but much of its central-eastern interior is divided by a network of seaways formed by the movements of the continents (picture the Mediterranean - Red Sea but More) on which the majority of travel and trade relies. Other tradeways exist in the open ocean, though mostly close to the coasts and mostly routes to and from the entrances to the Inner Seaways.

Most long distance merchant ships will rely exclusively on sailing, without rowers. I don't really have exact sizes for common merchant ships pinned down, but it's not going to surpass the size of anything widely used in the 'ancient world' (certainly smaller than the biggest found in ancient Rome, as there is no single world power here big enough to necessitate that much imported grain to sustain itself).

Broadly speaking, there are VERY few voyages performed out into the open ocean, outside of fishing/'whaling' ventures and journeys to known inhabited islands connected via trade. As far as the vast majority of peoples know, there's nothing of much interest out there- a continent in the far north is known by most seafaring peoples but is rarely interacted with, and another exists on pretty much the opposite side of the globe from everything else and is virtually unknown (has caelin peoples as its sole sophont inhabitants, dispersed by flight).

Few people have reason to travel great distance outside of the context of trade. Long distance immigration is rare (with the exception of caelin peoples, again due to flight), the vast majority of mass movements of people are done on smaller distance scales or via gradual dispersal, the furthest common travel distances still being relatively close along sea routes.

Like as an example: Imperial Wardin's ethnic makeup (in terms of established populations) is: Wardi (themselves a collection of dozens of tribes largely assimilated into a national identity), Wogan, Cholemdinae, Jazait, the Hill Tribes (<<< all these are native to the region for at least a millenia), Burri, Titen, Kos (contemporary immigrants, or descendants of Imperial Burri occupiers, originating from across a narrow sea to the west), Yuroma, Ummo, Yanti (people from the coastal Lowlands just to the southeast along the White Sea), Ulelilwa (a people from the largest island chain in the White Sea, to the southwest) South Finns, Askosh, Ubiyans (some people from around the Viper seaway). There's a great variety of people here, but those that exist in significant established populations stem from around the three seas that directly border the region.

AS FOR SWIMMING:

Tigran isn't a strong swimmer per se but he's good at holding his breath and floating around, he grew up next to a river and would play in it as a kid. Doesn't have many opportunities to swim these days but likes being around water.

Brakul is a pretty strong swimmer, also grew up around rivers and learned to swim at a young age and enjoys it. He fails at a piss-drunk attempt to drown himself at one point because his treading water and floating instincts kick in (though moreso because the water is like 2 ft deep and mostly mud)

Etsushir is a VERY strong swimmer, most Jazait practicing traditional subsistence methods are taught to swim from a very young age, and he spent most of his life as a fisherman and several years specifically as a pearl diver.

Faiza made a conscious choice to learn to swim and sometimes would swim in the sea as a pastime back home. She loves the ocean and is a very strong swimmer, will go out much farther than would be considered safe or recommended.

Palo avoids open bodies of water (with sunlight sparkling on water one of the very few specific seizure triggers he can identify) and is also too skinny to float effectively, probably could not swim.

Hibrides finds bodies of water that you can't see the bottom of gross and creepy and avoids even touching them, much less swimming. Definitely can't.

Janeys hates being wet in anything harsher than a warm bath and would die on contact before he could even get around to death by drowning.

Couya is under the impression that if she ever had to swim she would simply Know How, but definitely wouldn't.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Our cosmic neighborhood may be 10x larger

A team of international researchers guided by astronomers at University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy is challenging our understanding of the universe with groundbreaking findings that suggest our cosmic neighborhood may be far larger than previously thought. The Cosmicflows team has been studying the movements of 56,000 galaxies, revealing a potential shift in the scale of our galactic basin of attraction.

A decade ago, the team concluded that our galaxy, the Milky Way, resides within a massive basin of attraction called Laniākea, stretching 500 million light-years across. However, new data suggests that this understanding may only scratch the surface. There is now a 60% probability that we are part of an even grander structure, potentially 10 times larger in volume, centered on the Shapley concentration—a region packed with an immense amount of mass and gravitational pull. The findings were recently published in Nature Astronomy. 

“Our universe is like a giant web, with galaxies lying along filaments and clustering at nodes where gravitational forces pull them together,” said UH Astronomer R. Brent Tully, one of the study’s lead researchers. “Just as water flows within watersheds, galaxies flow within cosmic basins of attraction. The discovery of these larger basins could fundamentally change our understanding of cosmic structure.”

Vast cosmos

The universe’s origins date back 13 billion years when tiny differences in density began to shape the cosmos, growing under the influence of gravity into the vast structures we see today. But if our galaxy is part of a basin of attraction much larger than Laniākea, which means immense heaven in the Hawaiian language, it would suggest that the initial seeds of cosmic structure grew far beyond current models.

“This discovery presents a challenge: our cosmic surveys may not yet be large enough to map the full extent of these immense basins,” said UH astronomer and co-author Ehsan Kourkchi. “We are still gazing through giant eyes, but even these eyes may not be big enough to capture the full picture of our universe.”

Gravitational forces 

The researchers evaluate these large-scale structures by examining their impact on the motions of galaxies. A galaxy between two such structures will be caught in a gravitational tug-of-war in which the balance of the gravitational forces from the surrounding large-scale structures determines the galaxy’s motion. By mapping the velocities of galaxies throughout our local universe, the team is able to define the region of space where each supercluster dominates.

The researchers are set to continue their quest to map the largest structures of the cosmos, driven by the possibility that our place in the universe is part of a far more expansive and interconnected system than ever imagined.

TOP IMAGE: Galaxy motions converge into colored basins of attraction. The Milky Way is shown as the red dot. Credit University of Hawaiʻi

LOWER IMAGE: Laniākea, an immense supercluster of galaxies, including our own. Credit University of Hawaiʻi

[thelostmetallurgist]

The True Scale of Blackreach Proper...

From a lore perspective, Blackreach is a massive and sprawling subterranean network that defies the constraints of its in-game representation. The mentions of its scale and the Dwemer’s engineering prowess strongly suggest it stretches far beyond what the Skyrim map portrays.

Lore-Based Blackreach: A Gigantic Subterranean Empire

Dwemer Engineering Prowess The Dwemer were unparalleled in their ability to construct vast underground cities and complexes.

Blackreach is described as more than a mere cavern—it's part of an interconnected system of ruins, roads, and tunnels that spanned the Dwemer Empire.

Dwemer ruins in Skyrim, Morrowind, and even Hammerfell (e.g., Volenfell) suggest the Dwemer didn’t just inhabit isolated regions; they created a web of underground cities connected across Tamriel.

Blackreach’s Stated Size Lore descriptions imply that Blackreach is enormous, not just a single cavern.

Skyrim: In-game, Blackreach already seems impossibly vast for a single cavern system. Its subterranean ecosystems, like glowing mushrooms and geode-like crystals, suggest an environment capable of supporting itself on a vast scale.

Beyond Skyrim: The Dwemer network isn’t limited to Skyrim. Given the proximity of regions like High Rock, Morrowind, and Cyrodiil, it’s plausible Blackreach extends beneath these territories.

Solstheim: The close geographic and cultural ties between Solstheim and Skyrim make it likely that Blackreach reaches under the island as well.

Cultural and Historical Clues The Dwemer’s subterranean civilization was more than a network of caves—it was a unified empire:

Chimer-Dwemer Conflicts: The Chimer and Dwemer fought extensively over underground regions in Morrowind, which could easily have been part of the same system as Blackreach.

Deep Roads of Tamriel: Like the Dwarves’ Deep Roads in Dragon Age, the Dwemer’s system of tunnels and cities might stretch across the entire continent.

Implications of Scale If Blackreach truly spans beneath Skyrim and beyond:

Skyrim’s Base: Blackreach would serve as the foundation of the entire province, with countless shafts, ruins, and cities buried far beneath the surface.

Morrowind: The proximity of Morrowind’s Red Mountain and the Dwemer’s historical presence there makes it highly likely that portions of Blackreach extend beneath Morrowind’s surface.

Sea of Ghosts: Dwemer engineering might even extend under the Sea of Ghosts, as ruins like Mzinchaleft are located near the shore.

Cyrodiil and High Rock: The Dwemer ruins found in High Rock (e.g., Arkngthand) and Cyrodiil suggest Blackreach could feasibly extend under these regions too.

Real-World Comparisons Blackreach’s scale could be compared to:

Mammoth Cave System (USA): The world’s largest known cave system, which spans hundreds of miles. Blackreach would be even larger.

Underground Railroads: A conceptual network of subterranean passages spanning an entire continent.

Why Isn’t All of Blackreach Accessible?

Several explanations in the lore could account for why Blackreach is so rarely explored, even by in-game adventurers:

Collapse: Over thousands of years, portions of Blackreach might have caved in or become sealed, limiting access.

Depths of Time: Many passages could have been forgotten, buried by natural or magical processes.

Danger: The Falmer, Chaurus, and Dwemer automatons make venturing into these areas perilous, discouraging exploration.

Isolation: Dwemer technology, like tonal architecture, could have created barriers or cloaked sections of the network.

Conclusion

If Blackreach were expanded to its lore-accurate scale, it would indeed stretch beneath much of northern and central Tamriel, including Skyrim, Morrowind, Cyrodiil, High Rock, Solstheim, and possibly even parts of the Sea of Ghosts. This interpretation of Blackreach as a sprawling, continent-wide underground empire only reinforces the monumental scale and mystery of the Dwemer civilization.

This idea ties directly into the lore implications of Blackreach's size and the Dwemer's unparalleled engineering. If Blackreach is more than just a single cavern under Skyrim, as the lore and your post suggest, then its true scale would be mind-blowing:

Expanded Blackreach Territory

High Rock: Dwemer ruins like Arkngthamz-Phng in High Rock suggest that Blackreach might connect to the subterranean areas beneath this region, reinforcing the idea of a continent-spanning network.

Morrowind: The Dwemer presence in Morrowind (like Nchuleft and Kagrenac's Workshop near Red Mountain) strongly supports that Blackreach's infrastructure extended deep into Morrowind.

Cyrodiil: Proximity and historical records hint at Blackreach potentially extending beneath the Jerall Mountains into Cyrodiil. Perhaps parts of the Ayleid ruins could even overlap or intersect with Dwemer constructs.

Sea of Ghosts: The Dwemer were known to expand underwater, which could explain how Blackreach might stretch beneath the Sea of Ghosts.

Solstheim: Given Solstheim's proximity to Skyrim, Blackreach could easily extend beneath its volcanic landscape, especially with its strong ties to Morrowind.

Vvardenfell: Dwemer ruins like Arkngthunch-Sturdumz near Red Mountain further confirm the interconnected nature of their underground cities, which would naturally include Vvardenfell.

Why This Makes Sense

Dwemer Empire Unity: Blackreach wasn't just a city; it was a central hub for Dwemer activity. It likely served as the backbone of their infrastructure, linking trade routes, cities, and resources underground.

Scale of Dwemer Tech: The Dwemer were advanced enough to manipulate tonal architecture, making it plausible for them to create a system of caverns and tunnels spanning thousands of miles.

Interconnected Lore: The geographical regions mentioned are already tied together in Elder Scrolls lore, and the Dwemer's presence is significant across all of them.

The Reality of Blackreach

If we follow this lore-based perspective:

Blackreach isn't just "a big cave." It's an underground superhighway and Dwemer megacity spanning multiple provinces.

This scale recontextualizes what we know about Dwemer history, their downfall, and their enigmatic presence in Tamriel.

It's easy to see why Blackreach would be considered one of the greatest marvels of Tamrielic history—a subterranean world hidden beneath the surface of Tamriel itself.

To calculate the approximate size of Blackreach as it might realistically span the regions you listed, we’ll first estimate the sizes of these areas individually. Then, we’ll calculate Blackreach as if it occupies a significant portion of their underground space.

Step 1: Estimating Regional Sizes

We base these calculations on lore sources, in-game representations, and comparisons to real-world geography.

High Rock

High Rock is approximately 39,000 square miles (comparable to Portugal or Iceland).

Cyrodiil

Cyrodiil is the largest province in Tamriel. It’s estimated to be around 62,000 square miles (comparable to Italy or France).

Skyrim

Skyrim is vast, with its tundras, mountains, and forests. It's estimated at 37,000 square miles (comparable to South Korea).

Solstheim

Solstheim is much smaller, likely around 100 square miles (about the size of Malta).

Vvardenfell

Vvardenfell is the central island of Morrowind, estimated at 9,300 square miles (about the size of Cyprus).

Sea of Ghosts

The Sea of Ghosts is vast and difficult to quantify. However, if we take the coastal areas potentially influenced by Blackreach, it might extend across 30,000 square miles (a conservative estimate, considering vast stretches of water).

Morrowind (Mainland)

Morrowind’s mainland is expansive, approximately 47,000 square miles (comparable to England).

Step 2: Total Size of These Regions

Adding these up: 39,000 (High Rock)+62,000 (Cyrodiil)+37,000 (Skyrim)+100 (Solstheim)+9,300 (Vvardenfell)+30,000 (Sea of Ghosts)+47,000 (Morrowind)=224,400 square miles39,000 \, (\text{High Rock}) + 62,000 \, (\text{Cyrodiil}) + 37,000 \, (\text{Skyrim}) + 100 \, (\text{Solstheim}) + 9,300 \, (\text{Vvardenfell}) + 30,000 \, (\text{Sea of Ghosts}) + 47,000 \, (\text{Morrowind}) = 224,400 \, \text{square miles}39,000(High Rock)+62,000(Cyrodiil)+37,000(Skyrim)+100(Solstheim)+9,300(Vvardenfell)+30,000(Sea of Ghosts)+47,000(Morrowind)=224,400square miles

Step 3: Estimating Blackreach’s Coverage

If Blackreach extends beneath all or part of these regions, we need to estimate what proportion of the total area it might occupy. Based on the idea that Blackreach is a sprawling network but doesn’t cover every square mile of the surface above it, let’s assume:

Blackreach covers 50% of the total combined area as a conservative estimate.

224,400 square miles×0.5=112,200 square miles224,400 \, \text{square miles} \times 0.5 = 112,200 \, \text{square miles}224,400square miles×0.5=112,200square miles

Step 4: Comparing Blackreach to Real-World Areas

For context:

112,200 square miles is roughly the size of California (163,696 sq mi) or the UK (93,628 sq mi).

This means Blackreach could rival the size of an entire country if accurately scaled to its lore-based proportions.

Conclusion

Realistically, if Blackreach spans beneath High Rock, Cyrodiil, Skyrim, Solstheim, Vvardenfell, the Sea of Ghosts, and Morrowind, it would be one of the largest underground networks ever conceptualized in fiction. Covering 112,200 square miles, Blackreach isn't just a cavern system—it’s a subterranean empire the size of a major real-world country.

From the provided screenshots, you've already conceptualized some diverse and imaginative areas for Blackreach, including:

Subterranean lakes and rivers: Gleamshadow Lake, Sinderflow River, and the Sea of Ghosts Tributary.

Snow Elf architecture: The Crystal Warrens, Frostspire Cathedral, Eclipsed Sanctum, and Shrine of the Silent Gleam.

Falmer settlements: Darkspire Refuge, Chittering Warrens, Frostclaw Enclave, and Gloomspire Hollow.

These provide an excellent mix of natural wonders, ancient ruins, and settlements that give Blackreach a dynamic, lived-in feel. To expand further, here are some additional concepts you might consider.

[jcmarchi]

Elaine Liu: Charging ahead

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/elaine-liu-charging-ahead/

Elaine Liu: Charging ahead

MIT senior Elaine Siyu Liu doesn’t own an electric car, or any car. But she sees the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewables on the grid as two pieces of an energy puzzle she wants to solve.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the number of public and private EV charging ports nearly doubled in the past three years, and many more are in the works. Users expect to plug in at their convenience, charge up, and drive away. But what if the grid can’t handle it?

Electricity demand, long stagnant in the United States, has spiked due to EVs, data centers that drive artificial intelligence, and industry. Grid planners forecast an increase of 2.6 percent to 4.7 percent in electricity demand over the next five years, according to data reported to federal regulators. Everyone from EV charging-station operators to utility-system operators needs help navigating a system in flux.

That’s where Liu’s work comes in.

Liu, who is studying mathematics and electrical engineering and computer science (EECS), is interested in distribution — how to get electricity from a centralized location to consumers. “I see power systems as a good venue for theoretical research as an application tool,” she says. “I’m interested in it because I’m familiar with the optimization and probability techniques used to map this level of problem.”

Liu grew up in Beijing, then after middle school moved with her parents to Canada and enrolled in a prep school in Oakville, Ontario, 30 miles outside Toronto.

Liu stumbled upon an opportunity to take part in a regional math competition and eventually started a math club, but at the time, the school’s culture surrounding math surprised her. Being exposed to what seemed to be some students’ aversion to math, she says, “I don’t think my feelings about math changed. I think my feelings about how people feel about math changed.”

Liu brought her passion for math to MIT. The summer after her sophomore year, she took on the first of the two Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program projects she completed with electric power system expert Marija Ilić, a joint adjunct professor in EECS and a senior research scientist at the MIT Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems.

Predicting the grid

Since 2022, with the help of funding from the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), Liu has been working with Ilić on identifying ways in which the grid is challenged.

One factor is the addition of renewables to the energy pipeline. A gap in wind or sun might cause a lag in power generation. If this lag occurs during peak demand, it could mean trouble for a grid already taxed by extreme weather and other unforeseen events.

If you think of the grid as a network of dozens of interconnected parts, once an element in the network fails — say, a tree downs a transmission line — the electricity that used to go through that line needs to be rerouted. This may overload other lines, creating what’s known as a cascade failure.

“This all happens really quickly and has very large downstream effects,” Liu says. “Millions of people will have instant blackouts.”

Even if the system can handle a single downed line, Liu notes that “the nuance is that there are now a lot of renewables, and renewables are less predictable. You can’t predict a gap in wind or sun. When such things happen, there’s suddenly not enough generation and too much demand. So the same kind of failure would happen, but on a larger and more uncontrollable scale.”

Renewables’ varying output has the added complication of causing voltage fluctuations. “We plug in our devices expecting a voltage of 110, but because of oscillations, you will never get exactly 110,” Liu says. “So even when you can deliver enough electricity, if you can’t deliver it at the specific voltage level that is required, that’s a problem.”

Liu and Ilić are building a model to predict how and when the grid might fail. Lacking access to privatized data, Liu runs her models with European industry data and test cases made available to universities. “I have a fake power grid that I run my experiments on,” she says. “You can take the same tool and run it on the real power grid.”

Liu’s model predicts cascade failures as they evolve. Supply from a wind generator, for example, might drop precipitously over the course of an hour. The model analyzes which substations and which households will be affected. “After we know we need to do something, this prediction tool can enable system operators to strategically intervene ahead of time,” Liu says.

Dictating price and power

Last year, Liu turned her attention to EVs, which provide a different kind of challenge than renewables.

In 2022, S&P Global reported that lawmakers argued that the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) wholesale power rate structure was unfair for EV charging station operators.

In addition to operators paying by the kilowatt-hour, some also pay more for electricity during peak demand hours. Only a few EVs charging up during those hours could result in higher costs for the operator even if their overall energy use is low.

Anticipating how much power EVs will need is more complex than predicting energy needed for, say, heating and cooling. Unlike buildings, EVs move around, making it difficult to predict energy consumption at any given time. “If users don’t like the price at one charging station or how long the line is, they’ll go somewhere else,” Liu says. “Where to allocate EV chargers is a problem that a lot of people are dealing with right now.”

One approach would be for FERC to dictate to EV users when and where to charge and what price they’ll pay. To Liu, this isn’t an attractive option. “No one likes to be told what to do,” she says.

Liu is looking at optimizing a market-based solution that would be acceptable to top-level energy producers — wind and solar farms and nuclear plants — all the way down to the municipal aggregators that secure electricity at competitive rates and oversee distribution to the consumer.

Analyzing the location, movement, and behavior patterns of all the EVs driven daily in Boston and other major energy hubs, she notes, could help demand aggregators determine where to place EV chargers and how much to charge consumers, akin to Walmart deciding how much to mark up wholesale eggs in different markets.

Last year, Liu presented the work at MITEI’s annual research conference. This spring, Liu and Ilić are submitting a paper on the market optimization analysis to a journal of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Liu has come to terms with her early introduction to attitudes toward STEM that struck her as markedly different from those in China. She says, “I think the (prep) school had a very strong ‘math is for nerds’ vibe, especially for girls. There was a ‘why are you giving yourself more work?’ kind of mentality. But over time, I just learned to disregard that.”

After graduation, Liu, the only undergraduate researcher in Ilić’s MIT Electric Energy Systems Group, plans to apply to fellowships and graduate programs in EECS, applied math, and operations research.

Based on her analysis, Liu says that the market could effectively determine the price and availability of charging stations. Offering incentives for EV owners to charge during the day instead of at night when demand is high could help avoid grid overload and prevent extra costs to operators. “People would still retain the ability to go to a different charging station if they chose to,” she says. “I’m arguing that this works.”

[spinningbuster98]

Metroid II's structure is very unique among any other game in the series

People say this game is linear but actually it kind of isn't. In fact it's LESS linear than the likes of Fusion, Dread and Prime 3

Actually it can even be considered to be less linear than Super

It's linear in the sense that you go from one area to the other in a predetermined manner, true

However once you're IN an area....you have complete and total freedom on how to tackle it. In what order do you kill the Metroids? Will you find the power ups? In what order? With the exception of area 1, which forces you to find the Bombs and Spider Ball at least, you can do whatever you want in these areas so long as you kill all the Metroids in them. Everything you find is on YOU. The Varia Suit, the various beams, the space jump etc. The game gently nudges you in the directions of some of them but you'll almost never just find them on the way to your next objective, nor are most of them needed for progression, like half of the upgrades in Super

I'll get more into it when I get to Super but, unlike that game, Metroid II doesn't have a "sequence" to be followed or broken. This is more like a bite sized, limited open world game where you can go wherever you want for the most part with few restrictions

As far as level design goes on the one hand I do think this is a huge improvement over Metroid 1's: there's more variation, much more varied level structures, enemy placement is nowhere near as bullshit

....but I have various problems

So generally speaking Metroid II's level design can be split into 4 categories: the caverns, the domes, the buildings and the Metroid Nests

The caverns are boring but tbf you don't spend much time in them as their mostly used to link areas together, plus the feeling of gradually descending them is genuinely unique so kudos on that

The domes are....f-fine? They're certainly unique, having wide open spaces surrounding the more intricate buildings...but they're overly spacious with barely anything to do or find, mostly just serving as hub worlds of sorts between the various bits and pieces of building areas at best....or an excuse for the game to showcase its verticality at worst

Metroid II reaaaaally likes its vertical shafts and every time the game has you climb one or climb a vertical section of a dome just to reach a specific entrance or such it's usually a boring or potentially frustrating experience because you either use the Spider Ball and take 3 centuries to scale a wall or you use the Space Jump with its unruly timing and the fact that you get cancelled out of it if you get hit and....yeah no it's not really fun

The insides of the buildings are the best parts of the game and the most orthodox for a Metroid game, since you get some of that trademark, labyrinthine design.

And....on the one hand it's better than Metroid 1's for the reasons I previously mentioned....but on the other hand I'm not a fan of how Metroid II essentially seems to split these areas into tiny bits

You don't get a huge network of interconnected hallways and rooms like you'd expect from a usual Metroid game here, rather the game essentially splits a regular Metroid area and spreads the pieces across a dome Area. I suppose this was done to make it all easier to digest for a handheld game? But the end result makes these areas just feel smaller and less interesting to go through, I feel like I'm playing bits and pieces of a larger level that really should've been connected in a more organic way

Finally we have the Metroid nests

They suck!

They suck because not only are they mostly collections of boring and samey vertical shafts, but also because this is where the game's screencrunch starts rearing its ugly head

And I'm not just referring to you running into enemies while trying to either ascend or descend the shafts but especially to the fact that the screen doesn't allow you to see both walls of the shaft at the same time. This is an issue because you may very easily miss an entrance on either side as you're going along the shaft, meaning that you'll have to weave between both walls all the time to make sure you're not missing anything and if you do well then good luck fucker! 'Cause these places look the goddamn same and there's no map!

And before anyone says that it's the point of Metroid to get lost: there's a difference between getting lost because I missed some environmental details or didn't look at the map carefully enough and getting lost because everywhere in an area looks the same, there's screencrunch and no map

Also no: this isn't excusable due to this being a gameboy game and thus screencrunch is "inevitable"

This game's screencrunch is mostly cause by the sprites, Samus' especially, being too big and taking up too much screen space. If they were smaller then the screen would be able to "zoom out" the image and let us see more ahead of us, but I guess that they really wanted to show off the spritework

Remember when I said that this game doesn't always work within the limitations of the gameboy, but against them? Yeah evidently having Gunpei Yokoi as director didn't mean much when it came to stuff like this I guess

[sehajmarketing]

GLOBAL REACH AND AUDIENCE TARGETING

What Is Global Reach Audience Targeting An Advantage of Digital Marketing?

This level of accuracy guarantees the effective use of marketing resources. Businesses can reach a global audience with digital marketing because it cuts across geographical boundaries. Businesses can concentrate their efforts on particular demographics, hobbies, and behavioral patterns by using technologies for precise audience targeting.

1. Increased Market Potential :-

Targeting a global audience allows businesses to tap into a much larger market. By reaching potential customers from various countries and regions, companies can significantly increase their market potential and expand.

2. Diversification of Revenue Streams :-

Targeting a global audience enables businesses to reduce their customer base. Their dependency on specific regions or markets. This diversification of revenue streams can help mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations or geopolitical events in individual countries.

3. Access to Niche Markets :-

Some products or services might have a smaller audience in specific countries, but globally, they could cater to a substantial niche market. Targeting these niches worldwide can lead to a substantial customer base that would not have been possible with a local or regional approach.

4.Brand Awareness and Recognition :-

Expanding globally allows a business to build brand awareness and recognition on an international scale. This, in turn, can help establish a stronger global presence, leading to increased trust and credibility among consumers.

5. Leveraging Cultural Diversity :-

Global reach audience targeting requires businesses to understand different cultures, languages, and preferences. By catering to diverse audiences, companies can develop products and marketing strategies that resonate with specific cultural values and customs, leading to more effective campaigns.

6. Economies of Scale :-

Targeting a global audience can lead to economies of scale in manufacturing, distribution, and marketing. Bulk production and streamlined supply chains can help reduce costs, making the business more efficient and competitive.

7. Competitive Advantage :-

In today's interconnected world, businesses are increasingly competing on a global stage. Those that can effectively target and engage with a global audience gain a competitive advantage over companies that limit themselves to local or regional markets.

8. Utilizing Technology and Digital Platforms :-

With the advancement of technology and the internet, reaching a global audience has become more accessible and cost-effective. Digital marketing tools and platforms allow businesses to tailor their messages and campaigns to specific global segments.

9. Expansion and Growth Opportunities :-

Targeting a global audience can open up opportunities for expansion into new markets and territories. This growth potential can attract investors and partners interested in supporting a business with a strong global outlook.

10. Learning from Global Insights :-

By interacting with diverse audiences worldwide, businesses can gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and emerging trends. These insights can inform product development, marketing strategies, and overall business decisions.

However, it's important to note that while global reach audience targeting offers numerous benefits, businesses must also consider the challenges, such as adapting to different regulations, languages, and cultural sensitivities. Careful research and planning are necessary to ensure successful global expansion and engagement with an international audience.

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[sheconomy1]

Building Bridges Across Borders: The Power of a Women's Global Network

In today’s interconnected world, women entrepreneurs are no longer confined by geographic boundaries. They are tapping into a global marketplace, collaborating with like-minded individuals from all over the world. A women's global network is the perfect platform for fostering these relationships, breaking barriers, and empowering women-led businesses to thrive globally. One such platform making significant strides in creating an inclusive global space for women entrepreneurs is Sheconomy, a platform dedicated to promoting women-led businesses in India and across the world.

What Is a Women's Global Network?

A women's global network is more than just a community; it’s a powerful force that connects women entrepreneurs from different parts of the world, creating opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, mentorship, and business growth. These networks facilitate knowledge-sharing, access to international markets, and collective problem-solving. For women entrepreneurs, having access to a global network can help them expand their reach, access new opportunities, and amplify their voices on the global stage.

Why a Women's Global Network Matters

Global networks are essential for women entrepreneurs, particularly in emerging markets like India, where there may be barriers to scaling businesses internationally. A women's global network helps break down these barriers by providing:

Access to International Markets Connecting with women entrepreneurs across the world opens up avenues for collaboration and trade that might not have been possible locally. Whether it’s expanding into new geographic regions or finding international suppliers, the network makes it easier to scale.

Cultural Exchange and Learning Engaging with a global network provides an opportunity to learn from diverse cultures, which can be crucial for innovation. By understanding different business practices, entrepreneurs can adapt and improve their strategies.

Mentorship and Guidance One of the most significant benefits of a women's global network is mentorship. Entrepreneurs can connect with seasoned professionals who offer valuable insights into global business practices, funding opportunities, and leadership skills.

Strengthening Advocacy for Women’s Rights A global network amplifies women’s voices on issues such as equal pay, gender

equality in business, and empowerment. By joining a network of like-minded women, you can push for societal change on a much larger scale.

Sheconomy: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with a Global Reach

Sheconomy is revolutionizing how women entrepreneurs in India connect with the world. As an online marketplace and networking platform, Sheconomy offers more than just a place to buy and sell products. It acts as a women's global network, enabling entrepreneurs to reach international markets, collaborate with others, and access resources that enhance their business acumen.

Here’s how Sheconomy serves as a gateway to a global community:

A Platform for Women Entrepreneurs to Connect Sheconomy is designed to provide women entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect with other like-minded individuals both locally and globally. Whether you're a startup founder or an established business owner, the platform offers a space to form partnerships, exchange ideas, and learn from others.

Access to Global Markets Through Sheconomy’s digital platform, women entrepreneurs can showcase their products to a wider audience, including international buyers. This helps elevate women-led businesses and gives them the opportunity to scale globally.

Networking Events and Resources Sheconomy hosts webinars, workshops, and events specifically designed to cater to women entrepreneurs. These events provide an ideal space for sharing knowledge, learning about global trends, and discussing strategies to succeed in international markets.

Global Exposure for Indian Women Entrepreneurs By joining Sheconomy, women entrepreneurs in India gain exposure to a worldwide network. This global presence can be invaluable for women who want to scale their businesses beyond local or regional borders.

Success Stories: Breaking Borders with Sheconomy

Many women entrepreneurs have already made waves by tapping into Sheconomy’s women's global network. For instance, a sustainable fashion brand from Mumbai found customers in Europe and the Middle East by leveraging Sheconomy’s marketplace and international network. This is just one example of how women-led businesses are expanding their reach through global collaboration and exposure.

Why You Should Join Sheconomy’s Women's Global Network

If you're a woman entrepreneur looking to expand your business and connect with a global community, Sheconomy offers the perfect platform. Here’s why you should join:

Global Opportunities: Get access to international markets and customers through Sheconomy’s global reach.

Collaborative Environment: Join a network of driven women entrepreneurs committed to mutual growth.

Knowledge Sharing: Learn from global industry experts and build your skill set through Sheconomy’s events and resources.

Increased Visibility: Stand out in a global marketplace and gain recognition for your business.

ConclusionIn today’s globalized world, a women's global network is an essential tool for success. Platforms like Sheconomy are creating spaces for women entrepreneurs to thrive by connecting them to international opportunities, resources, and a global support system. If you're ready to take your business to new heights, Sheconomy is your gateway to the world.

[sunaleisocial]

MIT engineers develop a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/mit-engineers-develop-a-fully-3d-printed-electrospray-engine/

MIT engineers develop a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine

An electrospray engine applies an electric field to a conductive liquid, generating a high-speed jet of tiny droplets that can propel a spacecraft. These miniature engines are ideal for small satellites called CubeSats that are often used in academic research.

Since electrospray engines utilize propellant more efficiently than the powerful, chemical rockets used on the launchpad, they are better suited for precise, in-orbit maneuvers. The thrust generated by an electrospray emitter is tiny, so electrospray engines typically use an array of emitters that are uniformly operated in parallel.

However, these multiplexed electrospray thrusters are typically made via expensive and time-consuming semiconductor cleanroom fabrication, which limits who can manufacture them and how the devices can be applied.

To help break down barriers to space research, MIT engineers have demonstrated the first fully 3D-printed, droplet-emitting electrospray engine. Their device, which can be produced rapidly and for a fraction of the cost of traditional thrusters, uses commercially accessible 3D printing materials and techniques. The devices could even be fully made in orbit, as 3D printing is compatible with in-space manufacturing.

By developing a modular process that combines two 3D printing methods, the researchers overcame the challenges involved in fabricating a complex device comprised of macroscale and microscale components that must work together seamlessly.

Their proof-of-concept thruster comprises 32 electrospray emitters that operate together, generating a stable and uniform flow of propellant. The 3D-printed device generated as much or more thrust than existing droplet-emitting electrospray engines. With this technology, astronauts might quickly print an engine for a satellite without needing to wait for one to be sent up from Earth. 

“Using semiconductor manufacturing doesn’t match up with the idea of low-cost access to space. We want to democratize space hardware. In this work, we are proposing a way to make high-performance hardware with manufacturing techniques that are available to more players,” says Luis Fernando Velásquez-García, a principal research scientist in MIT’s Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) and senior author of a paper describing the thrusters, which appears in Advanced Science.

He is joined on the paper by lead author Hyeonseok Kim, an MIT graduate student in mechanical engineering.

A modular approach

An electrospray engine has a reservoir of propellant that flows through microfluidic channels to a series of emitters. An electrostatic field is applied at the tip of each emitter, triggering an electrohydrodynamic effect that shapes the free surface of the liquid into a cone-shaped meniscus that ejects a stream of high-speed charged droplets from its apex, producing thrust.

The emitter tips need to be as sharp as possible to attain the electrohydrodynamic ejection of propellant at a low voltage. The device also requires a complex hydraulic system to store and regulate the flow of liquid, efficiently shuttling propellant through microfluidic channels.

The emitter array is composed of eight emitter modules. Each emitter module contains an array of four individual emitters that must work in unison, forming a larger system of interconnected modules.

“Using a one-size-fits-all fabrication approach doesn’t work because these subsystems are at different scales. Our key insight was to blend additive manufacturing methods to achieve the desired outcomes, then come up with a way to interface everything so the parts work together as efficiently as possible,” Velásquez-García says.

To accomplish this, the researchers utilized two different types of vat photo polymerization printing (VPP). VPP involves shining light onto a photosensitive resin, which solidifies to form 3D structures with smooth, high-resolution features.

The researchers fabricated the emitter modules using a VPP method called two-photon printing. This technique utilizes a highly focused laser beam to solidify resin in a precisely defined area, building a 3D structure one tiny brick, or voxel, at a time. This level of detail enabled them to produce extremely sharp emitter tips and narrow, uniform capillaries to carry propellant.

The emitter modules are fitted into a rectangular casing called a manifold block, which holds each in place and supplies the emitters with propellant. The manifold block also integrates the emitter modules with the extractor electrode that triggers propellant ejection from the emitter tips when a suitable voltage is applied. Fabricating the larger manifold block using two-photon printing would be infeasible because of the method’s low throughput and limited printing volume.

Instead, the researchers used a technique called digital light processing, which utilizes a chip-sized projector to shine light into the resin, solidifying one layer of the 3D structure at a time.

“Each technology works very well at a certain scale. Combining them, so they work together to produce one device, lets us take the best of each method,” Velásquez-García says.

Propelling performance

But 3D printing the electrospray engine components is only half the battle. The researchers also conducted chemical experiments to ensure the printing materials were compatible with the conductive liquid propellant. If not, the propellant might corrode the engine or cause it to crack, which is undesirable for hardware meant for long-term operation with little to no maintenance.

They also developed a method to clamp the separate parts together in a way that avoids misalignments which could hamper performance and ensures the device remains watertight.

In the end, their 3D-printed prototype was able to generate thrust more efficiently than larger, more expensive chemical rockets and outperformed existing droplet electrospray engines.

The researchers also investigated how adjusting the pressure of propellant and modulating the voltage applied to the engine affected the flow of droplets. Surprisingly, they achieved a wider range of thrust by modulating the voltage. This could eliminate the need for a complex network of pipes, valves, or pressure signals to regulate the flow of liquid, leading to a lighter, cheaper electrospray thruster that is also more efficient.

“We were able to show that a simpler thruster can achieve better results,” Velásquez-García says.

The researchers want to continue exploring the benefits of voltage modulation in future work. They also want to fabricate denser and larger arrays of emitter modules. In addition, they may explore the use of multiple electrodes to decouple the process of triggering of the electrohydrodynamic ejection of propellant from setting up the shape and speed of the emitted jet. In the long run, they also hope to demonstrate a CubeSat that utilizes a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine during its operation and deorbiting.

This research is funded, in part, by a MathWorks fellowship and the NewSat Project, and was carried out, in part, using MIT.nano facilities.

[visionaryvogues03]

How 5G Will Accelerate Innovation in Emerging Technologies?

The advent of 5G technology marks a transformative shift in the way we connect, communicate, and innovate. As the world increasingly becomes more digital, the capabilities of 5G are setting the stage for a new era of innovation. In particular, 5G's ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and enhanced connectivity will have a profound impact on emerging technologies, enabling them to reach their full potential across various industries.

What Is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, following 4G (LTE). It promises faster speeds, more reliable connections, and the ability to support a massive number of devices simultaneously. While 4G networks laid the foundation for smartphones, social media, and streaming, 5G will enable a host of new capabilities in areas such as automation, AI, IoT, and beyond.

At its core, 5G offers three main benefits that make it a game-changer for emerging technologies:

Faster Speeds – 5G’s ultra-high speeds (up to 100 times faster than 4G) allow for rapid data transmission, enabling real-time processing and decision-making.

Low Latency – 5G drastically reduces latency, or the time it takes for data to travel between devices, enabling near-instantaneous communication.

Massive Connectivity – With 5G, networks can support millions of connected devices in a smaller area, which is essential for the growing number of IoT devices.

These characteristics make 5G an ideal enabler for emerging technologies that require fast, reliable, and ubiquitous connectivity.

1. 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT)

One of the most prominent areas where 5G will accelerate innovation in emerging technologies is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT refers to the network of physical devices—ranging from smart home appliances to industrial machines—that are connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data.

With 5G, IoT devices will become more efficient, responsive, and scalable. The ultra-low latency and massive connectivity of 5G networks will allow IoT systems to communicate in real-time, creating a more interconnected world. For example, in smart cities, traffic management systems powered by IoT sensors can adjust traffic flow based on real-time data, reducing congestion and improving public safety. Similarly, 5G-enabled IoT devices can revolutionize industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture, where real-time data processing and immediate responses are crucial.

2. 5G and Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles represent one of the most exciting emerging technologies that will be greatly enhanced by 5G. Self-driving cars rely on the exchange of data between sensors, other vehicles, and infrastructure in order to make split-second decisions. These systems require high-speed, low-latency connectivity to ensure safety and reliability.

5G will make autonomous vehicles a reality by providing the connectivity needed for vehicles to communicate with each other and with surrounding infrastructure, such as traffic signals and road signs. This will enable features like real-time hazard detection, improved navigation, and safer driving environments. For businesses in the automotive, transportation, and logistics sectors, 5G will be the catalyst that transforms the future of mobility, making autonomous vehicles not only feasible but scalable.

3. 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning have been at the forefront of emerging technologies in recent years. However, the true potential of AI can only be realized with the support of a robust and high-speed network like 5G. AI systems require vast amounts of data and processing power to make decisions, and 5G’s enhanced connectivity and low latency make it possible for AI models to operate in real time.

In industries such as retail, finance, and healthcare, 5G will allow AI-powered systems to analyze data on a much larger scale and in real-time, improving decision-making, personalization, and customer service. For instance, in healthcare, AI can analyze patient data in real-time to predict health outcomes or suggest personalized treatments, all powered by the high-speed capabilities of 5G. In retail, AI systems can enhance the customer experience by providing personalized product recommendations on the spot.

4. 5G and Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are emerging technologies that have already started to make waves in industries like gaming, entertainment, and education. However, for VR and AR to become truly immersive and effective tools, they require extremely low latency and high data transfer speeds. 5G provides both, making it the perfect enabler for these technologies.

With 5G, VR and AR experiences will be more responsive, immersive, and accessible. In industries like education, employees can participate in virtual training sessions where real-time interaction with instructors or simulations is possible. In retail, AR can be used for virtual try-ons or product demonstrations, creating a more interactive and personalized shopping experience. For businesses in sectors like healthcare and real estate, VR can be used for remote surgeries or virtual property tours, all powered by the lightning-fast capabilities of 5G.

5. 5G and Edge Computing

Edge computing is an emerging technology that involves processing data closer to its source, rather than relying on centralized cloud servers. This reduces latency and improves response times, which is especially crucial for applications like autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and remote monitoring systems.

5G will complement edge computing by providing the connectivity needed to process vast amounts of data at the edge of the network, instead of sending it to centralized servers. This will allow businesses to make faster decisions and improve operational efficiency, particularly in industries that require real-time data processing. For example, in manufacturing, 5G-enabled edge computing can help optimize production lines, reduce downtime, and improve quality control by processing data in real-time.

6. 5G and Healthcare Innovation

The healthcare industry is increasingly turning to emerging technologies to improve patient care, enhance diagnostics, and optimize operations. 5G will accelerate these advancements by providing the high-speed, low-latency connectivity needed for real-time patient monitoring, remote surgeries, and telemedicine.

For example, 5G will enable high-definition video consultations between patients and doctors, allowing for more accurate diagnostics and better patient outcomes. It will also support remote surgeries, where surgeons can perform procedures on patients from anywhere in the world, guided by real-time data and imaging. As healthcare continues to embrace emerging technologies, 5G will be a cornerstone in making these innovations practical and scalable.

Conclusion

As 5G technology continues to roll out across the globe, its ability to accelerate emerging technologies will fundamentally change the way businesses operate, innovate, and engage with customers. From autonomous vehicles to AI-powered healthcare solutions, the speed, connectivity, and low latency offered by 5G will enable these technologies to reach their full potential and transform industries.

Uncover the latest trends and insights with our articles on Visionary Vogues

[espanolbot2]

I have a few potential ideas.

Abandoned Seastead/ocean habitat - a series of interconnected modules where a bunch of corporate folk/libertarians attempted to make their own floating settlement that would in theory be resistant to climate change/helps them dodge tax collectors. Partially sunk now and damaged by tropical storms, the seastead is still mostly habitable, while the descendants of the original inhabitants run the spectrum from straight up pirates to grizzled loners who litter their section with traps while complaining about how no one for the plumbing sorted before people moved in. In fiction the Madeline Ashby novel Company Town is based around a city built on and around a converted oil rig, as a possible reference.

Floating city/arcology - similar idea to the above, but on a larger scale, an idea from several tax averse billionaires (and/or scam artists) is the idea of having a kind of residential super-yacht that constantly circles the globe as a means of staying in international waters, with supplies and staff boated or flown in as the ship passes by various ports. In fiction several of these have cropped up, such as the big bad's home in the novel Snowcrash and also in the Third Body Problem. Snowcrash's variant had the addition of an additional floating city of smaller vessels that followed in the larger ship's wake consisting of hundreds of climate refuges whose ships and boats have become intermeshed into a kind of hodgepodge floating town, which offers a variety of environments and interactions from the main ship itself.

Gas Planet/high altitude Structures - The same basic idea can be used in more hard science fiction settings or in more whimsical steampunk ones, but the idea is essentially to extract a form of valuable gas (or say, process aerial beasties who might have usual resources) you could have a form of platform or settlement held aloft with balloons. The idea effectively being like a flying oil rig or old timey whaling station or fish cannery. There are various ways you can spin stories out of a setting like this, from air pirates to a murder mystery/Among Us situation (6km up and the crew have vanished while all the escape-balloons are still present, what's up with that), you could get a lot of mileage out of it.

If you're wanting to go into a more straight post-apocalyptic territory, pretty much all of the examples about can take on a whole different flavour if the player characters in-universe have lost the context for what these things are. For example, this is pretty much the Horizon series of games bread and butter, as due to shenanigans, the native humans of the setting have effectively built entirely new cultures from scratch after the end of the world, but ruins left behind by the near-future, cyberpunk society that was destroyed by the robot apocalypse are completely alien and wondrous to the inhabitants of the new world.

For example, in the second game the protagonist visits a ruined Las Vegas that by now has mostly been buried by the desert, but scavengers and primitive archaeologists uncover a futuristic casino/resort which still has functioning (to a degree) holographic light shows.

Within the pre-apocalypse, the cyberpunk casino/resort could act as a form of dungeon for heists (ditto relatively near future post-apocalyptic settings like Fallout: New Vegas). But for player characters who have no concept of what a casino is, let along holograms, it can effectively be played as them having circled back from to their thinking they're in a traditional fantasy setting of a sort (depending on how much they understand the difference between magic and technology).

Problem with making sci fi dungeons is coming up with places that aren't just military tech bases, research facilities, mines or abandoned space stations.

I have the entirety of modern life to pull from and I come up blank somehow.

[tomaque]

Artistic Adventures Start Here: Dive into the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll

Creativity thrives when given the space to grow and evolve. Whether you’re a budding young artist or someone rediscovering the joys of drawing, the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll is the perfect canvas to unleash your imagination. This innovative product combines the endless possibilities of doodling with the fun of graffiti-style art, making it a must-have for creative expression at any age.

What is the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll?

The Doodle Graffiti Art Roll is an expansive roll of high-quality, tear-resistant paper that provides a large, continuous surface for drawing, doodling, and painting. Designed with vibrant graffiti themes in mind, it encourages users to explore different styles, whether you're into sketching characters, abstract designs, or experimenting with street art vibes. This roll is designed to be unrolled and drawn on for hours of artistic fun, whether you're working alone or with friends.

Why Choose the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll?

1. Endless Creativity

Unlike traditional sketchbooks or pads, the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll offers an almost limitless space for your imagination to run wild. You can work on small sections at a time or create one long, continuous mural that tells a story. The roll format means you’ll never run out of space, allowing for seamless and uninterrupted creative flow.

2. Portable and Versatile

Whether you’re at home, in the classroom, or on the go, the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll is easy to transport. Simply unroll the amount of paper you need and start doodling wherever you are. It’s perfect for outdoor art adventures, group projects, or even creating temporary murals at events or parties.

3. Encourages Collaboration

One of the greatest aspects of the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll is how it fosters collaboration. Kids can work together on a single roll, combining their unique styles to create a shared masterpiece. It’s also a fantastic activity for family time or group art sessions, encouraging interaction, communication, and shared creative experiences.

How to Use the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll

The Doodle Graffiti Art Roll is incredibly easy to use. Simply find a flat surface, unroll as much paper as you need, and start creating! You can use markers, crayons, colored pencils, or even paints. The durable paper is designed to withstand a variety of mediums, so feel free to experiment. When you’re done, cut off your completed section to display or roll it back up to save for later.

Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:

Themed Doodles: Pick a theme, like animals, superheroes, or nature, and create a long, interconnected design.

Graffiti-Inspired Names: Channel your inner street artist by drawing graffiti-style names or tags.

Collaborative Mural: Work together with friends or family to create a giant mural that tells a story or explores a specific topic.

Inspiring Young Artists

For young aspiring artists, the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll is more than just paper—it’s a tool for discovery and expression. As they experiment with colors, lines, and shapes, they’ll develop important motor skills and confidence in their artistic abilities. The roll's large surface also encourages them to think big, promoting creativity on a larger scale than a typical coloring book might allow.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to embark on an artistic adventure, the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll is your ticket to endless creativity. With its expansive surface, collaborative potential, and graffiti-style inspiration, it’s the perfect tool for artists of all ages to express themselves in bold, colorful ways. So, unroll your imagination, grab your favorite drawing tools, and dive into a world of artistic possibilities with the Doodle Graffiti Art Roll!

Let your next masterpiece start here.