Bike Sharing Market to Drive Growth to $18.4 Billion by 2032 | Uber Technologies Inc., BOND MOBILITY (EUROPE) AG – Technology Today – EIN Presswire
25 Nov 2024
UCL scientists have ousted a renowned Sardinian pasta maker’s record for the thinnest pasta ever created. Their lab-created ‘nanopasta’ is said to measure just 372 nanometres in width – narrower than some wavelengths of light and a fraction of the thickness achieved by legendary chef Paola Abraini’s famously thin variant.
Abraini’s recipe, mastered only by two of her close female relatives in the town of Nuoro in Sardinia, is titled su filindeau (‘Threads of God’). Estimates of its thickness vary but can be less than 1 millimetre and efforts to replicate it manually, including by chef Jamie Oliver, have so far failed.
However, laboratory science has succeeded where culinary nous has fallen short, thanks to the use of electrospinning techniques. These involve liquid and flour threads being taken through the eye of a needle, using electric charge, to strike the mixture at a metal plate; with the plate and needle in effect functioning as a battery.
Researcher Beatrice Britton undertook the study for her chemistry master’s at UCL, replicating the standard method for making spaghetti, explained UCL chemistry department’s Dr Adam Clancy, who co-authored the paper published in Nanoscale Advances.
He commented: “To make spaghetti, you push a mixture of water and flour through metal holes. In our study, we did the same except we pulled our flour mixture through with an electrical charge. It’s literally spaghetti but much smaller.”
While the novel pasta threads can be viewed collectively as part of a 2 cm wide nonofibre mat, the individual threads were invisible to the naked eye and too indistinct even for visible light cameras or microscopes. A scanning electron microscope was required to measure them.
Abraini’s status as premier pasta maker is unlikely, however, to be challenged by her spaghetti’s even more svelte new competitor, admitted Clancy’s co-author, professor Gareth Williams of UCL pharmacy school.
He said: “I don’t think it’s useful as pasta, sadly, as it would overcook in less than a second, before you could take it out of the pan.”
Coupled with that, the nanopasta is not made with the traditional mix of flour and water but relies on formic acid for its liquid component. While formic acid has its uses in foodstuffs as a preservative and to counter acidity, it is unlikely to gain approval as a primary ingredient.
However, where it fails in the kitchen, the invention could prove potentially useful in medical science and industry.
Starch nanofibres can be extracted from plant cells but the purification process remains energy and resource intensive. Creating the fibres from flour starch offers a more sustainable alternative, explained Clancy as it is abundant, renewable and biodegradable, as well as being the second largest biomass source after cellulose.
Added Williams: “Nanofibres, such as those made of starch, show potential for use in wound dressings as they are very porous. In addition, [they] are being explored for use as a scaffold to regrow tissue, as they mimic the extra-cellular matrix – a network of proteins and other molecules that cells build to support themselves.”
Pics: Beatrice Britton/Adam Clancy
25 Nov 2024
UCL scientists have ousted a renowned Sardinian pasta maker’s record for the thinnest pasta ever created. Their lab-created ‘nanopasta’ is said to measure just 372 nanometres in width – narrower than some wavelengths of light and a fraction of the thickness achieved by legendary chef Paola Abraini’s famously thin variant.
Abraini’s recipe, mastered only by two of her close female relatives in the town of Nuoro in Sardinia, is titled su filindeau (‘Threads of God’). Estimates of its thickness vary but can be less than 1 millimetre and efforts to replicate it manually, including by chef Jamie Oliver, have so far failed.
However, laboratory science has succeeded where culinary nous has fallen short, thanks to the use of electrospinning techniques. These involve liquid and flour threads being taken through the eye of a needle, using electric charge, to strike the mixture at a metal plate; with the plate and needle in effect functioning as a battery.
Researcher Beatrice Britton undertook the study for her chemistry master’s at UCL, replicating the standard method for making spaghetti, explained UCL chemistry department’s Dr Adam Clancy, who co-authored the paper published in Nanoscale Advances.
He commented: “To make spaghetti, you push a mixture of water and flour through metal holes. In our study, we did the same except we pulled our flour mixture through with an electrical charge. It’s literally spaghetti but much smaller.”
While the novel pasta threads can be viewed collectively as part of a 2 cm wide nonofibre mat, the individual threads were invisible to the naked eye and too indistinct even for visible light cameras or microscopes. A scanning electron microscope was required to measure them.
Abraini’s status as premier pasta maker is unlikely, however, to be challenged by her spaghetti’s even more svelte new competitor, admitted Clancy’s co-author, professor Gareth Williams of UCL pharmacy school.
He said: “I don’t think it’s useful as pasta, sadly, as it would overcook in less than a second, before you could take it out of the pan.”
Coupled with that, the nanopasta is not made with the traditional mix of flour and water but relies on formic acid for its liquid component. While formic acid has its uses in foodstuffs as a preservative and to counter acidity, it is unlikely to gain approval as a primary ingredient.
However, where it fails in the kitchen, the invention could prove potentially useful in medical science and industry.
Starch nanofibres can be extracted from plant cells but the purification process remains energy and resource intensive. Creating the fibres from flour starch offers a more sustainable alternative, explained Clancy as it is abundant, renewable and biodegradable, as well as being the second largest biomass source after cellulose.
Added Williams: “Nanofibres, such as those made of starch, show potential for use in wound dressings as they are very porous. In addition, [they] are being explored for use as a scaffold to regrow tissue, as they mimic the extra-cellular matrix – a network of proteins and other molecules that cells build to support themselves.”
Pics: Beatrice Britton/Adam Clancy
Image from Adobe Stock
Planning your business’s social media calendar in the first quarter of the year can set a productive and proactive tone for the months ahead. By mapping out social media strategies early, businesses can align their marketing goals, leverage key events, and ensure that content supports broader company objectives.
An organized calendar reduces the chances of last-minute content scrambles, allowing teams to maintain quality and relevance. With thoughtful, early preparation, businesses can tackle each quarter with confidence and purpose. This guide provides essential tips for creating an effective social media calendar that will keep your audience engaged throughout the year.
1. Align Social Media Goals With Business Objectives
To make social media impactful, a company needs to align its goals with overarching business objectives. For example, if a company aims to boost brand awareness, social media posts should emphasize storytelling, brand values, and user engagement. Alternatively, if the goal is to increase leads or drive conversions, the focus should shift toward targeted campaigns, promotional posts, and strategically timed calls to action.
“Consider your industry, the recent performance of the brand, and the current traditional marketing promotions for the product and its competitors,” says Professor Keith A. Quesenberry of Messiah University. “A startup or new product needs to generate awareness, while an older product may need to be revived.”
Consistency is key in connecting social media posts with long-term goals. Establishing these priorities early in Q1 enables businesses to begin the year with a cohesive strategy that resonates across platforms.
2. Identify Key Campaigns and Themes for the Year
Selecting campaigns and themes early on can lend structure to a business’s social media presence. A skincare brand might plan seasonal campaigns that correspond with different weather-related skin concerns, while a tech company could create posts that follow new product releases.
“Having a central theme for each quarter helps create consistency across social media platforms,” says Cody Candee, Founder and CEO of Bounce. “Cohesion gives audiences something familiar to look forward to (and easily remember) while helping you keep content fresh and timely.”
When you brainstorm themes in Q1, content creation becomes a proactive process, leading to higher-quality, well-thought-out posts that reinforce your brand’s identity.
3. Plan for Seasonal and Industry-Specific Events
Whether it’s a holiday, trade show, or annual industry milestone, incorporating seasonal and industry-specific events into your social media calendar is essential. For instance, a fitness brand might center campaigns around New Year’s resolutions in January or offer summer workout tips mid-year.
“Planning around key events allows brands to connect with timely, relatable content and avoid missing out on valuable opportunities,” notes Michael Klein, CEO of functional herbal tea from Herbaly. “When businesses are prepared for these moments, they can join the conversation naturally and make a bigger impact.”
By accounting for these events early, businesses can have ample time to create compelling content that resonates with their target audiences. Foresight also creates flexibility for additional last-minute content adjustments as needed.
4. Schedule Product Launches and Promotional Campaigns
Planning social media around product launches and promotional campaigns ensures these high-impact events get the visibility they deserve. A new product line debut could benefit from a month-long countdown, teaser posts, and behind-the-scenes previews to build excitement.
“By scheduling product launches in advance, businesses can build anticipation and maximize reach,” says Lauren Elias, General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer of Kora, a company known for its organic skincare. “Similarly, planned discount events or giveaways can drive interest and engagement, attracting new followers while rewarding loyal customers.”
Mindful launches help avoid rushed content or missed opportunities. This way, teams can focus on creating high-quality posts that will resonate with audiences when it counts most.
5. Mix Up Content Types To Keep Audiences Engaged
Image from Adobe Stock
A brand that shares only one type of post may see diminished engagement over time as followers become accustomed to predictable content. Instead, varying posts between videos, images, blogs, polls, and stories keeps followers curious.
“A balanced mix of content types keeps followers interested and engaged with your brand,” emphasizes Dr. Manjula Jegasothy, Co-Founder of MiamiMD, a company that specializes in crepe skin cream. “Offering variety shows adaptability and responsiveness to different audience needs and preferences.”
Scheduling diverse content helps maintain a dynamic, interactive social feed that resonates across a broad range of potential customers.
6. Establish Posting Cadence and Frequency
Early Q1 planning helps determine the best posting frequency for each platform. Posting too infrequently can reduce visibility, while over-posting might annoy followers.
“Setting a regular posting cadence ensures brand visibility without overwhelming followers,” says Brianna Bitton, Co-Founder of O Positiv, a company known for its MENO vaginal moisturizer. “A thoughtful cadence maintains engagement and keeps your content consistently fresh and relevant.”
The right strategy depends on factors like platform, audience preferences, and content type. On platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn, more frequent posting may be effective, while Instagram might benefit from fewer but highly curated posts.
7. Incorporate User-Generated Content (UGC) Opportunities
Planning UGC opportunities, like asking followers to share photos with a branded hashtag or participate in a challenge, encourages community involvement.
“User-generated content is a powerful way to build community and amplify brand messaging,” states Erin Banta, Co-Founder and CEO of Pepper Home, a company that specializes in custom curtains. “Engaging followers with UGC allows them to feel part of your brand experience and brings authentic voices into your social media conversation.”
When they schedule UGC initiatives in Q1, brands can ensure there are consistent opportunities throughout the year to engage their followers meaningfully. Planned UGC campaigns also allow time for reposting high-quality user content that aligns with brand values.
8. Utilize Analytics To Adjust and Optimize Content
Effective social media planning involves continuous optimization based on performance analytics. Regular analysis helps keep the strategy dynamic, making it possible to refine posts and formats for maximum impact.
“Social media data is a gold mine of valuable insights that can guide strategies, bolster customer relations and inform competitive analysis,” says Rebecca Kowalewicz of Clearbridge Branding Agency. “In this context, competitive analysis refers to evaluating your competitors’ social media strategies, understanding their online performance and drawing insights to enhance your business strategies.”
By integrating competitive analysis into the review of performance metrics, businesses can not only fine-tune their own social media efforts but also gain a better understanding of market trends and gaps in the competitive landscape. Monitoring these metrics consistently ensures that businesses stay ahead of industry trends.
9. Establish Content Pillars for Consistent Messaging
Content pillars are the foundational themes that define a brand’s voice and purpose on social media. Establishing these pillars in Q1 ensures that every post reinforces key messages and values, creating a cohesive brand presence.
“Defining content pillars in advance helps structure content and ensures messaging aligns with the brand’s core values and objectives,” explains Maggie Brown, Founder and CEO of Recess Pickleball, a company that specializes in pickleball paddles. “When content is built around central themes, the brand’s message becomes more focused and memorable.”
Setting content pillars early on allows for consistent, thematic posts throughout the year. A pillar-centric strategy strengthens brand identity and helps audiences understand what your brand stands for, building trust and loyalty over time.
10. Outline a Strategy for Engaging With Followers
Planning a follower engagement strategy — such as responding to comments, sharing follower stories, and holding Q&A sessions — ensures consistency rather than sporadic engagement.
“Engaging with followers in a consistent, meaningful way helps build a community around the brand,” notes Shaunak Amin, CEO and Co-Founder of Stadium. “When brands actively participate in the conversation, it creates a sense of connection that drives loyalty and trust.”
Engagement strategies help businesses avoid the risk of neglecting the community building facet of social media. Early preparation allows for thoughtful, proactive engagement.
11. Integrate a Strategy for Paid Ads and Boosted Posts
Planning a paid ad strategy as part of the social media calendar helps businesses drive targeted engagement and expand their reach. A structured ad approach through promoting posts that perform well organically or running ads around product launches can amplify social media impact.
“Integrating paid ads into the social media strategy helps ensure key messages reach a larger audience,” states Justin Soleimani, Co-Founder of Tumble, a company that specializes in washable rugs. “An organized approach to boosting posts can help brands maximize reach and capitalize on top-performing content.”
When they conceptualize a paid ad strategy early, brands can set specific goals, select content strategically, and monitor performance to see where ads are most effective.
12. Prepare for Social Media Trends and Algorithm Changes
Social media is constantly evolving, with trends and algorithms shifting frequently. Thinking about these changes in Q1 helps brands stay adaptable and respond effectively as new features, platforms, or best practices emerge.
“Adapting to social media trends and algorithm updates is essential for maintaining reach,” notes Charlie Melvoin, Co Founder of Zygo, a company known for its swimming headphones. “Planning with flexibility ensures brands can evolve and stay relevant as new features and preferences emerge.”
Through building flexibility into the social media calendar, brands can avoid reactive adjustments and instead focus on measured strategic adaptations.
Set Your Social Media Strategy for Success
Planning your business’s social media calendar in Q1 sets the stage for a well-organized, effective year of engagement and growth. This structured strategy reduces stress, supports cohesive messaging, and ultimately drives stronger connections with audiences.
With a thoughtfully planned calendar, your business can navigate the year’s demands efficiently and effectively, making every post an opportunity to connect meaningfully with followers. Starting with a robust Q1 plan ensures that your social media presence is ready to support your brand’s goals all year long.
Surf’s Up for Star Power: Marco Rio Unveils New Fashion Line While Soaking Up the Sun – Movie Industry Today – EIN Presswire
Networking used to be a bit of a dirty word. It would conjure up images of hard sales pitches from people you didn’t know, coming home from events with a pile of business cards from people whose names you’d forget by the next week, and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole experience. We all know we have to do it, but so many people dread the idea of it.If you get it right though, your network can transform your business.I met someone many years ago who talked about ‘clean networking’, and I love that phrase. He meant networking that brings people together who have a shared interest or passion, who probably have the same values, and who will support each other.I’ve found that invaluable in business, and now belong to a lot of networks full of people who’ve become clients, friends, and advocates. Sometimes it just really helps to have a group of people you trust to bounce ideas off, or ask advice from.Find the right networks for youYou have to kiss a few frogs to find the right networks for you. I once joined a formal business network where you were assigned to a sub-group for events and away days. It started off quite well, but I ended up breaking up with my group (by text!) after a particularly difficult evening where I felt patronised and ‘othered’. I was the only woman in the group, and the only LGBTQ+ person and I felt very much the outsider.But when you find your people, it can be amazing. I’m a member of various marketing networks which I love, and have met some fantastic people through. I’m a fellow of The Marketing Society, for example, which has been an incredible way to meet people, be inspired and feel part of a community. Everyone is so supportive, inclusive and welcoming. And because it’s important to have different networks for different needs (and what you can give back to them matters too), I’m also a member of two smaller but incredibly grounding networks, Cabal (run by Nurture) and Digital Leading Ladies.I’ve even co-founded my own network now, of LGBTQ+ founders, where we can make introductions for each other, share skills, talk openly about our experiences, and offer advice and support. This kind of environment is really important if you’re part of a community that’s underrepresented in business as it helps us all to build confidence, hold each other accountable and be more visible.Get out what you put inAs with anything, you get out of a network what you put in. People who go to events expecting to come away from each one with lots of business leads will probably be disappointed. Building your network is a long-term commitment. It takes time and energy to nurture relationships, and like any relationship, it’s a two-way street. Give something away before you expect to get something back.Do it regularly!If you’re going to get involved with a network, make time and space to do it regularly. Being seen and meeting people regularly at group events helps to establish you as a permanent part of that network. It will build trust and help people feel connected with you.So before you jump into your networking programme, ask yourself four questions:Can I give something to this group of people that they will find useful or interesting?Do we share values and care about the same things?Can I commit to spending time in this network?Are there people in this group I’d like to still know in a year’s time?If the answer to those questions is a resounding yes, then jump right in. Networking might just become something you enjoy. But when you find your people, it can be amazing. I’m a member of various marketing networks which I love, and have met some fantastic people through. I’m a fellow of The Marketing Society, for example, which has been an incredible way to meet people, be inspired and feel part of a community. Everyone is so supportive, inclusive and welcoming. And because it’s important to have different networks for different needs (and what you can give back to them matters too), I’m also a member of two smaller but incredibly grounding networks, Cabal (run by Nurture) and Digital Leading Ladies. It’s also powerful to be part of industry changing networks like WACL that drives change and has an overall mission to improve gender equality in our industry. Each network has its own purpose. Share via:
An actor who almost died on the set of a hit comedy film has opened up on continuing to work despite having a serious allergic reaction.Alan Tudyk, 53, known for his work in A Knight’s Tale, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and the Star Wars movie, Rogue One, was working alongside comedy legend Robin Williams when he started getting sick. The actor was playing a patient called Everton in the 1998 comedy film Patch Adams. But Tudyk had to be given a shot of adrenaline prior to filming due to a serious allergic reaction caused by a “series of unfortunate events.”Tudyk opened up on the scary moment during an appearance on Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meal YouTube series where the presenter handed him some chocolate-coated pretzels and asked him to described what happened in the late 1990s.”Tell me about how this led to a series of unfortunate, maybe fortunate events early in your acting career,” the host asked Tudyk.The actor spoke of how he had eaten a “bad Chinese meal” one night and then, the following day, ate a bunch of chocolate and drank scotch to celebrate landing the role on Patch Adams.”That was our whole dinner,” Tudyk said of the chocolate and liquor combination.”Then I went to the set next day, and my windpipe started closing up when I was in the makeup chair,” Tudyk said. He added how he was “having trouble breathing and hives were all over my neck and they were going all over my scalp and they were just running all over my system.”
Alan Tudyk smiles onstage at New York Comic Con 2024 on October 20, 2024. The actor spoke about having an allergic reaction on set.
Alan Tudyk smiles onstage at New York Comic Con 2024 on October 20, 2024. The actor spoke about having an allergic reaction on set.
Jason Mendez/Getty Images
A medic on set came to see him and told Tudyk: “You’re going to die. You’re going to suffocate from that.”He was rushed to a doctor who gave him a shot of adrenaline and then Tudyk was taken back to set, where he had to play an “insane person with Robin Williams.””If you watch the scene, it’s right in the first few minutes of the movie. You can tell how the drug starts to wear off, because, in the beginning, my eyes are truly, like, rolling back in my head,” Tudyk added.He also spoke about the terrifying incident in 2019 with online newspaper and entertainment website The AV Club and described how exciting it was to work with Williams at the age of 26 in the first role in his career.”Everything was brand-new. There’s craft service. And there’s Robin Williams. There was Robin Williams. I was in San Francisco staying in a nice hotel. My girlfriend came to visit—like, ‘You got to come be part of this! It’s too great!’ And she brought me chocolates, which is the last thing you should eat when you have hives.”The doctor’s like, ‘Whatever you do, don’t have any brown liquors or chocolate.’ I’m like, ‘You just described my dinner,'” Tudyk said.
An adventurous soul is embarking on the trip of a lifetime as he travels from France to Los Angeles but without catching a single flight – even managing to snag a ride on an operational cargo vessel. Enzo Terranova, 24, took off from Marseille in April and has set himself the ambitious target of circumnavigating…
Atlantic Books has acquired political commentator Peter Beinart’s “urgent” book reckoning with Israel and Jewish identity.
Associate publisher Shoaib Rokadiya acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza from Suzanne Smith at Knopf. North American rights sold to Jennifer Barth at Knopf from Tina Bennett at Bennett Literary, and the book will be published in hardback on 30th January 2025.
The publisher’s synopsis says: “In Peter Beinart’s view, one story dominates Jewish communal life: that of persecution and victimhood. It is a story that erases much of the nuance of Jewish religious tradition, warps our understanding of Israel and Palestine, and is currently being used to justify starvation and mass slaughter. After this war, whose horror will echo for generations, Beinart argues that Jews must do nothing less than offer a new answer to the question: What does it mean to be Jewish?”
Beinart said: “I wrote this book because I think Gaza’s destruction is a crucible in Jewish history. It requires us to rethink the stories we tell about ourselves, stories that have enabled good people to look away as an entire society is obliterated by a state that speaks in our name.”
Rokadiya added: “Peter Beinart’s brave writing on Israel’s war in Gaza has been a source of education and solace to many over the past year. His new book is a compassionate, measured and wholly necessary intervention into an escalating moral and human crisis. It will spark a conversation that is long overdue.”
Dusit Thani Maldives has unveiled SALA, a new plant-based restaurant designed to elevate the dining experience. By using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and produce from the resort’s own organic gardens, SALA offers a menu that nourishes both the body and the soul.
Advertisement
Executive Chef Jan Van de Voorde leads the kitchen, bringing with him a wealth of experience from Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and health retreats in Ibiza. His passion for organic, plant-based cuisine is evident in every dish, which reflects his commitment to wellness and flavor.
Speaking about the restaurant, Executive Chef Jan Van de Voorde said:
“The inspiration for SALA comes from my time in Ibiza from 2020 to 2022, where I embracedplant-based cuisine and experienced its transformative benefits. Cooking and consuming this way revitalised my mind and body—I felt stronger, healthier, and more energised. Now, I am thrilled to bring this philosophy to Dusit Thani Maldives, where guests can indulge in flavourful dishes that nourish the soul.”
Plant-Based Creations with a Focus on Sustainability
Aligned with Dusit Thani’s focus on sustainability, SALA follows a “seed-to-plate” approach. This ensures that every ingredient is thoughtfully sourced, creating dishes that are both environmentally responsible and delicious. For example, the Grilled King Oyster Mushroom with pea puree showcases the freshness of local ingredients. While the Creamy Mushroom Soup, enhanced with white truffle oil, offers a satisfying yet healthy option. For dessert, the Coconut Sorbet, made with locally sourced coconuts and seasonal berries, provides a refreshing and health-conscious choice.
In addition to its creative dishes, SALA also offers an array of beverages designed to promote wellness. Drinks like the Kombucha Mojito and Pineapple & Ginger Kefir not only refresh but also provide health benefits.
Perched on the second floor of a Thai-style pavilion, SALA offers breathtaking views of Baa Atoll’s turquoise waters. The serene atmosphere, combined with Dusit’s signature gracious hospitality, creates the perfect setting for mindful dining, whether guests visit for a leisurely lunch or a romantic evening.
To celebrate the opening of SALA, Dusit Thani Maldives is offering a special Plant & Pamper Retreat, available for bookings through March 2025. The retreat combines gourmet plant-based dining with relaxation and wellness activities. Guests will enjoy daily breakfast at The Market, lunch and dinner at SALA, a private yoga session, and a 60-minute couples massage, among other exclusive benefits.
Moreover, members of Dusit’s loyalty program, Dusit Gold, can enjoy additional rewards. They receive up to 15% off stays, up to 30% off dining, and other privileges. Signing up for Dusit Gold is free and easy, offering members even more opportunities to enhance their experience at the resort.
With SALA, Dusit Thani Maldives smoothly blends luxury with sustainability. By focusing on plant-based, health-conscious cuisine, the restaurant offers a transformative dining experience for guests who seek nourishment, indulgence, and mindfulness in equal measure.