For decades, human organs, some of the most fragile cargo imaginable, have been transported on ice. Not because it was the best method, but because thats how it had always been done. A process with life-or-death consequences remained unchanged simply out of habit.I didnt fully grasp the flaws in this system until I experienced it firsthand. I saw the gaps in coordination, the last-minute scrambles, and the life-altering consequences of relying on outdated methods. But identifying a problem isnt the same as knowing how to fix it.Innovation happens when leaders refuse to accept the way its always been done. It happens when they show up, ask questions, and stay immersed in their industry long enough to see the gaps that others overlook. Research proves this: Founders with at least 3 years of industry experience are nearly twice as likely to succeed as those without it.What numbers dont showBefore developing Paragonixs organ preservation technology, I spent years traveling with transplant teams, standing in operating rooms, and observing every step of the process. I experienced how outdated transport methods created uncertainty, how communication breakdowns led to preventable delays, and how every inefficiency had real consequences for patients.Numbers tell part of the story, but experience fills in the gaps. More than 103,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ transplant, and every 8 minutes, another person is added to the list. A spreadsheet can track transplant success rates, but it wont capture a patients anxiety as they wait, unsure if a life-saving organ will arrive in time. Data can show transit times, but it wont reflect the pressure on a transplant team racing against the clock, knowing that every lost minute could mean losing a life.Many well-intentioned ideas fall apart because of this gap between analysis and reality. Harvard Business School professor Tom Eisenmann calls this pattern a false start when founders launch solutions before fully understanding the problems theyre trying to solve. His research shows that many entrepreneurs, eager to launch, skip the critical step of customer discovery and assume theyll figure out the details as they go.Turn immersion into innovationThe most effective solutions come from understanding the problem in practiceseeing it, feeling it, and engaging with the people who experience it every day. That doesnt stop once a company is built. I travel with our sales reps, visit transplant centers, and speak directly with the people using our technology because thats the only way to understand whats working and whats not.Staying embedded in an industry provides the knowledge to innovate, but making a real impact requires persistence. Here are three things Ive learned:Expect resistance and keep goingEven with overwhelming evidence, people still doubt new ideas. Research shows that controlled organ preservation improves outcomes, yet resistance remains. Some pushback strengthens a solution, but not all criticism is useful. The closer you are to the problem, the easier it is to separate valid concerns from reluctance to adapt. Staying in the field provides the conviction to push forward when others hesitate and the clarity to know what feedback is worth acting on.Listen for whats not being saidPeople dont always voice their biggest frustrations. A transplant team might say a process works, but watching them tells a different story. For decades, organs packed in ice could only travel so far before becoming unusable, which forced teams to work within tight geographic boundaries. These limitations were simply accepted as part of the job. Real insights come from noticing inefficiencies and workarounds that shouldnt exist. Leaders who look beyond whats being said are the ones who recognize opportunities for real innovation.Identify patterns, not just problemsNot every problem needs fixing, but when the same inefficiencies surface again and again, theyre worth a closer look. For years, transplant teams worked around unpredictable organ arrival times. They developed contingency plans, adjusted schedules at the last minute, and braced for delays. Real-time tracking wasnt the result of a single brainstorming sessionit came from recognizing a repeated problem. The best insights start with paying attention to the patterns others ignore.You cant spot a breakthrough from behind a desk. No matter the industry, meaningful innovation starts with questioning what others accept, seeing the problem firsthand, and refusing to look away.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

Despite ongoing efforts to address increased costs, out-of-pocket spending on healthcare continues to rise. Higher insurance copays and deductibles, increased medication costs, and rising inflation rates are just a few of the factors contributing to this trend. As a result, millions of Americans find themselves racking up medical debt, deferring critical medical treatment, or neglecting chronic health conditions.But the cost burden isnt equal by gender. Many people have heard of the pink tax, the pattern of womens goods and servicesfrom razors to dry cleaningcosting more than the mens equivalent. But few realize how far this extends beyond store shelves. Across the healthcare spectrum, women are spending significantly more out of pocket on prescriptions and medical treatments.Recently, I had the opportunity to moderate a panel at SXSW discussing the healthcare pink tax, sharing some new research from GoodRx on the disparities, and learning what actions healthcare leaders are taking to address this. This conversation was eye-opening for our attendees, and served as a reminder that we still have a long way to go in fixing this problem. Doing so wont just help women, but will also relieve pressure on our healthcare system and support a healthier U.S. population.The current state of womens healthcare costsEach year, women spend billions more than men on out-of-pocket healthcare costs. This latest GoodRx research found that in 2024, women spent nearly 30% more out of pocket on prescriptions than men, totaling over $8.5 billion in additional spending. And the discrepancy is even more pronounced among women aged 18-44, partly due to expenses specific to women, such as those associated with reproductive health.But women-specific healthcare needs like fertility and birth control arent the only drivers of inequitable out-of-pocket costs. Women are also spending more on all-gender conditions. One example is mental health, where women spend 113% more than men on depression medications and 103% more on anxiety treatments.Once women reach menopause, the economic burden spikes again. AARP found that women spend over $13 billion annually on treating their menopause symptoms, and research from Elektra Health found that those whove been diagnosed as menopausal spend 45% more on healthcare costs to treat their symptoms each year than those who are not menopausal.As Americans age, these gaps begin to close. GoodRx revealed that out-of-pocket healthcare spending among older men and women is more comparable, with women aged 45-64 paying over 35% more in 2024, and women over 65 outspending men by 16.5%. This is likely due to Medicare coverage, similar chronic disease burdens, and reduced reproductive health costs.How healthcare leaders must take actionAs healthcare leaders, the onus is on us to implement solutions that make it easier for women to access healthcare savings and reduce their out-of-pocket spending. Much of the inequity comes from long-standing, outdated cultural understanding and social stigmas around womens health. Addressing this urgent crisis requires collaboration and systemic changes across the healthcare system, with policymakers, insurers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and many others playing an important role.Health insurers and employers must take proactive steps to analyze and update benefit design for their members, creating a more equal playing field and reducing the financial burden for women. The government can implement policy reforms, acknowledging the gaps and mandating that healthcare companies look towards more inclusive practices. Researchers should address the data and clinical trial gaps that regularly exclude women in an effort to improve product innovation and outcomes for females. And, collectively, we can all raise awareness and advocate for equality in healthcare.At GoodRx, we are working on the medication piece of the cost puzzle, helping women at all stages of life access lower prices on essential medications. This includes up to savings on fertility treatments, based on the best available GoodRx price, for both brand-name and generic medications used in every phase of the IVF process. We also introduced our e-commerce platform in October with Opill, enabling GoodRx users to purchase the first over-the-counter birth control pill online. And, just last year, we launched affordability programs for Pfizers menopause hormone therapies. Though much more needs to be done, these initiatives are critical in chipping away at the larger cost disparity and access issues.Lower healthcare costs create healthier communitiesAddressing the pink tax in healthcare is our moral and economic imperative. Affordable healthcare doesnt just support better health and quality of life for women, but has a positive ripple effect on our families, communities, and healthcare system. As with most healthcare reform, real change requires collaboration from all stakeholders in the healthcare system. As a woman and the mom of a daughter, Im hopeful that we can close this widening gap and improve healthcare access for all women.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

Tiny house companies constantly strive to innovate and find new methods to maximize every square foot of available space. One such company, Modern Tiny Living, has developed a clever strategy with its Shadow model. This innovative tiny house design includes a versatile living room that can comfortably accommodate up to six people. It offers ample storage options and cleverly transforms into a guest bed when needed, showcasing an impressive use of space.The Shadow model is constructed on a double-axle trailer, and with a length of 24 feet (approximately 7.32 meters), it falls on the smaller end of the spectrum for tiny houses in North America. This compact size is comparable to some of the compact European models, such as the Hytta. The design of the Shadow is inspired by farmhouse-style architecture, which gives it a charming and rustic appeal. The exterior is finished with smart siding, providing a sleek and polished appearance. The house also features a small storage box located outside, further enhancing its practicality and storage capabilities.Designer: Modern Tiny LivingUpon entering the home, youll find yourself in the living area. This section of the house is elevated and can be reached by climbing a few steps. The additional height is ingeniously utilized to offer substantial storage space, featuring both an underfloor hatch and sizable drawers. As previously noted, this living area can comfortably seat up to six people, making it an ideal spot for entertaining guests. It also easily converts into a guest bed, adding to its functionality and convenience.In another part of the tiny house, youll discover the well-equipped kitchen. This area is thoughtfully designed to include a range of modern appliances, ensuring all your culinary needs are met. It features an electric oven and a two-burner induction stove. Youll also find a microwave for quick heating, a fridge/freezer to keep your groceries fresh, and a convenient washer/dryer unit to handle your laundry needs. It also includes a cozy breakfast bar that seats two, complete with comfortable stools, making it an ideal spot for enjoying your morning coffee or a quick meal. The kitchen counter seamlessly extends into a small desk area, thoughtfully designed to serve as a home office. This space is perfect for those who work from home or need a dedicated area for managing household tasks, combining practicality with the compact charm of the tiny house.Situated on the opposite side of the house from the living room, the bathroom is designed to be compact yet fully functional. It features a convenient shower, a standard flushing toilet, and a nicely integrated sink. The Shadow includes a single bedroom, which is accessible via a staircase that cleverly incorporates additional storage. This bedroom is designed as a typical tiny house loft, characterized by its low ceiling. It houses a comfortable double bed, along with some storage options, providing a cozy and efficient sleeping area.The Shadow model was recently completed for a client, showcasing Modern Tiny Livings craftsmanship. While the exact price of this particular model hasnt been disclosed, it is part of Modern Tiny Livings Kokosing series. This series of tiny houses is known for its quality and thoughtful design, with prices starting at approximately US$99,000.The post This Versatile Tiny Home Is A Compact Marvel Of Space Efficiency & Style first appeared on Yanko Design.

What happens when design priorities shift dramatically toward absolute portability? Imagine a laptop so light it almost disappears in your bag yet packs the punch of a modern PC. The ASUS Zenbook A14 (UX3407) achieves this near-impossible feat, claiming the title of the worlds lightest Copilot+ PC at a mere 0.98 kg. This featherweight marvel forces us to reconsider what we expect from truly portable computing.PROS: Extraordinarily light at just 0.98 kg Exceptional battery life (16-17 hours in real-world use) Innovative Ceraluminum material with excellent durability Minimal thermal issues even under load Good keyboard, considering the ultra-thin designCONS: Performance limitations with demanding applications Imprecise touchpad clicking mechanism Underwhelming speaker quality Occasional stutters during intensive multitaskingRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:The Zenbook A14 redefines portable computinga sub-kilogram marvel with all-day battery life! For mobility-focused users, it's a revolutionary lifestyle upgrade!Designer: ASUSCan something so impossibly light deliver a meaningful experience?The question lingers as you first lift the A14 from its packaging. The initial reaction is one of disbelief. Surely something this insubstantial cant house a proper computer? Yet it undeniably does, and therein lies the intrigue of this remarkable device.ASUS has wrapped the Zenbook A14 in an innovative Ceraluminum chassis, resulting in a laptop that practically vanishes in your bag while promising enhanced capabilities and surprising endurance.The Zenbook A14 isnt just a lighter laptop; it represents a fundamental paradigm shift in portable computing, boldly prioritizing extreme mobility over conventional design philosophies.First contact with the A14 creates an immediate impression. Theres something almost disconcerting about its lightnessa cognitive dissonance between what your eyes see and what your hands feel. This sensation sets the tone for the entire experience: remarkable in some ways, challenging in others.ASUS has clearly designed this laptop for a specific type of user. Your reaction to its inevitable compromises will depend entirely on whether you share their vision of what matters most in mobile computing.Design/Aesthetics and ErgonomicsMaterial InnovationThe Zenbook A14s physical presence tells a story of material science breakthroughs. ASUSs development of Ceraluminum stands as the cornerstone of this devices identitya ceramic-aluminum composite that enables unprecedented lightness while preserving structural integrity.Hold the A14 in your hands, and the tactile experience immediately distinguishes it from conventional laptops. Unlike the cool, sometimes clinical feel of standard aluminum, Ceraluminum offers a warmer, more inviting surface. Your fingerprints seem to vanish rather than accumulate, and minor contact with keys or other objects doesnt leave the micro-scratches that plague typical metal laptops.The color optionsIceland Gray and Zabriskie Beigespeak to the devices professional positioning. These subdued, sophisticated finishes avoid drawing attention to themselves and instead project quiet confidence in any setting.At 14 inches, the display size hits a sweet spot between usability and portability. The chassis maintains remarkable slimness throughout, with the thin bezels maximizing screen real estate while minimizing overall footprint. Closed, the profile rivals many tablets in thickness.Ergonomics and UsabilitySeveral thoughtful design elements enhance daily interaction with the device. The EasyLift hinge mechanism deserves particular recognitionit permits single-handed opening without the base sliding backward, a small but meaningful improvement in usability that becomes apparent during multitasking scenarios.Despite its incredibly thin profile, the keyboard offers a surprisingly comfortable typing experience. Key travel feels adequate rather than compromised, and there are three levels of backlighting for low-light environments. Some users might find the key coating somewhat slick initially, requiring a brief adaptation period.Beneath the keyboard, the touchpad offers generous dimensions with integrated touch-sensitive zones for volume and brightness adjustments. However, this represents one of the devices few ergonomic disappointments. The clicking mechanism lacks the precision found in premium competitors, occasionally missing inputs or feeling imprecise during fine cursor movements.ConnectivityDefying the trend of minimalist ultra-thin laptops, the Zenbook A14 offers a surprisingly comprehensive port selection. Two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, a full-size HDMI connector, and a headphone jack provide comprehensive connectivity without requiring dongles for most scenarios. This practical approach stands in refreshing contrast to competitors that sacrifice versatility for design minimalism.Most impressive is how the extreme weight reduction hasnt compromised structural solidity. The chassis demonstrates minimal flex during typing or when pressure is applied to the display. Creating a sub-kilogram laptop that maintains this level of rigidity represents a genuine engineering achievementone that requires rethinking fundamental aspects of laptop construction.PerformanceThe Zenbook A14 presents a mixed performance picture that reflects its specialized design priorities. For everyday tasksmanaging email, browsing the web, editing documents, and participating in video callsthe system feels responsive and capable. The laptop handles multiple browser tabs and basic multitasking without significant issues.However, the limits become apparent when pushing beyond these basic scenarios. I experienced occasional stutters when rapidly switching between applications or managing numerous browser tabs simultaneously. These hesitations werent severe enough to disrupt workflow entirely, but they served as gentle reminders of the performance ceiling.Visual tasks represent the A14s most significant limitation. Its graphics capabilities restrict gaming beyond casual titles and limit graphics-intensive creative work like video editing. This isnt a laptop designed for creative professionals or gamersits built for document-centric productivity, communication, and web browsing.The generous memory and storage in the reviewed configuration (32GB RAM, 1TB storage) provide ample headroom for multitasking and file storage. A more budget-friendly variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage is expected to offer similar core functionality for most users.Software compatibility warrants consideration. While most mainstream applications run without issues, specialized or legacy programs may occasionally encounter challenges on this platform.Battery performance transforms the overall experience. The substantial 70Wh battery exceeds many competitors capacitiesincluding the MacBook Airs by roughly one-third. ASUS claims up to 32 hours of runtime, an ambitious figure that raised eyebrows at the laptops introduction.In my hands-on evaluation, the A14 achieves approximately 16-17 hours of continuous operation under typical conditions. This places it among the elite performers in its category, with only a couple of devices delivering comparable longevity. During my testing, the system easily powered through a complete workday with substantial capacity remaining for evening usage and even some activity the following morning.Charging capabilities complement this endurance. The battery reaches roughly 50% capacity in just 30 minutes, providing quick power replenishment during brief stops. This rapid charging feature enhances the overall experience, adding practical flexibility to daily use.Even under demanding workloads, the Zenbook A14s thermal management is impressive throughout. The laptop operates nearly silently during typical tasks, with fan noise barely registering. Even under sustained demands, the system maintains reasonable acoustic levelsa noteworthy achievement given the extremely thin chassis design.SustainabilityThe Zenbook A14 makes meaningful environmental strides while facing inevitable limitations in an ultra-thin design. ASUSs development of Ceraluminum stands as perhaps the most significant sustainability advancement associated with this device.This innovative material combines exceptional durability with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional laptop construction. The ceramic component substantially increases scratch resistance and structural longevity, potentially extending the devices useful lifespan. By reducing cosmetic damage that often triggers premature replacements, this material innovation may help decrease electronic waste over time.The exceptional battery efficiency contributes positively to the sustainability profile. Extended runtime reduces charging frequency, potentially preserving battery health and decreasing overall energy consumption throughout the devices lifecycle. The power-efficient processor further minimizes electricity requirements compared to typical systems.Packaging improvements demonstrate ASUSs broader environmental commitment. The Zenbook A14 arrives in predominantly recyclable materials with minimal plastic content. The company has reduced packaging volume by approximately one-third compared to previous generations, decreasing material waste and transportation-related emissions.ASUS provides standard warranty coverage with available extensions that encourage longer device retention. The companys recycling program accepts end-of-life returns, ensuring the proper disposal of electronic components and materials.The laptops extraordinary lightness yields indirect environmental benefits beyond the obvious material reduction. The significantly reduced weight decreases fuel consumption during shipping and potentially lowers carbon emissions throughout the distribution chain. While difficult to quantify precisely, these cumulative effects contribute to a smaller overall environmental footprint.Value & VerdictThe ASUS Zenbook A14 emerges as a specialized tool that excels in a focused vision of mobile computing. At $1,199.99 for the reviewed configuration (recent tariff increases added approximately $100), it commands a premium price justified primarily by its extraordinary portability and battery endurance.For frequent travelers, field professionals, and highly mobile users, the A14 offers unique advantages that no competitor fully matches. The combination of sub-kilogram weight, 16+ hour battery life, a vibrant OLED display, and comprehensive connectivity creates a compelling package for those who prioritize these specific attributes.The innovative Ceraluminum chassis represents a genuine advancement in laptop materials, offering practical benefits beyond mere weight reduction. Its structural rigidity, pleasant tactile qualities, and resistance to wear contribute to a premium experience that enhances the devices long-term value.Performance capabilities align with the laptops intended use case. While not suitable for intensive creative work or gaming, it handles everyday productivity tasks with adequate responsiveness. The occasional stutters when multitasking serves as reminders of the compromises made to achieve the remarkable form factor.Competitive alternatives offer different balances of attributes. The MacBook Air (M4) provides better performance at a similar price but weighs significantly more. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon matches the lightweight design with superior typing experience but costs nearly twice as much. Dells XPS 13 offers competitive pricing but cant approach the A14s battery life or weight advantages.The forthcoming $900 configuration may present an even more compelling value proposition for budget-conscious users seeking the same core benefits. However, it will face the same tariff-related price increase as the premium model.Audio quality is the devices most disappointing aspect, with underwhelming speakers that detract from media consumption. This limitation, along with the modest performance ceiling, defines the practical boundaries of the A14s capabilities.The post ASUS Zenbook A14 Review: Featherweight Champion with Heavyweight Endurance first appeared on Yanko Design.

The move is a bet that Amperes chips can begin playing a significant role in data centers for creating artificial intelligence.

An industry generative artificial intelligence (genAI) alliance, the AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), on Wednesday announced that xAI, Nvidia, GE Vernova, and NextEra Energy were joining BlackRock, Microsoft, and Global Infrastructure Partners as members. But given that the announcement specified no financial commitments or any other details, analysts doubted it would make much of a difference.Still, even though the massive global momentum behind genAI is unlikely to be changed by the announcement, the addition of the two energy companies to the group was an implicit acknowledgement that the ever-increasing power requirements of genAI data centers need serious attention.Scott Bickley, advisory fellow at Info-Tech Research Group, said that the massive resources behind this initiative, including Blackrock, which reported in January that it held assets worth $11.6 trillion, making it the worlds largest money manager, can make the difference.

The Hollyland Lark M2 was already a small, high-quality wireless microphone you could get for the iPhone, but now its M2S successor is even more tiny.Hollyland Lark M2S receiver and two wireless microphonesThis is why I review products instead of trying to make them the new Hollyland Lark M2S takes something I was delighted with and makes it so much better. I bought the now-old Hollyland Lark M2 and have been using it extensively for a year, but now I won't touch it because the new edition solves issues I hadn't even realized were there.Both models are still available. Both are wireless microphones with optional accessories for pairing them to an iPhone or a camera. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A newly leaked image of what's claimed to be a case for the forthcoming iPhone 17 Air, matches recent descriptions of a new design for the camera bump.Close up of the camera cutout on a purported iPhone 17 Slim case image credit: Sonny DIcksonFollowing the leak of what appear to be metal molds for the iPhone 17 range, leaker Sonny Dickson has now added a new image of a case for the slim model.Here's your first look at a case for the iPhone 17 Air. If you didn't know an Air was coming, you'd swear it was a Google Pixel case. pic.twitter.com/Qx4Smzh5Zo Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) March 19, 2025 Rumor Score: Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Almost four years since its official reveal, going from a Monster Hunter-esque title to something more Genshin-like, Honor of Kings: World is coming to GDC 2025. No, theres no release date and outside of consoles and PC, specific platforms have yet to be revealed. However, there is some new work-in-progress gameplay showcasing co-op and some new enemies.TiMi Studio Group has confirmed a behind-closed-doors playtest for registered media members. The official website is also live, outlining different locations in Jixia, including the Tower of Enlightenment in Jixia Academy, the Springbrook Plains with its ancient ruins and wetlands, and the mountains.There are also more dangerous places like Dragon Valley (which gets its name from the remains of a giant dragon) and Caelumpila Ruinsaa, previously a soldier enhancement facility with untold secrets.Its all very intriguing, though time will tell if were any closer to a release. Stay tuned for potential updates in the coming days, and check out more gameplay here.