Updated 2025-03-07T16:25:47Z Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Daylight-saving time is a killer, scientists say.A third of the world and most US states observe daylight-saving time.DST is linked to increases in heart attacks and car accidents.Winter is almost over, and this Sunday it's time to turn the clocks forward, starting daylight-saving time for the year.Doctors and scientists say we might save some lives in the process, in large part because people will get some much-needed extra sleep.The annual ritual in which we "gain" an hour of evening light in the summertime by pushing the clocks forward one hour each spring may seem like a harmless shift. Most Americans love it.But it's actually incredibly controversial, and doctors including those in the American Medical Association say the damage it causes to our health is not worth it.Here's what DST is, why it was created in the first place, and what we now know about the health effects:When is DST?In US states that observe daylight-saving time, clocks change on the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November every year.In the spring, the clocks "spring forward" one hour at 2:00 a.m., instantly becoming 3:00 a.m.In the fall, the clocks "fall back" one hour at 2:00 a.m., instantly becoming 1:00 a.m.This week, we will lose an hour on Sunday March 9. We will gain an hour on Sunday November 2.What is the purpose of DST?Daylight-saving time was originally concocted as a way to save energy in the evenings, and was implemented during World War I in Germany.Today, around a third of the world participates in the twice-yearly clock-changing ritual, and most of those countries are in Europe.Not everyone in the US follows DST. Hawaii and Arizona ignore it and use standard time year-round. Those states argued that it makes less sense to shift the clocks when you live near the equator, where the sun rises and sets at roughly the same time each day.So, does it save energy?Recent research suggests it's probably not saving us any megawatts of power it may be costing us. The state of Indiana didn't adopt DST until 2006. A study found people spent $7 million more per year in electricity bills after the switch than before. Another study found workers are less productive when DST starts.There is, however, some evidence that extra evening light can reduce crime and increase the time people spend exercising outdoors, at least in certain climates.Rise in heart attacks and strokesEvery year, on the Monday after DST comes into effect in the spring, hospitals report a 24% spike in heart attack visits around the US.Just a coincidence? Probably not. Doctors see an opposite trend each fall: The day after we turn back the clocks, heart attack visits drop 21% as many people enjoy a little extra pillow time.In Finland, researchers found an 8% increase in ischemic strokes during the two days after the clocks spring forward.It's not clear exactly why this happens, but researchers suspect it may be a combination of disrupted sleep, stress at the start of the working week, and underlying medical conditions."That's how fragile and susceptible your body is to even just one hour of lost sleep," sleep expert Matthew Walker, author of "How We Sleep," previously told Business Insider.Disrupting our natural hormone cycleThe reason that springing the clocks forward and pushing them back again is bad for us comes down to interrupted sleep schedules.The human body has its own internal clock: the "circadian rhythm," which operates in tune with the rest of the outside world. When we are exposed to sunlight, our body releases hormones to keep us awake, speed up our metabolism, and trigger digestion and hunger so we have the energy to be active during the day. (This is why when you're jet-lagged, experts recommend getting outside for sunrise or sunset to align your body with the local sleep schedule.)At nightfall, our bodies release melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy. That's also the time when our bodies release growth hormones, our memories consolidate, and our body temperature drops to conserve energy.The Sleep Research Society argues that getting up and starting our days in the dark disrupts our bodies' natural hormone production and that triggering this switch once a year may increase our risk of obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, cardiovascular issues, and life-threatening accidents. One study found DST may lead to a temporary increase in suicides. (This is why sleep medicine experts also call for an end to night-shift work.)In a statement calling to end DST, the American Medical Association said it can take months for our bodies to adjust to the new sleep cycle.Increase in car accidentsWe're also prone to make more deadly mistakes on the roads: A study of over 700,000 car accidents from the mid-1990s to 2017 found a 6% increase in crashes the week after DST took effect.Researchers estimate this is partly due to sleep deprivation for drivers and pedestrians, and also lack of visibility.DST also causes more reports of injuries at work. A 23-year study of miners found both the number and severity of their injuries reliably went up on the Monday after daylight-saving time started each year, and other workers lost about 40 minutes of sleep.Some lawmakers want permanent DST others want standard time year-roundThe political debate over DST is fierce, unscientific, and deeply divided.There are at least 20 states that have passed or are considering legislation to switch to permanent daylight-saving time, per the National Conference of State Legislatures. And just as many states are considering legislation to end DST and move to permanent standard time. There's some messy overlap here a dozen states have bills considering both approaches. Many states have bills saying they will switch to whatever time their neighbors are on.California is a unique case. In the 2018 midterms, voters opted to get rid of the annual clock change, to be in permanent daylight-saving time. Then in early 2024, lawmakers who oppose DST introduced a bill to switch to permanent standard time but both options have gotten stuck in committee meetings and never really progressed.Switching to permanent DST requires a green light from Congress, but states do not need federal approval to switch to permanent standard time.The federal government considered permanent DST in 2022. In fact, the Sunshine Protection Act, introduced by GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, was passed unanimously by the Senate, only to falter in the House.Health and sleep experts were relieved. They said the entire country should follow Hawaii's and Arizona's lead, and wondered if Rubio and his colleagues had misunderstood which time system is better."When we saw that, it was kind of an 'oopsie-daisies,'" Dr. Akinbolaji Akingbola, a sleep expert at the University of Minnesota Medical School, previously told Business Insider. "We've all been pretty clear that standard time would be the better choice."

The year is 1962 and youve just woken up in the shadow of the Windscale (now Sellafield) nuclear power station in Cumbria, five years after its catastrophic meltdown. Trapped in the sizeable quarantine zone surrounding the accident site, you must stay alive long enough to figure out how to escape a task made rather more challenging by the presence of aggressive cultists, irradiated monsters and highly territorial terror bees. Imagine Stalker, but set in northern England, and youre edging towards what Oxford-based developer Rebellion has in store.Fallout may seem like another obvious inspiration for this irradiated game world, but after playing a two-hour demo, its clear the game draws more from classic British sci-fi. Here you are, stuck in the picturesque Lake District, with its lush woodlands, gurgling rivers and dry-stone walls. But all around you are the burned-out remains of 1960s cars and tanks, abandoned farm buildings and odd sounds and symbols that suggest something extremely sinister is happening. The development team have mentioned Dr Who, The Wicker Man the novels of John Wyndham as key inspirations, and you can see it in the grubby dislocated scene all around you. Approach a phone box and pick up the ringing handset, and you may hear a disembodied voice warning you about an apparently friendly character you met up the road. Stray into a cave and a ghost-like monster comes at you, infecting you with a paranoid mind virus. This is very much the stuff of Quatermass and Jon Pertwee-era Who.Something sinister is happening Atomfall. Photograph: Rebellion DevelopmentsIts not long before I bump into a gang of druids stalking the undergrowth and Im suddenly thrust into combat. But in the spirit of Stalker, and other survival games such as Escape From Tarkov, I have to rely on improvised melee weapons such as cricket bats and scythes, or on rusty guns that may or may not fire the meagre handfuls of ammo Ive managed to accrue. The developers have said they want this game to be about grimly hanging on to life; youre not a super-soldier. Everywhere there are little trinkets to scavenge, from apples to machine parts.When characters arent trying to clobber you with bats, they may offer you information or trading opportunities. It seems youre free to wander through overgrown farms and ruined industrial buildings looking for clues about what the hell even happened here. Just watch out for the glowing greeny-blue bees nests hanging from trees those guys are really territorial. And poisonous.Looking for clues about what the hell even happened here Atomfall. Photograph: Rebellion DevelopmentsEven in my short demo, theres a nice sinister sense of tension in the air. Relying on faulty handguns and explosive devices that youve stuck together, Blue Peter-style, with double-sided sticky tape and things youve found in an abandoned military checkpoint adds a sense of desperation and disaster.I did find some of the menus and weapon selection tricky, and for a game that relies heavily on stealth, its very easy to accidentally mess up because youve not loaded your shotgun in advance. But then this is the stuff of the survival game: often its better to hang around in the long grass than engage with the enemy (although sometimes its not exactly clear where youre in cover and where youre not, so I was giving my location away a lot).Atomfall looks like an interesting amalgam of Stalker, , Resistance: Fall of Man and Everybodys Gone to the Rapture, with some role-playing elements lobbed in. Skill points improve your stealth, health and combat efficiency as you progress, and there are plenty of little notes and clues scattered about the wilderness to find. I think a lot is going to depend on just what the mystery at the heart of the game turns out be.skip past newsletter promotionSign up to Pushing ButtonsFree weekly newsletterKeza MacDonald's weekly look at the world of gamingPrivacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.after newsletter promotionWhat does it mean for an apocalyptic adventure to take place in rural England? Were gonna need more than quaint cottages and enemies with regional accents to capture the horrific majesty of The Triffids, The Daemons or that 70s public information film about playing Frisbee too near an electricity substation. But just the fact that we have a survival adventure with the Lake District as its beautiful, supernaturally charged setting is something to be excited about.Atomfall is out on 27 March

Disney Lorcana's Archazia's Island set finally launches today, and it's packed with characters that are instantly recognisable as well as some we worried had been forgottenTech16:20, 07 Mar 2025Tamatoa is already rising in value(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)When you think of iconic characters, few companies have quite as many as Disney. Even aside from Star Wars and Marvel, the House of Mouse has a huge number of recognisable faces, which made it a bit of a no-brainer when it partnered with Ravensburger to release its own trading card game, Lorcana.Mixing the violence of battle with more soothing 'Questing' while retaining the complexity of something like Pokemon TCG and Magic The Gathering must have been a challenge, but approaching its three-year anniversary, the game is still going strong.Its first set of 2025, Archazia's Island, brings a wealth of new cards (204, in fact), and follows on from Azurite Sea from late last year. It introduces new versions of characters, fresh Song cards, and some forgotten faces that deserve another look. Here are our top 10 cards from the set.Penny's art is lovely, and she's a strong card, too(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)Spoiler alert, Bolt is also on our list, but Penny gets her own spot. The two have an adorable bond in the movie, which sadly isn't as often remembered as other titles on this list.Card-wise, Penny is a low cost option that gets a body on the board and helps heal someone when she enters, too a great way to start building a board state early on, or save one of your best cards.Tramp pairs well with Lady, naturally(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)A dynamic dog duo, Tramp comes in for less if you have Lady already in play, and while there are other options for each, Tramp comes in with the option to buff strength of one of your characters based on the number of cards you have in play.You could say he's a very, very good boy.Lady can bring cards back from the discard pile(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)The other half of our spaghetti-munching canine pair, Lady, Miss Park Avenue may not look like a necromancer, but she can raise the dead or at least the discarded.She can bring back cheap cards like Tramp or Penny, and her Shift cast is cheap enough to drop right onto a different version of Lady for a mid-game boost.How cool is this Belle design?(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)One of the best card designs around, I love this version of Belle, as expensive as she is to cast (NINE ink?! In this economy?).That makes her a late-game choice unless you can squeeze her in for her Shift cost, which can be decreased by discarding items. She can also earn up to six lore per turn, thanks to the three base lore she has plus additional lore gained from salvaging item cards.It wouldn't be Disney without Aurora(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)One of the quintessential Disney princesses, Aurora is a force to be reckoned with since she can be Readied each time you heal a character, making her ideal alongside Penny.Add to that Singer 5 to more easily play song cards and you've got a Disney icon that earns her spot.You can play Scrooge for free(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)Scrooge McDuck is well-known for being a cheapskate and that extends to his card. In fact, exerting four cards means you can play him for free, which is worth doing since he's a 4/4.Add to that his ability to find items in your deck's top four cards and he could be very, very helpful indeed.Tamatoa is already rising in value(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)Tamatoa is getting pricey already, and for good reason he can help you pluck item cards from your discard pile, and then play them for free if he quests.There are a few cards on this list he pairs nicely with, and is likely to be worth a few bob over the next few weeks as a result.All is Found helps you ramp your Ink(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)The only Song on our list, All Is Found takes cards from your Discard pile and drops them into your inkwell. While they return exerted, knowing you can ramp up a few extra ink in the mid-to-late game is ideal.It's also a really nice, sweet card from a lovely moment at the start of Frozen 2.Bolt deserves more love in general, so it's great to see him here(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)Here he is! Bolt is a 3/5, but that's underselling him. The super-powered doggo is able to rack up lore if you've got an array of cards on the board that haven't taken damage, which naturally works nicely with Penny.Meanwhile, Bolt Stare can banish an Illusion character at the cost of exertion. Exert, Ready, grab more lore what's not to love?Elsa tops our list just look at that art(Image: Disney/Ravensburger)Is Elsa, Ice Maker the best card in the set? Probably not, in truth, but my subjectivity is showing because my kid adores Frozen.Article continues belowGiven how many Elsa variants there are, the Shift cost of 4 here is particularly useful, and playing her alongside Anna can literally freeze your opponent's biggest cards. Add in the fact she's a 5/5 body and Elsa feels particularly powerful.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal is just weeks away, but Samsung is showing off its vision for portable gaming and it's bendier than you may have imagined it to beTech16:15, 07 Mar 2025Updated 16:15, 07 Mar 2025The Samsung Flex Gaming Handheld is a proof of concept for nowThe Nintendo Switch 2 is coming, as the first console hits eight years on the market, and while the new system's release date, launch lineup, and pricing are still a mystery, one rival has gone in a very different direction.Some have bemoaned Nintendo for not being as keen to experiment with the new Switch, but there's still plenty we don't know about it. One thing that seems certain, however, is that its screen will be one solid piece.That might sound obvious, but tech giant Samsung is looking to take on Nintendo, Lenovo, MSI, and Valve's Steam Deck with its own foldable phone that calls to mind the explosive gum from the first Mission Impossible movie.Is the future of portable gaming foldable?As spotted by T3 at Mobile World Conference (MWC) in Barcelona this week, Samsung revealed the Flex Gaming prototype. It's not planned for mass production just yet, existing more as a proof of concept than anything, but the idea is appealing.While phones are getting foldable, not everyone needs the extra screen real estate. When gaming, however, wouldn't it be nice to unfold a device to reveal a bigger OLED panel to play on?That's the promise of the Samsung Flex Gaming prototype, but it's more to help sell the company's foldable OLED screens than to actually exist as a product for consumers at least for now.Article continues belowWith the influx of companies rolling out rivals to the Steam Deck and Switch, there's every chance it does happen one day. It's a very different environment to the one that the Switch originally launched into in 2017, that's for sure.For more on portable consoles, be sure to check out why the Switch 2 doesn't have a confirmed Pokemon title yet, as well as why the Steam Deck OLED might be your best bet for a new console.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

The biggest video game surprise hit of 2023 is getting a sequelAdam StarkeyPublished March 7, 2025 3:06pmUpdated March 7, 2025 3:07pm RoboCop is channelling The Raid (Nacon)A sequel has been announced for one of 2023s most overlooked games, based on a 1980s sci-fi classic.The RoboCop franchise has taken severe damage over the years, thanks to several dodgy sequels and reboots, but a video game in 2023 provided an unexpected reprieve.RoboCop: Rogue City, developed by Teyon, was a first person shooter take on the 1980s sci-fi satire, set after the events of RoboCop 2. Despite its low budget it was far better than anyone expected, and saw original actor Peter Weller reprise the lead role.So its very welcome news to know that a standalone sequel, entitled RoboCop: Rogue City Unfinished Business, has now been announced, which will be released later this year.As shown in the trailer, the game appears to be set entirely within Old Detroits OmniTower housing complex, which has been taken over by armed mercenaries.Naturally, its RoboCops mission to fight up to the top floor and restore order, in a similar vein to The Raid or more pertinently Dredd, with the original RoboCop movie having been partially inspired by 2000 ADs infamous Judge.From flying drones to exploding bots and anti-personnel turrets, every floor is riddled with deadly traps, and heavily armed elite troops, reads the official description.Expect to face minigun-toting armoured squads, special forces equipped with jet packs or even katana-wielding foes who look more machine than man.More TrendingThe game features returning weapons from Rogue City and new additions like the Cryo Cannon, along with finishing moves where you can smash an opponents skull against a concrete wall or into the nearest drinks vending machine.Interestingly, Unfinished Business will also let you play as Alex Murphy before he became RoboCop in unique missions tied to the overall story.While it will be sold separately, Unfinished Business is described as a standalone extension to RoboCop: Rogue City, so it sounds like it will be smaller in scale and probably reuse a lot of existing assets. A price has yet to be announced.RoboCop: Rogue City Unfinished Business is slated to be released in summer 2025 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. RoboCop has unfinished business (Nacon)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Although Mara Jade herself has managed to spend the best part of the last decade not making the leap fromStar Wars former expanded universe and into current continuity, its not stopped her from being a prime opportunity for a fully armed and operational merchandizing platform like Disney. And the latest addition to that is quite the prize. Revealed by Comicbook.com this morning, the latest addition to Disneys Legacy Lightsaber linethe high-end series of collectible saber hilts sold online and throughout various areas the parks, but most notably within Dok-Ondars Emporium in Star Wars: Galaxys Edgeis none other than the hilt of the former Emperors Hand. As well as the lightsaber itself, the collectible comes in a case reflecting Maras side-swapping history, featuring half of the emblem of the Galactic Empire and half of the crest of the New Jedi Order, as well as a new variant cover release of the first issue of the 1998 comic miniseries Mara Jade By the Emperors Hand, by Timothy Zahn, Michael A. Stackpole, Carlos Ezquerra, Michael Taylor, and James Sinclair. It marks the first significant entry in the legacy saber series to explicitly draw on an Expanded Universe character. Up to this point, Disney has drawn on hilts from the movies, TV shows, animated series, tie-in fiction likeThe High Republic and other canonical comics, and even video games like theStar Wars: Jedi series, but Mara Jades addition to the line makes for an interesting choice. Disney Disney Since its opening in 2019, Galaxys Edge has somewhat softened much of its approach to its place within the broaderStar Wars continuityas much as a real world theme park can remain canonically in tandem with the widerStar Wars universe. Originally set within the timeframe betweenThe Last Jedi andThe Rise of Skywalker, the park has loosened those limitations to draw in more characters from across multiple periods ofStar Wars, and incorporate more elements from the prequel and original trilogies. Even if Maras addition here is purely in that most potentStar Wars form of allan expensive toy you can buyrather than anything like having the character walk around Batuu, its still a very intriguing one to consider, that potentially opens up more elements of the EU to make there way into the parks. Before all that, youll have to act fast if you want your hands on Maras weapon of choice though. The release is limited to just 3,500 units, and will go on sale across both the Disneyland and Disney World versions of Galaxys Edge, as well as online at ShopDisney, from tomorrow, March 8, at 11am ET. Itll set you back $325 for the pleasure, too, if you manage to snag on.Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Looking for premium wireless earbuds that can keep up with your active lifestyle? The Beats Powerbeats Pro combines impressive sound quality with a secure, workout-ready design. These totally wireless earphones feature adjustable ear hooks for stability, sweat and water resistance for tough workouts, and up to 9 hours of continuous playback to keep your music going as long as you do. If youve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your workout audio gear, this could be the deal youve been looking for.Amazon has slashed the price of the Powerbeats Pro to $150, down from its original $250 price tag. This substantial $100 discount (40% off) represents one of the lowest prices weve seen for these premium wireless earbuds, making it an excellent time to invest in high-quality audio for your workouts and daily activities.See at AmazonExceptional audio at a great priceBattery life is a standout feature, offering 9 hours of listening time on a single charge, with more than 24 hours total when using the included charging case. The Fast Fuel quick-charging feature provides 1.5 hours of playback from just a 5-minute charge, perfect for those times when youre running low on power before a workout. This combination of long battery life and quick charging ensures your music wont quit before you do.The earbuds are engineered for performance, with Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity ensuring extended range and fewer dropouts. Each earbud connects independently, providing a more reliable wireless experience. Youll find convenient controls on both earbuds for volume, track selection, and voice commands, plus Auto Play/Pause functionality. This attention to user-friendly features makes the Powerbeats Pro a joy to use during any activity.Sound quality doesnt take a backseat to features, with the Powerbeats Pro delivering powerful, balanced audio with dynamic range and effective noise isolation. Call quality is also enhanced, with the ability to handle calls from either earbud. The sound signature is tuned to provide motivating audio that maintains clarity even during intense workouts.Comfort and fit are carefully considered, with four different eartip sizes included in the box. The adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks ensure the earbuds stay in place during even the most intense workouts, while remaining comfortable for extended wear. This customizable fit means you can find the perfect seal for optimal sound quality and stability.At $150, these premium wireless earbuds offer exceptional value for anyone seeking high-quality audio and workout-ready durability. Whether youre a fitness enthusiast or simply want reliable wireless earbuds for daily use, the Powerbeats Pro at this price point presents an excellent opportunity to upgrade your audio experience. With this significant discount, youre getting professional-grade audio equipment at a mid-range price.See at Amazon

Ergon Bakehouse / Urban Soul ProjectSave this picture! Mirto Iatropoulou / Mia DorierArchitects: Urban Soul ProjectAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:1600 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Mirto Iatropoulou / Mia DorierManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Gerontidis, Inox design, Kiskinidis, Kotrogiannis Wooden Constructions, Meidanis, Passion Home, Tarkett, kalotaranis, natural greek fabricsMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. A place for making and baking pastries, a retail space, an eatery, and accommodation, all in the heart of Athens. Ergon Bakehouse is a multi-level hospitality project, unified by the enticing aroma of dougha semiotic symbol of care. From the entrance to the rooms, the design by Urban Soul Project architects revolves around the life cycle of the dough and the ambiance of a traditional bakery.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Ergon Bakehouse is a multi-level hospitality project in Athens that combines a bakery, a retail space, an eatery, and a hotel, all inspired by the art and process of baking.Save this picture!The architecture and design of Ergon Bakehouse: Ergon Bakehouse is located in a heritage building designed by Vassilis Tsagris in the early 20th century, and adapted by Urban Soul Project architects. The design preserves the original features of the building, such as the plaster decorations, the staircase, and the elevator, and adds elements that reflect the life cycle of the dough and the ambiance of a traditional bakery, such as firebrick, wall paneling, stainless steel counters, and linen fabrics.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The 72H Artisanal Bakery: The 72H Artisanal Bakery is the core of Ergon Bakehouse, where bread and pastries are prepared and baked after resting for 72 hours. The bakery is led by head creative baker Nikos Chandolias and pastry chef Martin Kitan, who create innovative confections that blend tradition and modernity. The bakery's activities are visible to the guests, who can enjoy the products in the retail space, the baking area, or the 72H Lab.Save this picture!The hotel's concept and rooms: The hotel's concept offers a fresh take on metropolitan living, by combining the sensory pleasure of aromatic scents, the comfort of 29 well-appointed rooms, and the cultural and social connections through its public spaces. The rooms are spacious and feature a deep, recessed sofa called "onda", which serves as both an additional bed and a lounge area. The rooms are decorated with artwork by Stratis Tavlaridis and Nikos Handolias, inspired by the craft of baking.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Athens, GreeceLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeUrban Soul ProjectOfficePublished on March 07, 2025Cite: "Ergon Bakehouse / Urban Soul Project" 07 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027587/ergon-bakehouse-urban-soul-project&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

As drones become a pivotal tool in both security and illicit operations, the skies over the U.S. southern border have turned into a high-tech battleground. Law enforcement agencies and drug cartels alike are leveraging drone technology for surveillance, smuggling, and counter-surveillance, raising urgent concerns about national security.With the rise of untraceable dark drones that evade traditional detection methods, the need for advanced drone monitoring systems has never been more critical. At the forefront of this effort is Mike Fraietta, co-founder and CEO of Gargoyle Systems, who is pioneering a decentralized drone detection network to counter emerging threats and enhance public awareness of aerial activity.According to Fraietta, traditional aerial craft detection methods face challenges from dark drones untraceable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that use channel hopping or fiber optic technology to avoid RF detection.To counteract this, Gargoyle Systems focuses on acoustic detection, particularly for fiber-optic tethered drones emitting no RF signals. These drones pose a significant challenge to authorities, as they can operate over long distances without detection.His vision for the future of drone detection and its beneficial uses is clear. A comprehensive drone detection network must protect American citizens and infrastructure while enabling the ethical use of drones for valuable applications.The challenge isnt just detecting drones. Its ensuring they are used responsibly, Fraietta told TechNewsWorld.New Drone Detection Strategies EmergeFraietta launched Gargoyle Systems last year. Among its other projects, the company is developing tools to overcome limitations caused by drone intrusions. It will soon launch a product that creates a personal decentralized geo-fence or border wall that collects data on drones traversing an area.Fraietta, a physicist and certified FAA drone pilot, continually trains in drone security. He wants to monitor the changes being made to secure the southern border under new laws.We have advisors in the FAA and Department of Defense and Homeland Security. So, were keeping tabs on whats going on but are not officially involved in any way with the new folks down there or previously, he explained.How Drones Are Changing Border SecurityWhile drones present security challenges, they offer groundbreaking potential for emergency services and search-and-rescue operations. Fraietta is excited about the development of friendly drones designed to deliver medical aid, transport essential supplies, and assist in disaster relief efforts.Mike Fraietta, CEO of Gargoyle SystemsSince January, U.S. border agents have adjusted the role that drones can play in keeping borders secure. According to Fraietta, increased collaboration now occurs between DHS, local law enforcement, and the FAA. He likens these efforts to the creation of the TSA after 9/11,A drone czar may be needed to coordinate national drone security initiatives along with recent successes in border security, he mused.Despite efforts to enhance drone detection, Fraietta warns that dark drones operating outside radio frequencies are the biggest concern. As a result, law enforcement agencies are increasingly turning to AI and acoustic detection to identify illicit drone activity.He explained that using acoustic detection methods relies on perfecting the ability to identify the unique sounds of the propeller pitches, among other factors.Public Misconceptions and Drone Security RisksThe publics perception of drone flights led to hysteria in some instances. The governments veil of secrecy sometimes fuels fires of concern.For example, recent reports of drones flying over houses at night along the East Coast, particularly in multiple New Jersey counties and neighboring areas, stirred public concern. Some news accounts conveyed similar unexplained drone flights amid fears of surveillance or potential attacks.Public awareness regarding drone threats is essential. We need to think about how vulnerable our power grids, water supplies, and infrastructure are to drone attacks, Fraietta warned. Drones ability to deliver dangerous payloads to critical infrastructure remains a major security concern. Some local officials openly discussed shooting down drones. Meanwhile, some federal officials within the previous administration were emphatic that people were not seeing drones but small piloted aircraft.Amid increasing demands for transparency regarding the East Coast sightings, federal officials finally stated that the FAA authorized drone flights as part of an undisclosed test. Fraietta declined to comment, only suggesting that many of those drone sightings were unsubstantiated.A similar situation occurred in Colorado in 2019, where mass reports of drones resulted in no government disclosure of verifiable sightings, he said.Cartels, Border Agents Battle for Aerial ControlFraietta observed that AI-powered drones the cartels use are nearly as advanced as those operated by border patrol agents. Cartel drones transport narcotics, use night vision equipment, and leverage 3D printing modifications to evade detection.Cartel drone flights over the U.S. southern border could provoke an armed U.S. response. The Mexican cartels are leveraging drone technology for more than just drug smuggling, warned Fraietta without elaboration.U.S. border agents and Mexican drug cartels use them to spy on each other. One side searches for fentanyl labs, and the other tries to locate law enforcement. While the potential for cartel-operated drones carrying explosives exists, the risk of escalation makes it unlikely, he cautioned. If they start attacking border patrols, its a wrap. Cartels prefer to operate stealthily rather than provoke a heavy response from law enforcement.Despite efforts to enhance detection, Fraietta warns of dark drones persistent challenges. Drones operating off radio frequencies are our biggest concern, he said. Law enforcement agencies increasingly use AI and acoustic detection to identify illicit drone activity.Ethical Debate Over Drone TechnologyDrone technology raises ethical concerns, particularly around privacy and regulation. Fraietta advocates for greater investment in detection systems and a national drone security strategy.People should know whats flying over them, just like they know whos on their property, he insisted.Comparing drones to cars and firearms, he stressed the need for structured registration, licensing, and designated flight corridors to reduce noise and enhance safety. While the FAAs Remote ID tracking is a step forward, untraceable dark drones remain a serious challenge.Fraietta believes drone security isnt just about threat detection its about ensuring responsible use. As drones continue to shape security and commerce, robust regulations and advanced detection technology will be essential. Gargoyle Systems envisions a future where decentralized networks give citizens and authorities greater visibility and control over the skies.Law enforcement is working to counter cartel-operated drones, but the public must also stay informed about both the risks and benefits of drone use, he concluded.

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