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Printing A Solution to the World's Biggest Problems

Wendy Williams

May 11, 2017 |

Pro Bono Australia |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Solomon Islands, Honiara, Guadalcanal

A research fellow at Deakin University’s School of Engineering in Australia has developed a world-first technology 3D printer prototype capable of printing plumbing and sanitation supplies using discarded plastics - and what's more, it runs on solar power. They are partnering with NGO Plan International to implement this technology in the Solomon Islands, where locals will be taught to print the parts they need, thereby solving the dual problems of plastic rubbish and a lack of access to vital mechanical parts for clean water supply. The model gives these communities tools to solve their own problems, and could have endless applications as the technology evolves.

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This Cuban lung cancer drug is giving some U.S. patients hope

Amy Guttman

May 09, 2017 |

PBS NewsHour |

Broadcast TV News |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Cuba, Havana

CIMAvax, a new lung cancer treatment based in Cuba, has proved to stop and reduce the growth of tumors. Although it's not FDA regulated, many Americans are turning to the therapeutic drug in hopes of reducing the effects of cancer.

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Getting Help in Emergencies in Super-Quick Time

Gemma Newby, Sahar Zand

May 09, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Dominican Republic, Guayubín, Monte Cristi

Jason Friesen, an American paramedic who had served in Haiti after the earthquake, realized that many poor communities in the Caribbean were lacking the equivalent of the United States’ 911 emergency medical services, and were facing increased death tolls as a consequence. But in noting these communities’ possession [and use] of mobile phones, Friesen realized he could help such communities set up emergency response systems through the use of volunteers and a simple text message exchange. Now, his organization—Trek Medics—simplifies and democratizes the emergency dispatch system, and, as a result, saves numerous lives in rural communities.

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In Kenya, Phones Replace Bank Tellers

Tina Rosenberg

May 09, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya

Building on the widespread use of mobile phones in Kenya, applications have been developed to provide people with financial services. Through these applications people can securely receive money, save money, and make payments increasing their fiscal stability and their ability to access assistance when adverse events happen. The applications also create a record of financial transactions resulting in people being able to establish credit, receive loans, and access pay-as-you-go programs.

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How A Man With No Coding Experience Built An App That's Bringing Solar Power To Yemen

Adele Peters

May 08, 2017 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Yemen

The civil war in Yemen caused the electrical grid to fail and left many in the country without reliable access to electricity. As Yemenis tried to implement solar power, many were finding the process difficult with nowhere to turn for answers. Anwar Al-Haddad couldn't find a solution for this growing problem, so he invented an app, despite a lack of coding knowledge, by using another app that had been invented in the Silicon Valley.

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How Rang De is using crowdsourcing to make micro loans cheaper

Anu Thomas

May 04, 2017 |

The Economic Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Bengaluru, Karnataka

A husband and wife team in Bangalore (Bengaluru) have created a peer-to-peer, online micro-loan platform to help make poverty history by addressing credit needs of underserved communities. Lenders on the platform can choose the individuals and projects they loan to, and interest rates are kept low so as to be accessible for the recipients. The platform, Rang De, has seen great success and boasts a 93% repayment rate.

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Medication used for treatment, recovery

Meghan Costa, Danielle Nick

May 04, 2017 |

Temple University |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Drug-assisted recovery has proved to be very effective for people seeking sobriety from opiate addiction. Drugs such as Suboxone, Methadone, and Vivitrol help addicts by eliminating the ability to get high on opiates and curbing their craving. These drugs combined with psycho and behavioral therapy can help people achieve long-term recovery.

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How to Trick People Into Saving Money

Rob Walker

May 01, 2017 |

The Atlantic |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Salem, Illinois

A large number of Americans are "unbanked or underbanked"—meaning they are not tied to traditional financial institutions to manage their money—which makes saving difficult. Walmart has managed to serve this population with a debit card program called MoneyCard that provides financial incentives to users to regularly put aside money into a "vault." This approach effectively takes into account behavioral economics in terms of how humans approach short- versus long-term rewards. Launching in August 2016, the program's membership had grown more than 130% and savings increased by 38% by December 2016.

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How high-tech replicas can help save our cultural heritage

Frank Carlson

April 28, 2017 |

PBS NewsHour |

Broadcast TV News |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Spain, Madrid

Factum Arte creates replicas of art and artifacts through cutting edge technology and careful detail. These replicas are used to create access, preserve fragile originals, and replace objects that have been destroyed.

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Is This Tiny European Nation a Preview of Our Tech Future?

Vivienne Walt

April 27, 2017 |

Fortune |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Estonia

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the small outpost of Estonia has reinvented itself as the world’s digital pioneer. Everything from paying taxes to establishing companies is done online and takes minutes. Lawmakers even sign legislation using digital signatures, not fountain pens.

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