Author: Darren Holt

Darren Holt brings over a decade of specialized technology journalism to his coverage of industrial computing and automation systems, with a particular focus on how IoT connectivity is reshaping traditional manufacturing workflows. His analytical approach stems from hands-on experience evaluating embedded systems and edge computing architectures across multiple industrial sectors. Darren's writing consistently explores the intersection of legacy industrial equipment with emerging technologies, offering readers unique insights into digital transformation challenges. He maintains a distinctive perspective by examining how practical implementation realities often differ from theoretical tech promises in automation environments.
InnovationStartups

Ireland Launches Circular Economy Startup Competition to Drive Sustainable Innovation

A new startup competition in Ireland aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The awards program offers €10,000 in prizes and expert coaching for ventures demonstrating innovative circular solutions.

New Competition Targets Circular Economy Innovation

A significant new startup competition has been launched to advance Ireland’s transition to a circular economy, according to reports from Ireland‘s leading circular innovation network. The All-Island Circular Venture Awards, spearheaded by Circuléire with funding from the Irish Government, aims to identify and support late-stage startups with pioneering circular economy products and services.

by Darren Holt
EnvironmentHealth

Atmospheric Mercury from Gold Mining Taints African Food Supply, Research Reveals

Scientists have discovered mercury from artisanal gold mining enters food crops directly through the air rather than soil. The findings reveal previously underestimated health risks for communities dependent on local agriculture near mining operations across Africa and beyond.

Breakthrough Research Reveals New Contamination Pathway

According to a recent study published in the journal Biogeosciences, mercury pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining operations is contaminating food crops primarily through atmospheric uptake rather than soil absorption as previously assumed. The international research team, led by scientists from Queens University and the University of Lagos, documented this troubling phenomenon in a Nigerian farming community located near mining activities.

by Darren Holt
AITechnology

OpenAI Leads Consumer AI Usage While Google Dominates Overall Token Volume

New analysis reveals OpenAI’s commanding lead in consumer AI token consumption, processing 6 billion tokens per minute. Meanwhile, Google maintains overall volume dominance while Anthropic emerges as the enterprise AI leader with rapid revenue growth.

AI Token Wars: OpenAI Claims Consumer Dominance

According to recent reports, OpenAI has established a significant lead in consumer-facing artificial intelligence token consumption, with the company announcing its API platform now processes approximately 6 billion tokens each minute. Sources indicate this represents a 20-fold increase over the past two years, demonstrating the explosive growth in consumer adoption of AI technologies.

by Darren Holt