I was interested in something recently written by Jim Pinto that made me decide that in reality we know a lot about nothing.
He mentioned: "Around the world, honeybees are vanishing, leaving humans desperately trying to figure out the meaning of the exodus. Entire colonies of bees are flying off and not returning."
Vivian MacFadyen
Some of the possible reasons are pesticides, genetically modified crops, cellphones, and many other theories.
Whatever it is, the bees are in serious trouble because somehow man is messing with their natural senses. The big question is "What is - whatever it is - doing to us?" There are so many things that we do not fully understand, affecting things we do not know about; and that in itself is quite scary.
We are now in the wireless age and our bodies are being bombarded from every direction with electromagnetic waves of all sorts, yet we are ignorant about the eventual effect on our bodies. Many companies have developed wireless instrumentation with the capacity to transmit diagnostics as well as the measured variable. What is the effect on living organisms, and most importantly us?
Engineers have used lead for about a thousand years yet it is only recently that we have recognised the danger of lead in paint, fuel and solder. Many instrument manufacturers have courageously moved away from the use of lead in their soldering of electronic components at considerable expense. This is most commendable considering the social impact.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers have scrapped developments that have cost them millions of dollars after finding that their medicines adversely affect the patients they are treating. An example is Thalidomide where the decision to abort the use of this drug had to wait for hundreds of deformities in children before it was banned.
It is impossible to forecast the results of a new development before they actually present themselves. Let us hope that (if there is a problem) financial and political forces combined with pride do not hamper safety considerations before any lasting damage is done.
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch had the privilege of being hosted by Phoenix Contact for our technology event in May. Shamil Surbun, BU manager for Automation, presented a CPD-accredited session on ‘From Sensor to Cloud: How SPE and APL Are Transforming Industrial Connectivity’.
Read more...From the office of the CEO: Power Hour goes national SAIMC
SAIMC
South Africa’s automation, control, mechatronics and computer engineering community is changing fast, and the SAIMC is changing with it. I am excited to announce a new national initiative that will reshape how we deliver technical knowledge, strengthen branch identity and bring our community together like never before.
Read more...SAIMC: Zambia branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Zambia executive committee met recently, and confirmed several strategic updates aimed at strengthening governance, membership engagement and professional development activities.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies, market application engineer at SICK Automation, presented at the SAIMC Durban branch May technology meeting.
Read more...Where industry meets the fairway SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Golf Day once again proved why it’s one of the highlights on the local industry calendar, bringing together good people, good golf, and just the right amount of competitive spirit under spectacular Durban skies.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Jenine Jansen van Vuuren from Comtest delivered a presentation at the SAIMC Johannesburg technology evening, focusing on electric vehicle charging stations and the key metrics that govern their functionality.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the monthly meeting of the Durban branch of the SAIMC, Smunye Memela, project manager and switch gear specialist at Gubhuza 3 Trading presented on the subject ‘From sensors to insights: predictive maintenance in action’.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version