Electrical Grid Repair Stalled by Supply Chain Issues
Florida’s power grid was recently demolished by Category 4 Hurricane Ian, and crews are furiously rebuilding using poles, generators, and wire. Hurricane Ian was one of the strongest storms ever to hit the United States and the deadliest to hit Florida since 1935. The catastrophic losses totaled tens of billions of dollars, killing more than… Read more
Radiotherapy Equipment to Last a Lifetime
Medical equipment professionals often debate whether machines are useful past their “expiration” date. Newer radiation therapy equipment is touted to last seven or eight years, noting that it took roughly seven years to design and program before its release, doubling its age instantaneously. Therefore, the technology, software, and knowledge associated with a 14-year-old device is… Read more
AI On the Horizon for Radiologists
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been poised to improve the radiological process for some time, yet despite hundreds of conferences, hype, and promises, AI hasn’t made a huge impact yet. Part of the issue with AI’s slow integration for radiologists lies within the application. Algorithms can be applied to specific situations and places, but radiologists need… Read more
Smoking: Connection to Macular Degeneration & Cataracts
A novel study in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and the University of Newcastle found that smokers develop age-related macular degeneration five-and-a-half years earlier than non-smokers. Moreover, people who suffer from second-hand smoke are twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. Jude Stern,… Read more
Pool Cracks: Normal or Bad?
With proper maintenance, swimming pools are immensely strong and can last for several years. Pool cracks can usually be found on the surface of the pool in the plaster and generally do not run through the entire pool. These cracks can be normal or unusual, but can you tell if the pool itself is in… Read more
The SBA Works to Break Down Barriers as the White House Disperses $60 Billion to States
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is advocating for more small businesses to partner with federal contractors, particularly with the latest advancement to update critical infrastructure throughout the U.S. With the passing of the $1 trillion infrastructure law, the Biden administration made available about $60 billion to the states earlier this month. These funds are earmarked… Read more
Problems with Mice in Campers, Boats, or Other Recreational Vehicles?
Northern Michigan is prone to pests seeking shelter during the harsh winter. When temperatures dip near freezing, residents may notice an uptick in pest activity within the premises. For those who own an RV or camper, keeping mice at bay when the vehicle is not in use is especially difficult. Mice are small enough to… Read more
Industrial Electrification Opportunities
The global energy transition is shifting toward a key trend: electrification. Because of recent geopolitical news, an upward economy, and the overwhelming call for reducing carbon footprints, the electrical revolution of the 21st century is only beginning. Industrial businesses across the globe can take advantage of the multitude of opportunities associated with electrification but should… Read more
Price of Lumber Plummets
Since the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic, lumber prices have been tumultuous. As the world came to a screeching halt, wood prices collapsed. However, home sales and remodels skyrocketed by summer, as did lumber prices. From supply chain issues to labor shortages, lumber has been bundled with a hefty price tag these past few… Read more
Microsurgery 101
Microsurgery is an intricate technique that uses very fine instruments, high-magnification microscopes, and other specialized tools to meticulously disconnect tissue (including nerves, blood, and lymphatic vessels) from one area of the body and re-adhere it somewhere else on the body. Taking nerves or blood vessels that can be a millimeter or less in size, the… Read more