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What Are the Hidden Costs of Living as a Student in Dundee?

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Dundee, often called Scotland’s “City of Discovery,” is gaining popularity among international students for its welcoming community, compact layout, and rich academic heritage. Home to two main universities—University of Dundee and Abertay University—the city blends affordability with quality education. With stunning views over the River Tay, a buzzing arts scene, and everything within walking distance, Dundee is an attractive choice for students looking for value and convenience in the UK.

What Is the Average Cost of Living in Dundee for Students?

While Dundee is known to be more affordable than cities like Edinburgh or London, students should still plan their monthly budgets carefully.

Here’s an approximate monthly breakdown of essential expenses:

  • Rent: £400–£700 depending on the area and amenities
  • Food & Groceries: £150–£250
  • Transport: £30–£50 (most places are walkable)
  • Utilities & Internet: £40–£100
  • Phone Bill: £10–£25
  • Entertainment & Eating Out: £60–£100

These costs can fluctuate based on lifestyle choices and personal spending habits.

What Hidden Housing Costs Should You Watch Out For?

Rent isn’t the only cost to consider when choosing where to live. Many students get caught off guard by hidden housing costs that aren’t always mentioned upfront. Understanding these can help you avoid nasty surprises.

Common hidden housing charges include:

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  • Utility Bills (Gas, Water, Electricity): Not always included in rent
  • Council Tax: Full-time students are usually exempt but must apply for it
  • Internet Setup Fees: Can cost £30–£50 upfront
  • TV Licence: Required if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer—costs ~£159/year
  • Maintenance Charges: In some private flats or shared housing
  • Deposit and Admin Fees: Can be one month’s rent or more, depending on the landlord
  • Cleaning Costs: End-of-tenancy cleaning may be deducted from your deposit

Before signing a lease, ask for a full breakdown of costs and what is included to avoid unexpected financial strain.

Which Type of Accommodation Is Best for International Students?

When it comes to choosing where to live, options in Dundee vary from university-managed halls to private rentals.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Type of Accommodation Pros
University Halls Safe, close to campus, great for meeting people
Private Halls Modern amenities, often all-inclusive
Shared Houses/Flats More independence, potential savings
Homestays Cultural immersion, meals often included

Many international students prefer student accommodation Dundee providers that offer flexible contracts and inclusive rent packages—helping reduce the stress of multiple monthly bills.

Where Should You Live in Dundee for the Best Student Experience?

The area you choose can significantly impact your living experience and budget.

Top student-friendly neighbourhoods in Dundee:

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  • West End: Close to the University of Dundee, lively student vibe
  • City Centre: Great for nightlife and quick access to amenities
  • Hilltown: More affordable but slightly farther from university buildings
  • Broughty Ferry: A bit posher and more scenic—ideal for quiet living

Always consider commute time, safety, and what’s included in the rent before finalising a location.

What Unexpected Costs Can Affect Your Monthly Budget?

Aside from rent and groceries, students often overlook other small but frequent expenses that add up over time.

Extra costs to consider:

  • Course Materials: Books, printing, software subscriptions
  • Laundry: £3–£6 per load in halls or laundrettes
  • Social Events & Societies: Membership fees and event tickets
  • Takeaways & Coffee Runs: Weekly indulgences can inflate your budget
  • Seasonal Clothing: Warm clothing for the Scottish winter
  • Travel Back Home: Flight tickets during breaks or emergencies

These expenses may seem minor individually, but when added together, they can noticeably impact your overall cost of living Dundee budget.

What Smart Tips Can Help You Save Money in Dundee?

Being budget-conscious doesn’t mean missing out on the full student experience. In fact, with a few practical habits and smart choices, you can enjoy your university life to the fullest while still keeping your finances in check. Creating a realistic budget, tracking your spending, and prioritizing essential expenses can go a long way in helping you stay on top of your finances. Look out for student discounts, cook meals at home, and use public transport to cut down on daily costs. By making thoughtful decisions, you can live comfortably, stay social, and make the most of your student years without overspending.

Top student saving strategies:

  • Use Student Discounts: TOTUM card, UNiDAYS, and local deals
  • Cook at Home: More economical and healthier
  • Split Bills: Share costs for groceries and streaming subscriptions
  • Use Dundee’s Walking Paths: Cut down on transport costs
  • Shop Second-Hand: Thrift stores for furniture and clothes
  • Track Your Spending: Use budgeting apps like Monzo or Revolut

Conclusion: Is Dundee Affordable for International Students?

Dundee is undoubtedly one of the more affordable cities for students in the UK—but affordability comes with planning. Knowing about the hidden costs upfront helps you avoid financial pitfalls and makes your student journey smoother and stress-free. From budgeting for utilities to picking the right neighbourhood, a little homework goes a long way in ensuring you get the most out of your experience in this vibrant Scottish city.

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How Smart Farming Helps Address Labor Shortages

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By Jaxon Hunter

How Smart Farming Helps Address Labor Shortages and Resource Management

By 2025, global food demand must rise nearly 70 % to meet population needs. Traditional farming wastes as much as 60 % of irrigation water and 30 % of inputs like fertilizer and pesticides. Field tests show smart farming systems cut water use by up to 60 % and lower input costs by 20–30 %. Crop yields rise by 10–15 %, and labor requirements fall sharply. In regions facing rural migration and aging populations, labor shortfalls hit farming hardest. Smart farming steps in with efficient resource use and reduced reliance on manual workers. This article explains how Smart Farming Solutions delivered by a credible Smart Agriculture Solution Company tackle labor shortages and resource management challenges.

What Is Smart Farming?

Smart farming integrates advanced tools, data and automation to optimize farm operations. Core technologies include:

  • IoT soil moisture sensors and weather stations
  • AI‑based analytics and forecasting
  • Drones for mapping and spraying

Together, they form full Smart Farming Solutions that help farms operate with fewer workers and less waste.

How Smart Farming Addresses Labor Shortages

Automation Reduces Manual Work

Smart tractors and robotic harvesters perform seeding, weeding, spraying, and harvesting without human labor. For example, autonomous systems in berry picking or strawberry cultivation reduce dependence on seasonal labor and operate continuously .

Drones Speed Up Field Tasks

Drones can spray agrochemicals or monitor crops across many hectares quickly. A case from Karnataka shows drone use cut water needed for spraying from 500 L to 55 L per hectare—a 90 % drop—and increased yields by 5–10 % while reducing reliance on field laborers.

Data-Driven Work Planning

IoT sensors paired with GNSS can record field operations automatically. In central Japan, adding IoT to traditional tractors logged over 1,600 work records in seven months. This eliminated manual work tracking and freed skilled staff for supervision rather than routine tasks.

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Enhanced Knowledge Access

Digital advisory systems and mobile apps deliver real-time cropping advice. Farmers in India and sub‑Saharan Africa who received SMS‑based guidance reported yield increases near 11.5 %. These tools reduce the need for manual extension visits, shifting human labor toward strategic roles.

How Smart Farming Improves Resource Management

Precision Irrigation Saves Water

Sensor‑based watering systems monitor soil moisture and weather. Tests in eastern Uttar Pradesh and other regions show 20–60 % reductions in water use versus flood or manual irrigation — often translating to 30 % savings in water applied by 2025.

Smart Fertilizer and Pesticide Application

Big‑data systems analyze soil nutrient levels to apply inputs precisely where needed. Nitrogen‑use efficiency can rise by over 300 % while chemical residues fall by 30–50 % — reducing waste and pollution in the process.

Integrated Analytics and Decision Support

A Smart Agriculture Solution Company combines sensor networks, satellite imagery, and analytics platforms. One big‑data model (BDA‑ARMF) lowered overall resource consumption ratio to about 20 %, far better than other frameworks that hover around 40–68 %.

Environmental and Yield Outcomes

By limiting overuse of water and chemicals, smart farming improves soil health and biodiversity. In rice using system‑of‑rice intensification techniques, yields rose by 41 % and water use fell 25–50 % compared to traditional flooded methods.

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Implementation by a Smart Agriculture Solution Company

A well‑established Smart Agriculture Solution Company operates across all phases:

  1. Site assessment—soil, water, climate, labor.
  2. Technology deployment—install IoT sensors, drones, robotics.
  3. Platform integration—link hardware to cloud analytics.
  4. Training—farm staff learn to operate, interpret data.

Such companies draw on agronomy expertise, on‑field experience, and domain knowledge. Their teams include agronomists, GIS specialists, data scientists, and engineers. This ensures that deployed systems deliver accurate, reliable outcomes and comply with technical standards.

Experience and Expert Insight

Farmers who adopt smart farming report multiple benefits. In southern India, drone‑guided spraying not only improved yields but reduced hazardous chemical exposure for humans and livestock. Sensor‑driven irrigation research in Uttar Pradesh shows scalable gains for smallholder rice farmers 

Public‑sector research, academic institutions, and NGOs frequently partner with trusted Smart Agriculture Solution Companies to scale such innovations. These collaborations contribute to evidence‑based practice, rigorous field testing, and peer‑reviewed findings.

Expert Recommendations (for Farmers and Policymakers)

  • Target pilot deployment on representative plots to validate labor and resource savings.
  • Collect baseline data on labor hours, water use, fertilizer use, yields.
  • Implement multi‑source data systems—combine sensors, drone mapping, climate forecasts.
  • Train staff on interpreting dashboards and performing technical maintenance.

Conclusion

Smart Farming Solutions reduce reliance on manual labor while improving resource efficiency. Automation—from drones to robots—cuts labor demand and speeds operations. Sensor‑based irrigation and precision input delivery conserve water and reduce waste. Big‑data analytics and AI optimize management and forecasting. A qualified Smart Agriculture Solution Company ensures deployment is technical, reliable, and tailored to local conditions.

These solutions deliver measurable results: labor savings, lower input use, higher yields, water and environmental conservation. Those results reinforce the Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness pillars of the EEEAT framework. Smart farming represents a tangible, technical, and effective path forward to address labor shortages and resource challenges in 21st‑century agriculture.

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Unbelievable Sword From 3000 Years Ago Uncovered Intact!

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Unbelievable Sword From 3000 Years Ago Uncovered Intact!

Introduction

Archaeology never fails to amaze. Imagine unearthing a weapon that hasn’t seen battle for three millennia—yet remains almost pristine. That’s exactly what happened when experts realized a sword in Chicago’s Field Museum, long thought to be a replica, is actually a genuine 3,000‑year‑old sword. At the same time, excavations in southern Germany’s Bavaria region uncovered another Bronze Age blade so well preserved it “almost still shines.” These finds rewrite parts of European Bronze Age history and offer a rare glimpse into ancient metalworking prowess. In this article, we take you behind the scenes of these incredible discoveries, explore how these swords survived intact, and explain why they matter today.

A Sword Mistaken for a Replica—Until Now

The Chicago Field Museum Surprise

One of the Field Museum’s most famous weapons—on display for decades—was believed to be a modern copy of a Bronze Age sword from the Danube region in Hungary. The sword, discovered in the 1930s in the Danube River near Budapest, sat in the museum’s collection as a replica, its true origins forgotten.

In July 2025, Hungarian archaeologists curating the “First Kings of Europe” exhibition began to suspect the sword’s alloy and patina didn’t match a modern forgery. Advanced testing using X‑ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed an alloy composition of copper, tin, and trace elements perfectly matching Late Bronze Age metallurgy. The results dated the sword to between 1080 BCE and 900 BCE—making it over 3,000 years old and a once‑in‑a‑lifetime find DailyNewsHungary.

Why It Matters

  • Preservation: The sword’s burial in river sediments and low‑oxygen water slowed corrosion, leaving the blade and handle corrosion‑free.
  • Craftsmanship: Metallurgists note the even alloy mix and fine casting, indicating skilled smiths in Bronze Age Hungary.
  • Cultural Context: As a deadly weapon, it speaks to the power and prestige of its owner, likely a local chieftain or warrior elite.

This rediscovery underscores the importance of reexamining museum collections with modern techniques—history’s treasures can hide in plain sight.

The Bavaria Blade That “Almost Still Shines”

Discovery in Nördlingen

In June 2023, archaeologists excavating a Bronze Age grave in Nördlingen, Bavaria, uncovered a sword alongside the remains of a man, woman, and child. Per Bavaria’s State Office for Monument Protection, the octagonal bronze hilt was cast directly over the blade in a single pour—an advanced technique practiced only by master smiths around the end of the 14th century BCE Smithsonian Magazine.

Key Features

  • Octagonal Hilt: Rare design that required precision casting over the blade to ensure balance and durability.
  • Pristine Condition: The sword shows no signs of battlefield damage, suggesting it may have been a ceremonial or high‑status object rather than a frontline weapon.
  • Metallurgical Marvel: Analysis reveals a center of gravity optimized for slashing, meaning it could function as a real weapon if needed.

This Bavarian find is so well preserved that its surface reflects light—earning it the description “almost still shining.” It highlights how cold, alkaline soils can slow bronze corrosion, leaving intricate artifacts intact for millennia.

How Bronze Age Swords Survived Intact

1. Burial Environment

  • Low Oxygen: Submersion in water or burial in dense clay creates an anaerobic environment, limiting oxidation and corrosion.
  • Stable pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline soils help preserve metal objects by preventing acid‑driven degradation.

2. Metallurgy and Casting

  • High‑Tin Bronze: A tin content of around 10–12% yielded a harder, more corrosion‑resistant alloy.
  • Protective Patina: A thin, stable layer of copper oxide forms naturally, shielding the metal beneath from further decay.

3. Human Care

  • Grave Goods Context: Swords buried with their owners were seldom disturbed by grave robbers, especially in remote or secret burial sites.
  • Early Ceremonial Use: Some blades were placed intentionally unused—perhaps as offerings—limiting wear and damage.

Together, these factors allowed certain Bronze Age swords to endure for thousands of years, waiting to be rediscovered.

What These Swords Tell Us About Bronze Age Europe

Metallurgical Expertise

Both the Hungarian and Bavarian swords demonstrate that Bronze Age smiths possessed advanced knowledge of alloy composition and casting techniques. Octagonal hilts cast directly onto blades required precise temperature control and mold design—a testament to the era’s technical sophistication.

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Social Structures

High‑quality weapons like these likely belonged to elites—warrior‑nobles or chieftains—who used them as status symbols. The decision to bury such swords intact suggests ritual importance, linking martial power with beliefs about the afterlife.

Trade and Interaction

The alloy components—copper from one region, tin from another—point to long‑distance trade networks across Europe. These networks supplied raw materials to specialized workshops, fostering cultural exchange and technological diffusion across the continent.

Modern Methods Reveal Ancient Secrets

Today’s archaeologists use an array of tools to study such artifacts:

  • X‑Ray Fluorescence (XRF): Non‑destructive elemental analysis reveals alloy composition with pinpoint accuracy.
  • 3D Laser Scanning: Creates detailed digital models of swords, preserving their shape and surface features for study and public display.
  • Microscopic Imaging: Examines casting lines and tool marks to reconstruct ancient forging and finishing processes.
  • Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating: Carbon‑14 dating of associated organic materials (like wood or leather) provides precise burial dates.

These methods allow researchers to peer directly into the manufacturing choices and burial contexts of ancient societies.

Display and Preservation Today

Once analyzed, such swords undergo careful conservation:

  1. Stabilization: Mild chemical treatments remove corrosive salts without harming the patina.
  2. Controlled Environment: Museum cases maintain stable humidity (around 40–50%) and temperature (18–20 °C) to prevent further decay.
  3. Interpretive Exhibits: Display panels and interactive kiosks share the swords’ stories—how they were made, what they meant, and why their discovery matters.

In Chicago, the newly authenticated Hungarian sword will join Field Museum exhibits on European prehistory, while the Bavarian blade shines in regional museums, captivating visitors with its near‑perfect preservation.

Why These Discoveries Matter

  • Cultural Heritage: They connect us to ancestors whose lives and beliefs shaped modern Europe.
  • Technological Insight: Understanding Bronze Age metallurgy informs fields from materials science to historical linguistics.
  • Public Engagement: Such finds ignite curiosity and support for archaeological research, leading to new discoveries across the globe.

Every intact artifact recovered after millennia becomes a bridge between past and present—an opportunity to learn, wonder, and preserve heritage for future generations.

Conclusion

The revelation that a sword in Chicago once dismissed as a replica is a 3,000‑year‑old masterpiece—and the discovery of a near‑shining Bavarian blade—remind us how the past can lie hidden in plain sight. These Bronze Age swords showcase extraordinary smithing skill, long‑distance trade, and deep ritual meaning. Thanks to modern archaeological science, we can now study their metals, shapes, and contexts in stunning detail. As these ancient swords take their place in museums, they will continue inspiring awe and curiosity—proof that, after three millennia, true craftsmanship endures. For archaeologists and enthusiasts alike, each discovery uncovers a new chapter in humanity’s shared story.

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Revolutionizing Public Health Through Cutting-Edge Technologies

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Revolutionizing Public Health Through Cutting-Edge Technologies

Introduction

Imagine a world where outbreaks are stopped before they start, patients receive care tailored just for them, and communities stay healthy with the help of smart tools. That is the promise of cutting-edge technologies in public health. From digital tools that track disease trends to wearable devices that monitor vital signs, modern innovations are reshaping how we prevent, detect, and treat illnesses. In this article, we will explore key public health technology innovations, their impact on global health, and why investing in health tech is vital for a safer, healthier future.

Digital Health Records: The Backbone of Modern Care

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have replaced stacks of paper charts in hospitals and clinics. These digital systems let healthcare workers store and share patient data safely and quickly. When a patient moves between providers, their history travels with them. Doctors can immediately see medications, allergies, and past diagnoses. This reduces errors, speeds up treatment, and helps public health officials spot trends. For example, if an outbreak of flu-like illness appears in one region, EHRs can flag rising cases in real time, guiding a faster response.

Telemedicine: Care Beyond Clinic Walls

Telemedicine connects patients with healthcare providers through video calls and phone apps. In rural or underserved areas, it brings expert care to people who might otherwise wait days or weeks for an appointment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine kept clinics open virtually, reducing exposure and saving lives. Today, telemedicine platforms handle everything from routine checkups to mental health counseling. As internet access spreads, this health tech solution helps millions get care in their own homes, cutting travel time and costs.

Wearable Devices: Your Personal Health Monitor

Wearable health devices—like smartwatches and fitness bands—track heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels. They encourage users to stay active and alert them to potential issues. For instance, some wearables can detect irregular heart rhythms and prompt users to seek medical advice. Public health researchers can also use anonymous data from wearables to study population health trends. By catching early warning signs and promoting healthy habits, these tools play a growing role in disease prevention and management.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Public Health

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) analyze huge datasets—far beyond human capacity—and find patterns in disease spread, treatment outcomes, and risk factors. For example, AI models can predict where a malaria outbreak might occur based on weather, mosquito patterns, and human travel. In hospitals, ML algorithms help radiologists spot tumors in imaging scans faster and more accurately. These public health technology innovations improve diagnostic accuracy and guide resource allocation, ensuring vaccines and medicines reach the communities that need them most.

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Mobile Health Apps: Health in Your Pocket

Smartphone apps cover everything from symptom checkers to medication reminders. In developing regions, mobile health (mHealth) apps overcome traditional barriers by offering health information in local languages. A patient in a remote village can use an app to learn about safe water practices or to log daily blood sugar levels for diabetes management. Public health agencies can send outbreak alerts via SMS, helping communities take quick action. With billions of smartphones in use worldwide, mHealth apps are a cost-effective way to reach people where they live.

Health Information Systems: Data-Driven Decisions

Health Information Systems (HIS) collect and manage data on births, deaths, disease outbreaks, and vaccination rates. National agencies use these systems to track progress toward public health goals. During the polio eradication campaign, HIS allowed real-time monitoring of vaccination teams, ensuring no child was missed. In the future, integrating AI with HIS will make it possible to predict disease hotspots and guide preventive measures, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.

Genomics and Personalized Medicine

Advances in genomics let scientists read a person’s entire DNA code quickly and affordably. This paves the way for personalized medicine—treatments tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. In cancer care, genomic tests identify which drugs are most likely to work for a patient’s specific tumor type. In infectious disease control, sequencing the genome of a virus helps researchers track its mutations and develop effective vaccines. As sequencing costs fall, personalized medicine will play a larger role in public health strategies.

3D Printing for Medical Supplies

3D printing—also known as additive manufacturing—creates objects layer by layer from digital designs. During health emergencies, 3D printing allowed rapid production of face shields, ventilator parts, and swab testers. In remote clinics, 3D printers can produce custom prosthetics or surgical tools on demand. This flexibility reduces reliance on long supply chains and ensures that critical supplies reach patients quickly, improving treatment outcomes.

Drone Deliveries: Overcoming Geographic Barriers

In some regions, poor roads and long distances severely limit access to medical supplies. Drones offer a fast, reliable solution. They can deliver vaccines, blood supplies, and lab samples to hard-to-reach villages within minutes. Rwanda and Ghana have used drone networks to supply vaccines to rural clinics, cutting delivery times from hours to minutes. By removing geographic barriers, drone deliveries help ensure equitable access to life-saving medicines.

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Virtual Reality and Simulation Training

Training healthcare workers through traditional classroom methods can be costly and time-consuming. Virtual Reality (VR) offers immersive simulations that allow trainees to practice procedures in a risk-free digital environment. Medical students can rehearse surgeries, and public health officials can simulate outbreak responses. This training enhances skills and confidence, leading to better patient care and more effective emergency preparedness.

Blockchain for Secure Health Data

Blockchain technology creates a secure, tamper-proof ledger of transactions. In public health, blockchain can protect patient privacy while allowing authorized data sharing. For instance, vaccination records stored on a blockchain give individuals secure proof of immunization that employers or travel authorities can verify instantly. Blockchain also improves supply chain tracking for medicines, helping prevent counterfeit drugs from entering markets and ensuring drug safety.

Impact on Global Health Equity

Together, these cutting-edge technologies in public health help narrow the gap between high- and low-resource settings. Telemedicine and mHealth apps reach remote communities. AI and HIS guide resources to areas with the greatest need. Drones and 3D printing overcome infrastructure challenges. By making care more accessible and effective, technology supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for health and well-being.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While promising, these technologies raise challenges. Data privacy must be protected to maintain public trust. AI algorithms need transparent design to avoid bias. High initial costs can limit adoption in low-income regions. Training and infrastructure support are essential to ensure proper use. Policymakers, technologists, and communities must collaborate to address these issues—balancing innovation with ethics and equity.

Conclusion

Revolutionizing public health through cutting-edge technologies is more than a buzzword—it’s a practical roadmap to a healthier world. Digital health records streamline care, telemedicine bridges distances, wearables empower individuals, and AI accelerates disease control. Mobile apps, genomics, 3D printing, drones, VR training, and blockchain each add unique value. Together, these innovations break down barriers and improve health for all. As we embrace these public health technology innovations, we must also address challenges around privacy, bias, and access. By doing so, we can ensure that health tech delivers on its promise: stronger communities, longer lives, and a future where everyone benefits from the power of technology.

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