I had a fascinating discussion over recent days with a scientist who has a new approach to farming pure hydrogen from water using electrolysis. This ability to do this has been known for years (decades even) but doing it economically is the problem. This may be the answer.
This post is not designed to explain how he does this but rather to point out the excitement of the opportunities if he is correct.
It is very easy to get bored with technology and fear that 'the next big thing' will never happen. I happen to believe that the advent of an efficient touchscreen was one of these events, but then we look at the updated iPhone 5, compare it against the iPhone 4 and yawn....... We also bemoan the lack of supersonic air travel or a flying backpack......what is genuinely new and exciting around the corner we ask?
This is missing the point though.
Energy lies at the heart of our everyday lives. At a macro level, the impact of energy on Middle Eastern politics is clear, the return of Iran is a big issue I've written about and the advent of shale gas providing energy independence to the US, also has a massive impact on global politics and economics.
Renewable energy is certainly funky, but it is a let down. Solar panels for most only become economic because of government bribes (sorry I should say Feed in Tariffs!) and what happens when it is dark.....
Hydrogen can change this. If we use solar or wind to 'spark' the hydrogen production into life and sustain it to produce hydrogen from water (and not, it shouldn't be distilled, it needs to be saline or brackish for me to become excited), then we have an exciting opportunity not only to reduce the cost of energy, but more importantly to make it available to everyone.
I was reminded about this when speaking with a biodiesel executive from Burkino Faso who explained how expensive imports of carbon fuels are into his country. The spectacular impact of distributed hydrogen powered energy would be fantastic for this country and its population.
It is too early to say whether the scientist I met this week has the answer, but the good news is that scientists like him are still researching. There are more 'Next Big Things' to happen in my lifetime and I feel more confident than ever, that the world in 20 years time is going to be a better place than it is today!
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Hemp and Chinese Medicine
Whilst I am a believer in Chinese herbs and particularly in the mix at www.3cordyceps.com , I was intrigued by the discovery of www.basichemp.com
I dont profess to being knowledgeable about hemp, but am definitely prepared to believe that it has values unrelated to its 'druggie' reputation when treated properly. Certainly the use of hemp as a material in clothes etc is well known to me.
However, the key to this in my opinion is the increasing recognition in the so called 'West' of new ingredients that are beneficial to our bodies and the creation of mixes that incorporate traditional Chinese herbs, Ayurvedha and now the likes of hemp.
As the nutraceutical industry expands, we are only going to see more of these combinations, not just in food supplements but also in cosmetics. One key is going to be that we can check the quality and provenance of the ingredients. This will take time, but there are going to be some big winners out there
I dont profess to being knowledgeable about hemp, but am definitely prepared to believe that it has values unrelated to its 'druggie' reputation when treated properly. Certainly the use of hemp as a material in clothes etc is well known to me.
However, the key to this in my opinion is the increasing recognition in the so called 'West' of new ingredients that are beneficial to our bodies and the creation of mixes that incorporate traditional Chinese herbs, Ayurvedha and now the likes of hemp.
As the nutraceutical industry expands, we are only going to see more of these combinations, not just in food supplements but also in cosmetics. One key is going to be that we can check the quality and provenance of the ingredients. This will take time, but there are going to be some big winners out there
Very soon it wont just be me that is talking endlessly about Iran
As anticipated, Rouhani's speech to the UN provided a tight timetable to reach agreement on the nuclear issues and thus move towards a loosening of sanctions.
Not so long ago, the 'Axis of Evil' was referred to as Iran, Myanmar and North Korea. Myanmar is now booming with scores of business people charging through Yangon seeking out deals on everything from hotels to telecoms. North Korea however remains a pariah whose actions and words are rightly treated as being unreliable.
With Iran, I believe that there is a motivation, both socially and economically, to be consistent and reasonable. Rouhani does not have the ego or ambition of Ahmadinejad and has had international experience to provide a more international perspective. They have also seen the power of the people across the Middle East and recognise that there is a danger that the Islamic Revolution could be threatened if they do not provide a better economic and social environment in the country.
To this end, I believe that we remain firmly on course for the loosening of sanctions and a return of Iran to the global village.
Not so long ago, the 'Axis of Evil' was referred to as Iran, Myanmar and North Korea. Myanmar is now booming with scores of business people charging through Yangon seeking out deals on everything from hotels to telecoms. North Korea however remains a pariah whose actions and words are rightly treated as being unreliable.
With Iran, I believe that there is a motivation, both socially and economically, to be consistent and reasonable. Rouhani does not have the ego or ambition of Ahmadinejad and has had international experience to provide a more international perspective. They have also seen the power of the people across the Middle East and recognise that there is a danger that the Islamic Revolution could be threatened if they do not provide a better economic and social environment in the country.
To this end, I believe that we remain firmly on course for the loosening of sanctions and a return of Iran to the global village.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Iran in the FT
Interesting article in the Financial Times regarding the detante between the US and Iran. They make the appropriate (but widely misunderstood) comment of the Middle East, Iranians are instinctively the most positively disposed towards the US.
My strong sense here is that as soon as the first steps are taken to reintroduce diplomatic and economic relations, the relationship between Iran and the US will flourish.
In global geopolitical terms, this is critical for the West. In commercial terms, this builds amazing opportunities.
My strong sense here is that as soon as the first steps are taken to reintroduce diplomatic and economic relations, the relationship between Iran and the US will flourish.
In global geopolitical terms, this is critical for the West. In commercial terms, this builds amazing opportunities.
Anti Aging and TCM
An interesting article from Malaysia that reinforces the increasing focus on Cordyceps as an efficient and safe way to look and feel good!
You can find it at http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Viewpoints/Art-of-Healing/Profile/Articles/2013/09/22/Genetic-rejuvenation.aspx
Another “hot” anti-ageing supplement is based on cordyceps extracts. Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a unique parasite fungus that infests, consumes, kills and mummifies the ghost moth caterpillar (hence, it is also called caterpillar fungus).
It has been used in traditional Chinese (and Tibetan) medicine as a medicinal mushroom for ages. It is known to fight fatigue, and is used to improve vitality and for treating a variety of ailments.
Modern scientific research has revealed that it activates the genes that control cell purification (detoxification and metabolic waste disposal) and energy production. It helps protect the liver, improves insulin sensitivity, and is anti-inflammatory (inflammation is now accepted as the reason behind many diseases, including cancer).
As a reminder, I have an interest in www.3cordyceps.com
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Iran - More promising News
It is looking increasingly likely that Obama himself will meet with Rouhani at the UN.
If so, is it possible that we see a relaxation of sanctions by the end of 2013?
The Economics of Ageing - Help people to look and feel better
Justifiably, there has been extensive literature and thought leadership of the impact on an ageing population. (note my comment on Iran a few days ago - one of the few countries that doesn't have this problem at the moment!). However, in my quest to remain constructive, I think it is important to look at the short term opportunities here.
In my opinion, the key is not to keep people alive longer as much as to ensure that their quality of life remains high as they age. If '50 is the new 40' etc etc, then the key is to help older folks enjoy their senior years. This comes down to helping them feel better and look better.
My initiative in Cordyceps and other Chinese Herbs, is a consequence of my belief that such supplements can genuinely provide more energy. This is not energy of the nature of a shot of red bull, but rather a consistent and long term support that lets you enjoy a full day. We have all experienced (or certainly know someone who has) days when extra activity or even stress means that we need a nap in the afternoon or where we feel exhausted in the early evening. This stops us enjoying a full day and can inhibit planning for fun or otherwise rewarding activities.
Whether cordyceps or other approaches, the demand for support in sustaining through a full day will continue to increase.
With regards to looking good, I am a firm believer that the psychological impact of feeling as if you look to be in good health is a key contributor to how you actually feel. Whilst cosmetics will help here, nutrition and even clothing can help. I believe that this also is a commercial opportunity with room to grow.
I could mention that the likes of L'Oreal have started producing Cordycep based skin products but that would sound as if I was 'pitching' again for www.3cordyceps.com :)
However, the reality is that on the day the technology world is getting excited about the launch of a new Apple operating system, lets not forget that it is not just kids that love their iPhone. Seniors with deteriorating eyesight love the ease of 'pinching' for larger text and the ease of using an iPad rather than a PC. They also love the games! All of this makes them 'feel' younger. I doubt that many articles in the tech world today will talk about this, but the iPhone/iPad family have contributed as much to older folks feeling better about themselves as any cosmetic, or dare I say, nutritional supplement.
In my opinion, the key is not to keep people alive longer as much as to ensure that their quality of life remains high as they age. If '50 is the new 40' etc etc, then the key is to help older folks enjoy their senior years. This comes down to helping them feel better and look better.
My initiative in Cordyceps and other Chinese Herbs, is a consequence of my belief that such supplements can genuinely provide more energy. This is not energy of the nature of a shot of red bull, but rather a consistent and long term support that lets you enjoy a full day. We have all experienced (or certainly know someone who has) days when extra activity or even stress means that we need a nap in the afternoon or where we feel exhausted in the early evening. This stops us enjoying a full day and can inhibit planning for fun or otherwise rewarding activities.
Whether cordyceps or other approaches, the demand for support in sustaining through a full day will continue to increase.
With regards to looking good, I am a firm believer that the psychological impact of feeling as if you look to be in good health is a key contributor to how you actually feel. Whilst cosmetics will help here, nutrition and even clothing can help. I believe that this also is a commercial opportunity with room to grow.
I could mention that the likes of L'Oreal have started producing Cordycep based skin products but that would sound as if I was 'pitching' again for www.3cordyceps.com :)
However, the reality is that on the day the technology world is getting excited about the launch of a new Apple operating system, lets not forget that it is not just kids that love their iPhone. Seniors with deteriorating eyesight love the ease of 'pinching' for larger text and the ease of using an iPad rather than a PC. They also love the games! All of this makes them 'feel' younger. I doubt that many articles in the tech world today will talk about this, but the iPhone/iPad family have contributed as much to older folks feeling better about themselves as any cosmetic, or dare I say, nutritional supplement.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Iran - A return for this exciting country?
Iran should be one of the richest countries in the world. Abundant natural resources of oil, gas, copper, iron ore and other minerals, demographics that are the envy of much of the world and an education system of proven repute.
Of course the country has been plagued by politics and religion and has been in the wilderness for many years. The question is whether it is now about to re-enter the world of commerce.
I am guessing that it is. I have felt for some time that it is unlikely that the educated and young population desire an orthodox lifestyle and the exclusion that results from this. Slowly, the ruling elite have recognised this and whilst I dont anticipate a revolution, I do believe that the meetings to take place at the UN over coming days, the announcement of release of political prisoners and the return of nuclear co-operation indicates a softening of the impasse between Iran and the West.
The geopolitical and economic implications for a return of Iran are significant and too detailed for me to cover here. However, one thing is for certain. If the UN sanctions are lifted, then there are enormous commercial opportunities in the country.
Entrepreneurs and financiers.....start booking your flights to Tehran!
Traditional Chinese Medicine
For years now I have been intrigued about the process of discovering new medicines and treatments. Life experience also opened my eyes to alternative treatments. I certainly didnt turn my back on Western Medicine, but I was certainly willing to consider complimentary approaches.
A couple of years back in my professional life, I became aware of the historic use of herbs within traditional chinese medicine ('TCM'). I was impressed by the anecdotal evidence of benefits of certain herbs and became increasingly impressed by the admittedly limited work that had been done in the West on the medicinal benefits. There were however 2 main problems:
1. The extremely high cost of many herbs
2. The unreliability of the quality of many herbs on sale.
Luckily, I was introduced to a Professor who had addressed this by developing an innovative and natural way to grow Chinese herbs more economically and in a scalable fashion.
I threw myself into research and most importantly, I found that whilst the specific benefits had not yet been proven by Western Medicine, there seemed to be agreement about the lack of side effects of many of the herbs. As such, I started taking some myself. I focused on Cordyceps which is a foundation herb and has had many qualities reported ranging from increased energy to cancer fighting.
Bottom line I was impressed by my energy levels and my increased immunity to bugs that seemed to plague family and friends.
I am delighted to report that the combination of herbs I have been taking are now available at www.3cordyceps.com
The site has lots of info on the herbs and the benefits they offer. All I can report is that I believe in them and I am enormously excited about the prospects for the increased use of Chinese herbs as nutritional supplements and as medicines.
I'll be writing more on this subject soon.
A couple of years back in my professional life, I became aware of the historic use of herbs within traditional chinese medicine ('TCM'). I was impressed by the anecdotal evidence of benefits of certain herbs and became increasingly impressed by the admittedly limited work that had been done in the West on the medicinal benefits. There were however 2 main problems:
1. The extremely high cost of many herbs
2. The unreliability of the quality of many herbs on sale.
Luckily, I was introduced to a Professor who had addressed this by developing an innovative and natural way to grow Chinese herbs more economically and in a scalable fashion.
I threw myself into research and most importantly, I found that whilst the specific benefits had not yet been proven by Western Medicine, there seemed to be agreement about the lack of side effects of many of the herbs. As such, I started taking some myself. I focused on Cordyceps which is a foundation herb and has had many qualities reported ranging from increased energy to cancer fighting.
Bottom line I was impressed by my energy levels and my increased immunity to bugs that seemed to plague family and friends.
I am delighted to report that the combination of herbs I have been taking are now available at www.3cordyceps.com
The site has lots of info on the herbs and the benefits they offer. All I can report is that I believe in them and I am enormously excited about the prospects for the increased use of Chinese herbs as nutritional supplements and as medicines.
I'll be writing more on this subject soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)