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Time Business News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Eco Home Upgrades That Boost Property Value Fast
Planning a renovation to increase the value of your home? Instead of concentrating on big-ticket projects like the kitchen or bathrooms, consider upgrades that fare well on the eco-friendly barometer. Yes, a well-manicured lawn or modern exterior features are great for curb appeal, but buyers are looking past aesthetics. They're asking a crucial question: 'How eco-friendly is this home?' From solar panels to Tesla charger installation, green features are the new gold standard for homeowners wanting to boost value and appeal. And the numbers don't lie. Eco upgrades help the planet and provide an attractive return on investment. More homebuyers are prioritizing sustainability. The National Association of Realtors reports that 63% of buyers stated energy efficiency had a significant impact on their purchasing decisions. Climate concerns, rising utility costs, and a push toward green living make eco upgrades more than a luxury. 'Today's buyers want homes that align with their values,' says Homestead Funding. 'They're willing to pay more for homes that save money and reduce carbon footprints in the long run.' Below, we'll break down the top green upgrades that can increase home value and why they matter to modern homeowners. Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer niche products. As of 2024, over 3 million EVs are on U.S. roads, and the number is rapidly growing. Installing a Tesla home charger or other EV-compatible wall connector is a small change that packs a big punch. It makes your home future-ready and attracts eco-conscious buyers seeking convenience. ChargerPro explains that a garage with a dedicated Tesla charger signals innovation, energy awareness, and high-end functionality. Bottom line? A $1,000-$2,000 purchase could help your property stand out and sell faster. Bring in the experts and an electrician to set up an electrical panel with wiring, so you have easy access to charge your EV. Swapping old, drafty windows with insulation improves comfort and slashes energy bills. ENERGY STAR estimates homeowners can save up to $465 annually by upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Your home is cheap to run and more appealing to buyers who want long-term savings. Improved insulation and windows sometimes qualify for federal tax credits through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. In our books, that's a win-win for your wallet and resale value. Solar energy has gone mainstream. A rooftop solar setup can boost your home's value by 4.1% on average, according to Zillow. The return on investment is roughly $15,000 on a $375,000 house. Buyers are increasingly drawn to solar-ready homes because they have the dual benefit of lower electricity bills and long-term energy independence. Thanks to incentives like the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, the upfront cost is more manageable. Eco-friendly doesn't have to mean complicated. Simple upgrades such as smart thermostats, low-flow toilets, and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances are low-effort ways to make your home greener. The U.S. Department of Energy claims that smart thermostats can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually. These small touches signal to buyers that your home is modern and mindful. There's a huge demand for turnkey, nature-friendly homes. Milend highlights that homes with green certifications and upgrades sell faster and closer to the asking price. This is particularly true in markets where buyers are younger, tech-savvy, and climate-aware. Zillow found that more than 70% of millennial and Gen Z homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly features. A 2024 survey cited by the Wandsworth Guardian showed that homeowners now rank eco upgrades higher than traditional 'value boosters.' Kitchen remodels or bathroom makeovers are no longer the deciding factors. Why? Solar panels, EV chargers, and upgraded insulation equate to ongoing financial benefits. When the time comes to list your property, these upgrades become compelling selling points. Many real estate listings now emphasize 'EV charger installed' or 'solar-equipped' in the first few lines. You don't have to go off the grid to increase your home's value. Here's a simple roadmap: A home energy audit identifies where you're losing energy and money. Many utility companies offer them free or at low cost. Focus on insulation, windows, and HVAC systems first, then layer in smart tech features. Check out for federal and state tax breaks. Many upgrades qualify for rebates, which can lower your out-of-pocket costs. Eco upgrades are no longer environmental add-ons but a smart financial move. Each step toward a greener home increases curb appeal, reduces long-term costs, and positions your property for a stronger resale. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
AI helps woman get pregnant after 20 years of failed fertility treatments in historic IVF breakthrough
A New York couple is finally having a baby after almost two decades of failing to conceive a long, emotionally trying, physically draining, and medically frustrating ride. Their story, foiled by 15 failed IVF treatments and consultations from experts on every continent, was redeemed by an AI-based fertility tool designed at Columbia University. It's a breathtaking medical milestone that could change the face of treatment for male infertility globally. The long-awaited pregnancy of the couple is not only a medical success; it's a victory of endurance, ingenuity, and the ability of technology to overcome very intimate kinds of difficulties. For those with apparently insurmountable barriers, this case provides something invaluable: hope. With the help of AI, the era of reproductive health is about to experience a breakthrough period where even the most challenging fertility situations can be addressed not with desperation, but with data, precision, and empathy. AI brings new hope as woman gets pregnant after 20 years of failed IVF by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Order New Blinds Online & Get $199 Home Installation Learn More Undo For the majority of couples, fertility treatments are emotionally and financially exhausting—if not more so when they are unsuccessful time and time again. This couple was no exception. They struggled for nearly 20 years to have a biological child. Even with access to cutting-edge fertility treatment, surgeries, and international consultations, they were consistently given the same message: conception was all but impossible. The fundamental problem was with the husband, whom the doctor diagnosed with azoospermia , a rare but serious condition where no sperm is present in the ejaculate. Introducing STAR: The AI tool revolutionising male infertility treatment Just when hope appeared to be lost, the couple approached Dr. Zev Williams, a fertility specialist at Columbia University , whose team had been developing a cutting-edge technology: Sperm Track and Recovery (STAR). The AI system was developed to identify good sperm in semen samples where previously none were seen. How STAR works: A microfluidic chip filters and isolates constituents in the semen. A high-speed imaging system takes millions of microscopic frames. A machine learning algorithm scrutinizes these images to spot rare, cryptic sperm—even a few viable cells that might be used in IVF. "Finding a needle in a thousand haystacks" is how Dr. Williams described it. "But STAR can accomplish that in a couple of hours. And it's so gentle the sperm it retrieves can still be used to fertilize an egg." AI breakthrough helps couple conceive after 20 years of infertility In this New York couple's situation, standard lab technicians spent two entire days searching through the semen sample, but couldn't locate a single sperm cell. STAR located 44 viable sperm, though, within an hour—a figure large enough to continue with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Miraculously, the pair did not require further cycles of hormonal treatment or surgery. With the sperm isolated by STAR, the IVF cycle went smoothly in March 2025. It worked—and the pair is now pregnant with their first child. Dr. Williams noted that the case is by no means a fluke. STAR has the potential to overturn fertility treatment, particularly for men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Non-invasive: No surgery is required to look for or retrieve sperm. Accurate: AI can locate what trained experts may not spot. Hope-restoring: For couples informed their chances were "zero," this provides a new avenue. Affects 1 in 6 people worldwide, states the World Health Organization, and male infertility accounts for roughly 50% of these. For many, diagnosis of azoospermia seemed the end of the road until now. Broader future of AI in reproductive health Whereas STAR today solves sperm detection, scientists think AI can revolutionize many other aspects of fertility treatment as well: Detecting high-quality eggs and embryos Being able to predict IVF success rates Tailoring treatment protocols Finding subtle abnormalities in reproductive tissue "There are things happening that we are not aware of now," said Dr. Williams. "But with AI, we can finally observe them." What is Azoospermia: The "hidden" cause of male infertility Azoospermia occurs in about 1 in 100 men and is responsible for 10–15% of male infertility. It exists in two types: Obstructive azoospermia: The testes generate sperm, but it can't be ejaculated because there are blockages in the reproductive system. Non-obstructive azoospermia: The body is not able to produce sperm at all or only in very low amounts. Some common reasons are: Genetic disorders Chemotherapy or radiation therapy Hormonal imbalance Drug abuse or exposure to toxins Structural defects such as varicoceles (dilated veins in the scrotum) Conventional therapies for azoospermia usually include risky operations to harvest sperm directly from the testes or using donor sperm—both of which pose emotional and ethical challenges for most couples. Also Read | Ed Sheeran's wife Cherry Seaborn worked at Deloitte for 10 years; her LinkedIn profile goes viral AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Techday NZ
4 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Cloud Security Alliance launches Valid-AI-ted tool for STAR checks
The Cloud Security Alliance has launched Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered tool providing automated quality checks of STAR Level 1 self-assessments for cloud service providers. Valid-AI-ted integrates large language model (LLM) technology to offer an automated assessment of assurance information in the STAR Registry, aiming to improve transparency and trust in cloud security declarations. Jim Reavis, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Cloud Security Alliance, said, "With agile, vendor-neutral programs and a global network of industry experts, CSA is uniquely positioned to develop authoritative AI tools that address the real-world challenges of cloud service providers. Our focus on security-conscious innovation led to the creation of Valid-AI-ted and will continue to see us deliver forward-looking initiatives that will push the boundaries of secure, AI-driven technology." CSA members can use Valid-AI-ted without charge and submit assessments as frequently as needed. Non-member providers are limited to ten resubmissions and can remediate their entries based on feedback provided by the tool. If assessments meet the required standard, providers receive a STAR Level 1 Valid-AI-ted badge for display on the STAR Registry as well as their own platforms. Assessment process Valid-AI-ted uses AI-driven evaluation to systematically grade responses to the STAR Level 1 questionnaire, producing detailed reports with scores for each question and domain. Reports are delivered privately to the submitter and contain granular feedback that identifies strengths and areas for improvement. The automation, according to CSA, is unique in the cloud security assurance landscape, as it offers objective, rapid, and scalable validation of self-assessment submissions. The process utilises a standardised scoring model informed by the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM), which underpins CSA's approach to cloud security best practices. A key feature of Valid-AI-ted is the opportunity for continuous improvement. The ability for organisations to revise and resubmit assessments is highlighted as beneficial for those seeking STAR certification or looking to enhance their transparency among customers and regulators. Comparative advantages CSA highlights several advantages of Valid-AI-ted when compared to traditional STAR Level 1 evaluations. The tool is intended to improve assurance by reducing variability in the quality of responses, as traditionally, customer interpretation is required when reviewing self-assessment answers. With Valid-AI-ted, users receive qualitative analysis and actionable feedback aligned with established CCM guidance. This approach is positioned to support organisations in maturing their processes and can serve as a stepping stone towards the more rigorous STAR Level 2 third-party assessments. The STAR Level 1 Valid-AI-ted badge, awarded to successful assessment submissions, is intended to offer heightened recognition for providers. CSA says this distinction can help providers stand out to customers, partners, and regulators by demonstrating a commitment to more than basic compliance requirements. STAR Registry context The STAR Registry is an online resource that publicly lists the security and privacy controls of cloud providers. It enables organisations to demonstrate compliance with various regulations and standards while supporting transparency and reducing the need for multiple customer questionnaires. The registry is based on principles detailed in the Cloud Controls Matrix, including transparency, auditing, and harmonisation of standards. The Valid-AI-ted tool and STAR Level 1 evaluations are part of a suite of assessments that build on these principles, aiming to support both providers and customers in understanding cloud security postures. Licensing and integration Solution providers interested in incorporating Valid-AI-ted grading into governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions can obtain access to the relevant scoring rubric and prompts by securing a CCM licence from CSA. While Valid-AI-ted is available to CSA members at no charge, non-members can access the service for $595. Discounts are also available for participants attending CSA's Cloud Trust Summit, who will be provided with a code for a $200 reduction in fees through the end of June. With the launch of Valid-AI-ted, CSA seeks to provide automated, standardised, and actionable assurance assessment, utilising AI to address the evolving demands of cloud security and compliance.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Attendance Rates Rose In Term 1 2025
Associate Minister of Education Associate Education Minister David Seymour says this Government has prioritised student attendance and as a result we've seen every term since Term 1 2024 record higher attendance than the same term of the previous year. In Term 1 of 2025 65.9 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 4.5 percentage points from 61.4 per cent in Term 1 of 2024 and 6.9 percentage points from 59.0 per cent in Term 1 of 2023. 'Every region has recorded an increase in attendance. I would like to give a special shoutout to the Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast region for recording the biggest improvement, of 6.6 per centage points,' says Mr Seymour 'Chronic absence has declined from 7.3% of absences last year to 6.4% this year. Those are often children with complex needs and it's great to see an impact. 'While there's more work to be done, these numbers are another step in the right direction to achieving the Government's goal of ensuring 80 per cent of students are present more than 90 per cent of the term by 2030. 'I expect this momentum to continue as phases of our attendance action plan come into force. For example, it will be mandatory for schools to have their own attendance management plan, aligned with the Stepped Atten dance Response (STAR) in place by Term 1 of 2026. 'Prosecution is also a reality for parents who refuse to send their children to school and ignore supports to ensure their children are in class and learning. The Ministry of Education is proactively contacting attendance service providers and schools to ensure parents in this category are referred to the Ministry. Prosecution will only occur the most serious of cases, where all other options have been exhausted and parents / guardians are wilfully not engaging. Students and families' personal circumstances will be taken into account when the prosecution decision is taken. 'At the start of next year frontline attendance services will be more accountable, better at effectively managing cases, and data driven in their responses. To achieve this, they will soon have access to a new case management system and better data monitoring, and their contracts will be more closely monitored,' Mr Seymour says. Budget 2025 included a $140 million package to improve attendance over the next four years. 'Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive educational outcomes. Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves,' Mr Seymour says.
West Australian
13-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Trade tensions aren't stopping Chinese companies from pushing into the US
Chinese companies are so intent on global expansion that even the biggest stock offering to date on Shanghai's tech-heavy STAR board counts the US as one of its biggest markets, on par with China. Shenzhen-based camera company Insta360, a rival to GoPro, raised 1.938 billion yuan ($417 million) in a Shanghai listing Wednesday under the name Arashi Vision. Shares soared by 274 per cent, giving the company a market value of 71 billion yuan ($15.3 billion). The US, Europe and mainland China each accounted for just over 23 per cent of revenue last year, according to Insta360, whose 360-degree cameras officially started Apple Store sales in 2018. The company sells a variety of cameras — priced at several hundred dollars — coupled with video-editing software. Co-founder Max Richter said in an interview Tuesday that he expects US demand to remain strong and dismissed concerns about geopolitical risks. 'We are staying ahead just by investing into user-centric research and development, and monitoring market trends that ultimately meet the consumer['s] needs,' he said ahead of the STAR board listing. China launched the Shanghai STAR Market in July 2019 just months after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for the board. The Nasdaq-style tech board was established to support high-growth tech companies while raising requirements for the investor base to limit speculative activity. In 2019, only 12 per cent of companies on the STAR board said at least half of their revenue came from outside China, according to CNBC analysis of data accessed via Wind Information. In 2024, with hundreds more companies listed, that share had climbed to more than 14 per cent, the data showed. 'We are just seeing the tip of the iceberg. More and more capable Chinese firms are going global,' said King Leung, global head of financial services, fintech and sustainability at InvestHK. Leung pointed to the growing global business of Chinese companies such as battery giant CATL, which listed in Hong Kong last month. 'There are a lot of more tier-two and tier-three companies that are equally capable,' he said. InvestHK is a Hong Kong government department that promotes investment in the region. It has organised trips to help connect mainland Chinese businesses with overseas opportunities, including one to the Middle East last month. Roborock, a robotic vacuum cleaner company also listed on the STAR board, announced this month it plans to list in Hong Kong. More than half of the company's revenue last year came from overseas markets. At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this year, Roborock showed off a vacuum with a robotic arm for automatically removing obstacles while cleaning floors. The device was subsequently launched in the US for $US2600 ($4020). Other consumer-focused Chinese companies also remain unfazed by heightened tensions between China and the US. In November, Chinese home appliance company Hisense said it aimed to become the top seller of television sets in the US in two years. And last month, China-based Bc Babycare announced its official expansion into the US and touted its global supply chain as a way to offset tariff risks. Chinese companies have been pushing overseas in the last several years, partly because growth at home has slowed. Consumer demand has remained lackluster since the COVID-19 pandemic. But the expansion trend is now evolving into a third stage in which the businesses look to build international brands on their own with offices in different regions hiring local employees, said Charlie Chen, managing director and head of Asia research at China Renaissance Securities. He said that's a change from the earliest years when Chinese companies primarily manufactured products for foreign brands to sell, and a subsequent phase in which Chinese companies had joint ventures with foreign companies. Insta360 primarily manufactures out of Shenzhen, but has offices in Berlin, Tokyo and Los Angeles, Richter said. He said the Los Angeles office focuses on services and marketing — the company held its first big offline product launch in New York's Grand Central Terminal in April. Chen also expects the next phase of Chinese companies going global will sell different kinds of products. He pointed out that those that had gone global primarily sold home appliances and electronics, but are now likely to expand significantly into toys. Already, Beijing-based Pop Mart has become a global toy player, with its Labubu figurine series gaining popularity worldwide. Pop Mart's total sales, primarily domestic, were 4.49 billion yuan in 2021. In 2024, overseas sales alone surpassed that to hit 5.1 billion yuan, up 373 per cent from a year ago, while mainland China sales climbed to 7.97 billion yuan. 'It established another Pop Mart versus domestic sales in 2021,' said Chris Gao, head of China discretionary consumer at CLSA. The Hong Kong-listed retailer doesn't publicly share much about its global store expansion plans or existing locations, but an independent blogger compiled a list of at least 17 US store locations as of mid-May, most of which opened in the last two years. The toy company has been 'very good' at developing or acquiring the rights to characters, Gao said. She expects its global growth to continue as Pop Mart plans to open more stores worldwide, and as consumers turn more to such character-driven products during times of stress and macroeconomic uncertainty. CNBC
