Latest news with #remote
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Centrelink rule change gives more Aussies access to $5,000 cash boost: 'Don't miss out'
Centrelink has expanded the rules for its Tertiary Access Payment to allow more people to claim it. The payment of up to $5,000 is available for eligible people who moved from a regional or remote area for tertiary study. The Tertiary Access Payment was previously only available to those who went to university or TAFE the year after high school. This rule has now been removed, meaning students who take one or more gap years "don't miss out' on the one-off payment. Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said you needed to be 22 or younger and meet the other eligibility rules to claim the payment. RELATED ATO, Centrelink, superannuation: All the money changes coming from July 1 Centrelink age pension changes coming into effect from July 1 Devastating superannuation tax reality hitting 50,000 Australians in growing trend 'We also have a tool on our website to help you check if your home is in a remote or regional area,' he said. You can either get the $5,000 in two instalments if you're from an outer regional or remote area, or $3,000 as one lump sum if you're moving from an inner regional area. You can still claim the payment if you get ABSTUDY, Youth Allowance or Relocation Scholarship in your first year of study. The payment isn't connected to Youth Allowance, meaning it will need to be claimed separately. It also means you may be eligible for the Tertiary Access Payment even if you aren't eligible for Youth Allowance. Commencing students from regional and remote areas decreased by 1.1 per cent to 79,396 in 2023, according to the Department of Education. The rising cost of living may be contributing to this decline, with students often facing added financial burdens to relocate and study. You'll need to be an eligible student from a regional or remote area, moving away from home to study at a tertiary education provider like a university or TAFE. You must: Be an Australian resident Be from an inner regional, outer regional or remote area Be moving to study at a tertiary education provider that's at least 90 minutes away from your family home by public transport Have completed Year 12 or equivalent Be studying a tertiary course at Certificate IV or above Be 22 or younger on the day you start your tertiary course Have parents or guardians whose income is under the combined limit of $250,000 if you are a dependant. If you are eligible, you can claim the payment by December 31 in your first year of study. You can find more information and claim in to access your portfolio
Forbes
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Leggings For Women, Worn And Loved By Our Team
From gym sessions to long trips to work-from-home days, leggings are the unsung heroes of our modern day wardrobes; and as a fully remote team, Forbes Vetted staffers reach for their favorite pairs regularly. To gather recommendations for the best leggings for women, I tapped seven active team members to share their most-loved styles for different activities. Our winner is the Lululemon Align High Rise Pants With Pockets, a versatile, ultra-soft pair that maintains its shape over time. In terms of value, it's hard to beat the Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings, which offer ample support and compression for around $25. The type of activity you plan on doing will determine the type of legging that's right for you. For instance, for those who want a pair for high-impact workouts and training sessions, I recommend compressive leggings with excellent stretch recovery. On the other hand, those who want leggings for travel or errands should prioritize a lightweight, soft feel. Below, find the best women's leggings for any scenario, all of which have been reviewed and approved by our activewear expert, gear editor Cam Vigliotta. Sizes: 0 to 20 | Inseam lengths: 23 inches to 31 inches | Colors: 9 total, including Lava Cake and Army Green | Materials: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra | Pockets: 3 What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Lululemon Align has earned a passionate fanbase over the years, and multiple members of the Forbes Vetted team vouch for just how comfortable they truly are. Made from the brand's signature fabric—a buttery soft blend of nylon and Lycra—these leggings offer unparalleled softness and impressive longevity. 'I've had the same pair of Align leggings for five years, and they have withstood the test of time,' says managing editor Emmy Favilla. 'They're still as soft as ever, there are no holes or tears, and they're just as supportive at the waistband as they were when I got them.' Editorial director Brinda Ayer, who also owns these leggings, adds, 'I also like that they have a wide waistband so they don't bunch up or sit weirdly when you're wearing them with tighter t-shirts or tanks, and the pocket makes them functional for stashing my phone and keys during dog walks.' With four inseam length options available, the Lululemon Align leggings are suitable for most heights. Sizes: XS to XL | Inseam lengths: 25 inches | Colors: 23 total, including Steel Blue and Dusty Red | Materials: 75% polyester, 25% spandex | Pockets: 2 What you'll love: Keep in mind: If you'd rather not splurge on a more expensive pair of leggings, the Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings are a great option. 'I would say they're definitely the best value you can get for a legging,' says Favilla, who owns the capri version of these pants. 'The pockets are big enough for a phone or set of keys, which makes traveling light easy while wearing them to run errands.' She also notes that they're compressive enough for the gym, making them one of the more versatile options on this list. They come in a wide range of colors, including neutrals as well as brighter, trendier shades. Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Inseam lengths: 23 inches to 28 inches | Colors: 27 total, including Coastal Teal and Truffle | Materials: 75% nylon, 25% Lycra | Pockets: 1 What you'll love: Keep in mind: For yoga, pilates and other low-impact workouts, you need a soft pair of leggings with good coverage—which is exactly what the Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Legging offers. 'They smooth everything out so that I often feel confident wearing them with just a sports bra or cropped tank,' says senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone, who owns five pairs of these leggings. 'The material isn't the most breathable, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend them for running, but they're great for low-impact workouts or everyday loungewear.' They're available in over two dozen colors, making it easy to infuse your workout class wardrobe with a bit of personality. Sizes: 0 to 20 | Inseam lengths: 15 inches to 31 inches | Colors: 11 total, including Raceway Green and Goodnight Plum | Materials: 77% nylon, 23% Lycra | Pockets: 1 What you'll love: Keep in mind: While the Lululemon Align leggings are great for low-impact workouts, the Wunder Train High-Rise Tight excels in situations where you need more compression and support. 'These are some of the only leggings that actually stay up and don't require constant adjustments while working out,' says senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman. This is thanks to an internal drawcord at the waist, which provides a secure fit. The lack of side pockets contributes to the streamlined silhouette, although this pair does have a concealed waistband pocket for stashing keys. Since these leggings are made of Lululemon's moisture-wicking Everlux fabric, you don't have to worry about gathering sweat marks while training. Sizes: XXS to XXL | Inseam lengths: 23 inches to 27 inches | Colors: 10 total, including Deep Earth and Royal Navy | Materials: 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Pockets: None What you'll love: Keep in mind: The crossover waist on these leggings from Aerie is designed to hug and enhance your curves, creating a flattering silhouette and a secure fit that stays in place. 'I wear them constantly, whether I'm working out or just lounging,' says home and mattress writer Monica Petrucci. 'They're stretchy, breathable, and never feel too tight or restrictive—they're honestly as comfy as wearing sweats.' The brand describes these leggings as lightly supportive, so they're better suited for low-impact workouts rather than HIIT sessions. Due to the unique waistband design, these leggings are pocketless. Sizes: XXS to XXL | Inseam lengths: 22.5 inches to 27.5 inches | Colors: 4 total, including Mercury and Black | Materials: 72% polyester, 28% elastane | Pockets: 2 What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Vuori Daily Pocket Legging is our top pick for travel, thanks to its deep side pockets, adjustable drawstring waist and ultra-smooth, sweat-wicking fabric. 'They wash well, come in a length perfect for petite people and the waistband falls at just the right spot to be comfy for all-day (or travel) wear,' says baby and kids editor Esther Carlstone. (Chapman also owns these leggings and recommends them for travel.) The only downside is that the color selection is pretty limited, particularly for the Short and Tall options. However, if functionality is your main priority, this is easy to overlook. Sizes: XS to XXL | Inseam lengths: Not listed | Colors: 2 total, including Grizzly and Jet Black | Materials: 90% cotton, 10% spandex | Pockets: 2 What you'll love: Keep in mind: For lounging, you don't have to prioritize sweat-wicking materials or great stretch recovery—you can focus on comfort. These leggings from Duluth Trading Co., made from a blend of cotton and spandex, are perfect for laid-back days working from home or trips to the grocery store. 'The pockets are actually sizable so that my phone doesn't feel like it'll slide out, unlike a few of my other pocketed leggings,' says updates writer Francesca Sales. She also notes that this pair runs a bit large, but once she found her correct size they 'fit like a glove.' Since they're on the thicker side, you can even dress them up with a nice sweater or blouse for a business casual look. Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Inseam lengths: 23.8 inches to 31 inches | Colors: 17 total, including Terrace and Moon | Materials: 79% recycled water bottles, 21% spandex | Pockets: 1 What you'll love: Keep in mind: Girlfriend Collective is known for its sustainable practices: The brand creates innovative fabrics using recycled water bottles, and 1% of each purchase is donated to a charity of your choosing. The Compressive High-Rise Legging is an excellent pick for high-impact workouts, as it offers a good deal of support throughout the seat and leg. 'I wear these during my volunteer shifts walking dogs at the shelter, and they keep me comfortable and cool, even after four hours of constant walking on warm New York City days,' says Favilla. Due to their smooth, lustrous texture, Favilla notes they're easy to spot clean when necessary. Girlfriend Collective also earns points for its thoughtful, sophisticated color options. At Forbes Vetted, we're dedicated to making the best possible activewear recommendations. Our collection of gear roundups includes researched and tested apparel and accessories to outfit all your adventures. When assembling this list, we considered a wide range of factors such as fabric quality, fit, durability and additional features. While picking out a pair of leggings, there are a few things to keep in mind. Below, Ueda breaks down what to look for. Leggings designed for working out are typically made of polyester or nylon blended with elastane (such as spandex or Lycra) for stretchiness. 'These materials are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, perfect for the gym or other activities [where] you'll work up a sweat,' says Ueda. Note that the higher the percentage of elastane, the more compressive the leggings will be. 'Some might want higher compression to feel 'held in' while others find compression feels too restrictive." If you're looking for lounge leggings, Ueda suggests opting for a cotton blend, since it's soft and breathable. However, she doesn't recommend cotton leggings for working out, since the material 'absorbs moisture and takes longer to dry.' While leggings are typically worn for practical purposes—such as working out and running errands—they should also blend seamlessly into your wardrobe. Some brands, like Lululemon and Athleta, are known for their array of appealing, on-trend color options. Lighter or bright shades are great for lounging or yoga, and can help infuse your activewear closet with a dash of personality. Meanwhile, neutral, dark shades like black, charcoal and navy are best for high-intensity workouts, since they do a good job at hiding sweat marks. Pockets on leggings offer extra convenience—many side pockets are deep enough to hold your phone, while smaller waistband pockets are perfect for stashing a key or ID. If you're going to be running errands in your leggings, pockets can eliminate the need for a separate bag. For outdoor runners, Ueda recommends looking for a pair with zippered pockets to keep your stuff safely with you on your route. Keep in mind, though, that side pockets do add bulk, especially when full; those who are seeking a sleek, streamlined legging silhouette should opt for a pocketless pair. What Is The Best Brand Of Leggings For Women? Based on our team's feedback, the best brand of leggings for women overall is Lululemon. Its Align leggings are beloved by multiple Forbes Vetted editors for their softness and longevity. Lululemon also offers more compressive styles for training, including the Wunder Train Tights featured on this list. What Brand Of Leggings Is Comparable To Lululemon? While it's impossible to find a brand that exactly replicates Lululemon's popular leggings, you can find comparable styles at Athleta. Both offer a wide range of styles in an impressive array of hues, but Athleta's leggings tend to be a bit less expensive, on average. What Are Good Affordable Leggings? If price is your top deciding factor, we recommend the Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings. At around $25 per pair, these leggings punch well above their weight in terms of durability, performance and comfort.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Physicists can't explain mysterious radio wave emissions in Antarctica
For nearly two decades, balloons carrying highly sensitive atmospheric instruments have drifted more than 25 miles above one of the world's most remote regions. The floating array is the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) experiment, a project overseen by an international group of researchers tasked with measuring some of the universe's oldest and hardest-to-detect cosmic rays. Specifically, the team is hunting for neutrinos—particles with no charge that also possess the smallest known subatomic mass. But according to their recent report, ANITA has repeatedly picked up some truly weird signals that defy explanation. 'The [radio pulses] appear inconsistent with the standard model of particle physics,' the study's authors wrote for the journal Physical Review Letters. Neutrino signals are everywhere, and originate from high-energy sources like our sun, supernovae, and the Big Bang. Billions of the particles are passing through a space the size of your thumbnail at any given time—but that doesn't make them easy to find. That's because they generally don't interact with their surroundings, meaning trying to find them is similar to searching for subatomic needles in a cosmic haystack. 'This is [a] double-edged sword problem,' Penn State University associate professor of physics, astronomy, and astrophysics and study co-author Stephanie Wissel said in a statement. '[But] if we detect them, it means they have traveled all this way without interacting with anything else. We could be detecting a neutrino coming from the edge of the observable universe.'Neutrinos travel at nearly the speed of light, and tracing them back to their sources can offer more data than even some of today's most powerful space telescopes. Wissel has spent years codesigning experiments to identify neutrinos, and that's where systems like ANITA come into play. Once deployed, ANITA's radio antenna balloons are pointed back down to the ice where there is very little chance of signal interference. Wissel and colleagues then wait for radio emissions as neutrinos interact with the Earth's frozen surface. The team is particularly focused on tau neutrinos. These are specifically affected by the Antarctic ice and subsequently release secondary subatomic particles called tau leptons during emission events known as air showers. Although invisible to the human eye, Wissel likens the showers to waving a sparkler in one direction as the sparks shoot away from it. Despite their infinitesimal size, physicists distinguish between ice and air shower emissions, identify particle attributes, and even trace them back to their origin site. But that's only if they obey the known laws of physics—and a handful of particles aren't doing that in Antarctica. 'The radio waves that we detected were at really steep angles, like 30 degrees below the surface of the ice,' said Wissel. Further calculations indicated the anomalies would have needed to pass through and potentially interact with thousands of miles of rock to get to them. This should mean that their signals were undetectable—and yet ANITA still flagged them. Researchers then cross-referenced these readings with other detector projects but didn't find anything to help explain the data, leading them to classify them as 'anomalous.' Although some experts have suggested the signals could relate to the universe's elusive dark matter, there currently aren't enough follow-up observations to explain the weirdness. But if nothing else, the team is pretty confident the signals aren't their intended targets. 'It's an interesting problem because we still don't actually have an explanation for what those anomalies are, but what we do know is that they're most likely not representing neutrinos,' she added. Wissel's team is currently designing a new aerial neutrino detector called the Payload for Ultrahigh Energy Observations (PUEO). Larger and more fine-tuned than ANITA, PUEO should be even better at flagging. In the process, it may also help to solve the identity of the physics-defying signals. 'My guess is that some interesting radio propagation effect occurs near ice and also near the horizon that I don't fully understand… [but] we haven't been able to find any of those yet either,' said Wissel. 'So, right now, it's one of these long-standing mysteries.'
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Innovation, Anywhere: How Remote Tech Is Transforming Global Business
Remote innovation is redefining scale, sustainability and services in today's digital workplaces. For all the noise around AI and digital disruption, another revolution is unfolding – one that may not grab headlines but is quietly building the infrastructure for sustainable, long-term growth. It's the revolution of remote connectivity. Once the domain of IT support, remote technology is becoming the foundation for how modern enterprises operate and scale. This isn't about innovation for innovation's sake. It's a structural shift in how organizations deploy expertise, deliver services and connect with customers in real-time – now freed from the confines of borders, time zones or physical infrastructure. As industries race to keep pace with digitization, rising customer expectations and sustainability mandates, the world's most forward-thinking enterprises are discovering the power of remote. Remote Digital Workplaces Are Everywhere Today What do you picture when you hear the term remote access? If it's images of IT help desks and VPNs, you're not alone. But in today's world its reach is far wider. Technology is embedded everywhere, making every workplace a digital workplace. Retail, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing – they all rely on devices that could be monitored and managed from anywhere. Think of medical diagnostics devices, manufacturing machinery and robotics, barcode scanners in warehouses, or delivery fleet telematics. Troubleshooting, configurations, software updates, even support via augmented reality (AR) can all happen in real-time, remotely. This convergence of remote tech with connected devices unlocks innovation not only in the office but also at the frontline, making any setting a site of transformation. So, what does this transformation look like in reality? Like all innovation, the possibilities are endless and ever-changing – but let's explore five key use cases that are reshaping industries today. Expertise Without Borders Operating remotely enables businesses to leverage specialized knowledge and skills freely, beyond the confines of geography or time zones. Empowered by remote capabilities, a single expert can now control unattended machines, support fleets of connected devices across continents, or deliver real-time training and support to frontline staff – all without leaving their desk. Expertise suddenly becomes a globally shared, centralized resource. This disrupts siloed thinking and fuels collaborative innovation, seamlessly bringing together your best talent and technology from around the world. It's a new type of scalability: one where skills and knowledge are decoupled from location and thus become far more powerful. Sustainable Global Growth Sustainability mandates are forcing leaders to reimagine operations from the inside out. Balancing global expansion with environmental responsibility is one of the biggest challenges facing enterprises today. Thanks to remote access, these no longer need to be warring objectives. Remote service capabilities drastically reduce the need for engineers to travel to conduct site visits, cutting emissions as well as minimizing disruption and accelerating response times. And far from restricting expansion, becoming remote-first can make your global reach limitless. Scale services to new markets and be wherever your customers are without building new physical infrastructure. CNES, the French national space agency, pushed remote innovation to transcend even global limits.1 They connected researchers on Earth with their team in space through device teleoperation that enabled medical images to be transmitted between them. This not only revolutionized the world's understanding of space travel on the human body but was a flagship moment in terms of how we think about the connection between our planet and beyond. Augmented Frontline Workers For industries that are built on frontline and in-the-field workers, innovations can't be gatekept at HQ. Luckily, remote assistance, powered by AR/XR is changing the game. AR/XR-software running on smartphones, tablets or even smart glasses can connect frontline workers with experts for real-time guidance or provide them with step-by-step instructions while undertaking the task at hand, turbocharging productivity. But without the constraints of physical proximity, companies can also evolve and offer competitive new products and services. Take the example of Uniting, a provider of aged care services in Australia.2 Faced with a nursing shortage, they deployed smart glasses equipped with remote assistance software and thermal sensors. This allowed nurses in remote locations to conduct clinical assessments while specialists offered real-time consultations and interventions from afar. The result? Enhanced care quality to rural and vulnerable residents, without the need to relocate or expand teams – as well as a 62% reduction in hospitalizations, as patients could be assessed and treated on the spot. This wasn't just a win for efficiency; it totally revolutionized how care was delivered. Redefined Customer Relationships Remote connectivity isn't just about fixing things faster. It has the power to transform customer support into a strategic differentiator. When live services are embedded into physical products, the line between product and experience blurs. Through real-time monitoring, customers get smarter, more personalized service experiences – regardless of location. Your customer relationships shift from being reactive and transactional to continuous. Support becomes a value-added service, opening up new monetization models and strengthening brand loyalty. United Robotics exemplifies this shift.3 A leading innovator in service robotics, they combined remote diagnostics with AR-powered guidance to offer immersive on-site support and real-time troubleshooting. Their approach blended the best of human knowledge with advanced technology, paving the way for a new standard in customer engagement. Accelerated Innovation Cycles Remote access also accelerates development. With constant data feedback from connected devices and the ability to deliver critical interventions instantly, organizations can test, iterate, and refine at unprecedented speed. This agility shrinks the gap between idea and execution. Teams can release new features, respond to customer needs, and optimize services continuously from afar. Supercharging Innovation in Every Digital Workplace When every device, process and service touchpoint is remotely connected, the potential for innovation is infinite. Organizations no longer have to choose between scale and sustainability, or speed and specialization. With the right approach to remote capabilities across everyone's digital workplace, you can have it all – smarter operations and services, broader reach, and deeper customer relationships. Find out more today at TeamViewer.
Sustainability Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'As Long as Three Airbus A320s': The WindRunner Megaplane Is About to Reshape Wind Power and Rewrite the Future of Green Energy
IN A NUTSHELL 🛩️ The WindRunner aircraft by Radia is designed to revolutionize the transportation of large-scale wind turbines. aircraft by Radia is designed to revolutionize the transportation of large-scale wind turbines. 🚜 It overcomes significant logistical challenges , enabling access to remote sites for wind farm installation. , enabling access to remote sites for wind farm installation. 📏 With a colossal size, it surpasses traditional cargo planes, enhancing the efficiency of wind energy production. 🌍 The WindRunner plays a crucial role in the global energy transition, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. The aviation industry is abuzz with excitement as the WindRunner, an ambitious project by Radia, takes flight. This colossal cargo plane is engineered to revolutionize the transportation of large-scale land wind turbines. By overcoming current logistical barriers, the WindRunner promises to transform how we harness wind energy, enabling access to previously unreachable sites. With its impressive dimensions and unmatched carrying capacity, this aircraft is more than just a logistical tool; it marks a significant turning point in the global energy transition, offering new opportunities to accelerate the production of renewable energy. A Solution to Wind Energy's Logistical Challenges Land-based wind energy is a crucial component of the energy transition, yet it faces a significant challenge: transporting its enormous components. Modern wind turbine blades can reach lengths of 230 feet, making their transportation by road or rail complex and costly. This is where the WindRunner comes into play. Designed to transport massive structures directly to production sites, even in the most remote areas, this aircraft allows for a more flexible and rapid installation of wind farms. With its colossal dimensions, the WindRunner redefines air transport capabilities. By expanding the possibilities for wind turbine location, it actively contributes to enhancing their energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. This logistical innovation could very well transform the future of renewable energy, making previously untapped sites accessible. 'China Builds 40-Story Giants': These Gravity Batteries Could Crush Lithium's Dominance and Trigger a Global Energy Power Shift Radia: A Leader in Aeronautical Innovation Since its establishment in 2016 by Mark Lundstrom, Radia has become a key player in aeronautical innovation. By developing the WindRunner, the company demonstrates a profound understanding of the challenges of the energy transition. By tackling logistical barriers, Radia offers a viable and innovative solution to accelerate the adoption of renewable energies. Beyond technical ingenuity, Radia's success is built on strategic partnerships and solid financial backing. With nearly $110 million raised, the company has attracted renowned investors and partners, such as LS Power and ConocoPhillips. These collaborations ensure the project's feasibility and strengthen Radia's position as a leader in the green aviation sector. 'NASA Eyes Game-Changing Breakthrough': These Sodium-Air Fuel Cells Could Soon Power Full-Size Passenger Jets Across Continents The Technical Specifics of the WindRunner The WindRunner stands out due to its exceptional technical characteristics, designed to meet the specific needs of land wind turbine transportation. With a fuselage length of 354 feet and a volumetric load capacity of approximately 290,000 cubic feet, it surpasses traditional cargo planes. Capable of operating on runways as short as 5,900 feet, it can access remote areas that are otherwise unreachable by other freight aircraft. This technical innovation is the result of meticulous design that combines robustness with flexibility. By facilitating the transport of large-scale wind turbines, the WindRunner helps optimize their energy efficiency, a major asset in the fight against climate change. It also opens new avenues for the expansion of land wind infrastructure. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything A Major Impact on the Global Energy Transition The WindRunner emerges at a crucial moment for the global energy transition. By facilitating the installation of wind turbines in remote areas, it plays a key role in optimizing wind resources and reducing carbon emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, land wind energy could account for up to 40% of global energy production by 2050. The WindRunner could be an essential catalyst in achieving this goal. By making wind energy more accessible and efficient, the WindRunner significantly contributes to the decarbonization of the energy sector. It represents a major advancement in the fight against climate change, offering a pragmatic and innovative solution to current energy challenges. The WindRunner, with its colossal dimensions and impressive capabilities, not only redefines air transport standards but also opens new prospects for the future of land wind energy. By facilitating the transport and installation of large-scale wind turbines, this aircraft helps make wind energy more accessible and efficient, playing a crucial role in the global energy transition. As the world shifts towards a more sustainable economy, what other groundbreaking innovations might emerge to support this movement? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (29)
