When, in 1980, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that smallpox had been eradicated, the optimistic narrative that followed was that one day all infections would be similarly consigned to history. For a while this looked possible, but not any more.
Increasingly scientists see the battle against infectious disease as a Sisyphean task. No sooner do we gain control over one infection than another pops up, seemingly from nowhere. For many, the emergence of HIV in the late 1980s was a wake-up call, proof that hitherto-unknown diseases could become global killers without warning.
- Let’s not panic over a new virus, Telegraph.co.uk, February 24, 2013.
2. Despite recent strides worldwide, attempts to make cycling to work more attractive to commuters has been a Sisyphean task, much like convincing Americans to pay attention to football between World Cups.
Enter the sleek Jive bike from London-based Jam Vehicles. The electric-assisted folding bicycle systematically eliminates commuters’ traditional objections to getting in the saddle.
Arriving at work lathered in sweat? Not an issue, thanks to a 250w brushless electric motor, mounted inside the front wheel hub, which provides sufficient scoot for sustained 16mph travel. Dry-cleaning bills from a greasy chain and splattered mud? It’s covered, literally, courtesy of a chainless, mechanical drivetrain (a combination of shaft and belt drives) housed inside the frame. Can’t take it with you? You can. About 15 seconds is enough to collapse the 33lb Jive into what looks like a bespoke dually unicycle, for easy carrying in a train station or office.
【Sisyphean task】相关文章:
最新
2020-09-15
2020-08-28
2020-08-21
2020-08-19
2020-08-14
2020-08-12