Vending machines in Aston have come a long way since the first coin-operated vending machine that dates back to the early 1920s. The days of sliding a few coins into a vending machine and waiting for a can of soda to tumble down, however, are numbered. The new social vending system features a touch-screen that allows users to buy a drink as well as gift one to someone. All this by entering the recipient’s name, mobile number, and a personalized text message, the machine generates a code and instructions on how to redeem the beverage at another social vending machine. With this machine, a basic transaction is transformed into a unique experience. Computerized social vending machines are just the start of everyday technology becoming more social.

Little Bodies, Lots of Strength

Ants are one of the most common insects all around the world. We identify them as “pests” when they invade our homes and gardens. Ants are quite unique, they have many features which make them one of the largest social insects living in large colonies or groups. Ants are strong individually as well as in numbers. A single ant can..