Bomberos de Nosara se las ingenian con el celular para atender más de 260 emergencias en lo que va del año

CrowdFlower, a site which pays people to do microtasks, has found that it can be an extremely fast and effective medium between aid workers and locals during disasters.

Molecular biologists and neuroscientists are tweeting with the hashtag #ASAPbio in protest of a system that keeps research from being shared with the public, typically for more than six months.

Americans often want to connect to a cause beyond writing a check. Crowdsourcing is creating new forms of philanthropy globally, giving donors more choice and a stronger connection to the projects they fund.

SERVIR, a joint development initiative of the United States Agency for International Development and National Aeronautics and Space Administration, leverages data from space to improve environmental decision-making in 30 developing countries.

The media could help countries still affected by Ebola by focusing on Nigeria, where they defeated the virus through effective public institutions that protected the public interest, such as rejecting cash but accepting much needed health workers.

In many rural communities, access to specialty care represents the biggest health challenge. Since 2003, a groundbreaking initiative called Project Echo at the University of New Mexico has confronted that gap — with promising results in small towns across New Mexico and, now, around the world.

New Mexico’s veterans are getting faster care as new programs expand to rural areas. Thanks to a host of initiatives, including telemedicine, contracts with community clinics, and travel benefits, the state’s VA health care system has recently seen improvements in appointment wait times for veterans.

Already a model for the 'Smart City Trend', Chicago is now continuing its innovative streak by launching an "urban sensing" project, which will gather, analyze and publicize sensory data on the city’s air quality, traffic flow, and hyperlocal weather conditions. These sensors will not only provide the public with immediate and practical information about traffic, air and weather safety, but also guide city planners’ in designing energy efficient infrastructure.

With rates of childhood obesity increasing around the county, Howard County, Maryland, launched a three-year media campaign to combat sugary drink sales. After looking at data, researchers conclude that soda sales in the area have reduced by nearly 20%. The effort is one of the first of its kind, mirroring efforts to reduce tobacco consumption.

Since its commercial launch in 2012, M-Kopa has grown to exceed expectations for its revenue--now making more than $12 million a year. The company does this all while expanding access to affordable technology to the poorest rural population in Kenya, as well as providing them with credit and promoting green practices.