Today we rely on our phones for just about everything. It’s addictive really, from counting calories and Snapchat, to finding inspiration and even love. But we’re trying to imagine a world where our Smartphones are less of a distraction or a source of guilt and more of a tool that works in harmony with us, serves us and, as we’ve recently learnt is possible through some amazing apps, has a positive impact.

We recently came across a free, Android app called , developed by the Vodafone Foundation in partnership with the Garvan Institute, that’s having a significant impact on fighting one of the world’s biggest killers, the big C, by speeding up cancer research.

We’re seeing a lot of pink this month for Breast Cancer Awareness, a time when the world comes together to give support and do our bit to help fight this devastating illness. With 1 in 8 women in Australia estimated to be diagnosed before their 85th birthday[1], this battle is one that affects all of us.

DreamLab works to solve a tiny piece of a big cancer research puzzle while your phone is charging and you’re sleeping at night. DreamLab uses the processing power of idle smartphones to power a virtual supercomputer that’s speeding up research for breast, prostate, ovarian and pancreatic cancers – four of Australia’s biggest killers.

The impact? In less than a year, DreamLab has completed almost 40% of its first key cancer research project, saving more than 9 months off research time. With more Australians signing up to the cause, together, we could save three years! Now that’s an app with impact.

 

Happy habits: More apps that are making us feel good…

: This app is a micro donation platform designed to raise funds for not-for-profit organisations or worthy causes in a fun and socially connected way by simply donating the value of everyday items. Whether it is a coffee or a movie ticket, you can donate anything that is consumed on a daily basis and tied to financial values that won’t hurt the bank balance too much but make the world of difference to someone in need.

: This app is dedicated to helping eradicate Australia’s stress epidemic with its free, learn-to-meditate program and resources designed to combat the negative impacts of stress and increase general health and well-being for Australians, and the world.

: This app is an avenue for restaurants and cafes to donate their left over food to a number of non-profit organisations around Australia including Melbourne City Mission, OzHarvest, SecondBite and Foodbank.

: A couple of kind words can make someone’s day, and this app offers illustrated messages of support or appreciation to share with your friends. You can choose from a range of uplifting messages and quotes, together with changing colours and backgrounds to customise your message.

: This app works to alleviate poverty in Australia by ensuring every charity has what it needs through the simple act of giving. Its free online giving portal enables everyday Australians to see exactly what items are required by vulnerable members of their local community.

 

*For Vodafone Australia customers, the data used for solving research problems is totally free

[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2016. Australian Cancer Incidence and Mortality (ACIM) books. Canberra: AIHW