Researchers analysed the impact of a decision to extend hours from 4.5 to 8 per day in high schools under the Full-Time Schools Programme introduced in 2007.

They found that robberies dropped 11% following the change, but that there was little impact on more serious crimes or minor offences.

The biggest effects were found in children aged between 12 and 14 and in lower-income areas.

With less spare time on their hands, the students simply had less opportunity to break the law , the researchers surmised.

Crime is a significant problem across Latin America , imposing direct costs on the region's economies of almost 3.5% of GDP - that would cover three-quarters of all the education budgets.

In Mexico in particular, young people aged between 12 and 17 account for 39% of total convictions.

Increasing the school day likely has other significant benefits to society as well, the study's authors Francisco Cabrera-Hernández and Bárbara A. Zárate-Tenorio. Their research was published in the World Development journal. 

Image: Depositphotos.com

Sapien Labs founder and chief scientist Dr Tara Thiagarajan says the issue is bigger than depression and anxiety. “The mind health crisis appears to be a progressive slide from generation to generation,” she said, with many young adults struggling with emotional control, focus and relationship management.

The report points to early-life smartphone use, diet changes, weaker family bonds and declining spirituality as key drivers, and argues the gap widened sharply around the Covid-19 period and has persisted since.

Further, the report calls for policy responses including tighter rules on phone use in schools, minimum ages for social media access and closer scrutiny of additives in ultra-processed foods.

Strategic scientific investment: building capacity on the ice

China’s Antarctic journey began in 1985, with the establishment of the Great Wall Station on King George Island. This modest beginning secured China’s position as a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty, granting it formal decision-making power over the continent’s future. From a single station in 1985, China has developed a strategically distributed network of five research bases: Great Wall Station (ecological research), Zhongshan Station (glaciology and atmospheric physics), Kunlun Station (astronomy and deep ice drilling), Taishan Station (logistical support), and the recently completed Qinling Station in the Ross Sea region. This network, the third-largest by any nation, spans crucial geographical zones from the Antarctic Peninsula to the remote interior and strategically significant coastal areas.

Recent expeditions showcase increasingly sophisticated technology, including six-legged robotic dogs equipped with ice-penetrating radar, drones for meteorite searches, and specialised equipment for sampling deep-sea sediments. These investments have yielded measurable scientific returns. According to bibliometric analysis, China became the world’s largest producer of Antarctic research papers in 2022 and extended this lead in high-quality publications by 2024. These scientific achievements are not merely academic exercises; they translate directly into influence within the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), where substantial research output determines a nation’s decision-making authority.

Governance and geopolitical influence: securing a seat at the table

Antarctica is governed by a unique international framework—the ATS—that suspends territorial claims, prohibits military activities, and prioritises scientific cooperation. Within this system, scientific productivity directly translates to political influence: only the 29 consultative parties that demonstrate “substantial scientific research activity” have voting rights on the continent’s management. 

China’s growing influence under the ATS manifests in several ways. In 2017, Beijing hosted the 40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and issued its first quasi-white paper on Antarctic affairs, articulating a vision of “understanding, protecting, and utilising” the polar regions. In late 2025, China proposed a draft legislation titled the “Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection Law”. This legislation aims to create a comprehensive domestic legal structure to oversee all Chinese activities in Antarctica, regulating expeditions, scientific research, fisheries, tourism and shipping. By introducing this legislation, China is taking a significant step to formalise its presence in Antarctica, shifting from policy guidance to a defined legal framework. This move aligns with a growing trend among leading Antarctic Treaty nations, which use national laws to ensure adherence to international treaty commitments. 

International collaboration: South-South cooperation and selective partnerships

Recent initiatives highlight deepening scientific cooperation with South American nations that serve as gateways to Antarctica. A Chinese Academy of Sciences-funded project (2021-2024) has fostered partnerships with institutions in Argentina and Chile, focusing on climate resilience, satellite technology, and Antarctic ecosystem studies. These collaborations have produced formal agreements, including a memorandum of understanding with Argentina’s National University of Tierra del Fuego and plans for a joint China-Argentina Climate Change and Sustainability Research Centre. 

China also increasingly engages in multilateral polar initiatives within emerging geopolitical frameworks. In 2024, Chinese early-career scientists participated in the International Antarctic Coastal Circumnavigation Expedition alongside researchers from Brazil, Russia, India, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Switzerland—a cohort notably rich in BRICS and Global South representation. These collaborative endeavours serve dual purposes: they generate valuable scientific data while cultivating diplomatic relationships with nations that share China’s developing-world perspective on polar governance.

Conclusion

China’s Antarctic journey—from newcomer to research leader in just four decades—reveals a sophisticated understanding of how scientific investment translates into geopolitical influence. Through deliberate infrastructure development, technological innovation, and targeted international partnerships, China has established itself as an indispensable actor in Antarctic affairs. This position serves multiple national interests: it enhances China’s status as a global scientific power, secures influence in a strategically significant governance regime, provides access to potentially valuable resources, and fosters relationships with Global South nations.

A final factor shaping China’s Antarctic calculations is the return of a more unilateral and transactional US approach under Trump 2.0. While Antarctica has not yet become a central focus of US polar rhetoric, renewed scepticism toward multilateral institutions, environmental regulation, and climate governance could weaken Washington’s traditional role as a steward of the Antarctic Treaty System. Thus, for China, the immediate effect of U.S. policy is one of opportunity, but the long-term implication is an increasingly complex and potentially volatile polar environment where great power friction could threaten the stability of the entire Antarctic regime. In this context, China’s Antarctic engagement is shaped not only by its own ambitions but also by the shifting priorities of established powers and the future credibility of global governance itself.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

About the author

Meijie JIANG (蒋梅杰) is a post-doctoral researcher at the School of International Studies of Sun Yat-sen University (China). She earned her PhD in International Relations from Pompeu Fabra University (Spain). Her research focuses on polar area, China’s foreign policy, Latin America , and the Global South. She has published in Third World Quarterly, Ibero-America Studies, Círculo de Lingüística Aplicada a la Comunicación, and the Spanish Yearbook of International Law, among others.

This is the second major round of public AI funding, following more than $500 million invested between 2019 and 2023. The RIE framework, overseen by the National Research Foundation, guides Singapore’s long-term strategy for research and innovation.

Where the money will go

The new investment will focus on three main areas: fundamental AI research, applied AI, and talent development.

Fundamental AI research will concentrate on developing core AI models and technologies that can be adapted for multiple uses. To support this, Singapore will establish research centres of excellence within public research institutions. These centres will focus on long-term, complex challenges and work closely with local and international partners, with research findings shared openly.

Unlike existing AI centres set up with private companies, these new centres will be fewer in number but backed by larger investments.

Priority research areas

The centres will focus on four priority areas. One is resource-efficient AI, which aims to reduce the heavy energy and water demands of AI systems, a key concern for Singapore, given its dense concentration of data centres.

Another focus is responsible AI, which seeks to prevent misuse, such as the creation of harmful content. Researchers will also explore emerging AI methods, including systems that can handle multiple types of data or operate autonomously.

The final area is general-purpose AI, which can perform a wide range of tasks across different fields, such as analysing scientific research and supporting drug development.

Mast cells are packed with inflammatory compounds and respond within seconds when activated. The research team investigated whether this rapid, powerful response could be redirected to break through the immune suppression commonly found in tumours.

Gu Zhen, a professor at Zhejiang University’s School of Pharmacy and a lead author of the study, said the idea emerged from observing how excessive immune reactions operate in allergies and asking whether a similar mechanism could be used against cancer.

Instead of reacting to allergens, the scientists reprogrammed mast cells using IgE antibodies designed to recognise proteins expressed on tumour cells.

Once injected into the bloodstream, these engineered mast cells homed in on tumours and released intense bursts of inflammation when they encountered their specific cancer targets.

The induced reaction helped alert the immune system, converting so-called “cold” tumours — which normally evade immune detection — into “hot” tumours that immune cells are able to recognise and attack.

The researchers also demonstrated that mast cells can act as transport vehicles for oncolytic viruses, which selectively infect and destroy cancer cells.

Encased within mast cell vesicles, the viruses were shielded from destruction in the bloodstream and released only after the mast cells reached and were activated inside tumours.

Tests in mouse models of melanoma, breast cancer and lung metastases showed increased infiltration of cancer-killing T cells and slowed tumour growth, the study reported.

The approach was also effective in patient-derived tumour models, where human mast cells equipped with IgE antibodies targeting the HER2 tumour marker and carrying oncolytic viruses produced strong T-cell responses and significant tumour suppression.

Gu said the findings point towards future personalised therapies, in which IgE antibodies could be matched to individual tumour markers, while mast cells could also be used to deliver drugs, proteins or nanomedicines, with further work planned to move the strategy towards clinical use.

The materials were not disclosed to the US Customs and Border Protection, thus the charge.

According to the US Department of Justice, the materials were transported through several shipments from a Chinese researcher from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan.

While Bai and Fengfan Zang were charged with smuggling, Zhiyong Zhang’s charge stems from the false statements he had made to a federal agent. All three individuals held a J-1 visa, which is granted to foreign nationals conducting research at a US university.

The Chinese researcher who sent the materials to the US, Chengxuan Han, had been deported from the US before the three were arrested, also for smuggling and making false statements.

Xi, Fengfan Zhang and Zhiyong Zhang had all been terminated from the University of Michigan following their refusal to participate in a meeting and internal investigation by the US school.

What you need to know

The FMBA reported that the vaccine showed significant results in reducing tumour size and slowing disease progression. Effectiveness ranged from 60% to 80%, depending on the type of cancer, and increased survival rates were also observed

The agency plans to first apply the vaccine to colorectal cancer treatment. According to the Moffitt Cancer Centre , survival chances are particularly strong with early detection. Patients diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer have a survival rate exceeding 92% over five years.

Skvortsova explained that the vaccine development has taken several years, with the last three focused on mandatory preclinical studies. “The research spanned several years, with the last three dedicated to mandatory preclinical studies,” she said.

While awaiting official approval, the FMBA is also pursuing vaccine research for glioblastoma and melanoma.

Uruguay has initiated a nationwide strategy to modernise its railway network in a bid to enhance regional trade and strengthen domestic transport connectivity. The plan, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, is being developed in partnership with the National Development Corporation (CND) and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). The strategy aims to transform the rail system into a more sustainable and efficient mode of freight and passenger transport. Authorities say the initiative reflects a unified commitment to innovation, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic growth.

Uruguay advances seed research to strengthen potato sector

Uruguay is addressing persistent challenges in potato seed quality by advancing research and innovation in seed multiplication systems. While potatoes remain vital to national food security and the agricultural economy, high-quality seed access, particularly for greenhouse and small-scale producers, remains limited. The National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) has developed cultivars resistant to PVY viruses and key diseases such as Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria solani. However, the cost and scarcity of quality seeds, often imported and ill-suited to local conditions, continue to hinder productivity.

Uruguay strengthens ties with Italy, seeks EU-MERCOSUR progress

Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome to reinforce bilateral relations and advance Uruguay’s engagement with the European Union. The meeting highlighted strong cooperation in political, commercial, and cultural spheres, supported by Uruguay’s significant Italian community. Lubetkin welcomed Italy’s continued support for Latin America and its role in promoting regional interests within the EU. Both ministers discussed the pending EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement. Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s backing for the deal while stressing the importance of addressing concerns from sectors such as agriculture.

Uruguayan President Orsi begins international tour

Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi has commenced an international tour that includes official visits to Spain, Argentina, and Brazil. Vice President Carolina Cosse assumed executive duties this morning ahead of Orsi's departure. In Spain, Orsi will participate in the United Nations’ Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Seville. He is expected to attend a dinner hosted by King Felipe VI on Sunday and deliver an address at the UN forum on Monday. On Tuesday, July 2, Orsi will travel to Buenos Aires to attend his first MERCOSUR summit as President. He is scheduled to return to Uruguay on Wednesday night and will welcome Uruguayan peacekeepers returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo the following morning. Later that day, Orsi will travel to Brazil for bilateral meetings and to attend the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Uruguay issues $400 million in Swiss franc bonds to finance 2025 deficit

Uruguay has issued CHF 320 million (approximately USD 400 million) in sovereign bonds, marking its first entry into the Swiss franc market. The bonds, with five- and ten-year maturities, carry an average annual interest rate of 1.33% and will contribute to financing the country's projected USD 6 billion fiscal deficit for 2025. Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone emphasised the strategic importance of the issuance, citing Switzerland’s reputation for high-quality investors. “This is a club Uruguay intends to belong to,” he said. Oddone added that Uruguay is currently the only Latin American country issuing bonds in Swiss francs, reflecting a broader effort to diversify currency exposure.

Vietnam has already made big strides in healthcare, with 95% of its population now covered by health insurance.

As the country pushes for higher-quality medical care, clinical trials are seen as a way to drive innovation and attract global pharmaceutical companies.

The report points to Vietnam’s large and diverse population of over 100 million people as a major strength for medical research.

It says this makes the country ideal for studying complex diseases like cancer, heart conditions, and infectious diseases .

Vietnam News reports that government plans to boost science and technology such as a new policy to spend 2% of GDP on research are also helping attract global interest.

Industry leaders say Vietnam now has a real chance to lead in this field, but must act fast to fix major gaps.

Pharma Group Chairman Darrell Oh said clinical trials could create high-skilled jobs, boost Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem, and improve public health.

He called for faster approvals, early-stage trial investments, and stronger public-private partnerships.

However, the report also outlines five key challenges Vietnam must tackle: slow approval processes that can take up to a year, a lack of clinical research sites and trained staff, weak funding systems, and limited incentives for investors.

Dr. Phan Tấn Thuận from HCM City Oncology Hospital said trials in cancer treatment have already improved patient access to new therapies, but added that more investment in infrastructure and training is needed.

The report recommends several policy and non-policy changes, including a faster and centralised approval system, more Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certified sites, and a national centre of excellence to lead research and training.

Uturuncu , a peak in the Andes Mountains and the tallest in southwest Bolivia, has began moving again beneath the surface.

The ground around the volcano has been rising and falling slowly, creating a dome-like shape that drew the attention of scientists.

More than 1,700 small earthquakes have been recorded near the site in recent years.

Using satellite images, earthquake data, and computer models, researchers discovered that gases, magma and hot salty fluids are interacting deep underground.

They found that these movements are not likely caused by magma rising directly toward the surface, which usually leads to eruptions.

Instead, the volcano seems to be venting gas through a complex underground system.

The magma body feeding Uturuncu lies 10 to 20 kilometres underground. It is part of the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body, one of the largest known active magma reservoirs in the Earth’s crust.

Scientists say heat from the magma is pushing fluids and gases upwards.

These collect in pockets beneath the volcano and cause small quakes and surface swelling of about one centimetre per year.

“We're not seeing seismicity increasing or migrating from great depths, which would indicate magma movement. It seems the volcano is simply releasing gas and calming down,” Dr Mike Kendall from the University of Oxford was quoted by The Express Tribune.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, adds to research on so-called “zombie volcanoes”, ancient volcanoes that still show signs of life without erupting.

Scientists believe they could help identify other hidden hazards or even potential sources of geothermal energy.

A South African government spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that an assault had taken place. This followed earlier concerns about inappropriate behaviour at the station.

Reports say some team members have asked to be rescued. South Africa's environment ministry, which oversees the base, said it was treating the situation with urgency.

Before being sent to Antarctica, all team members had gone through background checks, medical exams, and psychological evaluations.

The ministry said that while some people struggle to adjust to isolation, there were no warning signs before the team left on February 1.

The assault was reported on February 27. Since then, officials have been holding daily discussions with the team to improve relations and maintain discipline.

The ministry is also investigating allegations of sexual harassment but denies that sexual assault took place. It said a government minister is handling the case directly.

The accused scientist has undergone further psychological evaluation, shown remorse, and written an apology to the victim. Officials say he is cooperating fully with the process.

The Sanae IV base, located more than 4,000km from South Africa, houses researchers for around 13 months at a time. Due to extreme weather, travel to and from the station is almost impossible for much of the year.

The discovery was made by a team from the Supreme Council of Egyptian Antiquities and Germany’s University of Tübingen.

The excavation, located near the Nile River and seven kilometres from Sohag, also revealed a southern chamber that dates back to 144 BC to 138 AD.

British archaeologists had partially uncovered this chamber in the early 1900s , but the full structure was unknown until now.

Researchers have suggested that the temple may have been dedicated to Min, one of Egypt’s oldest gods, who was associated with kingship and fertility.

Wall carvings in the northern tower of the entrance show Min making offerings to his wife, Repyt, and their son, Kolanthes.

Hieroglyphic inscriptions also suggest that Ptolemy VIII, a pharaoh of the Lagid dynasty, may have ordered the construction of the tower and possibly the temple.

Archaeologists hope further excavations will uncover more details about this historic site and its connection to Egypt’s rich past.

The University of Pretoria secured second place, contributing to the country taking all three top slots. The University of Johannesburg also achieved the highest overall score in the region, surpassing 80 points—the only university to do so.

South African universities collectively scored an average of 65 out of 100, the highest among countries with at least 10 ranked institutions, such as Nigeria, Kenya , Ghana, and Somalia.

The SSA University Rankings evaluate universities on teaching, research, and societal impact, grouped into five categories: Resources and Finance, Access and Fairness, Student Engagement, Ethical Leadership (a newly introduced metric), and Africa Impact .

Now in its second year, the methodology has been refined to improve comparability between institutions.

Nigeria has the most universities in the rankings, with 41 schools and an average score of 51. Out of these, 13 made it into the top 50, with the American University of Nigeria ranked highest at 12th place.

Despite years of weathering and damage, the inscription indicates a strong connection between the Phrygians and Materan, also recognised by later civilisations such as the Greeks and Romans as the "Mother of the Gods" and "Magna Mater", respectively.

The Arslan Kaya monument features carvings of lions and sphinxes, emblematic of strength in Phrygian culture. The deciphered text likely formed part of a larger inscription, potentially elucidating the context of the monument's commissioning and the deity's relevance.

The region’s Phrygian heritage, revered by successive cultures, underlines the deep-rooted tradition surrounding Materan, especially during the era of Lydian influence.

The inscription’s interpretation faced challenges for over a century, attributed to its damaged condition. Munn's analysis involved combining detailed photographs and historical documentation, aided by optimal lighting conditions during a specific date capture in April 2024.

According to Rostyslav Oreshko, a lecturer from the Practical School of Advanced Studies in France, Munn’s findings affirm existing scholarly assessments from the 19th century regarding the goddess’s name. This work not only outlines the significance of Materan but also serves to reinforce prior interpretations of Phrygian culture.

Switzerland : For the 14th consecutive year, Switzerland holds the top spot. The country is known for its strong performance in knowledge and technology outputs.

Sweden : Maintaining its second position, Sweden leads in infrastructure and business sophistication. It also ranks highly in human capital and research.

United States : The US remains third, excelling in the quality of its universities, scientific publications, and intellectual property receipts. It continues to be a powerhouse in software spending and technological advancements.

Singapore : Moving up to fourth place, Singapore leads in 14 out of 78 GII indicators, including innovation inputs. Its strategic focus on technology and business sophistication is not left out.

United Kingdom: The UK is fifth with its strong performances in innovation outputs and creative outputs. Its vibrant research community and high-quality institutions contribute significantly to its ranking.

South Korea : Climbing to sixth place, South Korea is recognised for its high R&D expenditures and production complexity. It ranks second globally in the number of researchers and R&D performed by businesses.

Finland : Finland's emphasis on education and research, coupled with its innovative business practices, secures its place in the top ten.

Netherlands : Known for its innovative business environment and strong knowledge absorption, the Netherlands is a global leader in innovation.

Germany : Germany's strong industrial base and strong focus on R&D make it a key player in global innovation. It excels in manufacturing and technological advancements.

Denmark : Denmark's innovative public sector and a strong emphasis on sustainability and green technologies help it maintain a top ten position.

Other countries like Cuba and Ethiopia also scored poorly, receiving 20 and 27 points, respectively, making them the least free in Latin America and Africa. The study ranked internet freedom in 72 countries, assessing both improvements and declines across various political landscapes.

Countries were scored on a scale from 100, indicating the most-free, down to 0, marking the least free. The report evaluates each country in three areas: access to the internet, restrictions on online content, and protection of user rights.

Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Vietnam, Cuba, Russia, Iran, China and Myanmar were among the 10 lowest-scoring countries in the entire rankings.

Iceland topped the rankings with a score of 94 as the most internet-free country around the world. Estonia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Netherlands, Taiwan, Japan, United Kingdom, and Germany followed with high numbers of 86, 86, 85, 83, 79, 78, 78 and 77 respectively.

The Freedom on the Net 2024 report measures the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that governments and non-state actors around the world restrict online rights.

Countries were rated based on government influence, ownership and control of internet access to citizens, legal regulations on content and censorship, as well as restrictions on free expression and legal consequences of online activities among others.

The graves which can be dated to the pre-Dong Son (approximately 4,000 years back) and the Dong Son (first period of the primary iron age some 2,500 years ago) periods were found at the Vuon Chuoi archaeological relic in Kim Chung commune in the Hoai Duc district, Hanoi.

Researchers found that some of the remains were adorned with numerous bracelets on both arms and buried together with ceramic and bronze items. Some others show the practice of extracting front teeth.

"Among these findings, an important characteristic is that the pre-Dong Son graves show a practice of extracting front teeth in adults, which is not observed in the Dong Son cultural period," Associate Professor-Doctor Nguyen Lan Cuong, Secretary General of the Vietnam Archaeological Association was quoted .

Post holes were also found as the remnants of architectural structures, showing human presence and the kind of housing adopted by the people of the era.

According to Dr Nguyen Ngoc Quy from the Institute of Archaeology, the findings provide evidence of the origins of prehistoric people from the era of Hung Kings.

Plans are underway to secure the permission of the Hanoi People's Committee and the Department of Culture and Sports for further excavation works on the site.

Officials are pushing for the Vuon Chuoi archaeological site to be officially recognised as a city-level heritage site. They also have plans to preserve, protect, and highlight its historical value.

Vuon Chuoi was first discovered in 1969 by the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology, and since then, it has been excavated 11 times.

Archaeological sites from the Metal Age, covering the Phung Nguyen, Dong Dau, Go Mun, and Dong Son periods in northern Vietnam, are very rare. Only two such sites remain: Vuon Chuoi and Dong Dau, which is located in nearby Vinh Phuc province.

The new species was discovered during scientists’ study of the world’s longest venomous snake, the king cobra.

King cobras, scientifically known as Ophiophagus hannahs were generally thought to be widespread across southeastern Asia but the debate was on how many varied species of the snake exist.

150 king cobras from several Asia countries were tracked down for over eight years as scientists studied their make-up and appearances.

King cobras from the Philippines were observed as the most genetically and visually distinct among the collective.

Scientifically named Ophiophagus salvatana, the new species of the venomous snakes are huge, reaching 10 feet and 11 inches in length.

Also named the Luzon king cobra after the island where it was discovered, the new species possess strong bodies with large, flattened heads and black tongues with large eyes which are ringed with yellow.

They are dangerously venomous and rare in archive collections.

They are usually found in coastal forests, urban parks and agricultural fields but not much is known about their diet.

Rutgers University announced on October 9 that the solution to Bauer's Height Zero Conjecture was published in the September issue of the prestigious Annals of Mathematics . Tiep's work on the Deligne-Lusztig theory is detailed across two papers, one in Inventiones Mathematicae and another in Annals of Mathematics.

Reflecting on the completion of the Brauer conjecture, Tiep shared, “I was hoping to advance the field. I never expected to be able to solve this one.” Tiep has dedicated the last 10 years to working on this problem, which was originally posed by Richard Brauer, a renowned German-American mathematician. Tiep described Brauer as having "this rare intellect… it’s as though they came from another planet or from another world. They are capable of seeing hidden phenomena that others can’t."

The solution to Bauer's Height Zero Conjecture is expected to significantly enhance the understanding of symmetries in nature and improve the study of long-term behaviours in random processes across multiple fields, including chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, and economics.

In addition to solving the Bauer conjecture, Tiep also tackled a problem related to traces in the Deligne-Lusztig theory, which involves the traces of matrices, a fundamental concept in mathematics.

“Tiep’s high-quality work and expertise on finite groups has allowed Rutgers to maintain its status as a top worldwide centre in the subject,” said Stephen Miller, Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics.

Tiep's academic journey is equally impressive. Born in Vietnam, he attended Chu Van An High School in Hanoi and won a silver medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in 1979 at age 16.

He pursued advanced studies in Math-Mechanics at Moscow State University and later earned his doctoral degree in 1991.

Since moving to the US in 1996, Tiep has held academic positions at the University of Arizona and collaborated with renowned institutions such as the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

Over his career, he has authored five books and published more than 200 research papers, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in the world of mathematics.

The gecko, which is about 7 inches long, has clawed toes, spiky spurs near its tail, and dark brown markings on its back. It was found living inside and around the cave, emerging at night to hunt for food.

They are brown in colour with black and light brown stretches across the back.

The species is named after the area where it was discovered, the Khao Nam Phu hill in Saraburi Province, about 90 miles northeast of Bangkok.

The research team, including Thai and international scientists, published their findings on September 19. The research team included Montri Sumontha, Nonn Panitvong, Kirati Kunya, Nattasuda Donbundit, Winai Suthanthangjai, Maneerat Suthanthangjai, Eakarit Phanamphon and Olivier S. G. Pauwels.

Alongside the Khao Nam Phu gecko, researchers also found another new species, the Erawan bent-toed gecko. Both discoveries add to the growing list of unique wildlife hidden in Thailand’s caves.

Mongolian palaeontologist Barsbold Rinchen said that this group has posed many questions for scientists who are still conducting investigations.

"The composition of the group was uncertain, the connections are completely unclear. The first finds, very incomplete, were studied in Mongolia from the Upper Cretaceous deposits. Their feet were most often preserved," he was quoted .

The birds were predators with a second toe on their toes and enlarged claw phalanx, similar to that of velociraptors, small feathered dinosaurs also found in Mongolia by scientists.

According to researchers, the claw could have been used for attack and defence. Not much is known about the remaining features of the bird.

Troodontids lack the distinct pelvis and tail features seen in dromaeosaurids. However, scientists believe the two groups might be related.

This idea could be confirmed with future discoveries of more complete skeletons.

The study, led by Paulos Yohannes, a chemistry professor and associate dean for research at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College, focuses on the medicinal benefits of plants native to Ethiopia.

Yohannes, participating under the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program , emphasised the importance of natural products in African traditional medicine.

"There are many medicinal plants that have been used by traditional healers for centuries. At this moment, preliminary studies have shown that we are working with plant extracts that exhibit anticancer activities," he noted.

The research aims to contribute to the reduction of cervical cancer deaths which according to the WHO , is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with approximately 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths reported in 2022.

The Ethiopian team, led by Professor Ermias Dagne, who has over 45 years of experience in the chemistry of medicinal plants, extracts materials from these plants. These extracts are then sent to Georgia State as crude extracts or isolated pure compounds to test their effectiveness in combating disease.

Georgia State Regents’ Professor and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Binghe Wang highlighted two crucial aspects of the project.

"The first is to assess these extracts or purified compounds for biological activity, starting with cell culture experiments. In searching for anticancer compounds, we look for those that exhibit potent cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Once the activity is confirmed, there is a set of spectroscopic experiments that we conduct to confirm the structures of the compounds," Wang explained.

Uzbekistan and South Korea discussed bilateral cooperation in various fields, including energy, information and communication technologies, and infrastructure. The meeting resulted in identifying further steps to deepen collaboration and holding meetings with key Korean government officials and leading companies, Azer News reported.

Turkey - Uzbekistan trade

Turkey and Uzbekistan aim to boost trade volume to $5 billion. At a recent meeting, Turkish Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tuzcu highlighted Uzbekistan's significance as a key partner in foreign trade, to increase trade volume. Turkiye Newspaper indicated that both countries are committed to enhancing cooperation in complementary sectors and maintaining dialogue. The meeting also emphasized historical and cultural connections between the two nations.

Femicide research

Gender-related killings, or femicide, have reached alarming levels, with nearly 89,000 women and girls intentionally killed in 2022. UN Women's regional programme, "Making Every Woman and Girl Count," is researching femicide in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to address data gaps and promote effective interventions to prevent gender-based violence. According to UN Women , the initiative aims to establish a cohesive methodology for research and gain a deeper understanding of femicide in the region. With over 250 applicants, the initiative is set to advance research on femicide. It will include an orientation webinar, in-person workshop, data collection and analysis, and publication of final products in November 2024.

Public debt

Uzbekistan's public debt is projected to reach $37.9bn by the end of 2024, constituting 37.9% of the country's GDP. The external debt is expected to be $31.1bn, with noticeable fluctuations in borrowing agreements in recent years. Expenditures on servicing the debt in 2024 are forecasted to reach $3.9bn, representing 3.7% of GDP, media agency Daryo reported.

UN Human Rights committee

Uzbekistan's Akmal Saidov, director of the National Center for Human Rights, has been elected to the UN Human Rights Committee for the first time. He will serve from 2025 to 2028, making Uzbekistan the first Central Asian country to join the committee. The committee monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its 173 member states, ensuring civil and political rights are fully respected. According to the Times of Central Asia , Saidov received the most votes in the election held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on May 29.

According to the findings, happiness inequality surged by more than 50% across all age brackets in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2010, individuals aged 60 and above were identified as the least happy group in 70% of the African countries surveyed. However, in the latest data, this age group now represents the least happy segment in only about a third of the countries, suggesting that unhappiness has become increasingly prevalent among younger demographics.

The report highlighted that negative emotions are equally prevalent among males and females under the age of 30 in sub-Saharan Africa. However, as individuals age, women tend to experience a more pronounced decline in happiness compared to men. This observation underscores a concerning trend of worsening well-being among women as they grow older in the region.

Emeritus Professor of Economics at the Vancouver School of Economics, University of British Columbia, and a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, Prof. John F. Helliwell, said: “The broad country coverage and annual surveys of the Gallup World Poll provide an unmatched source of data about the quality of lives all over the globe. There are now enough years of data, going back to 2006, to enable us this year to plausibly separate age and generational patterns for happiness. We found some pretty striking results.”

“There is a great variety among countries in the relative happiness of the younger, older, and in-between populations. Hence, the global happiness rankings are quite different for the young and the old, to an extent that has changed a lot over the last dozen years,” said Helliwell.

Overall, the survey revealed that young people are the happiest demographic in 28 out of the 40 surveyed countries in Africa. This finding suggests that despite the overall increase in happiness inequality, there remains a significant portion of the youth population experiencing relatively higher levels of well-being.

The Gallup World Happiness Report serves as a tool for assessing and understanding the evolving landscape of happiness and well-being globally, providing insights to inform targeted interventions and policies aimed at fostering equity in societies around the world.

The IQAir ranking indicates that Accra's air quality is almost twice as polluted as cities like Delhi, India; Shenyang; and Hotan, China, which in previous rankings occupied the top positions. With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 196, the primary culprit identified in Accra's air is PM2.5, with a concentration currently at a staggering 63.1 times the annual air quality guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

There has been some global improvement in air quality compared to previous years, but a staggering 92% of the world's population continues to inhale unhealthy air.

Despite the grim scenario, the findings further forecast a slight improvement over the next few days, bringing the AQI down to 73 and returning the city to the "moderate" category by Saturday, February 10, 2024. 

A significant contributor to Accra's air pollution crisis is road transport, which accounts for an estimated 39% of PM2.5 concentrations. The inadequate public transport infrastructure has led to approximately 70% of daily commuters in Ghana relying on privately owned minibuses known as ‘trotros’, often older and emitting higher levels of pollutants. The remaining traffic congestion in Accra is attributed to private vehicles, while resuspended dust from unpaved and dusty roads contributes to higher PM2.5 concentrations.

The top four cities ranked as most polluted after Ghana in the findings are India’s Mumbai, Dhaka in Bangladesh, China’s Shenyeng, and Lahore in Pakistan.

The research team leader, Sandra Nagué, said, "If we can do that, we can try to understand interactions between plants and animals, and I'm trying to understand a bit more about the restoration process. Firstly, we need to do the chronological studies about getting the sedimentary course, the basic geological samples where we will be able to extract some micro-fossils that will hopefully allow us to understand how plants in Seychelles changed in the past."

By delving into fossils and sediment DNA on these key islands, researchers aim to reconstruct the past vegetation of Seychelles' geological history. The findings could allow them to delve thousands of years into the past, providing insights into the historical evolution of the island’s plant life and also contributing to broader studies on the impact of environmental changes on island ecosystems.

"After a few months, we will get the data, and then we shall decide on which coordinates we will work on. I will do the DNA; someone else will do the pollen, as everyone has a different role to bring together the picture of the past," said Nagué.

The research team plans to utilize genetic markers for animals, enabling them to gain a comprehensive understanding of past fauna. This includes investigating whether giant tortoises existed in specific locations during ancient times or if they became extinct in certain areas. The success of this aspect of the study relies on the team's ability to extract DNA from the sediments.

Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, comprises an archipelago of 115 islands. Renowned for its beaches, coral reefs, and nature reserves, the Seychelles is also home to unique wildlife, including the rare giant Aldabra tortoises.

While their meat and milk serve as nutritious meals to meat-loving people across the globe, cattle have been discovered by scientists as one of the biggest contributors to methane in the environment.

The microbes in their stomachs ferment food they ingest to aid with digestion and the process produces methane which they emit when they burp or fart.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency , methane is a hydrocarbon that is a primary component of natural gas and also a potent greenhouse gas.

Compared to their farts, over 90% of cow burps produce methane in the atmosphere.

Environmental scholar Giampiero Grossi, at the Tuscia University in Viterbo, Italy said that ruminant livestock is responsible for about 5.5% of the greenhouse gasses that come from human activity and more than 70% of livestock emissions are from cows.

And in a 2006 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report titled, “Livestock’s Long Shadow,” the impact of the livestock industry was highlighted. The report emphasized that livestock contributes nearly 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions and methane is top of the list.

How does methane contribute to climate change?

The US EPA indicates that methane gas is about 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Its presence in the atmosphere is instrumental to global warming because it affects the earth’s temperature and climate system. It accounts for 16 percent of global emissions and traps heat in the atmosphere. The FAO notes that cows are responsible for nearly 10% of greenhouse gases generated worldwide by human activity.

Methane is broken down faster than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Kill the beef to save the world?

Emerging solutions to the glaring problem of methane produced by cows include a shift from beef toward other sources of protein and nutrition like poultry, fish plant-based foods. Researchers at the World Resources Institute say a shift away from carbon-intensive beef to more sustainable food options is ideal. 

Industrial farms can make cows more climate-friendly by changing their diets; research in California suggests that adding a small amount of seaweed to a cow’s feed can reduce its methane production by half. Food companies can start to offer products like “blended burgers,” which mix other ingredients with beef to make the food more sustainable. Governments could eliminate subsidies for meat and dairy producers and support farmers transitioning to more sustainable crops.

Others like FutureFeed , a group of scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and James Cook University propose seaweeds as the biggest most effective livestock methane solution. The Asparagopsis seaweed which was tested by the team found a compound called bromoform which stops microbes in the cow’s guts that produce methane.

The seaweed which is native to Australia is manufactured into a freeze-dried powder or an edible oil. A small amount of this feed material included in cattle’s feed, the scientists say will dramatically reduce methane emissions. Lab trials, according to the company have shown a reduction of up to 95% of methane emissions.

Since it is rare to farm, FutureFeed is reproducing the ingredient in a lab and hoping to produce it in other forms.

But beef is an excellent source of nutrients and protein and other researchers are exploring ways to genetically modify cattle for beef. The US Information Technology and Innovation Foundation for instance has suggested the reduction of cattle methane emissions with the help of “gene editing”.

Meanwhile, countries like New Zealand have announced plans to tax farmers for their animal burps or farts to reduce emissions.

According to the founder of Bahari Labs, Jay Van der Walt, “Red seaweed reduces methane by a massive amount without having a detrimental effect on cattle.”

Van der Walt further explained that “red seaweed is being grown in indoor tanks, at two aquariums in Cape Town, one in Sea Point and another at the University of Cape Town… We will be growing the seaweed on land so that we can properly control temperature, water flow and light conditions.”

Adding that not only are they helping reduce methane emission by this initiative but also cutting down the cost burden on cattle farmers and increasing profitability of the venture.

He said, "Grain farmers who have lost their income due to extreme drought could transition to seaweed farming." 

On the reason for their initiative Van der Walt told News 24 that "the climate emergency is very real, and to prevent planetary warming beyond 1.5°C, we need to reduce emissions… we're on a mission to enable farmers, food corporations, and responsible consumers to help with this reduction whilst creating jobs in the process.”

A study conducted in 2020 concluded that emissions from livestock can be effectively controlled by lacing red seaweed with feed. The seaweed can impede the methane generation process without causing harm to the animals. Therefore, incorporating 0.10% and 0.20% of red seaweed into the diet of Brahman and Angus cattle has the potential to decrease methane emissions by approximately 40% and 98%, respectively.