Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have designed a sustainable hydrogel to combat the threat of microplastics in water. These minuscule plastic pieces, which are present in even the most isolated areas, such as the deep oceans and polar ice caps, pose a threat to both human health and the ecosystem. Utilising a polymer network, the innovative hydrogel created by IISc binds and breaks down microplastics when exposed to UV light. This environmentally friendly alternative to clogging filtering membranes uses 3D hydrogels that intertwine layers of chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol
President Biden announced that a Japanese astronaut will soon become the first non-American to step foot on the moon during one of NASA's upcoming Artemis missions, as discussed in a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida. The announcement comes just a few days after a captivating solar eclipse, which gives the common goal of lunar exploration a cosmic feel. This statement highlights how the United States and Japan have a strong scientific and educational connection that transcends national borders. NASA's Artemis programme, which aims to send astronauts back to the lu
The US recently conducted its first outdoor test to ease global warming effects. Engineer Matthew Gallelli experimented on a retired aircraft carrier in San Francisco Bay. He evaluated a method to brighten clouds and reflect sunlight back into space, offering a temporary cooling solution. The primary objective of the experiment was to confirm that the device could reliably spray salt aerosols outside of laboratory environments. If successful, cloud composition overseas could change. This initiative explores "sun blocking," reflecting sunlight to cool the Earth, termed solar radiation
On Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced a $6.94 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2027 to strengthen the country's semiconductor industry. This initiative includes a $1.4 trillion fund to support AI semiconductor firms. South Korea aims to compete with global leaders like the United States, China, and Japan in semiconductor technology. Semiconductors are crucial to South Korea's export-driven economy, with chip exports hitting a 21-month high in March at $11.7 billion. Yoon emphasised the fierce global competition in semiconductor production, calli
On Monday, South Korea launched its second domestically developed spy satellite from the US via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This move enhances its ability to monitor potential threats, particularly from North Korea, which has announced plans to launch multiple reconnaissance satellites this year. The satellite, equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, can produce high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions. It successfully entered orbit after launching from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida and establishing communication with ground stations. South Korea plan
On Wednesday, Ivory Coast inaugurated a 37.5 megawatt (MW) solar power facility, marking the beginning of its renewable energy agenda. Being the world's top producer of cocoa, the country plans to become a major power supplier in West Africa. It generates about 2,250 MW of power, mostly from gas and oil, which it exports to surrounding countries, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, and Mali. Ivory Coast wants to acquire 45% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Following the achievement of this milestone, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Power, and Electricit
India is actively seeking processing technology from key critical mineral producers, following the rollout of auctions for critical mineral mines. Ongoing discussions are being held regarding collaboration with the US, UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, and Argentina. The signing of agreements is expected to occur shortly. The aim is to establish India's first critical mineral beneficiation and processing plant within 3-5 years to develop processing and extraction capabilities simultaneously. Beneficiation improves the quality of ore by eliminating undesirable minerals, which is
The United States and Mexico are partnering to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain, aligning with the U.S. CHIPS Act of 2022. This collaboration involves assessing Mexico's semiconductor ecosystem, regulatory framework, and infrastructure needs. Stakeholders like state governments, educational institutions, and companies, along with Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy, will participate in this analysis. The automotive and medical device industries will profit from this partnership, which is essential for the stability and competitiveness of the global semiconductor supply chain. It exp
Japan and the United States are all set to announce high-tech collaboration in cutting-edge domains like artificial intelligence (AI). The Asahi Shimbun newspaper first revealed the impending declaration on Saturday. During Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's scheduled meeting with US President Joe Biden on April 10, this alliance will be viewed as a "global partnership.” As per the published report, the partnership will emphasise reinforced cooperation in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies. It added that the United States and Japan are expected to create a formal frame
On Monday, a Soyuz spacecraft carrying three astronauts from Belarus, Russia, and the United States successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS). The launch was postponed from its original Thursday schedule due to the power supply. The three astronauts, Novitsky, Vasilevskaya, and Dyson, join the ISS crew, including NASA's O'Hara, Dominick, Barratt, and Epps, alongside Russians Kononenko, Chub, and Grebenkin. Dyson will spend six months before returning with Kononenko and Chub, concluding their year-long mission. Novitsky and Vasilevskaya, Belarus' first astronauts, will