Study: Bats are key players in cross-species spread of morbilliviruses
Reading Time: < 1 minuteBats in the tropics of the Americas are a reservoir for morbilliviruses—a genus of RNA viruses that includes the human measles virus. However, their role in spreading morbilliviruses to other mammalian species is unclear. An international team of researchers, led by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the German Center for Infection Research, has now studied the […]
Study: Depression is linked to an increased risk of dementia in both mid and later life
Reading Time: 2 minutesA new study has found that depression is linked to an increased risk of dementia in both mid and later life. The new research, which is published in eClinicalMedicine, was led by Jacob Brain and Maha Alshahrani from the Institute of Mental Health and School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, the University of Adelaide, and […]
New carrier birds brought avian flu to Europe, Americas
Reading Time: 2 minutesBird flu cases are rising rapidly in the United States and around the world. A new study traces how the disease spread over the last two decades from Asia to Europe, Africa and the Americas. New bird species, from pelicans to peregrine falcons, are catching and carrying the disease, the study finds. The pattern may be a […]
Cambridge-Backed Assessment to Raise English Proficiency in Sarawak Schools
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSarawak will roll out a standardised Ujian Penilaian-Dual Language Programme (UP-DLP) assessment for Year 6 students this October, a move designed to strengthen English proficiency and align local education with global standards. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the initiative recently during a ceremony in London, where a formal agreement was […]
Transgenic Cowpea Confers Insect Resistance and Herbicide Tolerance
Reading Time: < 1 minuteA study published in Pest Management Science found that the genetically engineered cowpea line CAP5, expressing a fusion of Cry1Ab-Vip3A and CP4-EPSPS genes, demonstrated strong resistance against major lepidopteran pests and high tolerance to glyphosate. The findings of the study demonstrate the potential of developing insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant cowpea events. Cowpea is a widely consumed […]
Ivory Demand Fuels Surge in Borneo Pygmy Elephant Killings
Reading Time: 2 minutesConservationists are raising alarm over the recent spate of illegal killings of Borneo pygmy elephants, believed to be driven by a booming black market for ivory. The disturbing discovery of mutilated elephant carcasses in Kalabakan has underscored the growing threat to one of Malaysia’s most critically endangered species. University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) board member Samasuddin […]
Oceans are heating faster in two bands stretching around the globe
Reading Time: 2 minutesOceans are heating faster in two bands stretching around the globe The world’s oceans are heating faster in two bands stretching around the globe, one in the southern hemisphere and one in the north, according to new research led by climate scientist Dr Kevin Trenberth. In both hemispheres, the areas are near 40 degrees latitude. […]
Malaysia, Japan strengthen ties in green energy and zero-emission initiatives
Reading Time: < 1 minuteMalaysia and Japan have expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in green energy development and technology, as both nations pursue a more sustainable and low-carbon future. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the potential cooperation aligns closely with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). The roadmap […]
Southeast Asia’s fisheries benefit from small-scale, multispecies capture
Reading Time: 2 minutesFor decades, there have been dire warnings about overfishing and the loss of biomass and biodiversity in the world’s fisheries. Yet one region’s capture fisheries have largely maintained their biodiversity and ecological health while still meeting the food needs of the area’s growing population. In a study published in the journal Fisheries Science, Professor Matsuishi Takashi […]
S’pore launches research centre to tackle health risks of climate change
Reading Time: < 1 minuteTo address the growing health threats posed by climate change, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) is launching a new interdisciplinary research centre focused on climate change and environmental health in the tropics. The Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Health (CCEH) will focus on the health impact of climate change under three key pillars: air quality, extreme heat, […]