Global flash droughts expected to increase in a warming climate
Reading Time: 2 minutesTHE rapid development of unexpected drought, called flash drought, can severely impact agricultural and ecological systems with ripple effects that extend even further. Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are assessing how our warming climate will affect the frequency of flash droughts and the risk to croplands globally. Jordan Christian, a postdoctoral researcher, is the […]
Prudent coastal management key to sustaining local seafood supply
Reading Time: 3 minutesBY DR ALISON KIM SHAN WEE MALAYSIANS may one day no longer be able to enjoy their favourite “char kuey teow” with cockles or savour “siput sedut” if we fail to protect our coasts and mangroves. As we celebrate World Environment Day 2023, we believe the ability to secure the bountiful resources of Malaysia’s coasts rests in […]
Impact of urban heat islands on humans, environment
Reading Time: 3 minutesBY VIRMAN JURI, UMAIRAH RAZAK, MARYAM AL-HERWI THE urban heat islands (UHI) effect in Kuala Lumpur (KL) causes a staggering 6°C of temperature increase compared to rural areas with greener canopies and fewer buildings. In perspective, if rural areas with the abundant natural land and green canopy and fewer buildings have temperatures of 30°C, UHI in […]
TerraBacta: a global alliance for mapping soil borne therapeutics
Reading Time: 3 minutesSINCE the discovery of penicillin in 1928, molecules produced by microbes (known as microbial secondary metabolites or SM) have played a crucial role in saving lives. These metabolites have extensive uses in treating infections, cancer, immunosuppression, metabolic disorders, and parasitic diseases. Regrettably, the rate of novel microbial molecules’ discoveries via traditional approaches has declined significantly […]
How to choose the right cooking oil?
Reading Time: 3 minutesBY JOYCE WONG JIN YI Many people are misled by the advertisements and marketing material shared in the media about the benefits of vegetable oils that, include canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil, which are sold under many famous brands in Malaysia. These are the oils that you should totally avoid in […]
Smart sex-sorting technology answer to wanton chick culling
Reading Time: 2 minutesBY VIRMAN JURI ANNUALLY, seven billion male chicks are being culled worldwide. Male layer chickens do not have commercial or economical value for hatcheries in contrast to female layer chickens that lay eggs. This fact raises a glaring concern in the poultry industry in matters pertaining to animal welfare. Furthermore in Malaysia, food security issues have […]
Expert: Treat mangroves as a precious national asset
Reading Time: 3 minutesBY UMAIRAH RAZAK MANGROVES are vital ecosystems that exist along tropical and subtropical coasts. For decades there have been rising concerns among environmentalists about the disregard for mangrove ecosystems globally. “Mangrove ecosystem worldwide is a natural and effective climate change ‘mitigation plan and strategy’. For this reason, mangroves must be treated as a national asset,” […]
New study provides first comprehensive look at oxygen loss on coral reefs
Reading Time: < 1 minuteA NEW study is providing an unprecedented examination of oxygen loss on coral reefs around the globe under ocean warming. Led by researchers at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a large team of national and international colleagues, the study captures the current state of hypoxia—or low oxygen levels—at 32 different sites, and […]
British Council scholarships support women in STEM
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe British Council’s offer of scholarships to support women in STEM is back again for the third time. The offer supports women wishing to pursue postgraduate study in science, technology, engineering, or maths (STEM) at a university in the UK. This prestigious scholarship will allow over 100 women from selected countries including from South Asia, […]
Three Tips for Making Changes That Stick
Reading Time: 3 minutesBY JOYCE WONG JIN YI In the journey of wellness, it is important to make positive changes. But many people start a new habit but fall off the wagon very soon; the change does not last. How to make a lasting change become the key to success in your healthy lifestyle. If you are like most people […]