Latest news with #CGM


The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
How is global shipping trying to decarbonise?
The story so far: Global shipping is on course towards decarbonisation by 2040-50. This represents a huge opportunity for India. Merchant ships largely use Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), diesel, and methane gas stored in liquid form as fuel. LNG-powered engines with their higher efficiency of some five percentage points are likely to be a transition fuel before shipping moves to green fuels such as green ammonia, green or e-methanol and biofuels by 2040 and net zero thereon. How are green fuels produced? Green hydrogen is made from the electrolysis of water using renewable power. Shipping will not use hydrogen directly because of issues with storage and transportation of hydrogen, a highly volatile fuel. Green ammonia, made from green hydrogen and nitrogen, is more stable. The government is also encouraging green ammonia production in India since it can substitute LNG imports in making fertilizers. Green methanol is made from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide obtained from industrial sources. What are the preferred fuels? Shipping, however, is generally a conservative industry. New technology adoption is relatively slow. Ammonia engines are a novelty, so shipping is going first for green methanol, which emits some 10% of carbon dioxide, and later green ammonia, which emits no greenhouse gas. However, ammonia use requires extensive processes onboard. Besides a storage tank and tweaks to the engine and fuel handling system, green methanol is almost a drop-in replacement for VLSFO and is stored as liquid in ambient temperature unlike green ammonia or even LNG. Already, more than 360 ships capable of operating on methanol are either in service or in order. Major container shipping companies such as Maersk, CMA, CGM and Evergreen are backing methanol. A 100% sustainable e-methanol as bunker fuel costs $1,950 per tonne (of VLSFO equivalent) in February in Singapore, while VLSFO averaged at $560 per tonne. This pricing discrepancy is primarily caused by the present price of renewable electricity, with every tonne of green e-methanol using 10-11 MWh of power, and the heavy upfront capital cost for electrolyser facilities. Estimates suggest that demand for green methanol would surpass 14 million tonnes by 2028, whereas the projected supply is merely in the order of 11 million tonnes, creating additional price pressures. What is Indian shipping's decarbonisation plans? India has committed to decarbonising its domestic shipping. Plans have been made for supporting domestic container ships using green fuels as well as creating green fuel bunkering points such as at the Tuticorin V.O. Chidambaranar port and Kandla. The government is looking at producing and supplying green fuels to Singapore, which is a fuelling station accounting for nearly one-fourth of all global ship fuelling. Singapore has committed to being a green fuels supplier and would require therefore tens of millions of tonnes of green fuels. Given that India has the land and expertise for solar power, it can aspire to be a major supplier of green fuels to global shipping. How can India do it? Making a marine green fuels production hub has some challenges. Solar panels and electrolysers to make green hydrogen need to be imported. India's solar energy revolution, however, is a model of how sovereign guarantees and policy strategic frameworks can drive the adoption of green fuels. From 2014 to 2025, India's solar capacity grew from 2.82 GW to 105 GW. This achievement was made through the convergence of sovereign guarantees, off-take assurance, and strengthened supply chain support. Sovereign guarantees have emerged as a powerful de-risking mechanism for green methanol investments that can considerably reduce prices. These government-backed assurances can fundamentally transform project economics by enabling access to international capital markets at significantly lower interest rates. Innovative financial instruments are needed for an at to scale green methanol rollout. Production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for electrolysers can relieve supply chain bottlenecks by territorialising value chains and lessening transportation costs of raw materials. Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) incentives are also essential, as they increase the feasibility of the production of green methanol from sequestered CO2. Further, the government's aggressive push in creating 1.5 GW of local electrolyser manufacturing capacity and growing industrial CO2 sources (from steel and cement industries) positions India strategically to develop integrated green fuel hubs. Multilateral development banks offer financing at rates as low as 4%, as opposed to 11-12% by domestic lenders, and they can be leveraged. How can green fuels help restart Indian shipowning and shipbuilding? The government's move to inject demand-side support for shipbuilders, along with incentives for foreign cooperation, should spur economies of scale and attract global shipbuilders to the country. Partnerships with overseas shipbuilders from South Korea and Japan are being pursued to support India's shipbuilding strength. The strategy is to support new builds and retrofit current ships for green fuel compatibility. India has pledged $10 billion to support the purchase of over 110 ships. Government can provide incentives so 10-20% of these are green fuel-capable, built in Indian shipyards, and are Indian-flagged.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
AI, Modern Tech & the evolving dynamics of Patient Care in India
New Delhi: As healthcare professionals in India increasingly adopt digital tools in clinical practice , advancements such as genomics, AI, and data analytics are transforming patient care—enabling personalized treatments and accelerating timely, effective interventions. While adoption is steadily increasing, it faces significant challenges—including inadequate infrastructure, rising costs, and unresolved data privacy concerns. Delving into this space the inaugural edition of ETHealthworld FutureMed X - The Smart Patient Care Summit convened a panel discussion on Reengineering Patient Care- A Changemakers Perspective. The experts who shared their insights at the session included Prof Anurag Agrawal, Head-Koita Center for Digital Health & Dean - BioSciences and Health Research, Ashoka University, Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh, Senior Advisor, Environmental Health, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Dr Chandrakant Lahariya Founder -Director, Foundation of People Centric Health System; Leena Menghaney, Lawyer/Consultant, Public Health, Pharmaceuticals & Access; and the discussion was moderated by Vikas Dandekar Editor ETHealthworld, The Economic Times. AI diagnostics drive and the mid way challenges Radiology services in India stands as a frontrunner in AI adoption, where its integration is helping them to cut down time lines of analysing millions of scans, However Prof Agrawal, noted, 'while radiologist have increasingly adopted AI these tools are not yet advanced enough to be fully relied upon for clinical decision-making and the coming age of medical professionals is facing entering a field where technological integration presents both promise and pressure.' Citing examples like Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)--a technology used to track glucose levels in real-time round the clock—Lehariya stressed that such innovations have shown their potential but their adoption is yet to scale up in India and the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare should prioritise expanding access, reaching underserved communities, and improving outcomes on the ground.' 'We will keep evolving and innovating new things but from the very beginning we should focus on taking those innovations to a broader section of society and unless that is achieved it will be partial success,' Dr Lehariya stressed. 'The advent of AI is steadily making its mark in healthcare. To develop a comprehensive, integrated solution for diverse health challenges, stakeholders must unite their efforts toward the concept of One Health—linking environmental, animal, and human health, Dr Ghosh, said 'Empowering communities to build trust is essential, so AI becomes part of daily life and effectively addresses a range of healthcare issues,' he added. Policy Efforts On the policy front, Menghaney emphasized the introduction of HMIS (Health Management Information System) reflects some potential; the absence of ethical frameworks hinders accountable use of digital tools, and introducing strong data protection provisions is essential to unlock the benefits of digitization in public health decision-making. To counter misinformation Prof Aggarwal suggested that, 'there should be constant level of high-surveillance all the time, creation of trusted voices with continuous release of information to counter various misleading information and myths While India's healthcare system has long been oriented toward treating infectious and acute diseases, the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) demands a shift in approach. Clinicians and healthcare providers must rethink existing models and adopt innovative strategies to meet this emerging challenge. Dr Lehariya added that, while India's healthcare system has long been oriented toward treating infectious and acute diseases, the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) demands a shift in approach.


The South African
11-07-2025
- Health
- The South African
Supermodel Lila Moss meets new Barbie with type 1 diabetes
Mattel has launched the first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, marking a significant step in inclusivity and representation. This new Barbie is part of the Fashionistas line. The doll comes equipped with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm and an insulin pump around her waist. These devices are commonly used by people managing type 1 diabetes. The doll wears a blue polka-dot outfit, a colour and pattern internationally recognised as symbols of diabetes awareness, according to the BBC . She also carries a pastel blue purse designed to hold diabetes supplies and snacks, reflecting the practical needs of those living with the condition. The medical devices are realistically detailed, including heart-shaped medical tape securing the CGM. The doll even holds a phone displaying a glucose monitoring app to track blood sugar levels throughout the day. Krista Berger, Mattel's senior vice president and global head of Barbie dolls, said: 'This new doll signifies a significant advancement in our dedication to diversity and inclusion. Barbie plays a crucial role in shaping children's early understandings of the world. By incorporating health conditions like type 1 diabetes, we empower more children to envision themselves in the narratives they create and the dolls they cherish'. Mattel partnered with Breakthrough T1D, an organisation dedicated to type 1 diabetes research and advocacy, to launch the doll and ensure it accurately represents the community. Barbie dolls have remained popular for decades because they offer more than just a toy, they provide a versatile platform for imagination and aspiration. Ruth Handler created Barbie in 1959 and designed her to encourage girls to see themselves in a wide range of roles. This broke away from traditional baby dolls that emphasised caregiving. Supermodel Lila Moss, who has type 1 diabetes herself, was the first to meet the doll. She expressed her support, saying: 'I think it is really important to embrace this technology because it makes living with diabetes so much easier and more practical. It is important to embrace these patches and having them, not hiding them'. This Barbie joins other diverse dolls, such as those representing blindness and Down syndrome. This continues Mattel's commitment to reflecting the real world in its toys. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Mattel unveils first Barbie with type 1 diabetes
Mattel has launched its first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes in a bid to foster a greater sense of inclusion and empathy among children, a company vice-president said Tuesday. The new Barbie has been designed in partnership with the global type 1 diabetes not-for-profit Breakthrough T1D. "Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation," said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls. "Barbie helps shape children's early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love." Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It is often diagnosed in childhood, and patients have to monitor their glucose levels and take insulin every day. The new doll wears a CGM — a small device that continuously measures a person's blood sugar — on her arm to help manage her condition. To keep her CGM in place, she uses a pink heart-shaped medical tape along with a phone that displays an app to help track her blood sugar levels throughout the day. She also has an insulin pump, a small, wearable medical device that allows for automated insulin dosing as needed, attached to her waist. The doll is wearing a blue polka dot top and matching skirt inspired by global diabetes awareness symbols. Alongside the new model, the company also launched a bespoke Lila Moss doll, complete with the CGM paraphernalia. Moss, daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 12 years old. For several years Mattel has aimed to diversify its models, particularly those of the iconic doll Barbie, after having offered for decades - barring a few exceptions - a young, lithe blonde white woman with high heels. Since 2016 the California company notably launched "curvy," "petite" and "tall" versions of Barbie. In 2019, the company unveiled a line of "gender-inclusive" dolls as well as those with physical disabilities.


Gulf Today
10-07-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
First Barbie representing a person with Type 1 diabetes introduced
Mattel has introduced its first Barbie representing a person with Type 1 diabetes, as part of wider efforts from the toy maker to increase inclusivity among its dolls. In an announcement on Tuesday, Mattel said it had partnered with Breakthrough T1D – a Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF – to ensure that the design of the doll "truly captures the community." That includes accessories that "accurately reflect the medical equipment" people with Type 1 diabetes may need, the California-based company noted. "Visibility matters for everyone facing Type 1 diabetes,' Emily Mazreku, director of marketing strategy at Breakthrough T1D, said in an accompanying announcement. And as a mother who lives with Type 1 diabetes, she added, "it means everything to have Barbie helping the world see T1D and the incredible people who live with it.' The new Barbie wears continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a device that tracks blood sugar levels, on her arm – while holding a phone displaying an accompanying app. She also has an insulin pump attached to her waist. And the doll carries a blue purse that can be used to carry other essential supplies or snacks on the go. The Barbie's outfit is blue, too - with polka dots on a matching top and skirt set. Mattel says that this colour and design are nods to symbols for diabetes awareness. This new doll "enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie,' Mattel wrote Tuesday, and is part of the company's wider Fashionistas line committed to inclusivity. The line features Barbies with various skin tones, hair colours and textures, disabilities, body types and more. Previously-introduced Fashionistas include a Ken doll with a prosthetic leg and a Barbie with hearing aids. Mattel also introduced its first doll with Down syndrome in 2023. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 38.4 million Americans of all ages –amounting to about 11.6% of the U.S. population –were estimated to have diabetes as of 2021, the latest year with data available. About 2 million had Type 1 diabetes, including about 304,000 children and teens younger than 20. Barbie's new doll with Type 1 diabetes was also introduced at Breakthrough T1D's 2025 Children's Congress held in Washington, D.C. this week, where the organization is advocating for continued federal research funding. This year, Breakthrough T1D has been particularly focused on the Special Diabetes Programme, which is currently set to expire in September.