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Euronews
27-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
How urban rewilding could be an ‘antidote' to declining biodiversity
When we think of rewilding cities, we usually think of adding more greenery. Two-thirds of urban conservation programmes do focus exclusively on vegetation, according to a new review of thousands of scientific papers, but there's another side to this story. From beavers back swimming in London's rivers after 400 years, to falcons nesting in American high-rises, there are also an increasing number of successful projects returning animals to cities. A new study from the University of Sydney illustrates the benefits of these rewilding projects for city-dwellers as well as global biodiversity. 'They reconnect people with nature - an antidote to what researchers call nature deficit disorder,' says Dr Patrick Finnerty from the University's Faculty of Science, lead author of the global literature review published Sunday in the journal Bioscience. 'In today's urban environments, many children can name hundreds of brands but often not a single native bird or mammal. 'Bringing wildlife back into daily life improves mental health, fosters environmental stewardship, and reminds us that nature isn't something 'out there',' he adds. Of the 2,800 scientific papers that Dr Finnerty and his team reviewed - on reintroducing species to areas where they once thrived - fewer than one per cent involved returning terrestrial fauna to cities. Animal rewilding tends to happen far from urban landscapes, despite biodiversity loss being so pronounced in cities. Other success stories include leopard frogs being restored to Las Vegas, howler monkeys breeding in Rio de Janeiro, and the reintroduction of the oriental pied hornbill to its historical range in Singapore. In Australia, platypus populations are now growing on Sydney's periphery. By 2050, around 70 per cent of the world's population of 10 billion people is expected to live in urban areas - a 20 per cent increase from today. This will necessitate a rapid growth of land-use change, especially in Africa and Asia. To stop urban sprawl steamrolling over natural habitats, the researchers are calling for urban rewilding to be a key part of broader ecological restoration initiatives. The authors say successful urban rewilding requires careful planning, community involvement, and addressing the threats that caused local extinctions in the first place. For example, the recent reintroduction of small mammals, including the eastern pygmy possum, into an urban bushland reserve bordering housing in Sydney required serious invasive predator control efforts to help ensure the project's success. "By integrating wildlife into urban landscapes, we have a unique opportunity to shape healthier and more resilient cities for future generations," says Dr Finnerty. Rising from the Baltic Sea, Kriegers Flak is more than Denmark's largest offshore wind farm. It's a pioneering energy bridge between Denmark and Germany, helping balance electricity prices and strengthen energy security for both countries — all while providing a clean alternative to fossil fuels. As Europe seeks to secure its energy future, wind parks like Kriegers Flak are set to play a growing role. 'Europe needs more homegrown renewable electricity like this,' says Giles Dickson, CEO of WindEurope, an industry body representing over 600 companies. 'That means more energy security, which in turn means economic security and national security.' The numbers are ambitious. The EU wants to grow its offshore wind capacity from 20 gigawatts today to 360 gigawatts by 2050. It's a massive undertaking, backed by policy support and rapid technological innovation. At the Port of Esbjerg on Denmark's west coast, the future is already taking shape. From here, Swedish energy giant Vattenfall remotely manages more than 1,200 offshore turbines across four countries. Algorithms are playing a growing role in this digital transition: according to Laura Ørsted, who heads Vattenfall's operational control centre, automation is key to keeping up with the growth in turbine numbers. As turbines get taller and more powerful, ports like Esbjerg are expanding to meet the logistical demands. Having already handled 80% of Europe's offshore wind installations, the port is now reclaiming more land to accommodate next-generation equipment. 'One of the challenges with offshore wind is that it needs very large port space, port capacity — and that's also why there aren't sufficient offshore wind ports in Europe today,' says Dennis Jul Pedersen, the port's CEO. 'We are lucky here that we have been able to develop the port in line with what the industry needs, and we will also be very, very busy going forward.' Getting turbines installed at sea isn't easy — or cheap. Specialised vessels like the Wind Osprey, operated by Danish offshore services company Cadeler, are critical. With extendable legs that reach down to the seabed, they form stable platforms for lifting and assembling massive components. 'Everything's getting bigger,' says Captain Matthew Christie of the Wind Osprey. 'We've just had a new crane fitted — it's longer and has a bigger lifting capacity, because the tower sections are taller now.' A single day of operation for these ships can cost hundreds of thousands of euros. And once the turbines are up, keeping them running smoothly is another major challenge. Offshore turbines are battered by salt water and storms. Unlike land-based units, they're hard to access — requiring boats or helicopters, and only during calm weather. This makes maintenance one of the most expensive parts of offshore wind operations, accounting for up to a third of total costs. 'The cost of maintenance is actually quite a large fraction of the total levelised cost of energy,' says Simon Watson, professor of wind energy systems at TU Delft. 'There's a big interest in trying to reduce that to make offshore wind energy more cost effective.' The sector is increasingly looking to robotics as part of the solution. In Latvia, a company called Aerones has developed a climbing robot that can inspect and repair turbine blades more quickly — and safely — than human workers. These robots can sand, coat, and inspect blades for damage, dramatically reducing downtime and keeping the turbines turning. 'The largest blades in the world are exceeding 120 metres,' says Aerones CEO Dainis Kruze. 'We optimise the robots for speed, so the turbines have far less downtime while we're doing the job.' At their Riga factory, Aerones is now producing dozens of these machines each month to keep up with demand. The long-term vision? Autonomous maintenance robots for every turbine, overseen by technicians rather than operated manually. 'As the robots become smarter, we try to implement algorithms so the operator would be kind of overseeing the AI agents doing the work, not so much being involved himself, moving the robot left or right,' adds Aerones CTO Janis Putrams. Despite the challenges, momentum is strong. The WindEurope Annual Event in Copenhagen highlighted just how much investment, research, and international collaboration is going into this growing sector. By 2030, the European wind industry — both onshore and offshore — is expected to employ over 900,000 people and contribute more than €100 billion to the EU economy. 'There are the jobs, the growth, the investment that comes locally from building and operating these wind farms and manufacturing the turbines and all the equipment, the grid equipment, that is part of wind energy,' says WindEurope's Giles Dickson. As Europe works to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and unstable energy imports, offshore wind is fast becoming a pillar of its strategy. Scaling up isn't easy, but with innovation and smart investment, the continent is turning its coastal winds into a powerful force for change.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gujarat's son-in-law awarded Shaurya Chakra
Vadodara: Close on the heels of "Gujarat's daughter" Col Sofiya Qureshi emerging as the face of , now a son-in-law of the state has made us proud. As President Droupadi Murmu honoured soldiers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, the Baroda-based Tiwari family was beaming with pride. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lt Col C V S Nikhil, who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India's highest peacetime gallantry awards, is married to Barodian Namrata Tiwari, the daughter of retired Professor K C Tiwari of MS University's Faculty of Science. Lt Col CVS Nikhil, as a major of 21 Para (Special Forces) led a team near the Indo-Myanmar border, eliminated two insurgent cadres, including a high-priority target in Nov 2023, the citation from the defence ministry states. "It is certainly a matter of pride for all of us in the family and a big moment for all," said Professor Tiwari, 69, a retired teacher from the Geology department of MSU's Faculty of Science, who is currently in the United States. "On Nov 23, 2023, Major C V S Nikhil ... displayed remarkable leadership and bravery. Using precise intelligence, he orchestrated a strategic ambush to intercept insurgents attempting to infiltrate Indian territory," the citation adds. "Despite facing intense enemy fire, Major Nikhil and his scout successfully engaged and trapped the armed insurgents. His exceptional marksmanship and tactical skills led to the elimination of two insurgent cadres, including a high-priority target. Major Nikhil's actions effectively neutralized the threat and demonstrated outstanding operational competence," it further reads. Hyderabad-born Nikhil married Namrata Tiwari in 2016. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Nikhil lost his civil surgeon father at a very young age, and since then was raised by his mother, Dr Laxmi Pinni, a gynaecologist. There are moments when the family gets concerned. "In fact, just before his engagement with Namrata, he was part of a major operation. There is always a risk involved, but he has undergone rigorous training," said Tiwari. -- Wife works to uplift weavers, Yak herders Vadodara: While Lt Col C V S Nikhil won laurels in counter-insurgency operations, his wife Namrata has several accomplishments to her credit too. Baroda-born Namrata, who completed her schooling from Baroda High School, Alkapuri, and finished her BSc in dashion designing from MS University's Faculty of Family and Community Sciences, completed her masters in apparel designing and merchandising from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. After her second masters in sustainable livelihoods from the Paris College of Arts, she currently works closely with herders and weavers in four community-conserved villages of Western Arunachal Pradesh. Her mission is to incentivise the use of yak fibre and popularize heritage weaving techniques to create additional income opportunities for weavers and the yak herding Brokpas of the Monpa community. To her credit, she was adjudged a top eight finalist at the Fashion Values Challenge by the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, UK, in 2022, bagged the People's Choice Award in the same year under the Innovation Readiness Program of UN SDSN Youth Solutions, and last year emerged as a top performer in the Women Startup Programme at NSRCEL, the startup incubator of IIM Bangalore. MSID:: 121365056 413 |
Korea Herald
09-05-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
THANARA: A Microbiome-Based Skincare Innovation Featuring 4P-Biotics Technology by AL-DNA
BANGKOK, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A professor from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science has developed a skincare formula using microbiome and 4P-biotics technology, resulting in a serum and sunscreen lotion under the brand THANARA. These products help balance the microbiome on facial skin, promoting a healthy, youthful, clear, and acne-free complexion. Healthy, moisturized, radiant, and youthful skin is a goal for many. Achieving this not only involves "beauty from the inside out" through proper nutrition, hydration, rest, emotional well-being, and balanced exercise, but also relies on effective external skin care--where "good microorganisms" play a significant role. "Microbiomes are microorganisms that live in our bodies and on our skin. They help maintain skin balance, support overall skin health (such as pH levels, moisture, and skin barrier function), and help prevent infections," explained Associate Professor Dr. Naraporn Somboonna. She emphasized the growing importance of microbiomes in the health and beauty industry. "Balancing the microbiome is key to restoring healthy skin," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn shared, introducing the idea behind the innovative skincare formula under the "THANARA" brand, developed by "AL-DNA," a startup incubated by CU Innovation Hub/CU Enterprise. Inspiration Behind the Skincare Innovation With her expertise in microbiology and portable genetic testing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn has created impactful innovations in various fields. In public health, she developed a three-gene COVID-19 test kit used during the pandemic. In agriculture, she designed an ASFV (African Swine Fever Virus) test kit to help farmers detect infections quickly and conveniently. In the food industry, she introduced a Live Total Bacteria and Coliform Detections test kit to identify harmful bacteria in food and beverage production. Her interest in microbiomes extends to their roles in human and environmental health. She is also a member of the Multi-Omics for Functional Products in Food, Cosmetics, and Animals Research Unit and the Omics Sciences and Bioinformatics Center at Chulalongkorn University. Healthy Skin Through Microbiome and 4P-Biotics Technology According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn, AL-DNA has launched two skincare products, both patented and FDA-certified to ensure user safety: "What makes THANARA unique is its use of 4P-Biotics technology--Probiotics, Parabiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics—to help balance the skin's microbiome," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn explained. "Moreover, THANARA products are free from potential irritants like alcohol, parabens, and silicone." AL-DNA: The Future of Health and Beauty THANARA products are currently available at the Faculty of Science (Research Division), CU Enterprise, and via online channels. Looking ahead, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn says that AL-DNA plans to expand its line with additional microbiome-based skincare products, including personalized skin analysis and anti-aging treatments. For more information, please contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn Somboonna at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, or reach out through CU Enterprise and CU Sci Products and Services, or call +6680-440-4509. View the photo album of this article at About Chulalongkorn University "Chulalongkorn University proudly retains its No. 1 position among Thai universities and ranks 132nd in Asia out of more than 2,000 institutions in the THE Asia University Rankings 2025—a testament to the excellence of Thai higher education on the regional stage."
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘We spoke yesterday… she did not mention a word': Col Sophia Qureshi's twin sister
When Colonel Sophia Qureshi, the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise, briefed the media on Operation Sindoor early on Wednesday morning, her twin sister Shyna Sunsara cried tears of joy, 'vicariously living her dream' of becoming an Army officer. Col Qureshi last visited her parents, settled in Vadodara, in January and met her teachers at the chemistry department of the Faculty of Science of MS University. In a telephonic conversation with The Indian Express, Shyna, who co-runs a film production house in Mumbai, said, 'We spoke yesterday and as a duty-bound Army officer that she is, she did not mention a word about what was to come this morning. It was a surprise for all of us, but a proud moment to see Sophia at this position. She always had the passion to do something for the country. Although she wanted to join the DRDO, be a scientist and work with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. She had many offers from the US too, but she wanted to stay back in India and join the Army. She was chosen to be in the Army on her first attempt. Originally, it was my dream to join the Army, but despite being in NCC and making all efforts, I did not get selected… I still regret it, but when I see her in the uniform, it feels like living my own dream through her.' Shyna said that growing up in a family with a military background — their father and grandfather have both served in the Army — meant imbibing discipline and patriotism. 'We grew up together, initially listening to stories of valour of Rani Laxmibai from our grandmother… When we settled in Vadodara after our father's retirement, Army discipline and patriotism remained at the foundation of our family values. If our parents were given a choice, all five siblings — an elder brother and two younger brothers — would have ended up in the Army. Sophia has been dedicated to her duty, and there is no one like her. Even when we meet, she constantly speaks about what she can do within the Army for the women officers or bring in some innovation or different ideas… She is a go-getter.' Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Col Qureshi completed her in Chemistry and in Biochemistry in 1997 from the Faculty of Science, MSU Baroda. She joined the Indian Army in 1999 and has since risen through the ranks. She earlier became the first Indian woman officer to lead an Army contingent in a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Shyna recalled that when Col Sophia was sent to Congo in 2006 as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, she called her sister from the warzone. 'She knows I live my dream of being an Army officer through her. So, when she landed in Congo (on the UN mission), she called me and made me hear the sounds of the firing and bombing and asked, 'Shyna, Can you hear these sounds? These are sounds of firing'. I told her to be careful as it could hit her… Once, I visited her in Kashmir and other officers asked if I was intimidated. Sophia came forward and told them how I am fearless and wanted to join the Army.' Shyna, who is also an alumnus of MS University's Department of Economics, said that although Col Sophia visits Vadodara often, Sophia has been 'busy since her new posting'. She said, 'She travels to Vadodara often to meet the family… But ever since she was recently elevated in the ranks and handed more responsibility, she has not come as often as earlier. She is also very particular about what we share on social media about her. She calls me and immediately asks me to delete any posts or photos that could reveal her location… We feel she was meant to be where she is… our three brothers chose their own fields and I became a model. My sister was a serious student all her life. She did not participate in sports, neither did she take up NCC, but today she has been elevated in a commanding position in the Indian Army.' Speaking about the Pahalgam attacks and Operation Sindoor, Shyna said, 'Terrorism should not be given the colour of religion. Terrorism cannot be tolerated as it ends humanity and economies.. People's minds get corrupted due to such acts. I am proud of the country and the decision to respond to the terror act was a befitting one.' On Wednesday, in a statement, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda 'proudly acknowledged the exemplary leadership' Col Sophia Qureshi. In a statement, MSU said that Col Qureshi visited the Department of Biochemistry at MSU Baroda in January 2025, where she was warmly welcomed by faculty and former teachers. 'Her visit was an inspiring moment for students and staff alike, reaffirming the deep-rooted values of academic excellence and national service that MSU stands for. Her presence at the Department earlier this year and her leadership today on the battlefield are part of the same continuum of excellence. Col. Sophia Qureshi stands as a beacon of inspiration for every student of MSU Baroda,' Officer on Special Duty (Public Relations and Communication) Prof. Hitesh Raviya said. Dhanesh Patel, in-charge Vice Chancellor of MSU, said, 'Today is a moment of immense pride for MSU Baroda. Col. Qureshi's leadership in Operation Sindoor reflects not only her individual brilliance but also the university's enduring commitment to nation-building through education and character.'
Al Bawaba
05-05-2025
- Al Bawaba
Student dies after mysteriously falling from 5th floor of Egyptian university
ALBAWABA - An Egyptian student fell mysteriously from the fifth floor inside the Zagazig University in Egypt, leading to her death, local media reported on Monday. Rawan Naser, a fourth-year student at Zagazig University in Egypt, died on Sunday after falling from the fifth floor of the college building despite attempts to save her. The female student was transported to the Sednaoui University Hospital after she fell suddenly from the fifth floor. However, she later died from her severe injuries. Security forces began questioning eyewitnesses from the student's colleagues and the college staff. Surveillance cameras around the building were also seized to capture the final moments before the incident. Zagazig University mourned, in an official statement, the student Rowan Nasser: "Zagazig University mourns with deep sorrow and grief the student Rawan Nasser, Faculty of Science, who passed away this afternoon. The university administration offers its sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the deceased and her colleagues, both male and female. We ask God to have mercy on her and to inspire her family and relatives with patience and solace. To God we belong and to Him we shall return." Social media users and Rawan's friends call for a fair and clear investigation into Rawan's case, as some have allegedly said that this was not suicide and could be a criminal case. A person on Facebook claimed that the student was alive after she fell and only needed some first aid to be saved, but the university authorities in the Faculty of Science at Zagazig University, "left her to die in cold blood and denied her getting any medical care until she passed away." Videos showing university workers reportedly whipping the blood on the floor after the tragic incident were posted on social media.
