Latest news with #environmentalSolutions
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Science
- CBS News
U of M students' bug trap invention keeps Japanese beetles out of gardens
U of M students create a way of dealing with an invasive insect U of M students create a way of dealing with an invasive insect U of M students create a way of dealing with an invasive insect Some University of Minnesota students have come up with a creative solution for a pesky problem. "Every year these Japanese beetles would come and completely eat away at our plum trees," said Aditya Prabhu. "My mom would drag me and my brother outside and pick them by hand." Prabhu knew there had to be a better way to deal with the invasive insects. And he found his solution in an entrepreneur class at the University of Minnesota. It challenged Prabhu and classmate Mohamed Hammadelniel to think outside the box. So, they created a trap that could stop the bugs dead in their tracks, while also being environmentally-friendly. "The pheromone is fairly simple. It's a little cone inside the trap," said Prabhu. That pheromone attracts Japanese beetles to the trap's mesh, which is coated in a low dose insecticide. It's not a threat to humans, animals, or pollinators, but it is to beetles. "When beetles land on it, it takes them about 30 seconds to be killed by the insecticide," said Prabhu. During a test run at two Minnesota vineyards, hundreds of beetles filled the traps and they were nearly bursting at the seams. It's been such a success that Prabhu, Hammadelniel and their friend James won the Minnesota Cup competition, and took home $25,000 to move the invention forward. "I don't think I expected it to be something that after a year, was still so meaningful to all three of us," said Hammadelniel. The goal now is to take their invention a step further. They're hoping these plant traps become a common site in gardens across the state. "It's going to be absolutely cool to see this in stores," said Prabhu. "I hope we can reach as many people and as many beetles as possible," said Hammadelniel. "That's really the goal. If we can continue to inspire students to innovate in college, as well as solving a real problem, I'd feel really at peace." Prabhu says the official name is the Alure beetle trap, Alure LLC. Their next step is to do more research this summer and then get Environmental Protection Agency registration, which would give them the rights to manufacture, market and sell the trap.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Advanced Technology Company holds its General Assembly & approves a 20% bonus share distribution
Kuwait: Advanced Technology Company (ATC), the leading provider of comprehensive healthcare and environmental solutions for both the public and private sectors, held its Annual and Extraordinary General Assembly for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. During the meeting, shareholders approved all items on the agenda, including the Board of Directors' recommendation to distribute bonus shares at a rate of 20% of the issued and paid-up capital, in a move that reflects shareholders' confidence in the company's future strategy. In 2024, ATC achieved a notable growth of 6.3% in total revenues, reaching KD 179.2 million, compared to KD 168.6 million in 2023. Recurring revenues—which include maintenance services and medical supplies—also grew by 4% year-on-year, reaching KD 109.2 million, reflecting the company's stable and efficient operational performance. The healthcare services sector, launched in 2023, contributed KD 30 million, representing 16.8% of total revenues, underscoring the sector's strategic importance and significant growth potential on the long-term. Regarding profitability, net profit attributable to the shareholders of the parent company reached KD 0.7 million in 2024, with earnings per share standing at 4.69 fils. Strategic Healthcare Projects Underway ATC continues to execute several major projects in the healthcare infrastructure sector, most notably Al-Sabah Hospital and the Kuwait Cancer Control Center, both expected to be completed in 2025. The successful completion of the New Maternity Hospital project in 2024 marked a significant addition to the country's healthcare system and supported national efforts to enhance and expand medical infrastructure. A Forward-Looking Vision Driven by Innovation and Growth ATC is advancing an ambitious growth strategy aimed at accelerating development within the healthcare sector, with a strong emphasis on innovation and the cultivation of strategic partnerships both locally and internationally. Through these efforts, the company continues to strengthen its market leadership in Kuwait while delivering added value to shareholders by offering cutting-edge solutions aligned with the evolving demands of a modern healthcare system. About Advanced Technology Company (ATC) Established in 1981, Advanced Technology Company (ATC) has become a significant player in the medical sector, delivering and servicing medical equipment and supplies in Kuwait for over 43 years. ATC maintains strategic partnerships with over 350 global healthcare brands, providing products and integrated solutions that meet the demands of a modern healthcare ecosystem. The company operates across key sectors including diagnostic imaging systems, lifecare solutions and health facility infrastructure, laboratory environmental management and automation, medical and surgical solutions, pharmaceuticals, healthcare manpower services, homecare services, and dental solutions.
