Wrapping up the week, we’re talking about the world’s largest CO2 capture project, Australia’s move to lift the long-standing blood donation ban for gay and bisexual men, and how ducks are helping Indian farmers to grow crops without pesticides.
Norway unveils world’s largest industrial carbon capture and storage project
Norway has officially launched the world’s biggest full-scale industrial carbon capture and storage project, investing billions in public funding to curb emissions from some of the most polluting industries, including cement production.
Australia ends ban on blood and plasma donations by gay and bisexual men
Australia will eliminate most sexual activity-based restrictions for plasma donations, according to the national blood service, Lifeblood. Originally intended to reduce HIV transmission risk, the rules will start being phased out next month. The reform is expected to open the door for an additional 625,000 potential donors, following similar changes in the UK and US.
Twice-a-year shot that could prevent HIV transmission approved
The drug lenacapavir showed near-total prevention of new infections in two major studies involving high-risk individuals, outperforming daily pills that are often missed. While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, experts say this long-acting shot may be the most promising alternative yet.
EU parliament approves mandatory microchipping for all cats and dogs
In order to tackle the illegal pet trade and improve animal welfare standards across the EU, members of the European Parliament have voted to require microchipping and registration for all cats and dogs.
Wildtype has received the FDA’s first-ever green light for a safety consultation on lab-grown fish. The company becomes just the fourth to gain regulatory approval to sell cell-cultivated animal products in the US.
Saliva-based hormone test gains approval as contraceptive
The device, called Minilab, developed by Berlin-based women’s health tech company Inne, monitors daily changes in saliva to track progesterone levels and is expected to roll out across Europe this year. Previously used to help users conceive, it has now been shown to be 92% effective at preventing pregnancy, and is comparable to the pill but without hormonal side effects.
Old smartphones get new life as mini data centres for marine research
With over 1.2 billion smartphones produced annually and most replaced every few years, these discarded devices usually end up unused or as e-waste. Researchers have found a low-cost way, just €8, to repurpose old smartphones into tools for tracking marine life and public transport.
A new mobile game encourages players to explore nature while removing invasive plants, and rewards them financially for their efforts. This year, seven municipalities across Sweden are piloting the game, which has already been successfully used in Finland for three years, eliminating invasive species from 7,000 recorded locations last year. The game is also available in Canada.
How ducks are helping Indian farmers grow crops without pesticides
This Kharif season, farmers across India are using eco-friendly practices to boost their yields and cut back on chemical dependence. From using ducks to naturally control pests to planting climate-resilient seeds, these methods are cutting costs whilst also protecting the environment and encouraging healthier harvests.
After last year’s wave of anti-tourism protests caught worldwide attention, this summer sees tensions resurfacing, but also new solutions. Switzerland is powering its national train network with hydroelectric energy under its Swisstainable scheme, and Berlin is offering rewards for tourists who travel sustainably.
