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24.03.2023
THEME: WORLD

A Troubling Tide: Uganda's New Anti-Gay Law and the Struggle for LGBT Rights in Africa

The situation of LGBT rights in Africa presents a complex and ever-evolving landscape. While many countries worldwide have moved toward greater acceptance of LGBT individuals, Africa remains a continent where homosexuality is criminalized in more than 30 of its 54 countries. The struggle for LGBT rights in Africa is a matter of achieving legal recognition and combating deeply ingrained cultural attitudes and prejudices.

In late March 2023, Uganda's parliament passed sweeping anti-gay legislation that proposes severe penalties for same-sex relationships, with broad public support. The new law, which follows years of erosion of civil liberties under President Yoweri Museveni's increasingly authoritarian rule, has sparked reactions from residents and international activists. Many citizens of Kampala, Uganda's capital, have praised the legislation, citing cultural norms and traditional values. Some residents express happiness with the bill's passage, stating that culturally, they do not accept homosexuality or the LGBTQ community. Others agree with the parliamentary decision, saying they cannot take such behaviour from their children.

LGBT activists have expressed disappointment and concern over the newly passed legislation in Uganda. The approved bill stipulates that anyone who engages in same-sex activity or identifies as LGBT could face up to 10 years in prison. In the bill's final version, offenders could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty for "aggravated" offences. The bill will next go to President Museveni, who can use his veto or sign it into law. However, the 78-year-old leader has consistently signalled that he does not prioritize the issue and would prefer to maintain good relations with Western donors and investors. Robert Amoafo, an advocate for Pan Africa ILGA, questioned the necessity of this second attempt at criminalizing LGBT people, given the lack of evidence supporting claims that they threaten society. Amoafo argued that the Ugandan parliament's decision is unfounded and stems from ignorance. He highlighted that in countries where LGBT individuals live in peace, none of the negative consequences cited by opponents of LGBT rights materializes. Amoafo also emphasized the need to protect LGBT individuals from violence, as mandated by the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and the African Commission's Resolution 275.

The new anti-gay law in Uganda stands in stark contrast to the progress made in other parts of the world, where an increasing number of countries have legalized same-sex marriage and extended protections to LGBT individuals. This troubling development in Uganda highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBT rights in Africa. It raises concerns about the potential for similar legislation in other countries on the continent. As activists continue to advocate for the rights of LGBT individuals in Africa, the international community must support their efforts and condemn laws that criminalize and discriminate against this vulnerable population. Governments, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens worldwide must work together to promote understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of LGBT individuals as equal members of society.

The passage of Uganda's new anti-gay law underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBT community in Africa and serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in the global struggle for equal rights. As the world continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize every individual's inherent worth and dignity, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The fight for LGBT rights is a matter of legal recognition and protection and a battle against deeply rooted cultural prejudices and ignorance. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the rights of all individuals are respected, and the progress made elsewhere in the world serves as a beacon of hope for those who continue to struggle for equality and acceptance in Africa.

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24.03.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

Tackling Forever Chemicals: A Promising New Approach to Clean Up Our Water

Imagine a group of chemicals so persistent that they stick around for decades, polluting our water and environment with potentially harmful effects on human health. These chemicals, known as "forever chemicals" or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the late 1940s, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foams. Unfortunately, their widespread use and resistance to natural degradation processes have led to global contamination of water supplies and the environment.

As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of PFAS grow, scientists have been working tirelessly to find practical solutions to treat and remove these chemicals from water sources. Two recent studies have shed light on promising new approaches that could help us tackle the problem of forever chemicals and ensure safe drinking water for everyone. A first study focused on hydrothermal reactions to break down PFAS in contaminated water. The researchers found that high temperatures and pressures could effectively degrade PFAS, reducing their concentration by up to 99% in just a few hours. This degradation process was further enhanced by the presence of catalysts, such as manganese dioxide, which increased the efficiency of the reaction. Notably, the hydrothermal treatment did not produce harmful by-products, making it a safe and environmentally friendly option for treating PFAS-contaminated water. In a second study, scientists investigated an electrochemical approach to treat water polluted with PFAS. They studied the impact of different variables and the contributions of various radicals to the decomposition of these chemicals. Their findings revealed that specific combinations of current density, stirrer speed, and other factors could effectively break down PFAS in the water. Additionally, they found that certain conditions, such as acidic environments and high temperatures, could accelerate the degradation process. This electrochemical method also showed promise in breaking down other PFAS with different chemical structures.

These studies highlight innovative methods for treating PFAS-contaminated water, offering hope for a cleaner and safer future. Using high temperatures and pressures or electrochemical techniques, scientists have demonstrated that it is possible to break down even the most stubborn forever chemicals, reducing their concentration in the water and mitigating their harmful effects on the environment and human health. While more research is needed to refine these techniques and make them widely applicable, these findings represent a significant breakthrough in our efforts to combat PFAS pollution. As we face increasing pressure to provide clean drinking water to a growing global population, these innovative approaches could play a vital role in ensuring access to safe water for everyone. In conclusion, tackling the issue of forever chemicals is crucial for our environment, health, and future generations. The promising results of these studies bring us one step closer to a world where our water sources are free from the persistent pollution of PFAS. By embracing innovative solutions and investing in further research, we can overcome the challenges posed by these chemicals and protect our planet for years to come.

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22.03.2023
THEME: HEALTH

The Balancing Act: Hormonal Contraceptives and Breast Cancer Risk

Since introducing the first oral contraceptive pill in 1960, hormonal contraceptives have revolutionized family planning and women's health. These medications regulate hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, to prevent ovulation and, thus, pregnancy. As a result, millions of women worldwide have gained greater control over their reproductive choices, leading to broader social and economic impacts. Hormonal contraceptives come in various forms, including combined oral contraceptives (COCs), which contain estrogen and progesterone, and progestin-only contraceptives, known as "mini-pills." These progestin-only contraceptives have become increasingly popular due to their suitability for women who cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives, such as those breastfeeding or at increased risk of blood clots.

However, recent research has shed light on the potential health risks associated with hormonal contraceptives, particularly the increased risk of breast cancer. According to a study by the University of Oxford, all types of hormonal contraceptives, including progestin-only pills, carry a small but significant increase in breast cancer risk. This new research builds on previous work that showed a similar risk for combined oral contraceptives. The data indicated a 20-30% higher risk of breast cancer in women using progestin-only contraceptives.

The absolute risk of developing breast cancer due to hormonal contraceptives varies depending on the age at which they are used. For example, the excess risk of breast cancer in women using oral contraceptives for five years ranges from eight in 100,000 for those aged 16 to 20 to 265 in 100,000 for those aged 35 to 39—notably, the increased risk declines in the years following the discontinuation of the pill. Breast cancer risk is generally lower in women under 50. Despite these findings, experts stress that the risk is small and should not deter most women from using hormonal contraceptives. While they may cause concern, it is essential to consider the bigger picture. Hormonal contraceptives also offer protection against other types of cancer, such as ovarian and womb cancer, with this protection lasting for decades after discontinuing their use. Consequently, women must weigh the pros and cons of hormonal contraceptives, considering both the increased breast cancer risk and the protective benefits against other cancers.

Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of progestin-only contraceptives on breast cancer risk, as there are limitations to the existing studies. For instance, these studies did not consider the past use of hormonal contraceptives, the duration of progestin-only contraceptive use, or the influence of family history on breast cancer risk. Moreover, breast cancer is relatively rare in young women, which means that a slight increase in risk during contraceptive use results in only a few additional cases. Considering the overall risks and benefits, deciding to use hormonal contraceptives remains a personal choice that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. To further reduce cancer risk, experts recommend lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and reducing alcohol consumption. In conclusion, the recent findings on the increased risk of breast cancer associated with hormonal contraceptives, including progestin-only contraceptives, highlight the complex balance between the benefits and risks of these medications. As science continues to unravel the full implications of contraceptive use, women must navigate these controversial waters and make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Ultimately, understanding the potential consequences of these findings will empower women to make choices that best suit their needs and circumstances.

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21.03.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

Turning the Tide: Decoding the IPCC's Urgent Call to Action on Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. It has far-reaching implications for our environment, ecosystems, and the survival of future generations. At the forefront of efforts to understand and mitigate climate change is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a scientific body established in 1988 under the United Nations. The IPCC is responsible for providing a comprehensive and objective assessment of the current state of knowledge on climate change, its potential impacts, and strategies for adaptation and mitigation. Recently, the IPCC released a crucial report, the sixth assessment report (AR6), which provides a sobering analysis of the current state of the climate crisis and the urgent need for action. The AR6 synthesizes six critical pieces of research completed over the past five years, and its findings are deeply concerning.

According to the report, the world is on the brink of irrevocable damage due to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as agreed upon by governments worldwide, is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. As of now, global temperatures have already risen by 1.1°C, and experts predict that we are likely to breach the 1.5°C threshold in the 2030s, despite numerous political commitments. The report highlights that the key focus should be mitigating the effects of overshooting the 1.5°C target and reversing course as quickly as possible. Overshooting is risky, as it could trigger irreversible tipping points, such as the melting of permafrost, which would release vast amounts of warming gases. The world will require expensive and unproven technologies to come back from overshooting, such as carbon capture, to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

The IPCC report also emphasizes that continuing fossil fuel use, including coal, oil, and gas, is incompatible with a sustainable future for our planet. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are not only becoming more affordable. Still, they are also crucial in mitigating climate change. Governments must act urgently to phase out fossil fuels and transition to low-carbon energy systems. One of the report's key messages is that individual actions can make a significant difference in addressing climate change. The IPCC encourages people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles by shifting to plant-based diets, reducing air travel, and promoting walkable and bikeable cities. Governments are crucial in making these low-carbon choices more accessible and affordable for individuals. The decisions we make today will have lasting effects for thousands of years. The report warns that sustained warming between 2 and 3°C would lead to the irreversible loss of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets over multiple millennia. Additionally, other climate tipping points would be crossed at lower levels of warming, impacting glaciers and vital ecosystems. To avoid the catastrophic consequences of climate change, governments must increase their commitments before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This would help keep global warming within or around 1.5°C by 2100. The situation's urgency cannot be overstated, as our climate and social systems are already under significant strain.

The AR6 report serves as a scientific guide and a political tool in the ongoing debate on climate action. The future of fossil fuels is increasingly becoming a political issue, with some countries pushing for the phase-out of oil and gas in addition to coal. The IPCC report will play a central role in discussions at the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, where nations will convene to discuss further climate commitments. In conclusion, the IPCC's sixth assessment report is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action on climate change. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly, transition to low-carbon energy sources, and adopt more sustainable lifestyles. The future of our planet and the well-being of generations depend on the choices we make today. As the IPCC report demonstrates, the time to act is now. Only through collective and decisive action can we hope to avert the most catastrophic consequences of climate change.

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20.03.2023
THEME: ECONOMY

Inflation and Climate Change: a Global Battle for Green Investments is ongoing

As global inflation continues to be a pressing concern, the United States took bold steps with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to curb inflation and drive green investments, passed on August 16, 2022. The United States introduced the IRA to combat inflation and reshape the economy by promoting green investments. The act, a part of President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" agenda, allocates a whopping $369 billion to climate and energy policies. While the act has been lauded for its focus on the environment, it has also attracted concerns across the Atlantic. This move is raising eyebrows in the European Union, as member countries worry about the potential impact on their economies and industries.

The European Union, already dealing with the consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act, is worried about the potential impact on its economy and industries. European companies are considering relocating to the US to take advantage of the IRA's generous subsidies. This has led to calls within the EU for a swift response to stabilize the situation. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans for a new Net-Zero Industry Act to rival the IRA, targeting green industries and promoting European cleantech innovation. This proposed legislation underscores the EU's determination to protect its economy and growing green sector. The EU also aims to cut red tape, streamline regulatory processes, and increase green investments to maintain competitiveness. A nation that is being mainly put under pressure by the IRA is Germany, as German companies are considering investing more heavily in the United States. There are concerns about what this could mean for the EU's economy. Several projects in Germany have been delayed or put on hold due to the IRA's subsidies, raising questions about the future of the EU as an attractive location for green investments. While some experts argue that there is no immediate threat to the EU's industrial sector, the IRA has undeniably increased competition.

In response to the IRA, the EU is considering countermeasures, including more freedom for member states to provide subsidies. However, this has also led to fears of a "subsidy spiral" that could prove detrimental in the long run. The ongoing energy crisis, fueled partly by the conflict in Ukraine, has put additional pressure on the EU, favouring the US in the green investment race. This development further complicates EU-US relations and could have significant repercussions for the two economies. While the future remains uncertain, it is clear that both the EU and the US are locked in a battle for green investments and dominance in the clean tech sector. The outcome of this struggle will depend on how each bloc navigates the challenges ahead and the strategic decisions they make in the coming years. The Inflation Reduction Act has sparked global competition for green investments. The European Union strives to counterbalance its impact on their industries and economy. As the energy crisis unfolds and the race for green dominance continues, the future of EU-US relations and the global green economy hangs in the balance.

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20.03.2023
THEME: WORLD

Ukraine crisis update: Putin is incriminated by the International Court, as Russia gains territory and China starts to act as mediator

The ongoing war in Ukraine has been a source of tension between the European Union (EU) and Russia in recent months. Despite efforts from China to broker peace talks, the conflict shows no signs of ending. Tensions between the US and Russia are escalating, with both presidents publicly appearing on the issue. In this article, we summarise the main events from February 21 to today. To read about previous events, please follow our link below. On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the West was responsible for "fueling the Ukrainian conflict" and announced that Russia would suspend its participation in the New START nuclear weapons treaty. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg responded by accusing Putin of starting the war. Tensions continued to intensify at the United Nations (UN) as the 193-member UN General Assembly called for an end to the conflict. On February 24, the UN council voted on a resolution against Russia and Putin. On the same day, China released an individual initiative for conflict resolution with a proposal of 12 points, including respecting the sovereignty of all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality, ceasing hostilities, resolving the humanitarian crisis, stopping unilateral sanctions, and keeping industrial and supply chains stable. On February 28, clashes between protesters and police erupted in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, and there were fears of a possible Russian plan to subvert the democratic order of the country and organize a coup d'état. Russia also accused the Ukrainian army of attempting to target civilian infrastructure through drone attacks on the northeastern Black Sea coast. Tensions were confirmed at the G20 meeting of Foreign Ministers, which took place from March 2 to March 4 in New Delhi. A panel of the Group of 20 on March 4 ended without a consensus on the Ukraine war as China joined Russia in refusing to support a demand for Moscow to cease hostilities. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke about the conflict in a speech to the German Parliament, asking China not to help Russia with weapons.

On March 6, the head of Russia's Wagner private army complained about not getting the ammunition it needed from Moscow while Russian troops continued to try to seize the eastern city of Bakhmut from Ukraine. On March 9, Russia pounded Ukraine with missiles and endangered the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant by isolating it from the power grid. In weeks, the most significant Russian strikes on Ukraine killed at least six people and caused power outages nationwide. On March 17, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Putin over war crimes, focusing on the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia since Moscow's invasion in 2022. The ICC cannot arrest suspects without cooperating with a country's government, but Mr Putin could now be stopped if he sets foot in any of the court's 123 member states. He is only the third president to be issued with an ICC arrest warrant. On March 20, China's President Xi Jinping visited Putin in Moscow to follow up on its previously declared role as a mediator in resolving the Ukraine crisis. The two leaders discussed China's 12-point position paper on the Ukraine conflict, which includes a call for dialogue and respect for all countries' territorial sovereignty. However, Western nations criticized China's proposals, saying they were heavy on grand principles but light on practical solutions.

In conclusion, the situation in Ukraine remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight. The conflict has not only affected Ukraine but has also strained relationships between major world powers. While some efforts to broker peace talks have been made, they have failed. The ongoing war in Ukraine is a significant international relations issue and is closely watched by the world community.

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19.03.2023
THEME: TECHNOLOGY

Organoid Intelligence: bridging the gap between the human brain and AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Imagine a world where biological computers harness the power of the human brain to solve complex problems and unlock the secrets of our most intricate organs. It may sound like a far-fetched sci-fi novel, but recent advancements in organoid intelligence could make this a reality sooner than we think. In a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Science, a team of researchers led by Dr Thomas Hartung has proposed a fascinating plan to develop organoid intelligence. This cutting-edge field combines the power of brain organoids and AI. Brain organoids are lab-grown tissues resembling organs derived from stem cells, containing neurons capable of brain-like functions. The researchers believe these organoids could be combined into biological hardware, more energy-efficient than supercomputers, and capable of revolutionizing pharmaceutical testing, providing insight into the human brain and changing the future of computing.

While AI has made remarkable progress in recent years, it still cannot fully replicate the human brain's capabilities. Our brains are more energy-efficient, better at learning, and more adept at making complex logical decisions than any AI system. Organoid intelligence seeks to bridge this gap by leveraging the best of both worlds – the human brain's power and AI's computational prowess. Biocomputing, as envisioned by the researchers, would surpass current technological limits by compacting computational power and increasing efficiency. It would allow for a better understanding of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, and offer new ways to study the human brain by performing experiments that would be ethically impossible on living brains. By integrating organoid intelligence with AI, researchers could create a mutually beneficial communication channel that would enable them to explore each other's capabilities and unlock new possibilities in human medicine, cognition, and computing.

Although organoid intelligence is still in its infancy, the potential impact on human medicine, cognition, and computing is immense. For example, brain organoids could be developed from skin samples of patients with neural disorders, allowing scientists to test different medicines and study the cognitive aspects of these conditions. Furthermore, researchers could use organoid intelligence to investigate and understand complex mental issues in neurological disorders such as autism. Developing organoid intelligence to the level of a computer with the brainpower of a mouse could take decades, but there have already been promising results. In a recent experiment, a team in Melbourne, Australia, demonstrated that brain cells could learn to play Pong, a simple video game. This achievement already fulfils the basic definition of organoid intelligence. The researchers believe it's just a matter of building the tools and technologies to realize their full potential. However, the development of organoid intelligence also raises ethical concerns, such as whether these brain organoids could develop consciousness or feel pain. The researchers are committed to addressing these ethical issues by partnering with ethicists and involving the public in the research process. The convergence of human cognition and machine intelligence through organoid intelligence presents a groundbreaking opportunity to advance our understanding of the brain and revolutionize AI. As technology and biology race forward, we must ensure that the ethical and moral discussions keep pace to prevent technology from plunging into a moral abyss. As we stand at the cusp of this exciting new frontier, the possibilities are endless, and the impact on society could be transformative.

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15.03.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

Air pollution may hinder the reproduction of insects and drastically lead to population decline

Fruit flies reproduce through sexual reproduction, which involves the fusion of gametes from male and female fruit flies. Female fruit flies select their mates through the scent of their pheromones. Mating typically involves a brief courtship ritual. The male attempts to convince the female to mate by performing a series of behaviours such as wing vibration, leg tapping, and genital licking. Once the male has successfully mated with the female, he deposits a package of sperm, called a spermatophore, into the female's reproductive tract. After mating, the female fruit fly begins laying eggs on suitable food sources, such as rotting fruit or vegetables. She can lay up to 500 eggs during her lifetime, with each egg developing into a larva that undergoes several moults before pupating and eventually emerging as an adult fruit fly.

Environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability, highly influence the reproductive cycle of fruit flies. A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications led by Markus Knader, a researcher of evolutionary neuroethology at the Max Plank Institute, shows that ozone pollution can disrupt the male's ability to emit their characteristic odour (pheromones) therefore posing a threat to how successfully fruit flies and other insects reproduce. Scientists tested nine species of Drosophila fruit flies by exposing half the males from each species to ambient air and half to an atmosphere with ozone levels at 100 parts per billion. Average industrial ozone levels are roughly 40 parts per billion, but regions like India, China or Mexico experience magnitudes as high as 210 parts per billion. They found the males exposed to higher ozone levels started emitting fewer pheromones. As a result, they had trouble attracting female partners. Insect pheromones are based on chains of molecules latched together by two carbon molecules. Still, ozone can break up these carbon bonds and dissolve the pheromone strings. The effect in nature is likely to be amplified, as ozone is just one of many environmental pollutants that can do this.

It is essential to highlight that in the lab, it does not matter whether the male has to wait one or two minutes longer to mate. Still, in the field, there is a lot of selection pressure. The flies must be efficient, so they must give everything to find the female as soon as possible, copulate and fertilise her eggs before a predator kills them. What fruit flies are experiencing could be happening for several other insects, including moths, ants, or pollinators like bees, who not only mate but also communicate and coordinate their colonies and nests with unique pheromone signatures.

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15.03.2023
THEME: ECONOMY

The banking system is under intense pressure in the stock market worldwide

At its core, a financial crisis is a sudden and severe disruption in the normal functioning of the financial system. It can be triggered by various factors, from excessive borrowing and risky investments to market bubbles and regulatory failures. Whatever the cause, the impact can be devastating, with millions of people losing their jobs, homes, and savings. The most recent crisis is often called the 2008 global financial crisis. A severe economic downturn started in the United States and quickly spread to other countries. The crisis was triggered by a combination of factors, including the housing bubble, subprime mortgage lending, and the widespread use of complex financial instruments. When the bubble burst and many mortgages began to default, it led to a credit crunch, a severe contraction in lending, and a deep recession. The crisis had far-reaching consequences, including widespread job losses, foreclosures, and a long-lasting impact on the global economy.

The global banking system has weathered many storms over the years, but the next crisis may be just around the corner. As economies worldwide continue to struggle with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the banking system is hit particularly hard by rising interest rates. Last week, on Friday, March 10, a well-known institution - the Silicon Valley Bank, SVB - collapsed within a few hours. SVB was one of America’s 20 largest commercial banks, with $209 billion in total assets at the end of last year. It is now under the control of the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation after it could not pay back customers who withdrew their deposits. The collapse of SVB had a knock-on effect, with the four largest US banks losing more than $50 billion in market value. Bank shares in Asia and Europe also fell sharply on Friday. In an extraordinary action to restore confidence in America’s banking system, the Biden administration on Sunday guaranteed that customers of the failed Silicon Valley Bank will have access to all their money starting Monday. In a related action, the government shut down Signature Bank. Recently, this regional bank has been teetering on the brink of collapse. Signature’s customers will receive a similar deal, ensuring that even uninsured deposits will be returned to them Monday.

Although the prompt action of the US government has reinsured investors to some extent, in recent days, the stock market value of most banks in the US and EU has seen a steep downturn. A bank that is particularly under pressure is Credit Suisse. In 2021, Credit Suisse faced significant financial losses due to its exposure to the collapse of Archegos Capital Management and the Greensill Capital scandal, resulting in a sharp drop in its stock market value. The recent events added further pressure, and the value of the shares dropped by nearly 40% in the last month. Similarly, HSBC has seen a drop of more than 10%, Barclays and UBS about 17%, and Goldman Sachs 18% in the last month. Hopefully, this will not be the beginning of a new global crisis for which new unknown dynamics may be unveiled.

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13.03.2023
THEME: ENTERTAINMENT

Oscars were assigned last night in Los Angeles

The 95th edition of the Oscar, one of the most highly anticipated events in the entertainment industry, occurred last night, March 12th, in Los Angeles to honour the best movie releases of the year. The most nominated film was "Everything Everywhere All at Once", which won seven awards, including best picture. The manic multiverse fantasy about a fractured family swept up in an interdimensional adventure also saw wins for best actress, best director, best-supporting actor, best supporting actress, best editing and best original screenplay. Michelle Yeoh has become the second woman of colour to win the best actress Oscar following in the footsteps of Halle Berry back in 2002. "For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility," she said before adding: "Ladies, don't ever let anyone tell you you are past your prime." Ke Huy Quan was named the best supporting actor for his role in the film, beating out Barry Keoghan and Judd Hirsch. He has become the first Vietnam-born actor to win an Oscar. "Mom, I just won an Oscar!" he said tearfully. "They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe this is happening to me." It was the first time multiple Asian actors won Oscars in the same year. Jamie Lee Curtis was also named best supporting actress triumphing over Angela Bassett and Kerry Condon. The price of the best actor went to Brendan Fraser for his lead role in "The Whale", beating out Austin Butler and Colin Farrell. Netflix's German war epic "All Quiet on the Western Front" brought home four awards: international feature film, original score, production design and cinematography.

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10.03.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

An infectious virus has been found frozen alive in permafrost after 48.500 years

Permafrost is a layer of frozen soil, sediment, and rock that remains at or below freezing (0°C or 32°F) for at least two consecutive years. It is found in regions with sub-zero temperatures, typically at high latitudes in the Arctic and subarctic regions and in high-altitude areas. Permafrost is a critical component of the Earth's cryosphere. Its extent and characteristics impact global climate, ecosystems, infrastructure, and human communities. However, with the ongoing effects of global warming, permafrost is melting at an unprecedented rate. This permafrost thawing has severe implications for the environment and the global climate. The thawing of permafrost is a significant feedback loop in the climate system, and its effects can be felt far beyond the areas directly impacted by permafrost. As permafrost thaws, it releases trapped carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and further exacerbating global warming. Additionally, melting permafrost can cause physical instability of the land, leading to erosion, landslides, and changes in hydrology, which can have severe consequences for human communities and infrastructure in the affected regions.

Permafrost can also contain microorganisms such as viruses that, after lying dormant for ten thousand years, could endanger animal and human health. To better understand the risks of frozen viruses, Jean-Michel Claverie, an Emeritus professor of medicine and genomics at the Aix-Marseille University School of Medicine in Marseille, France, has tested earth samples taken from Siberian permafrost to see whether any viral particles contained therein are still infectious. He's searching for what he describes as "zombie viruses", — and he has found some. In his research recently published in the journal Viruses, Claverie and his team isolated several ancient virus strains from multiple permafrost samples taken from seven different places across Siberia and showed they could each infect cultured amoeba cells. That amoeba-infecting viruses are still infectious after so long, and this can be an indication of a potentially more significant problem. Traces of viruses and bacteria that can infect humans have been previously found preserved in permafrost. A lung sample from a woman's body exhumed in 1997 from permafrost in a village on the Seward Peninsula of Alaska contained genomic material from the influenza strain responsible for the 1918 pandemic. In 2012, scientists confirmed the 300-year-old mummified remains of a woman buried in Siberia had the genetic signatures of the viruses that cause smallpox. Understanding permafrost and its complex interactions with the environment is crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change and adapting to a changing world. The best course of action would be to try and halt the thaw and the broader climate crisis and keep these hazards entombed in the permafrost for good.

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10.03.2023
THEME: POLITICS

Xi Jinping is formally elected president of China for a third mandate

Xi Jinping was born in Beijing, China, on June 15, 1953. His father, Xi Zhongxun, was a prominent revolutionary leader and one of the founding members of the Communist Party of China. In 1969, during the Cultural Revolution, Xi Jinping was sent to live and work in rural China as part of a government program to reeducate urban youth. He spent several years doing manual labour and studying Marxist ideology. In the 1970s, Xi Jinping returned to Beijing and began his political career in various government positions. He became the party secretary of Fujian Province in 1999. Then he moved on to become the party secretary of Zhejiang Province in 2002.

In 2007, Xi Jinping was elected to the Politburo Standing Committee, the highest decision-making body of the Communist Party of China. He was seen as a rising star in the party and was widely expected to succeed Hu Jintao as China's top leader. In 2012, he became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and the Chairman of the Central Military Commission, making him the supreme leader of China. He became the President of China in 2013. In 2018, the National People's Congress abolished term limits for the presidency, allowing Xi to remain in power indefinitely. Today March 10, Xi Jinping secured a precedent-breaking third term as president of China during a parliamentary session in which he tightened his control of the world's second-largest economy as it emerges from a COVID slump and diplomatic challenges mount. Nearly 3,000 members of China's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), voted unanimously in the Great Hall of the People for the 69-year-old Xi in an election without any other candidate.

During his tenure, Xi has launched a massive anti-corruption campaign, cracked down on dissent and human rights activists, and promoted the Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure development strategy. He has also increased China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait and implemented policies to strengthen China's economy and enhance its technological capabilities. With this third term confirmation, Xi is taking China on a more authoritarian path since assuming control a decade ago, amid increasingly adversarial relations with the U.S. and its allies over Taiwan, Beijing's backing of Russia, trade and human rights. Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Xi on his third term. The two sealed a "no limits" partnership between China and Russia in February last year, days before Russia invaded Ukraine.

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08.03.2023
THEME: WORLD

Political sentencing in Belarus convicts a Nobel Prize for Peace

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe that gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has a long and complex history, marked by periods of foreign rule, including Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian, as well as occupation by Nazi Germany during World War II. Since gaining independence, Belarus has been ruled by authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994. Lukashenko has been accused of human rights abuses, suppression of opposition, and rigged elections. In August 2020, Lukashenko faced a significant challenge to his rule when he claimed a landslide victory in a presidential election that was widely considered rigged. The opposition leader, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, disputed the result, and large protests erupted nationwide. The protests were met with a violent crackdown by the government. Thousands of people were arrested, with reports of torture and other abuses in detention. The international community, including the European Union and the United States, has condemned the actions of the Belarusian government and imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and his associates.

Ales Bialiatski is a prominent Belarusian human rights activist and the founder of the human rights organization Viasna (Spring). He was born in 1962 in Grodno in the Soviet Union. Bialiatski continued his activism throughout the 2000s, documenting human rights abuses in Belarus and advocating for the release of political prisoners. He also worked to raise awareness of the situation in Belarus internationally, meeting with European Union officials and participating in international human rights conferences. In 2011 he was arrested by the Belarusian government and charged with tax evasion. The charges were widely believed to be politically motivated. During his imprisonment, Bialiatski continued to be a vocal advocate for human rights. He was awarded the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize in 2013. He was released in 2014 following a presidential pardon. Since his release, Bialiatski has continued to work as an activist and human rights defender in Belarus. In 2021 he was arrested again as he was among the individuals and organizations targeted by a government crackdown on civil society and the opposition following disputed presidential elections. In 2022 he was awarded the Peace Nobel Prize. Although his international figure is widely recognized worldwide, on Friday, March 2, he was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. Shortly after, on March 6, the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who lives in exile, was sentenced to 15 years.

The reactions to the news were quick. A series of mass protests followed met with thousands of arrests, cases of torture, the death of several demonstrators, harsh sentences and forced exile. Tikhanovskaya vowed to continue her struggle and political activities. She labelled the trials a "farce". "Today I don't think about my sentence. I am thinking of thousands of innocents, detained and those sentenced to real prison terms," she said on Twitter. "I will not stop until each of them is released." The EU is following these recent events very closely, condemning Lukashenko's regime and supporting the civil society of Belarus. In general, the international relationship between Belarus and the Western countries is gradually deteriorating on all fronts. The West has imposed several rounds of sanctions against Minsk for its ongoing crackdown after the 2020 elections. However, the regime still enjoys unwavering support from Moscow. Belarus agreed to serve as a staging ground for Russian troops to attack Ukraine in February 2022; however, the Belarusian army has taken no direct part in the fighting yet.

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07.03.2023
THEME: HEALTH

High-fat ketogenic diets are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases

The ketogenic diet, or keto diet for short, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has gained popularity recently as a weight loss and health improvement strategy. The diet involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fats to put the body into ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose, leading to weight loss. However, recent evidence highlights the negative impact that this diet can have on human health.

A recent research led by Dr Iulia Iatan with the Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic, St. Paul’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Heart Lung Innovation in Vancouver found that regular consumption of a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat was associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol – or “bad” cholesterol – and a higher risk of heart disease. This study contributes to the scientific literature and suggests the harms outweigh the benefits. In the study, researchers defined a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet as 45% of total daily calories from fat and 25% from carbohydrates. The researchers compared the diets of 305 people eating an LCHF diet with about 1,200 people eating a standard diet, using health information from the United Kingdom database UK Biobank, which followed people for at least a decade. The researchers found that people on the LCHF diet had higher levels of low-density lipoprotein, also known as LDL, cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B. Apolipoprotein B is a protein that coats LDL cholesterol proteins and can predict heart disease better than elevated levels of LDL cholesterol can. The researchers also noticed that the LCHF diet participants’ total fat intake was higher in saturated fat and had double the consumption of animal sources (33%) compared to those in the control group (16%).

After an average of 11.8 years of follow-up and after adjustment for other risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and smoking, people on an LCHF diet had more than two times higher risk of having several major cardiovascular events, such as blockages in the arteries that needed to be opened with stenting procedures, heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. It is essential to highlight that this study can only show an association between the diet and an increased risk for major cardiac events, not a causal relationship because it was observational. However, their findings are worth further study, especially when approximately 1 in 5 Americans report being on a low-carb, keto-like or full keto diet.

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06.03.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

UN members reach a historic agreement to protect Earth's seas

It is a scientific fact that human life depends on oceans and their biodiversity. In the last decades, an incredible number of species in the sea have reduced in number so much that they are now at risk of extinction. The scientific community found that under business-as-usual global temperature increases, marine systems will likely experience mass extinctions on par with past great extinctions. Therefore, protecting the biodiversity created in the seas in the last 50 million years is now a critical and urgent global matter. In late August, a fifth round of negotiations for a UN ocean treaty to protect and manage the high seas failed in New York. However, last Saturday, March 4, these negotiations concluded positively. For the first time, the United Nations members have agreed on a unified treaty to protect biodiversity on the high seas. This marks the end of 15 years of arduous negotiations and a historic moment for our species' future survival.

The exact content of the treaty has yet to be released. Still, the negotiations focused on four key areas: (1) Establishing marine protected areas for more than 30% of the earth's surface; (2) Improving environmental impact assessments; (3) Providing finance and capacity building to developing countries; (4) Sharing of marine genetic resources - biological material from plants and animals in the ocean that can have benefits for society, such as pharmaceuticals, industrial processes and food. One of the most sensitive issues revolves around sharing possible profits gained from developing genetic resources in international waters, where pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetic companies hope to find miracle drugs, products or cures. Such costly research at sea is primarily the prerogative of wealthy nations. Still, developing countries want to be included in potential windfall profits drawn from marine resources that belong to no one. Similar issues of equity between the Global North and South arise in other international negotiations, such as on climate change, where developing nations feel outsized harms from global warming and try in vain to get wealthier countries to help pay to offset those impacts.

The treaty now aims to protect the high seas, which begin at a maximum of 200 nautical miles, or 370 kilometres, from the coastline and are not under the jurisdiction of any state. Those waters, representing more than 60% of oceans, have long been ignored in environmental regulations. And only around 1% of the high seas are currently subject to conservation measures. Once enacted, the new agreement will create a new body to manage the conservation of ocean life and establish marine protected areas on the high seas. During the conference, global powers also pledged billions of euros worth of funds to help protect the world's oceans. The European Union promised 40 million euros to facilitate the treaty's ratification and to help with its implementation. Beyond that, it has also pledged more than €800 million for ocean protection in general by 2023. There were "341 new commitments" worth nearly €18 billion made at the conference, including almost €5 billion from the United States. Despite the breakthrough in agreeing on the treaty, there is still a long way to go before it is legally agreed upon. The treaty must first be formally adopted at a later session. Then it only enters "into force" once enough countries have signed up and legally passed it in their own countries. Russia was one of the countries that registered concerns over the final text. Governments have to start looking at practically how these measures would be implemented and managed.

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01.03.2023
THEME: WORLD

Nigeria elected a new president: Bola Tinubu wins the elections through opposition’s complaints

Nigeria's importance to the world lies in its vast natural resources, its position as a regional power in Africa, and its potential for growth and development. Nigeria is a country located in West Africa, and it is the most populous nation on the African continent. Its history is rich and diverse, from pre-colonial times to its current state as an independent nation. Various indigenous tribes initially inhabited the country. Over time, different groups migrated and settled in Nigeria, including the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo people. Nigeria was colonized by the British in the late 19th century. It remained under colonial rule until 1960 when it gained independence—the period of colonial rule significantly impacted the country's development, as the British implemented policies that favoured their economic interests and disrupted the social and political structures of the Nigerian people. Following independence, Nigeria struggled to establish a stable and democratic government. The country was plagued by political instability, coups, and civil war, which led to a cycle of military dictatorship and civilian rule. In 1999, Nigeria returned to democratic governance with the election of Olusegun Obasanjo as president. Nigeria has vast natural resources, including oil and gas. Still, its political history has been marred by corruption, tribalism, and religious conflicts. These factors have contributed to the country's economic underdevelopment and slow progress towards social and political stability.

Currently, Nigeria is facing significant political and social challenges. The country's economy has been hit hard by falling oil prices, and corruption remains a pervasive issue. The current president of Nigeria is Muhammadu Buhari, re-elected in 2019 for a second term in office. Buhari is a retired major general in the Nigerian Army and served as military ruler of Nigeria from 1983 to 1985. He won the 2019 presidential election defeating his primary challenger Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). His campaign focused on his track record of fighting corruption and promoting security and his plans to improve the economy and create jobs. During his time in office, Buhari has implemented various policies to strengthen the economy, such as diversifying the country's revenue sources away from oil, investing in infrastructure, and promoting agricultural development.

However, Buhari's administration has faced criticism for handling social and political issues, particularly regarding human rights and press freedom. The government has been accused of clamping down on dissenting voices and failing to protect citizens from violent attacks by criminal groups. The government has been criticized for handling security issues, particularly in the country's northeastern part. The Boko Haram insurgency has caused widespread destruction and displacement of people. Additionally, there have been increasing tensions between various ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria, leading to violent conflicts in some areas. The government has responded to these challenges by implementing different policies promoting peace and development, but progress has needed to be faster. In recent years, the country has seen a surge in youth-led protests calling for an end to police brutality and corruption. The #EndSARS movement, which began in 2020, was a nationwide protest against the brutality of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian police force. The protests sparked a conversation about governance and accountability in Nigeria. They highlighted the frustrations of young Nigerians with the current political system.

On February 25, 2023, more than 93 million voters were called to elect the country's next president and their representatives in Parliament. At only three weeks from the elections, two major crises have impacted the vote considerably. The Central Bank of Nigeria introduced the redesigned notes and new limits on large cash withdrawals to help curb money laundering and make digital payments the norm. The push to replace the old banknotes with new ones has left minimal cash in circulation, causing frustration and anger for many people who spend hours at the banks attempting to withdraw their money and the possibility of theft for business-owner. On top of this, in the same days, an oil shortage also forced car owners to have extremely long queues to buy fuel.

After eight years in office, Muhammadu Buhari will be stepping down as president. Bola Tinubu from the ruling All Progressives Congress Party is the new president to replace him. Tinubu received 37% of the vote, or nearly 8.8 million while leading opposition candidate Abubakar won 29% with almost 7 million. Third-place finisher Obi took 25% with about 6.1 million, according to the results announced on live television by the Independent National Electoral Commission. During the votes counting, several party agents, including those from the main opposition PDP and Peter Obi's Labour Party, alleged over-voting and disparities between results announced from some states and what electoral officials uploaded on the election commission's result portal. Tinubu's ruling All Progressives Congress party urged the opposition to accept defeat and not cause trouble after they demanded a revote for irregularities. The president-elect thanked his supporters in the capital, Abuja, after his victory was announced and struck a reconciliatory tone in a message directed at his political adversaries. "I take this opportunity to appeal to my fellow contestants to let us team up together," Tinubu said. "It is the only nation we have. It is one country, and we must build together." The new government inherits a critical situation of long-term underfunded public services, widespread corruption, meagre salaries (a teacher earns about $65/month) and significant tax evasion. Hopefully, it will be the beginning of a new era for Nigeria.

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28.02.2023
THEME: POLITICS

UK and EU seal a deal to resolve trade dispute over Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a region in the northeast of the island of Ireland that has been a part of the United Kingdom since its creation in 1921. The region was created due to the Government of Ireland Act 1920, which partitioned Ireland into two separate entities: Northern Ireland, which remained part of the UK, and the Irish Free State, which later became the Republic of Ireland. The partition of Ireland was a contentious issue, with many Irish nationalists opposing it and seeking a united Ireland. This led to a conflict known as the Troubles, which lasted from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. The conflict was primarily between Irish nationalists, who wanted Northern Ireland reunited with the rest of Ireland, and unionists, who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK. The Good Friday Agreement established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, with representatives from both nationalist and unionist parties. The agreement also included provisions for decommissioning paramilitary weapons and prisoners' early release.

Brexit has had significant implications for Northern Ireland, as it shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state. The UK's decision to leave the EU meant that a border would need to be established between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which raised concerns about the potential impact on the peace process. The Northern Ireland Protocol, included in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, aims to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland by keeping Northern Ireland aligned with some EU rules, which has led to some trade barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The Protocol has been a contentious issue in Northern Ireland, with some unionists opposing it and some nationalists supporting it.

On Monday, February 27, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen sealed a deal to resolve their strained post-Brexit trade dispute over Northern Ireland. The critical point of the agreement is the definition of two different lanes for good export from the UK to Ireland. Goods from Britain destined for Northern Ireland will travel through a new "green lane, " with reduced checks and paperwork. A separate "red lane" is instead for goods at risk of moving into the EU, which will be subject to usual checks according to the EU regulations. Under the new deal, UK VAT and excise rules will apply to Northern Ireland for alcoholic drinks for immediate consumption and immovable goods such as heat pumps - EU VAT rules will still apply for other items. A procedure is also agreed on to allow the Northern Ireland Assembly to object to new EU rules that introduce substantial changes. Finally, it will be easier for pet owners to travel between the UK and Northern Ireland. Monday's outcome has been primarily hailed positively between Dublin, Belfast, London and Brussels. But the deal is not yet entirely over the line, as Sunak still needs to appease and get the backing from some Conservative party members and Northern Ireland's politicians – especially the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) members.

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