Where Science hits the headlines

Reading Time: 2 minutesAs Malaysia takes the helm as Chair of ASEAN, we are presented with a golden opportunity to lead the region into a new era of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement. This leadership role is not merely ceremonial; it comes with the responsibility and privilege of steering Southeast Asia toward a future defined by shared prosperity and resilience, […]

Malaysia’s Soaring Sky: Transforming palm waste into sustainable aviation fuel

Reading Time: 2 minutesMALAYSIA, a land synonymous with vibrant palm oil production, grapples with a hidden challenge: managing millions of tons of palm waste annually.  But within this challenge lies a golden opportunity – the potential to transform palm oil waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The nation is poised to take its remarkable flight towards a sustainable […]

Herbs – A word of caution

Reading Time: 3 minutesAs Malaysia takes the helm as Chair of ASEAN, we are presented with a golden opportunity to lead the region into a new era of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement. This leadership role is not merely ceremonial; it comes with the responsibility and privilege of steering Southeast Asia toward a future defined by shared prosperity and resilience, […]

Study: LNG carbon footprint is worse than coal

Reading Time: 2 minutesLiquefied natural gas (LNG) leaves a greenhouse gas footprint that is 33% worse than coal when processing and shipping are taken into account. This is according to a new study by Cornell University. “Natural gas and shale gas are all bad for the climate. But LNG is worse,” said Robert Howarth, author of the study […]

Scientists warn Hepatitis A in Philippine shellfish goes unchecked

Reading Time: 2 minutesResearchers from several institutions, including the Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, Monash University Malaysia Selangor, and the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, have warned that little is known about how the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) spreads through local communities via commonly cultivated shellfish such as oysters and mollusks. Prompting […]

UPM scientists develop gadget to enhance photosynthesis

Reading Time: 3 minutesResearchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have successfully produced ‘Photosynthesis Enhancer’ using carbon dots technology. The gadget is capable of increasing crop yields between 20 and 30 percent. Through the innovation, the photosynthesis rate increases between 20 and 80 percent depending on the type of crop. Furthermore, the cost to produce carbon dots is about […]

Noorjahan’s passion for ethnomedicine

Reading Time: 2 minutesBY MUGANTI RAJA & TRINAYAANI JEYANDRAN PROF Madya Dr Noorjahan Banu Mohammed Alitheen, Associate Professor at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), is making significant strides in biomedical research. Her focuses on the therapeutic potential of natural compounds in treating diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. With expertise in […]

Revolutionising POME treatment with advanced RT-ECO Technology

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe palm oil industry is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy, but it also presents a significant environmental challenge in the form of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). Traditionally, the discharge of untreated POME into the environment has posed serious risks. The effluent, rich in organic carbon and nutrients, impacts soil pH—a critical factor for plant […]

Dr Wu is in a hurry to find a cancer cure

Reading Time: 3 minutesBY ANGELINA LISHIA WIDJAYA And CHRIS SIEW KAH TAO DR WU YUAN SENG stands at the forefront of cancer pharmacology, dedicating his career to unraveling the mysteries of two of the deadliest forms of cancers: esophageal and pancreatic. With a profound commitment stemming from personal experiences and a robust academic background, Wu’s journey exemplifies the […]

EVERYDAY SCIENCE – Knowing and understanding the science around us

Reading Time: 2 minutesUnderstanding science isn’t just about passing exams; it’s about seeing how fundamental concepts shape the world. In physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry, the basics fuel innovations that impact health, technology, and sustainability. Here’s a look at how these “basics” make a big difference in our world. Physics: Electromagnetism and Mechanics • Application: Transportation and Energy […]