Study: Social bonds are essential for capuchin monkeys to learn new skills
Reading Time: 3 minutesA study of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in the Serra da Capivara National Park – located in the state of Piauí, Brazil, in the semi-arid biome called Caatinga – shows that tolerance is extremely important for social learning, which is acquired by observing other members of the same group. The results have been published in the […]
Zero tolerance in methane emissions: A key step towards climate change mitigation
Reading Time: 3 minutesAMIDST the global urgency to combat climate change, Malaysia stands at the crossroads. The question looms: Is achieving zero-tolerance towards methane emissions a realistic goal for the nation? Methane, a gas you can’t see or smell, is a major contributor to global warming. It’s responsible for nearly half of the one-degree increase in Earth’s average temperature […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Taking the bull by the horns to save the Borneo buffalo
Reading Time: 2 minutesRECENTLY, classified as critically endangered the race is on to save banteng – the iconic buffalo of Borneo known as Banteng (Bos javanicus). Speaking to local media recently, the Sabah Wildlife Department director Roland Nuin said the state had implemented an action plan – the Bornean Banteng Action Plan for 2019-2028 – in the race […]
Whale sharks drawn to Pom Pom Island for food
Reading Time: 2 minutesACCORDING to marine biologist, Jeethvendra Kirishnamoorthie the sudden appearance of more diverse species of marine life near Pom-Pom Island could be due to the availability of food. He told a local daily that both whale sharks and manta rays are filter feeders, meaning they swim and open their mouths to capture drifting marine organisms such […]
Into a world of orchids with Rusea Go
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn the world of botany, where the beauty and complexity of plant life often go unnoticed by the average person, Professor Rusea Go stands out as a dedicated scientist who has devoted her career to the study and conservation of orchids. Known for her significant contributions to orchid biodiversity and the discovery of new species, Go’s […]
The Petri Dish Goes Green
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn a landmark move towards sustainability, The Petri Dish, Malaysia’s pioneering science newspaper, is proud to announce its transition to green printing – utilising non-wood paper from Nextgreen and soy-based-ink printing by Percetakan NAZ. As a leader in green technology and zero-waste solutions, Nextgreen’s innovative methods in pulp and paper production highlight the significance of this collaboration. After […]
Resolve sustainability disputes with science diplomacy
Reading Time: 3 minutesBy PROF DATO DR AHMAD IBRAHIM SUSTAINABLE development is a noble global effort to mitigate climate change, which is a serious threat. Another pressing issue, often overlooked, is the loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity losses pose an almost irreversible threat because they can destabilise nature itself. This is where science diplomacy comes into play, offering a way […]