El Niño, the natural periodic weather event that increases global temperatures and disturbs weather patterns, this year has been the strongest on record. The phenomenon is expected to exacerbate droughts and flooding, with the worst effects likely to be observed in Africa, where food shortages are set to peak in February. Dr Nick Klingaman from…
Science
The dawn of a new era of gene-editing ‘miracle’ medicine?
Layla Richard’s story is remarkable and a world first. On the day before her first birthday, Layla’s parents received the devastating news that her treatments were unsuccessful and her leukaemia was terminal. Now, just months later, Layla is not only alive, but also has no trace of leukemia in her body. Layla’s parents refused to…
Science
Killer robot developed to cull coral-eating starfish in the Great Barrier Reef
Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology have created a killer robot to help protect the Great Barrier Reef from invasion by coral-eating starfish. The crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) has been described as a significant threat to coral, destroyed large areas of the reef. Increased leaching of nutrients into the sea from land since the 1960s…
Science
Pollution linked to tumours in sea turtles
A recent study has found that pollution from urban and farm runoff is causing lethal tumours in endangered sea turtles. The study, based in Hawaii, shows that nitrogen in runoff waters is leading to Fibropapillomatosis – the leading known cause of death in green turtles. Fibropapillomatosis, specific to sea turtles, is a disease characterized by…
Environment, Science
Coastal defence: saving Sussex from the sea
Ellen Coquio on a new project to boost Sussex’s coastal defence.