- JYOTHISHREE V “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” -Hippocrates Food waste is a significant global problem that impacts both developed and developing nations. According to UN estimates, roughly 1.3 billion tons, or one-third of the food produced globally, is lost or wasted each year. This not only worsens global food insecurity and hunger but also has detrimental effects on the economy, environment, and both. To summarize, food waste is a major global issue that requires immediate attention. It does, however, provide an opportunity to develop valuable biobased products that can benefit society and the environment. We can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create renewable energy sources, improve soil health, and reduce waste sent to landfills by converting food waste into biogas, fertilizers, animal feed, enzymes, and bioplastics. The conversion of food waste into bio-based products is a long-term solution to the food waste problem. Using food waste as a feedstock, we can create a variety of bioproducts that can replace products based on fossil fuels and lead to the development of a more sustainable and circular economy. Finally, by converting food waste into valuable biobased products, we can build a more sustainable food system and a more resilient future for future generations.
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- JYOTHISHREE V Studies carried out so far: The use of Salmonella is among the most promising applications of bacteria in the treatment of cancer. Researchers have discovered that Salmonella can multiply and infiltrate deep into tumor tissues, killing cancer cells. Salmonella can also be created to produce and release anticancer medications at the location of the tumor, improving the effectiveness of the treatment. Another kind of bacteria called Clostridium, which can survive in environments with little oxygen, is used in the treatment of cancer. Clostridium novyi-NT (C. novyi-NT). This bacterium is anaerobic, meaning it can only survive in environments without oxygen, such as the core of solid tumors. C. novyi-NT has been shown to be effective at killing cancer cells in preclinical studies, it can selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells because tumors are known to have low oxygen levels. Preclinical studies have shown encouraging results after scientists were able to engineer Clostridium to produce and release toxic enzymes that kill cancer cells. In conclusion, cancer therapies based on bacteria present a promising new direction in cancer therapy. They may be less harmful and more efficient than conventional treatments. Additionally, they provide a more focused method of treating cancer, which may lower the danger of harming healthy cells. Even though preclinical and clinical research on the use of bacteria to treat cancer is still in its early stages, the results of several of these studies have been encouraging. However, there are still some issues that need to be resolved, including ensuring the safety of bacteria-based therapies and improving their efficacy. Roja MA New Drug could help people with a rare disease grow Longer Limbs. The potential treatment could be used for several conditions in people. Robinow syndrome affects a tiny fraction of the population: Fewer than 200 people have been diagnosed with the autosomal recessive form, where the parents usually don’t have the condition. The autosomal dominant form, where one parent often has it, impacts an estimated 50 families worldwide. People with Robinow syndrome tend to have relatively short arm and leg bones, as well as certain distinctive facial features, including a broad forehead, widely spaced eyes, a cleft palate, and dental crowding. The severity and symptoms of Robinow syndrome can vary widely between individuals Generally, the condition can be caused by a mutation in genes such as FZD2, which helps make a protein that directs cells to organize into tissues. This signaling mechanism is called “Wnt” which can be used to create a potential treatment. FUTURE GROWTH The researchers began by studying a group of genetically modified mice whose FZD2 genes were edited to induce Robinow-like birth differences. The researchers first observed a generation of these mice grow up to see whether their genetic mutations produced similar features to humans with Robinow. Sure enough, the mice appeared to have shortened limbs, cleft palates, and other facial features that are associated with the congenital condition. Then, the researchers watched what happened when the mice got pregnant. While the fetuses were developing, they treated some of the mothers with a drug designed to mimic the Wnt mechanism that’s hindered by mutations. Ultimately, the scientists discovered that the pups exposed to the drug as embryos were born with significantly longer limbs compared with the control group. Despite the exciting results, it has been cautioned that it's still too early to tell whether it would have the same effect in humans. “While mouse models can provide valuable insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human disease, not all aspects of a condition can be replicated this way,” said the researchers. Still, a drug that carefully targets the Wnt pathway would offer a major benefit: Preventing the physical impacts of Robinow syndrome at birth without the need for surgery. WHAT’S MORE?
Wnt also has implications for a much broader spectrum of conditions. When things go wrong, [Wnt] can impact a host of diseases. These include various types of cancers, such as breast cancer and melanoma, as well as type 2 diabetes. But for now, the research remains in the early stages. The researchers describe the work as “promising.” However, it is “only the first step in applying these findings to patient care.” Deebak D Marine engineering has come a long way since the days of wooden boats and sail power. In recent years, there have been many new innovations in marine engineering that are changing the way we think about everything from propulsion to navigation to safety. In this blog, we will explore some of the latest and most exciting developments in this field. Unmanned Surface Vessels Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are vessels that are remotely operated, allowing for tasks to be carried out without putting people in harm's way. USVs can be used for various applications such as oceanographic research, surveying, and inspection. These vessels are equipped with a range of sensors, cameras, and other devices that allow for remote monitoring and control. Autonomous Ships Autonomous ships are one of the most exciting innovations in marine engineering. These ships use sensors and GPS to navigate and avoid obstacles, and they can be controlled remotely from a shore-based control center. Not only do they reduce the need for crew members, but they also have the potential to increase safety and efficiency. Advanced Propulsion Systems Propulsion systems are one of the most critical components of any ship. In recent years, there have been many new innovations in this area. One of the most exciting is the development of electric propulsion systems. These systems use electric motors and batteries to power the ship, which reduces emissions and increases efficiency. Hybrid Propulsion Systems Hybrid propulsion systems combine different power sources to provide a more efficient and sustainable way to propel a vessel. By using both electric and traditional diesel engines, hybrid propulsion systems can reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution. This technology has been applied to both smaller recreational vessels and larger commercial ships. Renewable Energy Sources Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important in the world of marine engineering. Solar panels, wind turbines, and even wave power are all being used to power ships and reduce emissions. In addition, new technologies are being developed to convert seawater into fresh water using renewable energy sources, which could have a significant impact on the world's water resources. Additive Manufacturing Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has become a game-changer in many industries, including marine engineering. With 3D printing, it's now possible to create complex parts and components that would have been difficult or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing methods. This technology enables faster prototyping, reduces material waste, and allows for more customization options. Carbon Fiber Construction Carbon fiber has been used in high-performance applications like race cars and aircraft for many years. Now, marine engineers are using carbon fiber to build ships that are lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient. Carbon fiber construction reduces a ship's weight, allowing for faster speeds and increased fuel economy. Additionally, carbon fiber can be shaped into complex designs, enabling shipbuilders to create vessels with unique shapes and features. Advanced Navigation Systems Navigation is a critical aspect of ship operations, and advancements in technology have brought about significant changes in the way ships navigate. ships rely on advanced navigation systems that utilize modern technology to provide accurate and reliable data for safe navigation.
other ships and shore-based stations. The AIS system helps in collision avoidance, monitoring of shipping traffic, and improves situational awareness on the bridge.
system provides accurate and reliable information for navigation, even in remote and challenging environments.
Improved Safety Systems Safety is always a top priority in marine engineering. In recent years, there have been many new innovations in this area. For example, new materials are being developed that are more resistant to fire and explosions. In addition, new safety systems are being developed that can detect and respond to emergencies more quickly and effectively. Air Lubrication Systems Air lubrication systems are a new innovation in marine engineering that reduce drag and improve a vessel's fuel efficiency. This technology works by injecting air bubbles under the hull, creating a layer of air that reduces the friction between the hull and the water. This system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%, making it an effective and sustainable solution for the shipping industry. In conclusion, there are many new and exciting innovations in the world of marine engineering. These innovations are changing the way we think about everything from propulsion to carbon fiber construction to navigation to air lubricantion systems. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the years ahead. Whether you are a shipbuilder, a sailor, or just an enthusiast, there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in this field.
By: Roja M7 YEARS AGO THE WORLD AGREED TO SLOW DOWN CLIMATE CHANGE — BUT A NEW REPORT SHOWS AN UNEVEN FUTURE It may no longer be possible to limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius, but the climate’s future is still uncertain. More than seven years ago, world leaders gathered in Paris and made an ambitious, but necessary plan to save the planet from our own folly-human induced climate change, specifically. That December 2015 plan became known as the landmark Paris climate agreement. All subsequent climate change pledges and UN climate conferences have followed the Paris agreement’s goal of limiting future global warming to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius (and ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius). The Paris agreement settled on 1.5 degrees as a key tipping point, which humans should not exceed if we want to avoid the worst outcomes of global warming. To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees would require wide-scale or “deep” decarbonization efforts across the globe — in other words, a transition away from a global economy dependent on carbon-emitting fossil fuels. But a new report out of Germany suggests the specific goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius may already be out of our reach. “Specifically we ask whether meeting the 1.5°C-goal of the Paris Agreement is plausible,” was a question posed by a normal citizen. Yet, the report authors also argue that the future climate trajectory is still uncertain — and therefore, the fate of our planet is still very much in our hands. The University of Hamburg’s Climate Futures Outlook report was published. The report analyzed various physical processes as well as “social drivers” of global warming to draw six key findings. 6. 1.5 DEGREES ISN’T “PLAUSIBLE” ANYMORE The study assesses ten key “social drivers” of global warming. These are factors that could either undermine the Paris agreement’s decarbonization goals or support them, like whether companies shift away from fossil fuels or climate protests. Social factors undermining the Paris Agreement include: ● Corporations’ responses ● Human consumption patterns Social factors supporting the Paris Agreement include: ● Climate litigation ● UN governance (like climate conferences) ● Fossil fuel divestment ● Climate protests ●Knowledge production (i.e., shared knowledge around climate change actions) ● Climate regulation ● Transnational initiatives One factor — the media — was ambivalent and both undermined and supported the Paris Agreement depending on the kind of media outlet reporting on climate change. Taking all these factors into consideration, the report concludes that “deep decarbonization” is not plausible by 2050, which means the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is effectively dead in the water — just seven years after the agreement was signed. “But if you look at the development of social processes in detail, keeping global warming under 1.5 degrees still isn’t plausible,” says a sociology professor of University of Hamburg, Anita Engels. Yet, the Paris Agreement’s next tipping point — to keep global warming under 2 degrees Celsius — may still be achievable depending on how society changes (or does not) in the coming years. “We state that limiting the global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius can become plausible if ambition, implementation, and knowledge gaps are closed.” One such knowledge gap includes the spread of Indigenous traditions of land management, which experts say are crucial to achieving climate change goals and saving biodiversity 5. COVID-19 AND RUSSIA’S INVASION OF UKRAINE HAVE AN UNCERTAIN IMPACT Two major global events — the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — have shaken up the climate change trajectory, but experts aren’t sure yet where the pieces will fall. On one hand, socioeconomic recovery programs to boost the global economy post-Covid seemed to have locked us into an, even more, fossil fuel-dependent future, but future outbreaks could impact global production and consumption. Similarly, although there were initial concerns about the European Union turning toward coal as a result of weaning itself off Russia’s natural gas supply, it’s also possible that the long-term effects of the war could boost the EU’s green energy goals by making it energy independent. 4. SOME FACTORS MIGHT NOT IMPACT GLOBAL WARMING AS MUCH AS WE THINK Scientists have raised alarm bells in recent years about the rate of polar ice melt and Arctic sea ice loss. While the melting of the Arctic is surely a concern for sea level rise and other climate reasons, the report authors state it will “barely influence” surface temperature. Two other hot-button issues — the thawing of the permafrost as well as deforestation in the Amazon — threaten to release carbon into the atmosphere. Permafrost refers to ground that is normally frozen year-round but is at risk of thawing due to global warming. Indeed, the report says these factors will likely “moderately affect” global temperature — and our ability to achieve the Paris agreement — but may not be the doomsday scenario others have feared. “We also show that the much-feared tipping points — while being serious concerns — are not quite the threat as which they are sometimes perceived. There is no danger that permafrost thaw will lead to an unstoppable climate instability.” The report states that the Planck temperature response — a feedback mechanism where warming leads to energy loss to space and cools the planet — can help keep the global temperature stable. 3. THREE KEY CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILING TO ACHIEVE 1.5 CELSIUS The report hones in on three key consequences for failing to achieve the Paris Agreement’s key goal. First, the bad news: “drastic” or “abrupt” changes to the polar ice sheet — such as in Antarctica and Greenland — are likely. Other research suggests polar ice melt may not only contribute to “ominous” sea level rise but also shift Earth itself. The good news is that we likely won’t see such dramatic changes in Arctic sea ice or the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The AMOC is a series of ocean currents carrying warm water around the globe and is responsible for redistributing heat on planet Earth. Second: Future developments will either limit or expand the deforestation of the Amazon. But the election of Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — who has promised to tackle deforestation — is a promising sign. Third: Future permafrost activity is uncertain, but as stated before, unlikely to lead to rampant global warming. 2. OUR ABILITY TO ACHIEVE THE PARIS AGREEMENT HINGES ON SOCIAL FACTORS In climate change conversations, we tend to focus on physical processes like extreme weather events or moonshot scientific innovations that could help capture carbon, but we forget that the power to achieve the Paris Agreement rests in our hands — and is not dependent on some future technology. For example, the report hones in on the lack of implementation following UN climate conferences, despite ambitious “green” pledges by world leaders. But it’s still possible that climate protests will lead to major laws tackling climate change, for example. “Human agency has a large potential to shape the way climate futures evolve.” 1. HOW TO SUSTAINABLY ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE Regardless of whether or not we achieve the Paris Agreement, climate change is happening right now, and we’re not doing enough to prepare communities to adapt. The report puts forth a Sustainable Adaptation Plausibility Framework on ways we can plausibly adapt to climate change in a way that’s healthy for the planet. Some examples from the report include things countries are already doing — like using coastal dikes in Germany — and more transformational adaptations like the Dutch Sand Motor pilot, which uses nature-friendly methods to prevent the erosion of beaches. THE WORLD IS CLOSE TO REACHING TIPPING POINTS The IPCC report 2022 says: “It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land”. That should be a stark enough warning to all of us to make the changes we need to in our lives and start recycling, and thinking about using green energy to power our homes, such as solar energy or wind energy. The IPCC report 2022 highlighted two key examples of what could happen: Forests could start to die: As temperatures continue to rise, forests could begin to die off. Trees play a key role in absorbing CO2, so if deforestation occurs, and forests stop growing, it would have disastrous consequences on the environment; Sea levels will continue to rise: As global warming occurs, ice caps melt at a rapid pace, meaning sea levels rise, and towns and cities around coastal areas are in danger of being swallowed up by the oceans. Research published in the Nature Journal suggests that if nothing is done, sea levels could rise by more than a meter by 2100 and by 15 meters over the next 500 years. WHAT’S NEXT Our climate future still remains within our control, but the road ahead will be daunting. If we want to live up to even a shadow of the Paris Agreement’s promise, nothing short of global energy transformations will suffice. We can’t have our cake. Continue churning out fossil fuels and live in a world with a stable climate. It is now important that people do not fool themselves and that they should be aware of the enormous magnitude of the task to re-build energy systems globally. By: HARIHARAN SINTRODUCTION Autonomous vessels operate without human interaction to varying degrees, from limited assistance in informing sailors' decisions to fully autonomous vessels that circumnavigate the world without crew needed. Autonomous and unmanned ships are new concepts that will challenge conventional methods for designing, testing, and approving ships and their systems. LEVELS OF AUTONOMY All actions would be taken by a human operator but there would be decision support from shore. The ship includes autonomous decision-making capability, which enables it to finish tasks without any crew. Although it sounds like this technology is still far away from the current shipping industry, nobody would deny the possibility of fully autonomous ships when the automotive industry constantly gives us breaking news of new applications. Of course, before fully autonomous ships are achieved, one possible application is that there will still be crew onboard, but only in supervisory roles, even if all the hurdles are crossed. TECHNOLOGY A ship’s ability to monitor its health, establish and communicate what is around it and make decisions based on that information is vital to the development of autonomous operations. The need is to develop a set of electronic senses that inform an electronic brain and allow the vessel to navigate safely and avoid collisions. 1)SENSOR FUSION Looking at different types of radars, high-definition visual cameras, thermal imaging, and LIDAR the project has concluded fusing multiple sensor inputs provide the best results. Finding the optimum way to combine the different sensor technologies in a range of operating and climatic conditions is the main concern. 2)CONTROL ALGORITHM Navigation and collision avoidance will be particularly important for remote and autonomous ships, allowing them to decide what action to take in the light of sensory information received. 3)COMMUNICATION AND CONNECTIVITY Such communication will need to be bidirectional, accurate, scalable and supported by multiple systems creating redundancy and minimising risk. Sufficient communication link capacity for ship sensor monitoring and remote control, when necessary, must be guaranteed. It is about exploring how to combine existing communication technologies in an optimum way for autonomous ship control. BENEFITS OF AUTONOMOUS SHIP Autonomous ships promise a range of potential benefits for the whole shipping industry using Artificial Intelligence and optimization algorithms. Let us look at two sets of figures. First, between 75% and 96% of maritime-related accidents are caused by human error, according to a study. Introducing fully autonomous and semi-autonomous vessels may help reduce the number of human-related accidents, such as employee fatigue and bad personal judgements. Another figure is 30% which means the typically crew-related expense account for 30% of the total budget. This means unmanned or lightly-manned vessels could save money for shipping carriers, and ultimately for those shipping goods, in the long run. Challenges of autonomous ships
In terms of technology, there is no essential difference between autonomous ships and cars. People have spent years improving the security of autonomous systems to 90%, but the next step from 90% to 99% could take even longer. Moreover, even though the shipping industry is becoming more digital and data-driven, the lack of open data sources compared to the automotive industry to train the neural network model is slowing the development of autonomous ships. Safety and Security Remote and autonomous ships have the potential to reduce human based errors, but at the same time may modify some existing risks as well as create new types of risk. These circumstances and possible remedies will need to be explored. The marine industry has some experience in systematic and comprehensive risk assessments. By: Deebak durai INTRODUCTION Usually, the implementation of new technologies in the maritime industry is at a very slow rate when compared with other industries because the maritime industry is complicated and involves huge investments and the communication between the ship and shore is the major issue. The ship owners are not ready to throw the old ships and bought new ones with advanced technology because the cost of the ship was huge and it should be run as long as possible to gain profit. CHANGE IN TREND Now the old trend was changed, and the adoption of new technologies in the maritime industry is at a fast rate. REASON FOR CHANGE IN TREND MARPOL rules become more strict to remove the carbon footprint on ships and the advancement of new technologies is at a fast rate and they are more efficient, Both these are the major reason for this change in trend NEW TECHNOLOGIES USED IN MARITIME ADVANCED MATERIALS Carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites are increasingly being used in the hull of boats covered with honeycomb or foam, in structural frames, keels, masts, poles, and boom, and even in carbon winch drums and shafting. The use of composites can contribute to improved performance and minimize the risk of failure in extreme sailing conditions. Racing yachts employ advanced polymer composites more extensively than any other marine structures to save weight and improve durability. Most modern ships are still built from steel today, although it's relatively heavy. That's why some larger boats are now made from strong, lightweight metals such as aluminum, while smaller ones are often made from light composites such as fiberglass or super-strong plastics. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. INTERNET OF THINGS The Internet of things describes physical objects with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks. AUGMENTED REALITY A technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS
Industrial robots are already used in the security, maintenance, and inspection of vessels. They can do tasks, such as packing, delivering, inspection, and even firefighting. Author: Roja M |