International Research Award on Civil and Environmental Engineering

                                       At COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, a critical report brought to light the dangers posed by fossil fuel expansion to the Coral Triangle. This region, known as the ‘Amazon of the seas’, is one of the most biodiverse marine areas globally. It spans over 10 million square kilometers and includes several Southeast Asian nations. The Coral Triangle The Coral Triangle houses 76% of the world’s coral species. It supports over 120 million people who rely on its resources for their livelihoods. Countries within this region include Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands. Fossil Fuel Threats The report, titled Coral Triangle at Risk: Fossil Fuel Threats and Impacts, outlines alarming statistics. More than 100 offshore oil and gas blocks are currently operational, covering over 120,...

  Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute in Pune announced a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease treatment. They created new non-toxic molecules that could potentially change how we approach neurodegenerative diseases. This development comes at a critical time, as Alzheimer’s affects millions globally. About Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It is the leading cause of dementia, affecting 60 to 70 percent of the 55 million people living with dementia worldwide. The disease is characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behaviour. The condition arises from an imbalance of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain. A key neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning is acetylcholine. Its reduction is linked to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Current Treatment Limitations Existing treatments for Alzheimer’s primarily focus on symptom management. They often have side effects and do not address the underlying...

  The latest UN report reveals alarming trends in global emissions. Despite advancements in renewable energy and electric vehicles, the world is on track for a temperature rise of 2.6°C above pre-industrial levels. If current policies remain unchanged, this could escalate to 3.1°C. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns that without bridging the emissions gap, we face a climate disaster, disproportionately affecting the poorest. Current Emission Trends Global emissions have surged from 37.8 billion tonnes in 1990 to 57.1 billion tonnes in 2023. In 2023 alone, emissions rose by 1.3% compared to 2022. This increase far exceeds the pre-pandemic average of 0.8% annually from 2010 to 2019. Such trends highlight the urgent need for action to curb emissions. National Climate Targets Countries are preparing their national climate targets, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), for 2035. These targets are part of the Paris Agreement. Nations are expected to submit their N...

  The UN General Assembly addressed the urgent issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They labeled it an important global health threat. The assembly called for immediate action, emphasizing the One Health approach. This approach considers the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Antimicrobial resistance refers to the ability of microbes to resist the effects of medications. This includes antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. These drugs are used in humans, animals, and agriculture. Misuse and overuse of these drugs have been common since the 1950s. They are often used not just for treating infections but also as growth promoters in livestock. Historical Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended phasing out antibiotic growth promoters in agriculture back in 2000. Despite this recommendation, the practice continues in many regions. This misuse contributes to the rise of resistant st...

  A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that diamond dust could be an effective SRM material. The study compared seven compounds and found diamonds to be the most efficient for reflecting solar radiation. Researchers propose spraying five million tonnes of diamond dust annually into the upper atmosphere to achieve a temperature reduction of 1.6 degrees Celsius. About Geoengineering Geoengineering involves large-scale interventions to alter the Earth’s climate system. It aims to counteract global warming’s effects. Two main strategies exist: Solar Radiation Management (SRM) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). SRM focuses on reflecting solar radiation away from Earth, while CDR seeks to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Solar Radiation Management Explained SRM is a key area of interest. It involves deploying materials in the atmosphere or space to reflect sunlight. This can potentially reduce global temperatures. The concept draws inspiration from volc...

  The UN Biodiversity Conference is currently underway in Cali, Colombia. A recent assessment by 35 percent ltd, commissioned by Wetlands International, marks the importance of wetlands in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). This assessment follows COP15, where nations were urged to revise their biodiversity plans in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Importance of Wetlands Wetlands are vital ecosystems. They provide essential services such as:Protecting and improving water quality. Providing habitats for wildlife. Storing floodwaters. Maintaining surface water flow during dry periods. These services support 40 percent of the world’s biodiversity. However, wetlands are disappearing faster than any other ecosystem. NBSAPs and Wetland Inclusion Wetlands International’s report, titled Assessing the Inclusion of Wetlands in NBSAPs, reviews how well wetlands are represented in these crucial documents. The analysis includes 24 NB...

The fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE4) began in January 2023. It is the most extensive and rapid coral bleaching event recorded. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 99.9% of coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean have experienced heat stress. This event has surpassed previous bleaching events from 2014 to 2017 by over 11%. Comparison with Previous Events The current event has unfolded in less time than GCBE3, which lasted three years and affected 65.7% of coral reefs. GCBE4 has impacted at least 77% of global reef areas in just 20 months. This rapid increase in bleaching is alarming and unprecedented. Current Impact and Regional Examples Reports confirm mass coral bleaching in 74 countries since February 2023. Regions like Palau, Guam, and Israel have documented bleaching. The Caribbean and South China Sea continue to experience high heat stress levels. Climate Patterns and Their Influence Strong El Niño events often lead to severe bleaching. Howeve...

A study published on October 16, 2024, in Science Advances, explores how the rising demand for farmed salmon is making it harder for coastal communities to access affordable fish. The research, led by Patricia Majluf from Cayetano Heredia University, focuses on how small fish, known as forage fish, are being used to make fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) for aquaculture (fish farming). Key Issues with Reduction Fisheries Reduction fisheries are fisheries where small fish, like anchovies or sardines, are caught specifically to be turned into fishmeal and fish oil, rather than being eaten by people. These fisheries make up a large portion of the global fish catch. 12 of the world’s top 20 fisheries target these small species. One of the biggest is the Peruvian anchoveta, which is mostly used to produce FMFO. This has created challenges for local communities who rely on these fish for food. Impact on Coastal Communities Many poor coastal communities depend on these small fish for both food and...

A study published in Conservation Letters shows that up to 66% of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in tropical forests are now experiencing new, extreme temperature changes. These changes could severely affect the diverse plant and animal life in these critical ecosystems. What are Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) KBAs are areas that are very important for maintaining global biodiversity. They include land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. These areas are a top priority in conservation plans, especially in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, which was adopted in December 2022. Global Biodiversity Framework The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a plan to stop and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. One of its goals is to protect at least 30% of the world’s land by 2030, and KBAs are a big part of this effort. Temperature Changes and Their Impact The study found that new average annual temperatures have impacted KBAs in tropical forests differently depending on the re...

Scientists at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Kolkata have made a promising discovery in cancer treatment. They found that by targeting an enzyme involved in DNA repair, called TDP1, they might help improve outcomes for patients whose cancer has become resistant to current therapies. This discovery could lead to new combination treatments for cancer. Why Do Cancer Cells Resist Current Treatments Many cancer treatments use drugs like Camptothecin and Irinotecan to block an important enzyme called Topoisomerase 1 (Top1), which helps cancer cells make copies of their DNA. However, over time, some cancer cells become resistant to these drugs, meaning the treatments no longer work as well. That’s why scientists are looking for new ways to fight cancer. Key Proteins: TDP1 and CDK1 The research focuses on two important proteins: TDP1 and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). TDP1: This enzyme repairs damage caused by Top1 inhibitors, helping cancer cells recover fr...

https://civil-engineering-conferences.scifat.com/ Scientists have made an exciting breakthrough in photocatalysis, developing a new catalyst that can efficiently break down sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a common antibiotic. This discovery is important because it addresses growing concerns about how antibiotics in the environment can harm both ecosystems and human health Why is Antibiotic Contamination a Problem When antibiotics like SMX enter the environment, they create several issues: Antibiotic Resistance: The overuse of antibiotics in nature can lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to treatment, making infections harder to cure. Ecological Impact: These antibiotics can disrupt the balance of local ecosystems, affecting plants, animals, and microorganisms. Human Health: Long-term exposure to antibiotics in contaminated water can affect human health, potentially leading to health problems. How was the Catalyst These materials were processed through a hydrothermal reaction...

In 2023, the world added 347 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, marking a 74% increase from the previous year. This rapid growth was driven by the falling costs of solar panels and supportive government policies, as noted in a report by IRENA and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Key Contributors China played the biggest role in this solar energy boom, contributing 63% of the new capacity, which amounted to 216.9 GW. Other leading countries, like the United States, Germany, Brazil, India, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Australia, added a total of 83.4 GW. Europe alone increased its solar energy capacity by over 54 GW, while the US added about 25 GW. Employment Growth The surge in solar energy also led to a sharp rise in jobs. Global employment in the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector grew to 7.1 million jobs in 2023, up from 4.9 million in 2022. Most of these jobs were in China, which accounted for 4.6 million positions. Europe had around 757,500 solar jobs, mainly in t...

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released its Living Planet Report 2024 on October 10, revealing a disturbing 73% decline in global wildlife populations since 1970. This sharp drop highlights the severe impact of human activities on the world’s biodiversity and calls for immediate action to prevent further damage What is causing the Decline in Biodiversity The report looks at nearly 35,000 wildlife populations, covering 5,495 species, such as amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. The key reasons for this decline are: Habitat degradation: Forests and natural environments are being destroyed or altered, leaving less space for wildlife. Overuse of resources: Excessive hunting, fishing, and logging deplete animal and plant populations. Pests and invasive species: Non-native species disrupt ecosystems and harm local wildlife. Climate change and pollution: Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and pollution are damaging habitats and species. How Bad is the Decline The loss of biodiver...

     The United Nations has raised the alarm about a serious crisis caused by climate change, marked by more severe floods and droughts. On October 7, 2024, a UN report revealed that the world’s rivers had their driest conditions in over 30 years, while glaciers experienced their largest mass loss in 50 years . How Climate Change Affects the Water Cycle According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), water acts as an early warning sign for climate change, much like a “canary in the coal mine.” As temperatures rise, the water cycle becomes more unpredictable, causing both heavy rainfalls and long-lasting droughts. This irregularity endangers people’s lives, ecosystems, and economies because it affects agriculture, water supply, and natural habitats. Extreme Weather Events In the past year, the planet has experienced both severe droughts and frequent floods. These weather patterns are influenced by El Niño and La Niña—natural events that affect global weather, but...

  Chilean scientists have made a discovery, a reversible neutering vaccine for dogs that only requires a simple injection. This vaccine could eliminate the need for surgery, which is the traditional way of neutering. A small terrier in Santiago was one of the first dogs to try this new method. This breakthrough has sparked discussions about the pros and cons of the usual surgical neutering practices worldwide. What is Neutering and Spaying How Does the Neutering Vaccine Work This vaccine was created by a veterinarian named Leonardo Saenz. It works by stopping the reproductive hormones in dogs, which makes the dog temporarily unable to reproduce, just like traditional neutering. The vaccine is effective for both male and female dogs and costs around $54. Since it doesn’t involve surgery, it could make it easier to neuter dogs on a larger scale. Benefits of Traditional Neutering and Spaying Many veterinarians recommend surgical neutering because it has several health benefits. For ex...

Researchers are working on an innovative idea to address the impacts of climate change on the Arctic by developing a method to “refreeze” the Arctic Sea. Early trials show promise, suggesting that this method could help make the sea ice thicker by pumping seawater into already frozen areas. Current Climate Threat The Arctic is warming rapidly, and if this continues, it could become ice-free in the summers by the 2030s. This would be disastrous for global ecosystems and the planet’s climate stability. Over the past few decades, nearly 13% of the sea ice in the Arctic has disappeared every 10 years. What is the Proposed Solution? Scientists are testing a simple method: using pumps to spread seawater onto areas of thin ice. The water then freezes in the cold winter months, creating a thicker layer of ice. The idea is that this thicker ice will last longer during the warmer seasons and help slow down the overall loss of Arctic ice. How does it Work? Engineers identify areas where the ice ...