Recent Posts

Beyond the Tipping Point

Beyond the Tipping Point

What if our efforts to stop climate change are too little too late? The way we live would change drastically if we are forced to abandon fossil fuels and utilise all the renewable resources and energy we have just to survive. In this story, each reference links to a technology that we currently have or are developing in real life, which may help to reduce waste or provide energy. So read on, imagine living in a harsher world, and see how many of these technologies you recognise and may want to use yourself, now or in the future!

The nearing demise of the Great Barrier Reef

The nearing demise of the Great Barrier Reef

Coral reefs around the world are facing unprecedented damage due to global warming. The Great Barrier Reef of Australia, a world heritage-listed natural inspiration has recently captured the attention of the media with its gradual depletion over the past few decades due to anthropogenic activities. In this article, the causes of this reef ecosystem destruction are explored. Loss of marine species could be an indication of a potential mass extinction in the near future.

Rising to the challenge: Malaysia’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

Rising to the challenge: Malaysia’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

A coffee table book, entitled “Rising to the challenge: Malaysia’s contribution to the SDGs”, is expected to be launched in 2017. The Editor-in-Chief of this coffee table book, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazlin bin Mokhtar, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation Affairs) hopes that these best practices sharing can teach Malaysian about sustainable development concepts and encourage research on sustainable development issues through integrated as well as multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary approach

Short Story: Green Earth Project

Short Story: Green Earth Project

Reciting the speech for the last of seventy times, I sprawled in the sleeping pod. This auction would be my first live encounter with other New Humans; flesh to flesh, no technological intervention. Ignoring the microdrones in my tummy, I played the footage on the smart mirror. “That should be enough,” I sighed, ignoring the few ‘uhs’ and ‘ums’.

Climate Change and the Southeast Asian Monsoon

Climate Change and the Southeast Asian Monsoon

Climate is the long-term pattern of temperature and rainfall. The increase in the intensity of weather systems caused by rising temperatures may delay the start of the monsoon season by about 15 days. Climate change increases unpredictable events such as floods and droughts.

Photography Exhibition: Invisible Asia-Pacific Malaria

Photography Exhibition: Invisible Asia-Pacific Malaria

Invisible Asia-Pacific Malaria is a photography project on bringing light to Malaria in Asia Pacific. An exhibition on this project will be held from 2 to 29 September 2017 at the National Library Board, 100 Victoria Street S 188064, Singapore. Commentary by Prof. J. Kevin Baird 

Cancer and Precision Medicine

Cancer and Precision Medicine

Cancer is a deadly disease with a high mortality rate. Cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells, which can grow to be either benign (non-invasive) or malignant (invasive). There are many options available for cancer treatment including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, patients may not respond in the same way to fully benefit from these treatments. With the increasing wealth of genomic knowledge, more strategies can be explored to improve treatment outcomes, and one of them is precision medicine.

The Importance of Surfactants in Atmospheric Aerosols

The Importance of Surfactants in Atmospheric Aerosols

Surface-active agent or “surfactants” is a substance that, when present at low concentration in a system, has the property of adsorbing onto surfaces or interfaces of the system.