⚡ Record decrease in emissions from the EU's energy sector - renewables exceed 40%
Record decrease in coal, gas, and CO2 emissions in 2023 resulted in the EU's cleanest electricity mix ever. Emissions from the power sector have now nearly halved (-46 percent) since their peak in 2007.
💉 "Possible to eradicate Malaria within ten years"
New vaccines against malaria are hailed as one of the most important scientific advances. The vaccines Mosquirix and R21 reduce both the prevalence and mortality of malaria.
🍚 Meat-rice: Grain with added muscle strengthens protein content
This new rice-beef has a slightly higher fat and protein content than standard rice and can help reduce the environmental impact of meat production.
💔 Decreased mortality from heart diseases and stroke in the USA
Mortality from cardiovascular diseases has decreased by 4.7 percent from 2010 to 2020. The number of people in the USA dying from heart attacks each year has decreased from 1 in 2 to now 1 in 8. Stroke has also decreased. It was the third leading cause of death in 1938 but is now in fifth place.
📉 Rapid poverty reduction in Bangladesh
Poverty in Bangladesh has significantly decreased, with the moderate poverty level dropping from 24.3 percent in 2016 to 18.7 percent in 2022. Extreme poverty has been reduced from 12.9 percent to 5.6 percent.
📈 People with Down syndrome live more than twice as long today
The lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome has increased from 25 years in 1983 to about 60 years today. Other advancements include an increase in IQ by 20 points, with the majority learning to read and write. The number who live independently and choose to marry is growing.
🐦 The Guam kingfisher may soon be free in the wild after a 30-year absence
Almost 140 Guam kingfishers live today in 25 facilities worldwide. But the plan is for them to soon also exist freely in the wild.
🦾 Oslo buys ChatGPT for 110,000 students and teachers
The introduction of ChatGPT in schools can be compared to the introduction of the textbook, says Trond Ingebretsen, division director in the Education Agency.
🌱 We are close to creating the first artificial plant genome
Scientists have created a partially synthetic version of moss for industrial use. This could lead to new methods for producing medicines and other products.