🍌 Genetically modified banana resistant to Panama disease approved for consumption in Australia
Australian researchers have developed a genetically modified banana that is nearly immune to Panama disease. Panama disease is a fungal infection that prevents banana plants from absorbing nutrients and eventually kills the plant. The banana is the first genetically modified fruit to be approved.
🔋 Electric car sales hit record with over 1 million sold in January
An increase of 69 percent compared to the previous year. In the EU, EFTA, and the United Kingdom, sales increased by 29 percent year over year, while the USA and Canada saw a 41 percent increase and nearly a doubling in China.
🔫 Sharp decline in U.S. murders during 2023
The United States is on track for a record reduction in murders, according to the FBI. Of the nine categories of violent and property crimes, only motor vehicle theft has increased.
🌚 A private company successfully lands on the moon for the first time
Intuitive Machines has successfully soft-landed a robotic lander on the moon. The last time an American spacecraft landed on the moon was in 1972. This is the first time a private company has managed to land on the moon without crashing.
⚡ 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.