📉 Measles deaths down 88 percent since 2000
The measles vaccine has saved nearly 59 million lives since the turn of the millennium. The number of deaths in 2024 is among the lowest recorded since 2000. 96 countries have now eliminated measles, including the first three countries in Africa.
🐕 Trained dogs track poachers in Africa
A British organization has sent 15 trained dogs to five African countries to combat poaching of rhinos and elephants. Some smaller nature reserves have almost completely eliminated poaching thanks to the deterrent effect of the dogs.
🏧 More women in developing countries have access to bank accounts
73% of women in low- and middle-income countries now have a financial account, an increase of 7 percentage points since 2021. The share of women saving formally has increased from 22% to 36% in three years. Mobile phones and digital accounts make it easier for women to use financial services.
📉 Coal has decreased from half to one-seventh of US electricity production in 15 years
Carbon dioxide emissions from US electricity production have decreased by approximately 40 percent since 2005. Solar and wind power now produce more electricity than coal and employ more American workers. This has prevented over one million asthma attacks and 60,000 premature deaths.
🐢 India's olive ridley turtles have recovered – 10 times as many nests now
20 years ago, researchers counted around 100,000 turtle nests in India, but during last winter's nesting season, approximately one million nests were recorded. Protection measures such as seasonal fishing bans, protected coastal zones, and ecotourism have contributed to the recovery.
🤰 New obesity drug delivers highest weight loss yet in clinical trial
Patients on the highest dose lost an average of 23.7 percent of their body weight after 68 weeks. The drug also reduced knee arthritis pain by up to 62.6 percent. More than one in eight patients who took the drug became completely free of knee pain by the end of the trial.
🛰️ Startup successfully transmits solar energy with laser from aircraft – a step toward space-based solar power
Overview Energy has tested transmitting thousands of watts from an aircraft to a ground-based receiver using near-infrared laser light. The technology makes it possible to deliver solar energy to existing ground-based solar facilities when the sun is not shining.
🚛 Self-driving trucks to transport sand around the clock in Texas
Detmar Logistics has signed an agreement with Aurora Innovation to use autonomous trucks to transport frac sand in the Permian Basin. The trucks can operate over 20 hours per day and double the capacity to move sand. The technology allows the vehicles to see 400 meters ahead in total darkness.
💉 DR Congo launches vaccination campaign for 62 million children
DR Congo is launching a nationwide vaccination campaign against measles and rubella that will reach 62 million children aged 6 months to 14 years. The combined vaccine replaces the previous measles vaccine in the national immunization program.