Harmful human actions inflict severe damages on whale sharks in Indonesia, according to a recent study, causing approximately 80% of their observed injuries.

In the realm of scientific advancements, various breakthroughs have been made recently, ranging from the origins of life to clean energy solutions and cutting-edge technology. Let's delve into these exciting discoveries.

UK Chemists Recreate a 'Missing Link' in Life's Origin Story

A team of British chemists has made a significant stride in understanding life's origins by recreating a 'missing link' between RNA and amino acids. This discovery could provide valuable insights into the chemical processes that led to the emergence of life on Earth.

Autonomous US Air Force Planes and Long-Lasting Batteries

In the field of technology, a new system could make US Air Force planes' takeoff, landing, and all operations autonomous, while a breakthrough coating promises longer-lasting, high-capacity lithium batteries. These developments are set to revolutionise the aviation and energy storage industries.

3D-Printed Tactile Sensors and 6G Technology

A 3D-printed auxetic design delivers a breakthrough in sensitive and wearable tactile sensors, offering potential applications in various fields, including robotics and healthcare. Meanwhile, China has debuted the world's first 6G chip spanning 0.5-115 GHz with 100 Gbps speeds.

Clean Energy Solutions

On the energy front, a 30 MW water-cooled small modular reactor could be deployed in a French city for clean energy, and the UK's first 1GW battery site will power homes, industries, and electric ships. These developments are crucial steps towards a more sustainable future.

Conservation of Whale Sharks in Indonesia

In the realm of conservation, an international research group led by scientists from the University of Queensland studied over 200 endangered whale sharks in Indonesia between 2010 and 2023. The study found that a significant number had suffered injuries caused by human activities. The research, which began in September 2010 and was led by conservation scientists from the Elasmobranch Institute Indonesia, revealed that 80.6% of the injuries or scarring were attributed to human-made causes.

The whale sharks were seen almost exclusively around bagans, where they were typically feeding on anchovies, herrings, and sprats. Of the sharks observed, 206 had injuries or scarring, with the most common injuries being relatively harmless minor abrasions. However, researchers were able to identify individual sharks and assess their injuries due to each shark having a unique pattern of white spots and stripes on its dorsal surface.

Air Pollution from Lightning

Lastly, scientists have shown that lightning pollutes the sky with gases that can rival car exhaust emissions. This finding underscores the need for further research into the environmental impacts of natural phenomena.

These breakthroughs and discoveries highlight the ongoing progress in various fields, from science and technology to conservation and energy. As we continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge, we can look forward to a future filled with exciting innovations and solutions.

Harmful human actions inflict severe damages on whale sharks in Indonesia, according to a recent study, causing approximately 80% of their observed injuries.