Malaysia’s bio-based industry recorded an approved investment worth RM6.81 billion from 283 certified local biotechnology companies.
Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the investment was a 2.2% increase from RM6.6 billion recorded in 2016.
“The investment was made through bio-based firms who had received the BioNexus status from Mosti through Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corp Sdn...
The Budget 2018 speech by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Prime Minister and Finance Minister:
Prospering an Inclusive Economy, Balancing Between Worldly and Hereafter, For The Wellbeing of the Rakyat, Towards the TN50 Aspiration
Mr Speaker Sir, I beg to move the Bill intituled "An Act to apply a sum from the Consolidated Fund for the service of the year 2018...
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $9.6 million in available funding for projects to support the development of new biobased products and biomaterials from renewable sources such as crops, trees, and waste materials from farmland and forests. Funding is made through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the...
Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (PetChem) has approved a final investment decision for an Isononanol plant within the Pengerang Integrated Complex in Pengerang, Johor, for a total investment cost of US$442 million.
Celgene is licensing rights to develop its TORC1/2 inhibitor CC-223 in East and Southeast Asia to Antengene, and CRO Tigermed will help the latter with clinical development.
A Singaporean biotechnology company working on experimental cancer drugs is listing in Taiwan, potentially opening the door for more foreign peers to go public on the island.
Deep in the Amazon, an experiment unfolds that may allow a peek into the future to see what will happen to the world’s largest rainforest when carbon dioxide levels rise. It is a simulation to see how the lungs of the world will endure global warming
Duopharma Biotech Bhd has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its portfolio diversity, including halal pharmaceuticals and plant-based products, and growing its product availability and affordability
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recognises several sustainable development (SDG) goals that promote urban agriculture, which notably recognises Goal 2, ending hunger, achieving food security, better nutrition and developing sustainable agriculture
Sarawak kini dalam proses meneroka potensi sumber tenaga hijau boleh diperbaharui hibrid membabitkan kombinasi solar dan angin
We are gathered in Paris because the linear plastics economy is gushing pollution galore. Choking ecosystems. Warming the climate. Damaging our health. As ever with the triple planetary crisis – the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature and biodiversity loss, the crisis of pollution and waste – people in the poorest nations and communities suffer the most
Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing food production system. The sector now supplies half of all seafood consumed, providing livelihoods for millions of people, and is expected to double in size by 2050 to match increasing global demand
The advancement of technology, particularly in the fields of communication and information delivery, is indeed of great benefit to consumers. With the advent of new media platforms such as social media and instant messaging applications on smartphones, the situation is getting better
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry today announced an additional allocation of RM400,000 to build water pumps and tube wells to overcome water problems during the dry season
Plastic pollution is suffocating our planet — and it’s only getting worse. Production has rocketed in the last two decades, with more plastic being produced between 2003 and 2016 than in the whole of the 20th century
The government will fight against any discriminatory trade practices against Malaysia’s agricommodity sector, says Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof
The Ministry of Health (MOH) will expand the programme of releasing Wolbachia-infected Mosquitoes to states that have seen an increase in dengue fever cases
Pada awal Mei tahun ini, Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO) telah mengumumkan bahawa COVID-19 tidak lagi dianggap sebagai ancaman kesihatan awam
The carbon trade, particularly in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) and nature-based solutions (NBS), is at a crucial turning point. The lack of transparency and accountability has cast a shadow over the market, jeopardising its credibility and effectiveness
Vincent Doumeizel, author of The Seaweed Revolution, believes that seaweed can help replace many of the worst elements of conventional contemporary agriculture and help to feed the growing global population
Prediabetes is a warning sign that an individual is at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If it goes unmanaged, prediabetes can lead to long-term damage, including to the heart and blood vessels
Costa Rica established its first ever National Bioeconomy strategy in 2020. At the heart of the programme lies the country’s immense biological riches. Home to 6% of the world’s wildlife despite occupying just 0.03% of its surface area, Costa Rica is one of 17 so-called ‘mega-diverse’ countries – rare winners of the ecological lottery that include places like Brazil...
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) appears to be the latest trendy buzzword among politicians. Last week, Transport Minister Anthony Loke touted SAF as the key to decarbonising an industry that is fast becoming one of the biggest global carbon emitters, thanks to the world’s insatiable thirst for flying cheaply
Local artist Cheng Yen Pheng, 40, derives great pleasure from making by hand the very paper she uses for her artwork. By her own admittance, the process is time-consuming and often repetitive but is worth the effort as it gives her the opportunity to be self-sufficient
French pharmaceutical company Sanofi will accelerate the modernisation of its manufacturing sites and research network in China to better integrate these into its global industrial system, a senior company executive says
A journalist who declined to be named for safety reasons, was never a heavy social media user. But when a story her team did in 2020 at the height of COVID-19 incited backlash from netizens, she deactivated her social media account to present her mental health
For most people, a gel manicure never causes an issue. But for some it can trigger a lifetime of allergies to various medical devices, and to dental fillings and implants that contain a compound call acrylate—a key chemical in these manicures and pedicures
It is this evolution of the agricultural project that has changed our way of experimenting, and helped us to rethink the relationship between the restaurant and the gardens
Digital transformation has revolutionized various industries, especially the healthcare sector. It has made healthcare more inclusive by improving a wide range of outcomes from the prevention and treatment of disease to nursing care
From the decision to pursue and then successfully complete a PhD is a challenging journey as it requires tremendous passion and interest in research, along with the willingness to make significant sacrifices in various aspects of life, including financial stability, career advancement, personal relationships, and mental and physical wellbeing
Sejak beberapa bulan lalu, Akademi Sains Malaysia sudah mulakan proses merangka Pelan Tindakan Kesihatan Planet. Malaysia kini menjadi negara pertama di Asia Tenggara berjaya memulakan proses untuk membangunkan dan menerima pakai pelan jelas menghubungkan kesihatan planet serta manusia sedemikian
Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd (MGRC) meraih pendapatan RM680,000 bagi suku ketiga berakhir 31 Mac 2023 berbanding RM5.08 juta pada suku sama tahun lalu apabila kumpulan meneruskan usaha ke arah biofarmaseutikal sambil menumpukan pada pertumbuhan organik perkhidmatan pemeriksaan genetik
The government will implement both short- and long-term initiatives to enhance the country’s food security. Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin said the focus lies in boosting domestic production of essential commodities to reduce reliance on imports
Whether you’re lucky enough to have an in-house washer and dryer set, or you trudge to the local laundromat, there’s no getting away from that never-ending pile of laundry. But keeping our attire clean has surprising environmental impacts
The government is encouraging more local airlines to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce the rate of carbon emissions in the country
It turns out reef manta rays are even more vulnerable than we thought—but scientists say we’re now in a better position to save them
BP Healthcare Group, founded by Datuk Beh Chun Chuan, said the group has expressed its interest in financially troubled Pharmaniaga Bhd
The United States is hoping to play key leadership roles in an array of areas tied to the global energy transition, from developing corporate champions that drive emissions reductions to funding research and development of clean-burning fuels
Kementerian Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan (MAFS) memberi tumpuan kepada pengeluaran komoditi asas, dalam usaha mengurangkan kebergantungan terhadap sumber pertanian import sekali gus memastikan jaminan sekuriti bekalan makanan negara
Weight loss drug Wegovy has transformed the obesity market and pharmaceutical companies with existing treatments are hoping the resulting demand will boost demand for their older, less effective but cheaper, drugs
Sudah tiba masanya Malaysia menerajui sektor peralihan tenaga, terutamanya bagi memudahkan perdagangan rentas sempadan sumber tenaga boleh diperbaharui (renewable energy atau RE). Menteri Ekonomi Rafizi Ramli berkata, dasar negara sebelum ini menumpukan pada pembangunan pasaran domestik secara organik
Combating climate change is a global initiative supported by policymakers, regulators, investors, and consumers all making a concerted effort to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and specifically carbon (CO2) emissions. Green hydrogen is widely viewed as a key energy vector to accomplish this
A total of 44 local frozen durian processing facilities have received export approval from China as of May, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Chan Foong Hin
Many of the drugs on this list—which focuses specifically on FDA-approved medicines—will be well known to industry watchers. Last year, bluebird, plus CSL Behring and uniQure, nabbed three gene therapy nods in quick succession, with pricing records creeping up each time
Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels continue to increase globally, but the degree of growth is starting to tapper off. In 2021 the IEA reported that CO2 levels increased by 6% from the prior year, partly due to the significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Amazon constitutes the world's largest tropical forest, accounting for about 40 per cent of the world's remaining rainforests, with the water flowing in its rivers accounting for close to 15 per cent of the world's river discharge to the oceans
Agriculture is usually the stepchild of the development process. As countries grow, its importance shrinks while that of the manufacturing and services sectors expand. However, Pakistan has failed to make this transition
In the future, stem cells may be used to treat osteoporosis. However, while the results from animal studies are promising, data in humans is very limited. Osteoporosis is currently treated with medications and lifestyle changes
Airbus melihat terdapat potensi pertumbuhan bagi kerjasama dengan Malaysia dalam melaksanakan inisiatif penyahkarbonan sektor aeroangkasa termasuk pengeluaran bahan api penerbangan mampan (SAF)
Public water and wastewater utilities are increasingly struggling to meet society’s expectations. Their basic infrastructure is aging, budgets are tight, and they face a barrage of stressors, from population growth to climate change and shifting regulatory expectations
Environmental factors including extreme temperature, interruption of daily routines, vet visits, and novel environments can cause chronic stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. Abrupt environmental accidents such as sudden noise and falling objects usually result in panic and fear in pets
As more start-ups enter the scene, how can they establish a robust customer base, integrate their inventions with existing healthcare systems and ensure they have sufficient resources to scale and grow effectively to facilitate equitable access to these advancements without depleting resources?
Disruptions and uncertainties to the global supply chain are set to continue in 2023, as inflationary pressures, geopolitical conflicts, climate change and shortages of raw materials continue to cause impact to the flow of goods to the final destination, amid other imminent issues and challenges that have yet to surface
Platform Sains Terbuka Malaysia (MOSP) dilancarkan hari ini bagi merapatkan jurang antara penyelidikan, inovasi dan pengkomerisalan, serta meningkatkan keupayaan inovasi negara
Singaporean telehealth platform ORA has raised $10m in Series A funding. The round, co-led by TNB Aura and Antler, and with participation from Gobi Partners, Kairous Capital, and GMA Ventures, brings the company’s total funding to $17m
The Sarawak government has approved RM90 million under the Alternative Funding to establish three Precision Farming Parks at Rampangi in Kuching, Sungai Sibiew in Bintulu and Kabuluh in Miri, said Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail
Malaysia is committed to progressively raising its biodiesel mandate, Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said at a meeting with global palm oil producers today
APG is expected to enhance electricity trade across borders that would provide benefits to meet the rising electricity demand
Malaysia dan Korea Selatan akan memperkukuh kerjasama dan perdagangan dua hala dalam bidang pertanian selaras dengan keperluan bagi menjamin sumber makanan yang mampan dan berterusan
ReGen Rehab Hospital is taking the lead in providing specialised rehabilitation treatment for patients and individuals who are recovering from neurological conditions, including stroke and spinal cord injury
Genomics and biopharmaceutical specialist Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement (SCA) with Toticell Ltd for the distribution of the company's products in Bangladesh
In a fast-evolving global landscape, ASEAN countries must seize the moment to accelerate the energy transition. This is critical to build a greener path for growth, while delivering on energy security and affordability, and meeting climate targets
Sejarah telah membuktikan bahawa vaksin dapat melindungi manusia daripada pelbagai penyakit berjangkit yang berbahaya seperti campak atau meningitis. Oleh itu, komunikasi vaksin mestilah jelas dan mudah difahami oleh masyarakat
The WHO said it was enthusiastic about the potential of AI but had concerns over how it will be used to improve access to health information, as a decision-support tool and to improve diagnostic care
Biotechnology is revolutionizing how modern scientists and researchers approach various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotherapies, bioprocessing, agriculture and more
The sewerage sector in Malaysia holds significant untapped economic potential, says Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
Ag biotech was one of the few investment categories in 2022 that saw a slight increase in funding despite a decrease in VC spending for agrifoodtech overall
The world’s second-ever private astronaut mission to the International Space Station will not only ferry up the first Saudi Arabian woman to go to space but also a first-of-its-kind experiment that will test whether scientists can create induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs, in microgravity
The gig economy is growing rapidly in Malaysia, and it’s important to address the challenges and risks that come with this type of work
Several states are yet to adopt the Act 672 (Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007). This Act makes it compulsory for solid waste separation at source, with each household and business owner separating their waste into two groups – recyclable and residual at their premises
Researchers have successfully developed a method for the synthetic manufacture of the nutritional protein using a type of artificial photosynthesis. The animal feed industry is the primary driver of high demand for large volumes of nutritional protein, which is also suitable for use in meat substitute products
In August 2002, Ranbaxy filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manufacture atorvastatin, the generic version of cholesterol drug Lipitor—the world's top-selling drug, generating over US$10 billion in annual revenue. In 2011, it joined a long list of Indian generics makers who have been getting the go ahead to sell...
American Diversified Enterprises outlines how lobbying is essential to influencing government policies concerning sustainability and the bioeconomy
The birds are singing at dawn, across the forest of Compiègne, and it is morning in the bioeconomy here in the heart of agricultural France
Parenthood ends up evoking all sorts of mixed feelings and emotions. While becoming a parent is overwhelmingly joyful, it also means added responsibilities
EPR explores recent developments in stem cell therapies across several hard-to-treat diseases and how technology is transforming ATMP manufacture
The integration of IoT, AI and automation is creating significant opportunities for local and international businesses to invest in Malaysia’s IoT ecosystem
The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) through Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd aims to create over 5,000 start-ups by 2030 and expand its MYStartup NXT roadshow initiative nationwide.
The internet connection inherent to the majority of medical devices used day-to-day by consumers poses numerous risks in terms of data safety.
A senior Lao leader has called on Asean nations and regional stakeholders to further strengthen cooperation to alleviate poverty and ensure food security in the region.
Sarawak is set to produce sustainable aviation fuel from its first microalgae carbon capture facility at the Sejingkat Power Plant here, with plans to scale up production in future.
Pengurusan sisa pepejal di Malaysia secara umumnya masih belum berada pada tahap yang memuaskan. Malah ia bertambah menyesakkan dada dan menyakitkan mata apabila tiba musim perayaan disebabkan peningkatan sampah yang berkali ganda.
Malaysia should give urgent policy attention and implement measures to transform the country’s agro-food industry to close the food security gap, says TA Research.
The National Medical Device Policy 2023 aims to strengthen the medical devices industry, making it more competitive, self-reliant, resilient, and innovative.
Half the world is proclaiming artificial intelligence (AI) to be the best thing since sliced bread and the other half is warning of the end of humanity and the destruction of the way of life as we know it.
Tesla took a step forward to solidify its battery supplies. The EV maker broke ground on a lithium refinery project in Texas on May 8. The facilities will primarily process lithium hydroxide to support one million EVs annually by 2025, according to Tesla.
Malaysia intends to explore cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the fields of energy and climate change, especially on capacity building, technical assistance and green economy.
The software uses machine learning, logic learning models, and natural language processing to communicate with cancer patients and can provide answers to patients about their clinical journey. It retains a log of previous correspondence, allowing conversations to resume after a break. According to Belong. Life, Dave can be empathetic with users when providing answers.
A circular economy presents businesses and governments with the opportunity to create a more sustainable world. Contrary to common belief, a circular economy offers benefits beyond the environment.
A clever ocean-based device pulls and permanently sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, generating green hydrogen in the process.
In an effort to face global challenges such as food supply issues and heatwaves, Malaysia needs to focus on research in the agriculture sector, says Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic).
As heatwave seems to be just around the corner, most talking heads are advising the public to drink as much water as possible and to stay hydrated.
The amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) has indeed increased from RM7.1 billion (1990), to RM14.4 billion (2000) and RM32.4 billion (2019). But Malaysia’s competitiveness to attract foreign investment is fading, and this is worrying.
Microbes that can digest plastics at low temperatures have been discovered by scientists in the Alps and the Arctic, which could be a valuable tool in recycling.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is working on setting up a big data system to obtain real-time information regarding vegetable supply in this country, said its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
Findings from the research suggest that people who spend less time in deep sleep are more likely to have brain biomarkers associated with a heightened risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline.
A May 3 report shows that more than a quarter of a billion people faced acute food insecurity last year. This data underlines the importance of biotech for reducing the risk of hunger.
New research suggests that plastic recycling facilities could be releasing wastewater packed with billions of tiny plastic particles, contributing to the pollution of waterways and endangering human health.
Researchers from the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) in the Philippines have developed a fish-spawning method that will allow fish farmers to produce high-quality, pure spawn during off-season that do not require a high level of technical knowledge to execute. The method is expected to help Filipino farmers reduce their dependence on wild stocks while helping achieve national...
Pain in cancer may arise from a tumour compressing or infiltrating nearby body parts; treatments and diagnostic procedures; or changes to skin, nerves and other tissues caused by a hormone imbalance or immune response.
Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and mobile network operators (MNOs) could use 4G existing sites to meet the 80% 5G population coverage target by year-end, say analysts.
In 2021, Malaysia’s carbon emissions per capita was 7.63 tonnes, according to Our World in Data, based on the Global Carbon Project (2022). Neighbouring countries such as Indonesia (2.26 tonnes), Singapore (5.47 tonnes) and Thailand (3.89 tonnes) with lower carbon emissions have been progressing by leaps and bounds and appear to be ahead of Malaysia.
IN 1948, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) constitution, a treaty between the nations of the world, came into force after the deadliest and most destructive war in human history.
The GeoTanaman system has been developed by the Agriculture Department since 2022 as a long-term measure to plan food crop production and address the issue of agricultural product dumping.
Did you know that Malaysia is ranked third (after the Philippines and India) in the list of countries contributing most to marine plastic pollution? Dutch academic Lourens JJ Meijer highlighted these rankings in a paper published in 2021, and the position of Malaysia should be enough to cause us to reflect on our contribution to the global problem of...
Since 2019, the British Columbia Ministry of Forests has been at the forefront in supporting Indigenous-led forest bioeconomy projects through its Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program (IFBP).
Assistance will be given to enable the country to transition to widespread embrace of precision agriculture to allow farmers to earn higher profits at a lower cost. Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) said precision agriculture is the application of information technology to better manage crop and livestock production to advance food security.
First generics are the first opportunity manufacturers have to market new generic drug products in the US. In recent years, first generics have improved patient access to essential treatments and offered affordable treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and even the flu.
The drone industry is very promising, and one trillion rubles ($12 billion) will be invested in it in the future, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday. The Sputnik reported that Putin visited the Rudnevo industrial park, where drones are being manufactured, to hold a meeting on the development of unmanned aviation.
With a simple, inexpensive treatment, researchers have found a way to make paper bags strong enough to be reused multiple times, even when they get wet. The bags could be a true ecofriendly alternative to single-use plastic bags.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) is striving to develop an ecosystem for the application of drone technology in the field of agriculture to help increase the income of farmers.
Scientists said last week (Apr 26, 2023) that they have developed the first mobile printer that can produce thumbnail-sized patches able to deliver mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) Covid vaccines.
The global job market is set to change significantly over the next four years, according to a report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Monday. The WEF's "Future of Jobs Report 2023" warns that high inflation, slower economic growth and supply shortages pose the greatest risk to job growth.
The latest synthesis report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes for grim reading: Every fraction of a degree of warming comes with escalated threats, from deadly heatwaves to severe hurricanes and droughts, affecting all economies and communities.
Announcing the Agtech Toolkit, a publicly accessible toolkit designed for agtech entrepreneurs to ground-truth their knowledge of their market(s). Agricultural innovation is critical to ensuring that humanity can thrive in the face of climate change.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the inadequate availability of essential medical devices in India during a time of intense demand. Medical devices, ranging from ventilators and oxygen purifiers to personal protective equipment (PPE) and N95 masks, were in short supply when the health system in the country and the population it serviced needed them the most.
This Labour Day, employees voiced out their pressing concerns about the rising cost of living and labour shortage as the world continues to recover from the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The world is increasingly recognizing the urgency of transitioning to a renewable energy landscape to ensure the well-being of our planet and the continuation of human civilization. The adoption of clean, sustainable, and affordable energy sources is essential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change, and promoting energy security.
For large parts of the world, climate change poses a serious threat to agriculture, and hence to global food security. Further north, despite challenges such as unstable winters and increased autumn precipitation, the predicted effects of climate change are more uplifting – at least for agriculture.
Given the growing importance of biotechnology and biomanufacturing, it is surprising that there is currently very little by way of consensus-based guidance for biosecurity. In fact, there is often confusion with the related term biosafety which focuses on safety measures aimed at minimizing the risks of exposure to biohazards in the lab.
Several factors are contributing to the growth of India's biotech industry, including increased government support, favourable regulatory policies, and a vibrant start-up ecosystem.
To lessen massive waste from nonbiodegradable plastics, researchers at the University of San Carlos (USC) have turned shrimp waste into bioplastic with potential use for packaging.
Bringing agricultural production indoors resolves many of the challenges the world faces, including unsustainable harm to the environment and biodiversity; greenhouse gas emissions and water usage; seasonal availability and global market demand; and climate change. For example, crops can be provided with ideal growing conditions, whatever the season, while being protected from variations in the weather.
While the COVID-19 vaccines have made a dramatic difference in controlling the pandemic, researchers are still learning about the ways that the shots may affect people’s health.
This Labour Day, employees voiced out their pressing concerns about the rising cost of living and labour shortage as the world continues to recover from the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flights in the European Union are to be given an environmental label from 2025 in a wider effort to promote the uptake of more sustainable fuels in aviation, reported German news agency dpa. The label is to provide consumers with information about the expected carbon footprint per passenger and allow them to compare the environmental performance of different operators, a...
Lack of access to medicines is one of the most complex – and vexing – problems that stand in the way of better health. Often it is gaps in healthcare systems, economics, and infrastructures that hamper the delivery of medicines to millions of people. While affordability is the cornerstone of access, especially for households and health budgets, many other...
If GPS-guided tractors led the previous revolution in agriculture, the next generation of farming is likely to be marked by unmanned drones with onboard sensors that can spot weeds and decide when and how much herbicide to spray to control their growth.
In the midst of a discussion on plastic waste, Federal Territories Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) director Ummi Kalthum Shuib whips out her phone to show her TikTok video.
The Netherlands expressed its keen interest in further enhancing cooperation with Malaysia in water management and enhancing the circular economy. The Netherlands ambassador to Malaysia, Jacques Werner, said Malaysia is a country that has embraced and developed a speciality within the water management sector. The Netherlands look forward to engaging Malaysia in finding feasible solutions for water-related issues.
On April 25, the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China Year of Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation was held in Beijing. The event is a concrete measure to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and leaders of ASEAN countries at the special summit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and to build a...
Amazon.com Inc is pulling the plug on its line of Halo health devices as chief executive officer Andy Jassy seeks to wind down marginal programmes and streamline the retail and cloud-computing giant’s businesses.
Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (Korea BIO) and the U.S. Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote the bioeconomy of both countries on Tuesday (local time) in Washington, DC, on the sideline of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will be collaborating with a local fertiliser supplier in an effort to strengthen eco-farm agriculture as an educational platform based on research training for the benefit of all stakeholders, especially students and agri-entrepreneurs.
The Sarawak Agrotourism Conference and Expo (SAtCE) aims to showcase and promote both the state and the region’s agrotourism internationally. It brings together local and foreign participants as well as experts to collaborate in building up the agrotourism sector in Sarawak and Malaysia.
Software tools are essential for the medical device industry. But are these tools being crafted with the industry in mind? Whether using a computer to draft, engineer or manufacture (CAD/CAE/CAM), analyze and simulate, or simply managing the endless documentation and details of a product’s lifecycle, specialized industrial software is an integral part of modern medical devices.
Rice farmers and municipal agricultural officers from Laguna and Nueva Ecija participated in a series of roundtable discussions (RTDs) facilitated by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) to probe the use of rice straw for bioenergy.
Swiss food giant Nestlé is getting deeper into plant-based food to future-proof its portfolio. This week, the company launched two new vegan chocolate chips under its Toll House brand to meet demand for plant-based products. According to a 2021 report by market research firm Mintel, 48 percent of consumers are looking for products with a “plant based” label, one of the...
Decentralized manufacture of thermostable mRNA vaccines in a microneedle patch (MNP) format could enhance vaccine access in low-resource communities by eliminating the need for a cold chain and trained healthcare personnel. Here we describe an automated process for printing MNP Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines in a standalone device.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), believes that applying biotechnology to agriculture can ensure large food production from limited land.
From soil sensors to AI-powered drones, entrepreneurs in Tunisia are equipping farmers with tech tools and data to help the vital agriculture sector weather the country's worsening water crisis.
Membrane separation technology has been widely recognized as a more advantageous technology owing to its high treatment efficiency, low footprint, reliable effluent quality. However, its further sustainable growth has been hampered due to membrane fouling.
The prevalence of infectious diseases in the aquaculture industry requires a multi-pronged approach to control; the experts agree there is no one silver bullet in terms of managing health and welfare in fish and shrimp farming.
Hair follicles, the structures that produce hair, undergo several cycles of growth over an individual’s lifetime. The increase in the number of follicle growth cycles with aging is associated with deficits in melanocyte stem cells (McSCs)Trusted Source, the stem cells residing in the follicle that can form hair pigment-producing melanocytes. These deficits are thought to lead to graying of hair.
Biotechnology is as much an exciting part of chemical engineering today as it is promising for its future. In the second of this two-part article I continue to look at its long use, and how it suddenly changed the world. Here, I look closely at the atom bomb and the antibiotic.
As we learn more about the environmental influences of human activity, materials that contribute measurable negative impacts develop a less savory reputation. Plastic is one such material. Despite its practicality, durability, and low cost, plastic is increasingly viewed as problematic due to its petrochemical origin, contributions to a burgeoning waste stream, and health-affecting chemical composition.
Alternative proteins are often cited as being better – environmentally, ethically and nutritionally – than farmed seafoods, but the reality is much more complex and far less clear-cut than some alt-protein evangelists realise.
As scientists and engineers develop new technologies to boost patient outcomes, we are seeing pharmaceutical manufacturing rapidly advance. The industry is one in which technology can, and is playing, a huge part, with several benefits making for an efficient and cost-effective approach to drug production.
Technology has often been championed as a game-changer in boosting Singapore’s food security. From automating agricultural workflows using AI to regulating novel foods like cultivated meat, Singapore has dedicated over S$300 million (~US$224 million) so far to the Singapore Food Story R&D programme, which seeks to promote R&D in sustainable urban food production, future foods, and food safety science.
Given that the cabinet is expected to deliberate and decide this week (April 19, 2023), on the way forward for a credible roll out of 5G in Malaysia, and after exhaustive research and evidence-based op-eds numbering almost 20 on the same by EMIR Research, it is time to spell out the specific path that can be taken and resolve this issue...
In a recent commentary published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers reviewed the usefulness of universal masking in healthcare professionals (HCPs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to present arguments about whether or not it should become an essential component of Standard Precautions, Transmission-Based Precautions (pathogen-specific), and beyond in healthcare settings in the future.
The Philippines, the world's second-biggest rice buyer behind China, aims to be fully self-sufficient in production of the staple crop by 2027, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday (April 18).
Adopting the latest tech gadget need not come with a hefty price tag now that subscription-based services for electronics have become increasingly common. Startups such as Circular and ITEZ.SG allow people to tap affordable and interest-free subscription plans that enable them to “rent” all sorts of devices, including laptops, phones and tablets.
The Malaysian Biodiesel Association (MBA) has urged the government to introduce the B20 biodiesel programme nationwide to put Malaysia on par with national biodiesel mandates in other countries, such as Indonesia, which has started its B35 programme in February, the Malay Mail reported.
If you’ve eaten at a sushi restaurant, you might have come across eel on the menu. But did you know that most eel which makes its way to plates in America is caught here and raised overseas?
Infections and deaths from Covid-19 continue to happen daily. We know the pandemic is not over and we have no idea when it will be, if ever. Since the majority of our population have been vaccinated, with 50% (as of April 9) having received their first booster shot, we have become more complacent.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) aims to attract RM1bil worth of digital investments and generate 49,000 employment opportunities across nine promoted sectors by 2025 under its Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes (Pemangkin).
Digital transformation, creating suitable designs and recycling clothes are now proving to be important target activities for the garment and textile industry towards a circular economy and sustainability.
Food Waste Prevention Week (FWPW) is being celebrated nationwide for the first time this year. Started in 2020 in California, this year’s is being celebrated from April 10-16. The event gained traction in Florida after a school administrator was horrified by the amount of cafeteria food waste she saw.
Tai chi chuan helped delay cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment associated with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study, especially when compared to brisk walking. Researchers at the Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Fuzhou, China conducted a randomized clinical trial that demonstrated the cognitive value of the ancient martial art.
Alumni dan universiti berpisah tiada seperti kata pepatah Melayu, 'sakit sama mengaduh, luka sama menyiuk'. Sudah tentu alumni atau graduan ini kemuncak penghasilan dan penciptaan universiti sebagai institusi akademik dalam melahirkan keupayaan modal insan unggul untuk negara.
Just another hot and humid day in Houston. Kingsley was a new employee working for a local oil and gas giant. Feeling like an outsider inside the Q3 planning meeting, Kingsley was apprehensive.
All departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) are gearing up and constantly monitoring the hot spell that is expected to affect the country’s agriculture sector.
A preclinical study using stem cells to produce progenitor photoreceptor cells—light-detecting cells found in the eye—and then transplanting these into experimental models of damaged retinas has resulted in significant vision recovery.
India is emerging as the world's major bio-economy with fast-growing biotech starts up which is likely to touch $300bil by 2030. India's cutting-edge developments in its bio-economy were one of the key factor in its ability to successfully combat the covid 19 outbreak and carry out one of the largest vaccination drives.
Today, we have Net Zero commitments for 2040, huge SAF targets for 2030, vegan foods, renewable chemicals, sustainable materials, heat and power through biomethane, bioplastics, and more. We are trying so hard to do so much, so fast, the tuneful “better beware, be canny and careful” is good advice for an industry where many feel that too little is happening,...
The advancement of agriculture is heavily reliant on biotech research, which provides invaluable insights into the genetic and physiological characteristics of crops. By studying the genetics and biochemistry of crops, researchers can develop innovative varieties and bio-inputs that promote crop resilience to environmental stressors, enhance yields, and improve the nutritional content of produce.
German laws, European VBCs, and trends in China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia are changing the way global market access works. The early afternoon of the Market Access/RWE—Beyond Borders: Market Access Expanded track at Pharma 2023, being held in Barcelona April 16-18, was information-packed and offered a changing view of global market access on a number of fronts.
Alongside the Brazilian Amazon's vast soy and cattle ranching economy — a major driver of deforestation — sits an older, more sustainable system of families and cooperatives producing forest products including the palm fruit acai, rubber and pharmaceutical ingredients.
You would have read about renewable energy and efforts taken by the government to explore the various sources available in this industry. Although it is still in the budding stage in Malaysia, but there are many emerging careers that you can look out for. If you are interested in science consider careers in renewable energy.
Fishermen and farmers alike are taking to the waters to produce protein to feed the world—from finfish to shellfish to seaweed. Aquaculture, sometimes called aquafarming, is the breeding, raising, growing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms in fresh and salt water for human consumption and conservation alike—and the nuances of what it entails are vast.
There’s no doubt medical labels are vital for the medical device industry and without proper labeling, many devices simply wouldn’t be usable. Here are some ways labeling makes a difference for medical devices and the users.
A recent report on the U.S. Life Sciences sector delivered both good and bad news when it came to employment. First, the good news: Employment reached a record high of 2.1 million jobs at the start of this year, the commercial real estate firm CBRE reported in its 2023 U.S. Life Sciences Outlook, released earlier this month.
Emerging technologies in areas such as cyber and artificial intelligence could become the most dangerous weapons of the 21st century, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly said on Thursday, reported Sputnik.
Anantha Keerthi, Partner, Vector Consulting Group, points out that pharma companies need to either launch many new speciality generic products (better margins) or hire extra resources to develop more regular generic drugs to counter eroding profitability
The Gedong district will be developed with new infrastructure and amenities to become a hub for modern agriculture, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Sarawak Premier said a mini isthmus project would be implemented in Gedong to provide basic infrastructure such as government offices, a training institution, commercial centre and recreational area.
Electric car batteries could be used to boost power storage in the future, injecting electricity into the grid during times of scarcity or storing electricity during periods of excess, a new study found.
Outside the plant of a manufacturer of wind-driven generators in Hohhot, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, a truck loaded with turbine components is moving slowly. In the plant, workers circle wind turbines and fasten bolts with wrenches.
Plant-based is one of the most important trends in the food industry today. Meat- and dairy-free products are helping provide food alternatives to an ever-growing flexitarian market. But some questions still remain.
US Secret Service officers swept the rooms and posted snipers atop Ranbaxy’s headquarters on 21st November 2003. The company, nevertheless, could not be happier. President Bill Clinton had come to personally thank Ranbaxy for supplying AIDS medication at 38 cents a day for African and Caribbean countries - 75% lower than branded meds.
The global demand for food and non-food agricultural projects could increase by up to 56 percent as world population is predicted to grow close to 10 billion people by 2050, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Every year during Ramadan, tonnes of food end up in the trash, with the seasonal phenomenon expected to last till end-Syawal as Malaysians hold open houses to keep the traditional Raya spirit alive.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the Earlham Institute in Norwich have successfully engineered tobacco plants to function as solar-powered factories for the production of moth sex pheromones.
For a nation that seeks to claim the mantle of “pharmacy to the world,” India is scandalously short on regulatory oversight. In the last six months, its generic cough syrups have killed dozens of children, its eye drops have caused blindness and its chemotherapy drugs have been contaminated.
Biotechnology is transforming the health sector through innovative applications that have made practices like genetic testing, drug treatments and artificial tissue growth a reality.
An initiative that encourages people to ‘be a refiller, not a landfiller’, cutting out plastic waste caused from buying single-use bottles of water, has tripled in size in the past year. More than 150 cafes across Melbourne have now joined Yarra Valley Water’s Choose Tap Refiller initiative.
Brandon Hargraves, founder and CEO of The Aquaculture Group, outlines an ambitious plan to establish 250-hectare sandfish farm in the Philippines.
In October 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed updating its Breakthrough Devices Program (BDP) to reduce disparities in health and health care1. Created by Congress in 2016, the BDP is intended to expedite developing and authorizing devices that diagnose or treat life-threatening conditions and represent technologies that either lack approved alternatives or offer substantial advantages when...
Silencing your notifications and ignoring your email at the end of the workday could make you a better leader at your job, according to new research. Managers who disconnected from their jobs at home felt more refreshed the next day, identified as effective leaders and helped their employees stay on target better than bosses who spent their off hours worrying
Renewables are currently expected to account for 24 percent of U.S. electricity generation in 2023, increasing to 26 percent in 2024 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released April 11. Renewables accounted for 22 percent of U.S. electricity generation in 2022.
A group of scientists from the Russia’s Plekhanov Russian University of Economics claimed that supermarket waste when added to feed production, has no negative impact on the genome of farmed animals.
A multidisciplinary research team has produced a promising virus-fighting protein using a quick, portable process that could be easily deployed at the source of a future virus outbreak.
Generation Z is becoming an increasingly influential group to the ever evolving 21st century workforce. What truly motivates this cohort ranging between 18-24 years old to actively participate in their workplace? How do organizations keep them happy and motivated? These are some of the questions that arise when we zero into empowering Gen Z workers.
Several factors, including the demand for products free from synthetic additives, are driving the use of natural preservation methods in the F&B industry. FoodIngredientsFirst speaks with suppliers who share insights into the natural preservation space. Common themes in the category steer toward food waste reduction, the demand for recognizable ingredients and preventing food spoilage by shelf life extension.
Farmers are dealing with a fertilizer crisis brought on by rising fossil fuel prices and by the increasing supply-chain disruptions in global fertilizer markets created by Russia’s war on Ukraine. The price of synthetic fertilizer has more than doubled since 2021, causing great stress in farm countries. All of these reasons are adding concerns and increasing pressures of climate...
In February, Massachusetts-based Charles River Laboratories, the second-largest importer of nonhuman primates into the US, was served a subpoena by the US Department of Justice regarding the company’s import of wild long-tailed macaques from Cambodia. This was part of an investigation into an international primate smuggling ring.
The government will launch a framework on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) standards by year-end to help local companies transition into renewable energy (RE), said International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, recently emphasised that biotechnology can address Malaysia's food security challenges. Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), which drives biotechnology growth for economic development under MOSTI, supports this viewpoint.
Pharmacogenomics is a rapidly developing area of medicine that uses genetic data to forecast how a particular patient will react to medicines. Pharmacogenomics is a crucial aspect of the personalized medicine movement in healthcare, which is becoming more and more essential.
Arief Witjaksono started a chicken farm in 2018 with some partners in the city of Tangerang, west of Jakarta, but left after two years because the business was not profitable due to the low efficiency of the farm.
Sarawak is once again shining on the world map with the establishment of the world’s largest mass microalgae biomass production facility known as CHITOSE Carbon Capture Central (C4).
Syarikat tenaga teknologi bio Jepun bersedia untuk menyuntik pelaburan bernilai 50 bilion Yen atau RM1.65 biion melalui pengoperasian fasiliti penanaman biomas alga terbesarnya di Sarawak.
Bioalpha Holdings Bhd (Bioalpha), syarikat makanan tambahan kesihatan bersepadu akan membangunkan hab pertanian Malaysia di Wilayah Hainan, China, sekali gus mengukuhkan usahanya untuk terus berkembang di negara berkenaan.
Private healthcare providers are expected to see a pick up in earnings from an increase of both domestic and international patient throughputs following the reopening of economic borders.
Recently, the commercialization of university research products received attention from various sectors that became one of the main aspects contributing to economic growth. According to the MCY (Malaysian Commercialization Year) newsletter of the 2022 edition, in the Year 2016-2021, 46 MCY products have successfully penetrated the international market.
Although plastic is part of our daily life, overconsumption and pollution from plastic waste do bring severe social, environmental and health impacts toward the environment. In Malaysia, plastic consumption has grown significantly, aided by population growth, urbanisation, innovations in packaging and consumerism.
Menjelang 2030, Malaysia akan mencapai status negara tua apabila penduduk berusia 60 tahun ke atas mencapai 15 peratus daripada jumlah penduduk. Justeru, Malaysia perlu bersedia dari segi ekonomi, terutama aspek penyediaan kemudahan dan kepakaran kesihatan untuk menghadapi status negara tua kira-kira tujuh tahun lagi.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) will be allocating a piece of land in Tanjung Malim, Perak, to be used for the Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) but no timeline has been set yet as to when it will be commercialised.
There is an increasing demand globally for bioproducts from biomass. At Biomass Quality Network Canada (BQNC) we have been focused on research and development to establish a certification program for quality ag-biomass and hope to have that in place over the next three years, assuming appropriate funding.
There are those who argue that farming is a way of life and not a business, but in today's modern, competitive and global agriculture/agribusiness environment, that mindset is the quickest way to lose money.
For a nation that seeks to claim the mantle of “pharmacy to the world,” India is scandalously short on regulatory oversight. In the last six months, its generic cough syrups have killed dozens of children, its eye drops have caused blindness and its chemotherapy drugs have been contaminated.
Capitalising on a heritage of expertise in alternative power, Enel Green Power (EGP) – owned by Italian energy giant Enel – is the world’s foremost foreign investor in renewables based on project numbers in 2022, registering 44 across the whole year.
A recent trial conducted in Greece set out to evaluate the effects of pomegranate and onion on broiler chicks’ performance and welfare status, as well as on the chemical composition and oxidative stability of the meat.
Diabetes is a persistent medical condition that impairs the body’s capacity to regulate blood sugar levels. Although various treatments and medications are available to mitigate the symptoms and avoid complications, the disease has no known cure. It is caused by an autoimmune response that targets and destroys pancreatic β (beta) cells, which are responsible for producing insulin.
Halal Development Corp (HDC) CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari highlighted that Malaysia has been a pioneer and champion of halal, long before other countries had even begun to embark on it. He said this was because in Malaysia, halal encompasses a wide range of products and services with adequate support and infrastructure development such as Islamic finance, the provision of Muslim-friendly...
John Sewell, Secretary General of Chemical Recycling Europe talks about the role of chemical recycling in the plastics recycling industry, the technologies and the future of the sector.
The leader of the Welsh government funded Future Foods programme at Aberystwyth University, discussed his mission to collaborate with brands to optimise food functionality, during the Positive Nutrition Summit.
Whether or not the UK is experiencing a black hole in public finances, there is no doubt that cost pressures will affect every area of public spending over the next few years. And while the NHS may have been ring-fenced from the most severe austerity measures, spiraling costs, an untenable reliance on agency workers and the continuing escalation of...
The world is feeling the pain of a strong US dollar. And that seems to have prompted countries, whose local currencies have depreciated sharply against the greenback, to visit the idea of using an alternative currency for international trade.
Seperti kebanyakan pakar ekonomi sering utarakan, tiga cabaran besar yang sedang dialami ekonomi dunia iaitu perubahan iklim, revolusi industri 4.0 dan pandemik Covid-19. Perubahan iklim memberi kesan yang luar biasa kepada persekitaran dan pertanian seperti kadar curahan hujan, bencana alam serta tingginya risiko gagal ditangani.
Drugs that combat obesity are under consideration for the first time for the World Health Organisation's "essential medicines list," used to guide government purchasing decisions in low- and middle-income countries, the UN agency told Reuters.
A local company has set its target to produce cultivated meat in Malaysia by 2025. Efforts are on the way to build a RM20 million facility in Penang by Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd, a Bio-Based Accelerator (BBA) company next year.
Instead of discarding the waste leftover from turning tomatoes into juice or sauce, these by-products could find new life as a protective coating in food cans. Scientists have developed a natural material that could be used to replace the coatings currently used inside these containers, which can contain Bisphenol A (BPA).
The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is collaborating with Tsinghua University in China to conduct research on field studies using palm biodiesel in Chinese-made vehicle engines. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pix) said the cooperation also involved laboratory studies and the feasibility of producing palm bio jet as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
High-concentrate fish oils are now a thriving segment of the omega-3 market. Now, high-concentrate algae oils are entering the market. At March’s Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, CA, GC Rieber VivoMega (Norway) talked about its newly introduced VivoMega Algae Oils, a line of high-concentration vegan omega-3 oils derived from microalgae.
Satu pasukan jurutera bioperubatan di Australia membangunkan robot kecil yang fleksibel yang boleh digunakan untuk mencetak material bio tiga dimensi (3D) secara terus dalam badan manusia. Inovasi itu memberi harapan besar kepada satu peningkatan ke arah prosedur perubatan pada masa hadapan.
The other members include providers of high-quality wood-based products, fibre-based paper and board products and packaging, and renewable energy solution providers, and the initiative is supported by EU forest owners and managers
Situated between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, rich in water resources from numerous rivers, lakes and reservoirs, coupled with a tropical climate and abundant vegetation, Malaysia has plentiful supply of clean water that meets international standards.
As our global population expands, so too does demand for nutritious and climate-friendly food. Meeting this increased appetite in more sustainable ways represents a monumental challenge, but potential solutions lie in the planet’s waters.
Vaccines are likely to remain one of the essential tools to fight the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Vaccines against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are now widely available in many countries, and, since the initial rollout, progress in vaccine development has been made.
The buoyant global halal market is worth around US$3 trillion (RM13.3 trillion) currently and is estimated to hit US$5 trillion (RM22.1 trillion) by 2030. Driving the market will be Islamic financial, food and beverage (F&B), pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care, fashion, logistics, tourism and recreation sectors.
People living in apartments tend to recycle less than people living in houses. But why? And what can be done about it? A recent study by ReLondon shows that making small physical and behavioural changes aimed at maximizing recycling among flat-dwellers can produce big results: average recycling rates of study participants increased by 152% after changes were implemented.
The economic procurement of marine commodities from fisheries is crucial to trade and consumption by Asean member states and is instrumental for the preservation of food security in the region, which is fundamental to the livelihood of millions of people and is increasing in demand.
The Food and Drug Administration will now require medical devices meet specific cybersecurity guidelines after years of concerns that a growing number of internet-connected products used by hospitals and healthcare providers could be hit by hacks and ransomware attacks.
Nine in ten employees (87%) recognize that AI has a positive role to play in helping them stay productive, while eight in ten (81%) prefer a blend of AI and human interaction, according to Lenovo.
Japan's plan to dump nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean has been strongly condemned by the international community. Nonetheless, Tokyo is still going its own way and speeding up the plan to make the rest of the world pay for it.
Malaysia’s tropical climate is conducive for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, including oil palm, rubber, paddy, cocoa, pepper and fruit. In addition to crop cultivation, the agriculture sector encompasses livestock farming, aquaculture and forestry, all of which are crucial components of the country’s economy.
Emerging biopharmas have gradually taken over the R&D pipeline, producing two-thirds of all new drugs in 2022, a finding one financial biotech player called "stunning." "Emerging biopharma has been rising at roughly 4% a year for each of the last five years," Tim Opler, Ph.D., managing director for life sciences investment bank Torreya, said during a March 29 presentation of IQVIA’s report on global...
The buying and selling of farm equipment is often seen as an indicator of the overall health of the agricultural economy, and this type of data may provide insight into industry leanings. The Futures Council for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) developed a report using this data and other research to identify the 13 trends in agriculture that are...
Too much of carpet waste still ends up in landfill or incineration. Legislators as well as non-profit organisations try to find more sustainable solutions for waste carpet and textile flooring material. In our interview Adnan Zeb Khan from Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) talks about the challenges and possible solutions of carpet recycling.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its second pre-market consultation for human food made from cultured animal cells. California-based GOOD Meat, a division of Eat Just, Inc., uses animal cell culture technology to take living cells from chickens and grow the cells in a controlled environment to make cultured animal cell food.
The World Health Organization has tailored its COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for a new phase of the pandemic, suggesting that healthy children and adolescents may not necessarily need a shot but older, high-risk groups should get a booster between 6 to 12 months after their last vaccine.
Does the pursuit of scientific research based on a well-defined technological outcome hamper our ability to be creative? And does it limit opportunities to explore and develop fundamental areas of science that may ultimately lead to applications we hadn’t even thought of yet?
The two leaders discussed opportunities for Sabah and her people to benefit from State-Federal collaborations and programmes, especially in the agricultural and manufacturing industries. According to Masidi, now is the time for Sabahans to enjoy the benefits of having a strong relationship between the State and Federal governments especially in developing and boosting the economy and industry.
Sindrom down adalah kelainan genetik yang paling kerap berlaku pada bayi yang baru lahir melibatkan kecacatan akal dan disebabkan oleh kewujudan tambahan kromosom dua puluh satu. Menjelang hari sindrom down Sedunia pada 21 Mac, kita perlu merenung statistik yang membimbangkan di mana sekitar 90% janin sindrom down telah digugurkan secara rutin di seluruh dunia.
Minggu lalu, sebuah syarikat tempatan mengumumkan penubuhan sebuah fasiliti penghasilan daging kultur pertama negara bertempat di Pulau Pinang, melibatkan pelaburan tempatan berjumlah RM20 juta menjelang suku tahun keempat 2024.
The inaugural meeting of the National Biodiversity Council (MBN1) has agreed that the proposed formation of the Malaysia Biodiversity Centre (MBC) be referred to the Cabinet for its consideration, said Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Ongoing market disruptions, climate change concerns and technological advancements continue to shift the energy landscape. Against the backdrop of these uncertainties, Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (PETRONAS) latest Activity Outlook (PAO) 2023-2025 places greater emphasis on agile and innovative solutions to facilitate the Malaysian energy sector navigate the energy transition towards a low-carbon future.
Kementerian Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan (KPKM) mengadakan lawatan kerja selama tiga hari ke Indonesia bagi mengukuhkan kerjasama dan meneroka teknologi baharu industri padi di negara republik itu.
It is critical for pharmaceutical companies to improve competitiveness with a focus on research and development (R&D), production technology and digitalisation.
As many as 30 out of the 235 BioNexus-status companies have successfully penetrated the global market as of January this year, said Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup
Working towards a low-carbon economy is obviously in Vietnam's economic interest, and the Vietnamese government is facilitating a long-term national energy roadmap to reach net zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam News Agency has reported.
The economic procuring of marine commodities from fisheries for the purposes of trade and consumption by Asean member states is instrumental to preserving food security in the region – fundamental to the livelihood of millions of people – given its increasing demand. The ever-growing depletion of marine resources threatens Asean’s marine industrial complex, exacerbating the region’s food insecurit
Some of the world's leading makers of flu vaccines say they could make hundreds of millions of bird flu shots for humans within months if a new strain of avian influenza ever jumps across the species divide.
In Washington, the Digest released the rankings for the 50 Hottest Companies in the Bioeconomy. Out of more than 2,000 sector companies, the winners are..
Disposable plastics are everywhere: Food containers, coffee cups, plastic bags. Some of these plastics, called compostable plastics, can be engineered to biodegrade under controlled conditions. However, they often look identical to conventional plastics, get recycled incorrectly and, as a result, contaminate plastic waste streams and reduce recycling efficiency.
Isu sekuriti makanan terkait dengan output pengeluaran dan kualiti penuaian dihasilkan sektor pertanian negara. Jika jumlah permintaan melebihi penawaran domestik, kerajaan tidak dapat mengelak daripada mengimport bekalan dari negara luar.
There is a target to enable Sabah and Sarawak to get 100% access to safe surgical and anaesthesia care by 2030, says the Health Minister. Dr Zaliha Mustafa, however, said among the challenges faced by her ministry in hitting that target were the lack of trained doctors, the vast area, topography and transport network, as well as the scattered population...
The democratisation of artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) will lead to a proliferation of new startups, services, and products that prospers our economy not just from a consumer perspective, but also for founders, creators, and prosumers.
Last month, Victoria banned plastic straws, crockery and polystyrene containers, following similar bans in South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales and the ACT. All states and territories in Australia have now banned lightweight single-use plastic bags.
Rare earth elements (REEs), find use in hundreds of modern conveniences, but their sources are geographically restricted. Increasingly, countries without access to deposits of these metals, are seeking to recycle and reuse them from sources such as wastewater.
Precision medicines have revolutionised the treatment of some cancers and rare genetic diseases, yet progress in chronic diseases such as heart failure has lagged.
The challenge is that chronic diseases, like heart failure, are biologically complex and driven by multiple mechanisms.
The Executive Committee on the National Food Security Policy will take an aggressive approach to address the increasing cost of animal feed due to the direct impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the local supply chain.
Mobile and internet-connected technologies are more vital than ever for business to operate efficiently, as the impact of the global supply chain crisis continues to be felt. Businesses are aware of both the challenges and opportunities that mobile technologies provide, as they continue their recovery from the pandemic – but the integration of such technologies remains a barrier.
Stress in animals can be defined as any factor causing disruptions to their homeostasis, their stable internal balance. Stress engenders a biological response to regain equilibrium. We can distinguish four major types of stress in the poultry industry: technological or management-related stress; environmental stress; nutritional stress, including due to heavy metals, mycotoxins, and low-quality ingredients; and internal stress, which...
For some time researchers have suggested that a Mediterranean diet — high in fresh fruit and vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fish — may help lower heart disease risk and increase life expectancy. An increasing amount of scientific evidence now backs up this notion. Recent studies have linked reduced rates of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancers with Mediterranean...
Clean-burning hydrogen has been hyped as a potential solution to a swath of climate-related energy problems, from fuelling trucks and powering industry to generating electricity – all while emitting only puffs of harmless vapour.
Biotechnology, particularly cultivated meat technology, is in line with the goals of the National Biotechnology Policy (NBP) 2.0 and the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) 2021-2030, said Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
Malaysia has introduced its first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme with four shortlisted finalists, namely National Heart Institute (IJN), Island Hospital, Mahkota Medical Centre, and Subang Jaya Medical Centre.
Jika dahulu kita selalu dimomokkan slogan globalisasi dalam memberi erti ekonomi bentuk baharu bersifat tanpa sempadan. Sorak-sorai ketika itu menghala supaya dasar ekonomi negara diubah dan dibentuk selari nafas globalisasi.
Sarawak is prioritising the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power to achieve a net-zero emissions future for the state, its Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said.
Wakaf sebagai bentuk kewangan sosial Islam mempunyai tujuan penting memberi manfaat dan membangunkan masyarakat tanpa mengira sama ada masyarakat Muslim mahupun bukan Muslim. Tidak hairanlah, konsep wakaf turut diberikan perhatian dalam Belanjawan 2023 melalui Wakaf Madani merangkumi aset bernilai lebih RM1 bilion. Usaha itu bukan sahaja untuk kemaslahatan rakyat, bahkan boleh diperluaskan dalam konteks pemuliharaan alam sekitar.
Kadar kebolehpasaran graduan yang berjaya menamatkan pengajian di pusat-pusat latihan di bawah naungan Kementerian Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan secara puratanya mencapai antara 65 hingga 73 peratus.
A recent study said that although generic drugs offer the same effect and quality as original drugs, Korean consumers still have low trust in generics. As defined by the FDA, a generic drug is a medication created to be the same as an existing original drug in dosage, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use....
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) through its funding agency, Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, is offering grants under the CIP Spark and CIP Sprint programmes amounting to RM14 million this year to support the creation of local start-ups.
A new study released on March 8, 2023, warns that plastics consumption could double by 2050. That’s not great. Plastic, as a material, is pretty incredible. Its ability to resist breaking down and not reacting with most things it comes into contact with makes it extremely useful as containers for many industries.
Vertical farming has become a popular method for cultivating crops in urban areas, with the potential to revolutionise the way we think about food production. Vertical farming refers to the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers using artificial light and climate-controlled environments, such as in urban high-rise buildings or other indoor spaces, for example, hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics.
Negara memerlukan seramai 44,804 penolong pegawai perubatan (PPP) menjelang 2025 dengan mengambil kira jangkaan 36 juta penduduk Malaysia pada tahun tersebut, kata Timbalan Menteri Kesihatan, Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
Global economic slowdown. Recession. These words normally scare most of us out. How can we plan our finances with all these uncertainties? There is no way we can predict accurately when or the magnitude of the global economic slowdown/recession.
Malaysia's landfills are filling to capacity, putting the country in danger of running out of space for the disposal of solid waste by 2050. With an average of about 38,000 metric tonnes of solid waste sent to more than 100 landfills in Malaysia daily, the authorities and operators are actively seeking solutions for a sustainable waste disposal system.
Recent trials from the F3 Innovation Network found that it is feasible and economically viable for aquaculture nutritionists to significantly reduce – or even eliminate – fish meal and fish oil from the diets of carnivorous fish species like largemouth bass, amberjacks, red drum and Florida pompano.
As a national medicine shortage worsens, Lipitor (atorvastatin) — a statin medication used to prevent cardiovascular disease in high-risk cases, as well as abnormal lipid levels — has been among hardest to source. Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan has said that the shortage would not put citizens’ health in jeopardy, as there are other generic drugs that...
Kecerdasan buatan (AI) merupakan teknologi yang mula mendominasi pelbagai industri di dunia. Inovasi ini telah membantu individu, organisasi dan syarikat melonjakkan produktiviti. Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Chang Lih Kang berkata Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI) sangat menggalakkan penggunaan dan meneroka manfaat AI, tetapi dengan pendekatan waspada. Ketika ini, tidak ada negara yang menerajui soal etika dalam penggunaan AI.
One of the reasons that the journey to net zero is controversial is that we can’t always read the signs. One man’s climate change is another man’s weak snowfall season. Anomaly or trend? Did this technology stumble, or is this real failure? Sequestered CO2, you can’t smell it, touch it, taste it, see it — is it really being...
Agriculture uses an astonishing 70% of all freshwater worldwide, and around a third of the water in agriculture is linked to meat and dairy production. By far, the largest part of livestock’s ‘water footprint’ stems not from providing water for animals to drink, but from the water used to grow the grain – e.g. wheat, maize/corn and oats – fed to...
The Covid-19 pandemic markedly shifted people’s attitudes toward where and how healthcare is provided. The widespread use of lateral flow testing brought diagnosis into the home, and utilisation of devices to manage and monitor health seeped into other medical indicators.
Malaysians have been generating an average of 1.17kg or 36,699 tonnes in household waste daily. According to last year's data from the Solid Waste Management and Public Health Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), the majority of food waste ended up in landfills, while some could potentially be recycled.
According to the Energy Agency’s Electricity Market Report 2023, 90% of new demand between now and 2025 will be covered by clean energy sources "Renewables to lead the growth of global electricity supply" says a new report from the International Energy Agency.
Pelbagai strategi dirangka bagi memastikan akuakultur ikan marin dan air tawar menjadi antara sektor utama, selari agenda pemerkasaan industri berkenaan. Timbalan Menteri Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan, Chan Foong Hin, berkata strategi berkenaan dirangka bagi meningkatkan kadar sara diri (SSR) dan pendapatan penternak.
Generally, everyone is born with a pair of healthy kidneys. The kidneys are usually at peak performance when we reach full maturity. Kidneys are essential organs. Without them we can't survive.
It’s a common misunderstanding among many business leaders that it is always their responsibility to initiate and develop all the new ideas in their team. This is not only wrong, it can actually be very bad for business.
The government through the Plantation and Commodities Ministry is currently developing a National Biomass Action Plan that would involve five sectors: plantation, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry.
The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are expected to sustain their growth momentum through the reopening of international borders, higher procurement activities and better export sales, says RHB Research.
Seven statutory bodies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) were today given exclusive rights to develop 137 plots of Federal land comprising 5,696.49 acres for agriculture purposes to enhance food security in the country.
It is no surprise that food security was a major component among the measures taken to lighten the burden of the higher cost of living in the revised Budget 2023, given Malaysia’s massive food import bill.
The number of high-containment labs around the world conducting potentially risky scientific research is surging, despite a lack of global agreement on how to make sure they’re safe. There are 69 so-called Biosafety Level 4, or BSL-4, facilities designed to study dangerous infectious pathogens in operation, under construction or planned worldwide, according to Global Biolabs, a tracking project run out of King’s...
“Going global” used to be the stuff of dreams for companies in Singapore, Malaysia, and other Asia Pacific markets, but the old barriers to world trade – language, time zones, and cultural differences – are no longer impenetrable.
Jinichi Abe grins as he watches diggers working earth near his rice fields, knowing they are returning still more fields to productivity after Fukushima nuclear reactors exploded and sprayed the area with radiation over a decade ago.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kelantan branch aims to generate up to RM200,000 in revenue this year for the sale of MD2 pineapples and slips that it grows on a 1.6-hectare land in Bukit Tiu, here.
Memilih 'bergelumang' dalam pembangunan membabitkan pelbagai jenis virus yang berbeza dan unik, memerlukan banyak pengorbanan untuk memastikan kejayaan dihasilkan dapat dikongsikan demi manfaat seantero dunia.
The bioeconomy is not a new concept. Humans have been using biological resources to meet their needs for thousands of years. The bioeconomy is an economy that uses biological resources to create sustainable products, services, and energy.
The development of a National Biomass Action Plan that includes five sectors, namely plantation, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry, is expected to be completed in July 2023, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Albert Lin is the CEO of VegBed and has been involved in vertical farming since around 2014. "It's been fascinating to see how the industry has grown over the past decade. I thought I might give my 2 cents on what has happened recently as a lot of positive and negative press has come to light," he says.
Mobile applications are at the spearhead of the swathing digitisation in healthcare that is changing how patients receive treatment. Regulated medical apps and especially health management apps are areas of digital health that are seeing boosts in usage, according to a webinar led by Elia Garcia, Medical Device Analyst at GlobalData, Medical Device Network’s parent company.
The Yukon Striker is the world’s longest dive-style rollercoaster, with a drop of more than 240 feet, four inversions, hurtles at 80+ miles per hour, and when you take the first drop, you plunge into an underwater tunnel, after pulling a terrifying 5Gs on the way down. But it is only the world’s second-scariest rollercoaster, because the scariest one is...
The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly noticeable in Malaysia which has been experiencing extreme weather events in recent times, the latest being the floods in Johor caused by continuous heavy rain and affecting over 50,000 people.
Water disinfection is a necessary step in preparing aquaculture facilities before stocking, but it also causes microbiome die-offs which result in the higher likelihood of disease further down the line, according to Rachelle Jensen, founder of Luminis Water Technologies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified the guidance it gives to member countries regarding the evaluation of biosimilars. The new guidelines are designed to reflect changes in the science of biosimilars and the modern economic realities faced by payers and regulators.
Malaysia dan Sepanyol memeterai satu Memoradum Persefahaman (MoU) untuk bekerjasama dalam bidang sains, teknologi dan inovasi, kata Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI). Menurut MOSTI, matlamat utama MoU itu ialah untuk mempromosi kerjasama yang bermanfaat buat kedua-dua negara dalam penyelidikan dan pembangunan bersama, pertukaran kepakaran, persidangan saintifik bersama, penggunaan kemudahan saintifik bersama dan lain-lain bidang kerjasama dalam kerangka MoU itu.
The biotech industry niche focused on aging is expected to reach a market value of $65 billion over the next three years. There’s a long history of billionaires and tech giants taking an interest in the longevity field including Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Larry Page and Peter Thiel.
Animal feed production was 6% lower for the 6 months ending January compared with the previous year with all sectors showing reductions, with monogastric sectors hardest hit. Figures released by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) show pig feed production to date is 11% lower than last season and back 3% from the previous 5-year average (2017/18-2021/22). Last year was...
Enxhi Durmishaj is 29 years old and works in an administrative role at Mother Teresa Hospital, a large public hospital in Tirana, Albania’s capital. Rudina Çopa is 33 and oversees the sanitation team’s work and waste management at the Durres Regional Hospital in western Albania. Both women are vaccinated against COVID-19, having received 2 primary vaccine doses and a...
Labor costs today make up approximately two-thirds of U.S. business research and development (R&D), illustrating how vital access to high-skilled talent is to America’s economy. In comparison, only about 13% of input costs on U.S. farms for agricultural production, on average, are labor-related. (It’s 39% for specialty crops.)
The bioeconomy covers all sectors and systems that rely on biological resources. An assessment of the progress and the trends in the EU bioeconomy, carried out by the JRC, confirms the findings of the EU Bioeconomy Progress Report that a better policy coordination is needed to tackle the multiple pressures on land from biomass demand.
Sektor kesihatan menerima peruntukan kedua terbesar dalam Belanjawan 2023 iaitu sebanyak RM36.3 bilion berbanding RM32.4 bilion tahun lepas. Komponen utama peruntukan itu melibatkan keperluan perolehan ubat-ubatan, reagen, vaksin dan bahan guna habis termasuk peruntukan RM3 bilion bagi lantikan baharu secara tetap dan kontrak kepada lebih 1,500 pegawai perubatan, pegawai pergigian dan pegawai farmasi yang telah menunggu sekian lama.
The value of gross output for Pix for representational purpose only/AFPPixsector in 2021 grew 23.2% to RM101.3 billion as compared with RM82.2 billion in 2020, mainly attributed to the crops sub-sector, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM).
The world’s largest mass microalgae biomass production facility known as Chitose Carbon Capture Central (C4), utilising flat-panel photo-bioreactor technology, is set for official opening here in April this year.
There is no alternative to palm oil. Palm oil is natural, containing vitamins A and E, rich in nutritional values. Products formulated to replace palm oil lack originality. These products do not possess the nutritional values such as vitamins A and E that are present in natural palm oil.
As nations around the world seek to measure, manage and mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions, many have their eyes focused on the agricultural industry, and New Zealand is no exception. With the New Zealand government’s proposed tax on agricultural emissions, a world first, the local farming industry is now faced with additional considerations to achieve these sustainability goals.
Malaysia's healthcare travel industry recorded more than RM1.2bil in revenue in 2022. This successful recovery is due in part to the efforts made by key industry players and stakeholders, which includes the media.
The 2022 collapse of FTX.com – a digital asset and cryptocurrency exchange – along with its over 135 affiliate companies around the world has triggered fears of contagion in the crypto market and caused some investors to lose their investments.
Scientists appear to have solved one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the global meat industry — how to dramatically reduce methane emissions from cow burps. Now the race is on as several companies try to commercialise their feed-additive tonics as pills, pellets and powders.
Explore the full 2023 list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, 540 organizations that are reshaping industries and culture. We’ve selected the firms making the biggest impact across 54 categories, including corporate social responsibility, energy, social good, and more.
Today, 133 million Americans are estimated to be suffering from at least one chronic condition, and that number is expected to reach 170 million by 2030. This demographic accounts for 71% of U.S. healthcare spend, placing significant strain on employers as one of the main providers of Americans’ healthcare coverage.
Malaysia is ready to welcome investments from technology-related industry players participating in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023, especially in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
China has been the world's largest and fastest-growing producer of renewable energy for more than a decade, but has widened its lead over international rivals through a steep acceleration in the roll out of wind capacity since 2021.
The RM200 cash aid to rice farmers and the provision of subsidies and incentives for the rice industry under Budget 2023 demonstrates the Unity Government's commitment to transform the agricultural sector into a modern and dynamic one.
Tempus, a provider in artificial intelligence (AI) and precision medicine, has entered a multi-year, strategic collaboration with Pfizer to further AI and machine learning-driven efforts in therapeutic development. The collaboration aims to more precisely gather insights that will inform novel drug discovery and development in oncology.
The bioeconomy is an important part of the circular economy. Fiber-based packaging is recycled, and the fibre is reused again and again until the quality of the fibre has become so low that it no longer can be used. Then it returns to carbon dioxide and the natural carbon cycle is closed. This contrasts with the fossil economy.
Toilet paper is an unexpected source of potentially harmful “forever chemicals” in wastewater across the globe and could be leaching into soils via sewage, a new study on Wednesday said.
The small tomatoes on shelves of supermarkets in Japan may look like normal fruit, but they are actually genetic pioneers. In late 2021, Japanese company Sanatech Seed began selling special tomatoes that had been genetically modified to produce high levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a compound naturally found in the brain. GABA has been linked to stress reduction and is touted as a...
Cell therapy, involving adult stem cells from bone marrow, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in severe heart failure patients, according to a new study. A single administration of adult stem cells directly into an inflamed heart, through a catheter, could result in a long-term 58% reduced risk of heart attack or stroke among...
Recently, the United States enacted a law called the Inflation Reduction Act allocating USD374 billion in green incentives to tackle the climate crisis. The implementation of this law is intended to trigger a boom in clean energy, creating thousands of jobs.
Austria recommended shorter shower times and speed limits on roads. Spain ordered shop exteriors and public monuments to cease lighting at night. The Eiffel Tower in Paris dimmed its lights before midnight. Brussels and Paris reduced city speed limits to 30 km an hour
The Sarawak government is planning to further embrace the application of new biotechnology to improve in swine nutrition and pork production, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom
Regulations for research involving devices, in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), and digital therapeutics differ from those governing pharmaceutical development. While drugs require Phase I-III clinical trials—and are also subject to post-approval tracking—digital therapeutics, devices, and IVDs may be able to leverage bench testing, animal studies, pilot studies, and training sets.
Social media has come a long way since its inception. Today, the need to keep some things personal seems to be taken a back seat. People tend to be more open, sharing their innermost thoughts and every detail of their lives on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. But what you share online is seen by people you don’t even know and before...
Perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di Malaysia sedang berhadapan dengan keadaan sukar. Pandemik COVID-19, bencana alam serta kenaikan Kadar Dasar Semalaman (OPR) berterusan secara umumnya memberi kesan negatif terhadap hasil jualan serta keuntungan PKS.
THE fight against cancer has been a long journey, with many experts in the field pushing the envelope to find ways to help their patients. According to haematologist Datuk Dr Chang Kian Meng, stem cell treatment started in the 1970s as a result of radiation sickness and bone marrow failure. Since then, it has extended to bone marrow cancers, lymphomas and...
Food security is a critical concern today for countries across the world. By 2050, the world will have two billion more people to feed, and food demand is up 56% compared to 10 years ago, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
One day, our favourite sneakers could well be made from sushi, look like a patchwork of fabric scraps, or even decompose in the ground. Right now, the fashion industry is coming up with all kinds of ideas and techniques to reinvent this wardrobe staple to help make it greener.
Malaysia’s energy sector has come a long way since its early years. Over the last 50 years, we have moved from oil to natural gas for cleaner power generation. We have also seen more solar energy use, particularly on rooftops, ground mounts and floating.
The modernisation of the agrofood sector is a catalyst to attract young talents to enter the field and further encourage the creation of job opportunities in Sarawak.
Bone health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being, yet it is often overlooked. Strong bones support the body, protect vital organs and enable movement. Many of the crucial functions in our bodies are predetermined by healthy bones.
The government has allocated RM1.47 billion under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to develop sustainable and effective infrastructure through the implementation of sewerage projects nationwide.
In Malaysia, the jutting aftermath of climate change, among others, is flooding. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s (DoSM) Compendium of Environment Statistics, the scheduled waste produced in Malaysia increased by 4.5% to 7,505.2 metric tonnes (MT) in 2021 from 7,185.2MT in 2020.
The government is exploring the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) in chicken feed as part of its efforts to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen food security in the country. The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), in collaboration with the Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC), is carrying out a study on an alternative source for chicken feed as...
After Gregory Poland, an internal medicine doctor at Mayo Clinic who directs its Vaccine Research Group, got his second dose of COVID vaccine in February 2021 he developed such severe and sudden ringing in his ears that he nearly veered into the next lane of traffic while driving home.
Malaysia’s drone industry is flying high after ranking 21st in the Drone Readiness Index (DRI), up from the 30th spot last year. It is also the top-ranked Southeast Asian country in the Index. The country’s core readiness for drones improved by 29 percentage points in the DRI, as it hit 60% – up from 31% the previous year.
Researcher see the interconnections between the systems in nature and how each component impacts the others. In Connecticut, rich in forests and farmland, experts see the potential that could position the state at the forefront of a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) approach using an emerging sustainable practice called biochar.
Farmers face more pressure than ever before. Demand for food is growing as the population increases, and land is taken as urbanization spreads. Moving forward, agricultural enterprises need to operate in new and adapted ways in order to survive.
A man has been cured of HIV after a stem cell transplant, researchers say. The 53-year-old, known as the Dusseldorf Patient, is just the third person worldwide to be cured of the condition using the treatment, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Entrepreneurship is a journey that comes with a host of challenges, both expected and unexpected. To succeed, entrepreneurs need to be resilient, adaptable and willing to think creatively when faced with a crisis.
The tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius) has some surprising properties, scientists have discovered: properties that could enable it to provide a natural, biodegradable alternative to certain plastics and other materials in the future.
When seasonal bugs have you running to the clinic or pharmacy for medicines to bring down your temperature or soothe your child’s cough, it can be frightening to hear that they can’t help you because they are out of stock.
The electric vehicle (EV) and bioeconomy are among the sectors that are expected to see tremendous growth, according to investor Azeem Azhar, who is also the creator of the popular newsletter Exponential View.
The United States has taken the top spot in the ranking of the latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index, followed by China and Germany, according to consultancy EY.
Aquaculture, or the farming of aquatic plants and animals, contributes to biodiversity and habitat loss in freshwater and marine ecosystems globally, but when used wisely, it can also be part of the solution, new research shows.
Spending for Covid-19 vaccination included vaccine costs, vaccination campaign costs, distribution costs, service charges by doctors, nurses and other health professionals administering the vaccines, and organisational costs, according to the MNHA report.
In China, researchers have developed an artificial intelligence system that can detect signs of depression from a person's voice. Faced with the prevalence of this condition, the discovery has the potential to become an effective tool in assessing patient mental health.
BANGI: Pasaran dron Malaysia dijangka mencecah nilai berjumlah sehingga RM12.13 bilion atau 4.3 peratus daripada keseluruhan bahagian pasaran global tahun ini.
Timbalan Menteri Kewangan I, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, berkata berdasarkan kajian pasaran pada 2021, industri dron global dijangka menjana nilai pasaran sejumlah AS$41.3 bilion (RM180 bilion).
BALTIMORE: Cervical cancer, like many illnesses, is treatable if it’s caught early, but each year millions of women miss out on getting routine Pap smear screening for the disease, which kills a disproportionate number of Black women.
During the pandemic, cervical cancer screening rates got even worse, especially for lower-income women and women of racial and ethnic minority groups.
As the world population continues to grow and the human population becomes more urbanized, there is an increasing demand for food. This has led to a rise in the use of agricultural technology and innovations to meet and sustain the demand.
SUNGAI PETANI: Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) wholly-owned subsidiary TNB Renewables Sdn Bhd (TRe) is seriously evaluating other means for solar generation such as agrisolar and floating solar panels.
Managing director Mohd Yusrizal Mohd Yusof said TNB's in-house solution provider, TNB Research Sdn Bhd had conducted several assessments of water surfaces to identify suitable areas for floating solar panels.
HANOI, Feb 10 (Bernama): Vietnam has set a target to become Asia's top 10 manufacturing hubs in terms of biotech production and smart biotech services by 2030, local media had reported.
By 2030, domestically produced biotech products will replace half of imported products, positioning the country as a major player in the global biotech market, Xinhua quoted local newspaper Vietnam...
As we move further into 2023, the healthcare industry will continue to experience the impact of trends that have taken shape in the last year. We’re seeing incredible momentum in areas such as multi-omics and molecular diagnostics, personalized care and digital health solutions that will play an increasingly important role in the future of healthcare delivery. The industry is...
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 — Malaysia and Indonesia will strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security through agrofood trade and agricultural technical collaboration to ensure sustainable and continuous food sources.
KADAR penggunaan plastik meningkat saban tahun bukan sahaja di negara ini, malah di seluruh dunia.
Data sejak tahun 2008 hingga 2018 menunjukkan bahawa berlaku peningkatan penghasilan plastik daripada 254 juta tan kepada 359 juta tan.
We should move from merely mulling the obvious problems and focus on how to stem medical brain drain.
The medical brain drain narrative is that new medical graduates are the future human capital who will take healthcare services to greater heights and enhance the quality of patient care, as well as research capabilities. They could be our iconic physician scientists...
As patients expect more tailored approaches to care delivery, providers are moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and toward personalized medicine, or precision medicine, which analyzes aspects of a person’s genes, environment and lifestyle to find the right treatments.
As manufacturing and tourism collapsed in the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, several Southeast Asian governments realized that they needed to pump more money into their underfunded and underappreciated agriculture sector. That's now paying off.
Energy and electricity supply have become vital for nearly every European nation over the past year, as the region shifts away from its dependence on Russian fuel imports.
While many countries have been making progress in their energy transition away from fossil fuels, nearly half of European countries are still dependent on them as their primary source of electricity generation.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is hoping to use its strategic location at the equator to build the world’s 16th space launching facility, which would make Malaysia only the ninth country to do so now.
State Science, Technology and Innovation minister Datuk Arifin Arif announced that the state Cabinet has greenlit a feasibility study towards this goal, adding that a letter of intent...
Kuala Lumpur: Perintis penggunaan kecerdasan buatan (AI) bagi rekaan ubat-ubatan berasaskan bahan semula jadi.
Meskipun metodologi sama boleh digunakan dalam rekaan ubatan sintetik namun bahan semula jadi diyakini mampu menyediakan asas kimia yang padu untuk semua jenis ubatan-ubatan.
Idea hebat itu diketengahkan penyedia penyelesaian kecerdasan buatan (AI) terkemuka dalam industri ubatan herba yang juga syarikat pemula farmaseutikal, Herbalogi.ai apabila bekerjasama dengan...
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 — Malaysia and Indonesia will strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security through agrofood trade and agricultural technical collaboration to ensure sustainable and continuous food sources.
In the 1930s, the DuPont company created the world’s first nylon, a synthetic polymer made from petroleum. The product first appeared in bristles for toothbrushes, but eventually it would be used for a broad range of products, from stockings to blouses, carpets, food packaging, and even dental floss.
Malaysia has long possessed a leading track record in high technology ventures that dates back to the roll-out of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) near the turn of the millennium – establishing a conducive platform for the nation’s decades-long digital economy growth. Fast forward to 2022, and as we are now in the thick of Industry 4.0, Malaysia has...
Digitalisation in the healthcare industry, along with advances in medical devices, enables clinicians to combine and analyse genome information with other diagnostic information to identify patterns that can help to determine an individual’s risk of developing a disease, detect illness earlier, and determine the most effective interventions. This may involve medicines, implantable medical devices, or lifestyle and diet changes.
Sustainable agriculture is the practice and science of farming sustainably. "Sustainability" means consuming resources, such as land, healthy soil and animals, so they may be naturally or artificially replenished without emptying or contaminating other resources.
Looper Textile Co., the standalone joint venture is owned 50% by H&M and 50% by Remondis. The firm will collect and sort unwanted clothes and textiles into different streams in order for them to be reused or recycled.
Biotechnology holds a key to solving India's nutritional security challenges. However, a transparent and simplified policy is required to promote and use biotechnology to its optimum potential. Like the US, India also needs to recognize the value of biotechnology and emphasize its commitment to this sector.
What most of us know about stem cells is likely through the image of Dolly the sheep, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell. While Dolly was an interesting medical breakthrough resulting from stem cell research and cloning, her place in science history is just one of the many successes in this field. But what exactly...
KOCHI: Artificial reefs will increase fish production and promote fishermen’s livelihood, marine scientists said. Participating in a brainstorming session held on the sidelines of the symposium on innovations in fishing technologies, marine scientists from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) said the deployment of artificial reefs on the sea bed would enhance the growth of marine fauna and...
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Kementerian Pembangunan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT) melalui agensinya Perbadanan Pengurusan Sisa Pepejal dan Pembersihan Awam (SWCorp) melancarkan Inisiatif Hijau Cameron Highlands untuk merawat sisa organik daripada dibuang ke tapak pelupusan.
The global food system has reached a breaking point. The sector is embroiled in climate change, absorbing an estimated 25% of the total damage and losses from climate-related disasters. In addition, the ensuing disruption of global supply chains, reduced access to critical food staples and sky-high fuel prices due to the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have culminated in...
In the not-too-distant future, one can print their own paracetamol at home or in a neighbourhood pharmacy, provided the appropriate 3D printer, actives and raw materials required to compound the medicine are available.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will redevelop an agriculture-based food database with the latest data as a reference for food issues in the country. Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, said there was a system available but it was currently stagnant.
Environmental pollution originating from livestock waste has been a longstanding issue in Malaysia, with the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS) attributing this to the lackadaisical attitude of most industry players.
Within our immediate environment lies an abundant source of organic material: biomass. This is the starting point for producing renewable energy from natural sources like wood and agricultural residues, here referred to as feedstocks.
Sektor pertanian dijangka mendapat peruntukan yang lebih dalam pembentangan semula Belanjawan 2023 pada 24 Februari ini. Menteri Ekonomi, Rafizi Ramli, berkata peruntukan yang lebih itu adalah bagi menarik lebih ramai orang berkecimpung dalam pengeluaran hasil pertanian di peringkat akar umbi.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses and lack of preparedness of health systems globally. When the virus was at its peak, many low- and middle-income countries struggled to save lives while sustaining essential medical services such as maternal health care, routine childhood immunization, and the treatment of non-communicable diseases.
Conquest, war, famine, and death: Looking back on 2022 as the COVID-19 plague roars into its fourth year, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have all been well exercised. But though there was much to be dismayed about, all was not gloomy, and there were indicators of an important sea change.
As households grow increasingly accustomed to composting coffee grounds, eggshells and vegetable peels, could they one day be composting their clothes? Biodegradable garments, made entirely from plant-based materials, could provide an alternative to help fight plastic pollution and the mountains of textile waste that are building up worldwide.
Vietnam's agriculture is transforming from quantity targets towards profit, environment and farmer income targets. For decades, Vietnam's agriculture followed the targets of production volume. This growth model has failed to take account of income returns to farmers and all other environmental costs.
Pharmaniaga Bhd, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pharmaniaga LifeScience Sdn Bhd, has successfully installed a pre-filled syringe (PFS) filling line, the first of its kind in Malaysia, recently.
About 120 highly-skilled workers are needed to fill the vacancies at a biopharmaceutical company here, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said Biocon Sdn Bhd, which has poured RM1bil in investments to set up its facilities in Johor, already has about 800 employees on the payroll.
The market for buying and selling biofuels plants followed a historic 2021 with a transformational year in 2022, driven by one pivotal biomass-based diesel (BBD) transaction. Overall, seven mergers and acquisitions transactions took place, with 889 million gallons per year (MGPY) of capacity trading hands, the second highest in the past decade. Four of the seven transactions were in...
Agricultural authorities have launched a sweeping inspection aimed at spotting destructive crop diseases and pests on the tropical island province of Hainan, seat of a sprawling national breeding base with increased global sharing of germplasm.
When Ignasi Biosca-Reig heard there were shortages of amoxicillin in Spain, he quickly added shifts at his drug company's factories to boost production of the popular antibiotic. But, a few extra shifts was as far as he could go. Much as he would have liked to significantly increase supplies, Biosca-Reig said he couldn't justify investing millions of euros in...
A hallmark of the global bioeconomy over the last century has been its resiliency and adaptability. From its roots in the American chemurgy movement, vibrant markets for bio-based fuels, chemicals, and materials are found across the world, except Africa. Each region put their own stamp on the bioeconomy, based on their own cultures, politics, communities, and development – –...
The lack of data and transparency surrounding post-consumer recycled plastic and other materials leads to irresponsible sourcing, but third-party audited protocols used in Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) collection and plastic credit systems may offer a solution.
Supplements targeting skin health is booming, with the category experiencing more than 30% average annual growth in launches of dietary supplements between 2017 and 2021, according to new data from Innova Market Insights.
Pluripotent stem cells are self-renewing and can develop into any cell in the human body. But whether they produce new cells – and if so, how many and what kind – is dictated by factors within the stem cells as well as the environment around them. Molecular signals from surrounding tissues coax stem cells to differentiate into stomach or blood or...
The brain drain phenomenon in Malaysia must be looked at from a different angle because the government can still benefit by utilising their expertise, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
A Philippine lawmaker is pushing for utilising waste-to-energy technologies to improve solid waste management and provide an alternative source of energy as the South-East Asian country is projected to generate 92 million tonnes of waste from 2022 to 2025.
Animal welfare concerns the physical as well as psychological state of an animal. The way animals are raised and treated affects their welfare on many levels and also has an impact on sustainability, food security, and the economics of farming.
Have you heard of the terms cord blood and stem cells? What about cord blood stem cell transplant? Did you know that this procedure can be used to treat almost 80 diseases?
What if your T-shirt was one day able to warn you of a possible heart problem? That’s an idea that could soon become reality, as researchers around the world are working to develop smart fibers that can be woven into clothing to alert users to potential health problems.
The demand for electricity and energy has been rapidly increasing over the years in step with population and economic growth, leading to budding industries and sectors. This development is especially prolific in Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed today to explore the potential of joint projects for the development of the local vaccine ecosystem for the country’s preparedness in facing the pandemic threats in the future.
Malaysia and Russia are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the agriculture and fishing sectors this year to further strengthen the existing bilateral relationshionship and trade between both countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called on the country's kenaf industry to seize opportunities in the international market in line with market demands and current economic conditions.
Malaysia’s food security has caught the public’s attention in recent years, with global events revealing significant weaknesses in the domestic supply chain. This was most acutely experienced during the recent chicken shortage, which resulted from US dollar imports for corn-based chicken feed amid the geopolitical situation in Ukraine and the passing down of costs to input buyers.
ACE Market-listed Nova MSC Bhd has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Theta Edge Bhd, a member of the Tabung Haji Group, to collaborate on joint marketing and promotion of healthcare, public sector and applied artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and products in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
University-industry collaboration entails the collaboration of corporations and academic institutions for the combined development and sharing of knowledge, technology, and expertise. This form of partnership gives industry partners access to advanced research equipment and the knowledge of university teachers and students while also providing students and faculty with real-world projects and industry exposure. Forming an industrial lab within a...
The Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT), in collaboration with the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), has been applying remote sensing (space technology) to accurately track the location of illegal waste disposal sites throughout the country.
Baru-baru ini, masalah kekurangan tenaga buruh di Malaysia untuk pelbagai sektor ekonomi semakin meruncing. Secara umumnya, langkah mudah boleh diambil untuk mengatasi masalah ini dengan segera sudah pastilah menerusi pengambilan tenaga buruh asing.
Kerajaan akan berbincang dengan Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM) bagi melihat kesesuaian dan kaedah penggunaan ketum serta ganja dalam bidang perubatan sekiranya ia dibenarkan di negara ini. Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, berkata beliau akan memperincikan perkara itu termasuk melakukan perbincangan dengan pihak industri, persatuan dan badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang berkaitan.
Earlier this month, we visited the National Science Centre in Damansara. The children were amazed by the exhibition, especially the section that displayed biological sciences, asking questions about cells, genes, and biodiversity. Against the wall, there was also a video projection showing flora and fauna in Sabah and Sarawak.
Screen time. Two words we all know too intimately at this point as screens consume both our professional and personal lives. While limiting our screen time would be beneficial, this is not realistic in a professional or educational setting. One solution that has been devised is blue light–blocking glasses. Another is dietary supplementation, with lutein being a particularly well-known and...
Within the spectrum of IRD, retinitis pigmentosa is reported to be one of the common causes of blindness. It is a debilitating condition that affects the retina and its functional response to light, with approximately two million people diagnosed worldwide.
As beauty continues its shift away from animal-based ingredients to plant-based, it’s going to be worthwhile diving much deeper into biotechnology for more sustainable, sophisticated, efficient and innovative formulas, says the CEO of US biology startup Arcaea.
As consumer demand for natural ingredients in personal beauty care products continues to rise, cosmetics manufacturers are considering replacing synthetic preservatives with natural alternatives – but at what cost?
Traditional agriculture has started to inch slowly towards bringing indigenous communities and practices back to farming lands in order to rehabilitate the soils and create a climate resilient farming industry.
Cell and gene therapies have grown in popularity and effectiveness over the past several years, reaching 27 approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by December 2022. What’s more is that the FDA anticipates approving another 10 to 20 therapies each year by 2025.
Biotechnology advances offer immense public health and consumer potential, but come with serious risks. A recent workshop held by the Council on Foreign Relations brought experts together to discuss new forms of global governance to manage those risks.
2022 ended with a brand new global deal to save nature at the 15th meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), where the Parties agreed to halt and reverse the loss of nature, or "biodiversity," by 2030.
The federal government through government-linked companies (GLCs) under the Ministry of Finance is looking to rent or lease idle state land to implement modern agricultural projects. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad said this is part of the government’s efforts to ensure food security in the country.
Oncologists have welcomed the newly introduced generic version of Palbociclib (a CDK4/6 Inhibitor) that will change the breast cancer treatment scenario in the country. Indian companies have introduced a generic version of Palbociclib (a CDK4/6 Inhibitor) in the country and brought the cost down from Rs 90,000 to less than Rs 5,000 per month, which will make the drug...
Researchers in China have published their work on the development of a small robot capable of switching from a solid to a liquid state to overcome various obstacles in its path. In the future, this type of device could, in miniature form, prove highly useful in the medical field.
NEGARA kini menghadapi dua cabaran semasa iaitu perubahan iklim dan jaminan makanan yang memerlukan campur tangan teknologi tinggi untuk menanganinya. Kedua-dua cabaran ini mempunyai hubung kait yang boleh mendatangkan kesan buruk yang besar jika tiada sebarang perancangan rapi jangka masa panjang dibuat. Tambahan lagi, kebergantungan sumber makanan Malaysia yang tinggi dari luar negara yang melebihi nilai RM60 bilion pada tahun...
The medical device industry is thriving with innovation, with ongoing endeavours to improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability, as well as trends towards smarter and miniaturised devices. In its Medical Device Predictions 2023 report, GlobalData identified the top themes that will impact the industry. Here, we take a look at the key takeaways.
An estimated 840 million of the world’s population will face food insecurity by 2030 if the issue is not addressed immediately, according to the United Nations. This is especially urgent with the increase in climate change and global population as well as supply chain disruptions such as those experienced during the pandemic.
A unique characteristic of oil is that it never loses its properties. Used engine oil, for instance, can be transformed into fuel oil to power boilers in factories. The flip side of this quality is that when used oil is dumped, it becomes a dangerous pollutant that does not go away. The 2019 Kim Kim River pollution incident, which affected...
It is one thing to be a leading producer of palm oil but it is quite another thing to be a huge producer of palm oil waste which, if it is not manage sustainably, can be detrimental to the environment.
As a result of rural-urban movement, immigration, the creation of new townships, and the extension of urban limits, Malaysia's urban population is projected to grow from 34.3 per cent in 1971 to 77.2 per cent in 2020. Urbanisation increases population density, causes difficulties and shortages in some urban areas to buy fresh food, especially fruits and vegetables. Food supplies...
An artificial intelligence (AI) driven assessment tool for predicting mental health disorders has become the first mental health chatbot to secure a Class IIa UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) medical device certification.
A new study highlights the incentive for food producers to repurpose food waste – by turning it into useful chemicals, sustainable fuels and more. Roughly 2% of the 80 billion pounds of food discarded every year in the United States is because of food manufacturing and processing. Food waste solids are mostly sent to landfills or composted, and liquids are...
The waste industry is undergoing a great transformation. Smart solutions and data driven technology is becoming more and more state of the art. Sensoneo is staying on top of the trends, each year developing new technologies and tailoring them to the needs of individual countries, cities, and businesses.
Although the new year just started, we’re already facing a looming deadline. We have until the end of this decade - only seven years - to curb the worst of the climate crisis. Responsible for one-third of global emissions, the food system plays an undeniably significant role in this critical problem.
Iran is prepared to share its experience and expertise with Malaysia in the field of agricultural research and development as well as the latest technology in crop irrigation and water management systems. This was among the essence of the discussion between Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mohamad Sabu and Iranian ambassador to Malaysia Ali Asghar Mohammadi during a meeting...
Just over 2 years ago, the first COVID-19 vaccines arrived—and a roller coaster ride of hope and science began. It soon became clear that although the vaccines protected against severe disease, their ability to fend off infection was limited and faded fast. Meanwhile, SARS-CoV-2 began to evolve rapidly to elude immunity. By now, many people have had four or...
The Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI) is expected to meet federal-level agencies next month to discuss the formula for empowering the Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (STIE) initiative and making Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) a subject that students will be interested in.
Ittinsect, a Rome-based biotech startup, is developing a range of high-performance aquafeeds based on insects, microalgae and agriculture by-products to replace the use of ocean-sourced fishmeal in aquaculture.
In recent years, specialty medication spending has significantly increased. Specialty medications accounted for 55% of total prescription medication spending in 2021 in the United States. Most specialty medications are large molecule biologics. In 2019, biologic medications represented 43% of all invoice-level medicine spending in the United States, reaching $211 billion. Thus, controlling biologic spending is the key to reducing...
The number of people involved in urban agriculture in Malaysia jumped from 18,687 in 2019 to 40,219 in 2020. City inhabitants, who realised the importance of food production, started growing vegetables in yards, verandas and rooftops. Urban farming can lead to food security. It helps every household get fresh food. It has environmental, social and economic benefits.
Palm kernel expeller (PKE) is safe to be used as feed material for dairy cattle, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). Its director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir (pix) said studies using different batches of PKE, also known as palm kernel cake (PKC), have consistently showed positive effects on the performance and health of the dairy cattle.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is targeting agro fruits export to trend higher in several foreign countries this year. “For these fruits, Malaysia is targeting an increase in export trends to countries such as China, Australia and New Zealand, which will contribute to higher export income,” MAFS said.
Amber Therapeutics – an Oxford University spin off developing next-generation bioelectrical therapies – has announced that the first participants have been implanted with Amber-UI, the company’s proprietary therapy for urge and mixed urinary incontinence (UI).
Global output growth is projected to decelerate from an estimated 3.0% in 2022 to 1.9% in 2023, marking one of the lowest growth rates in recent decades, against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and resulting food and energy crises, surging inflation, debt tightening, as well as the climate emergency.
Malaysia has set a target to achieve 31% of its total power generation from renewables by 2025 and 40% by 2035. Both objectives are highly unrealistic, as only 3.3% of electricity is generated through renewables at present, according to new figures from Global Data.
UK-based food production company Sustainable Planet has unveiled technology to use desertified land to grow the highly nutritious and potentially climate positive duckweed plant.
MATRADE is looking to create export opportunities for Malaysian medical devices and healthcare services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by spearheading the participation of Malaysian companies at Arab Health 2023, which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 30 January – 2 February marking its 19th year of participation in this iconic...
Advanced technologies like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), Metaverse, cloud and many more undoubtedly bring a lot of benefits to businesses and consumers. However, the adoption of these technologies also means businesses are exposed to cyber vulnerabilities. According to Palo Alto Networks in its APAC Security Predictions 2023 report, hackers will always find loopholes in these technologies...
Developing a prevention model against threats of natural disaster; health and food supply, as well as bridging the technology gap through smart systems for connected urban-rural communities are goals for the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry (Mosti). The ministry will use the 4K apprroach – community, collaboration, progress and prosperity – in implementing seven key initiatives this year to ensure...
Pharmaceutical companies’ roles as manufacturers, suppliers and distributors have grown significantly in importance — especially since the outbreak of Covid-19 — where there is heightened demand for accessible medicines and supplements.
NO country is spared from the food crisis that is inflicting the world. Just scan the media, both social and traditional. Developed and developing economies alike are engrossed in finding solutions to food inflation. Strikes by parties unable to cope with rising living costs are on the rise in some developed countries.
Self-driving vehicles are expected to go mainstream in the near future, but mass numbers of such vehicles could result in a significant increase in CO2 emissions, mainly due to the energy needed for the computers managing all the hardware and software on board. By 2050, they could be comparable to the total emissions of all the data centers currently...
Recently, local media reported that the Ministry of Health, Malaysia had detected SARS-CoV-2 during wastewater surveillance at entry points (airports) in the country, and internationally, it was also reported that China had begun SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance for selected cities after the cessation of the country’s ‘Zero Covid Policy’.
Students from Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA) have come up with nine new food products that are based on protein from plants and sardines. UNISZA Dean of Faculty of BioResources and Food Industry, Prof. Dr. Hafizan Juahir said the products were produced by a group of final year students taking a bachelor’s degree in food technology.
With a new year comes an opportunity for professionals in the healthcare industry to evaluate goals and initiatives for 2023. In business, we’re constantly reminded that with even the best-laid plans there come unforeseen obstacles.
The government will restructure the country's economy based on three main strategies, namely to eradicate poverty, restructure and restore the economy, as well as generate the economy anchored on the concept of Malaysia Madani.
The government has started the transition to targeted subsidies by reducing subsidies for non-domestic medium and high voltage electricity users as the blanket rebate is inefficient and unsustainable, says Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The World Economic Forum's Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture Innovation (AI4AI) initiative aims to transform the agriculture sector in India by promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies. Led by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India and the Platform for Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, the initiative brings together government, academia and business representatives to...
Medical workers are under increasing pressure to do more with less and global healthcare is facing serious staff shortages. The adoption of innovative digital technologies can help address these issues and improve care for all. Technology can help deliver people-centred care, so patients get the care they need, when they need it and healthcare workers feel engaged and empowered...
Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI) menetapkan tujuh fokus utama pada tahun 2023 melalui pendekatan berteraskan komuniti dan kerjasama dalam sains, teknologi dan inovasi (STI) dalam menyelesaikan masalah rakyat dan negara.
Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have developed a method to convert two common forms of plastic into a highly porous form of charcoal, or char, that can potentially be used as a valuable soil additive. The two forms that can be converted are polystyrene, which is used in styrofoam packing and PET which is commonly used to...
The key to food, similar to medicine, is in the hands of the smallest units of life—cells! Cells are made of proteins, fats and other life-essential components, but they also actively make them. It is almost a cartesian approach. Let’s eliminate all “unnecessary” things, find the essence (the soul of food) and rebuild it together. Cellular agriculture is a...
The Sabin Vaccine Institute has been awarded a multi-year contract with funding potential up to US$214 million from BioMedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to advance the development and production of single-dose vaccine candidates for Ebola Sudan and Marburg virus diseases.
The secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is "very confident about China's economy," he told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) here on Wednesday.
Radioactive elements emit a spectrum of ionizing emissions that hurt humans. Thankfully, numerous genera of environmental microbes possess an array of biophysical and biochemical defenses that can help. These defenses allow certain microorganisms to withstand radioactive emissions and protect us from radiation poisoning, cancer and other maladies that manifest from human exposure to radioactive waste.
Maxis Bhd has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) to collaborate and co-develop agricultural and agrifood-based solutions.
The Indian Healthcare Sector requires a comprehensive sector development program under the government of India to foster private sector investment, medical education infrastructure development, support structured financing at low cost, drive digitization in the healthcare sector, a roadmap towards universal healthcare coverage, and cohesive efforts of private and public sector towards building a “Healthy India”.
Malaysia’s trade performance in 2022 surpassed RM2 trillion for the second consecutive year and registered the fastest growth since 1994, with exports expanding 25% to RM1.55 trillion.
The biggest story of the year – the story we should all be paying attention to – is the increasing power of artificial intelligence. Computer code can write itself, chatbots can generate academic papers, and, with a few keystrokes, a website can produce an image worthy to be framed on any wall. Everywhere we turn, AI is outputting text...
Medtech industry analysts at Needham & Co. who are tracking Google search trends for 20 elective medical procedures say interest is near or above pre-pandemic levels. “We believe that Google Trends data may provide insight into the level of consumer interest in elective procedures,” analysts Mike Matson, David Saxon and Joseph Conway wrote in a note to clients. “Google Trends...
China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) issued new and renewed biosafety certificates for eight genetically modified (GM) crops on January 13, 2023, following the conclusion of the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) meeting in December 2022.
Momentum envisions a world where clean energy, water, and transportation are abundant, affordable, and available to all. Momentum designs, develops, and deploys innovation campaigns for organizations working on transformative water, energy, transportation, and manufacturing technologies.
The year 2022 saw Malaysia recovering from the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, with floods and the Batang Kali landslide providing unfortunate finales to the year.
Lives were lost in the landslide and floods, with thousands also made homeless by the latter.
KUALA LUMPUR: More Chinese investors are looking to expand their businesses here as Malaysia continues to be the preferred destination for entrepreneurs from China.
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing (pic) said amid increasing global economy vulnerability and escalating geo-political tensions, the trade and investment volume between Malaysia and China have bucked the trend and achieved new growth.
SINGAPORE, Jan 8 (The Straits Times/ANN): Cell-cultured meat of the Japanese eel and other exotic fish may be added to restaurant menus by 2024, thanks to a collaboration between Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and Singapore food-tech start-up Umami Meats.
In recent years, about half a dozen US states have been testing a new mix of materials for road construction, using plastic recycled from shopping bags, bottles, printer ink cartridges and a host of other sources.
The idea is to build roads from waste that often ends up polluting, whether in landfill or in the natural environment. In all cases,...
This is an exciting yet perplexing time for biotechnology. The industry delivered RNA vaccines to save countless lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and has created impressive early clinical results using CRISPR gene editing to treat patients with deadly genetic diseases. But the sector has been tarnished with safety concerns, drug failures, and layoffs.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd (MGRC) has established a strategic cooperation with SIRIM Bhd to explore the commercialisation of joint research and development (R&D) projects in the medical and biotechnology fields.
Under the strategic cooperation, both parties will evaluate the potential commercial value of various genomics-driven biotechnology R&D projects.
PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Penh/Asia News Network): The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is promoting key production chains to boost exports of high-quality produce to international markets, according to minister Dith Tina.
While most experts agree that EVs are more environmentally friendly than internal combustion vehicles, the quest for greening transportation goes beyond what's under the hood. For Goodyear, it literally starts where the rubber meets the road. Tires are obviously a very important component of any vehicle, but let's face it, they contain materials and are made with processes that are...
Let me get this straight: inflation will likely come down in 2023. Inflation is already moderating in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), European Union (EU) and Malaysia. So, cheer up because the trend will likely persist in the coming months.
BACHOK: Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) memeterai memorandum perjanjian (MoA) dengan Syarikat Bio Angle Vacs Sdn. Bhd (BAV) untuk mengkomersialkan vaksin STVAC7 bagi mencegah penyakit ‘pneumonia’ terhadap haiwan peliharaan seperti kambing dan biri-biri.
KUCHING (Jan 12): Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) launched the first-of-its-kind Precision and Discipline Agriculture Facility (PDAF) at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) yesterday.
Renewables are expected to account for 24 percent of U.S. electricity generation this year, increasing to 26 percent in 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Jan. 10. Renewables accounted for 21 percent of electricity generation in 2022.
The bioeconomy of the future is beginning to take shape, and it is emerging in many different directions. Replacing petrochemicals with plant-based material is still a leading concern. Researchers are also taking advantage of new tools and methodologies to deploy a wider range of renewable materials, and to use those materials in ways that create new efficiencies. Here are...
SINGAPORE, Jan 8 (The Straits Times/ANN): Cell-cultured meat of the Japanese eel and other exotic fish may be added to restaurant menus by 2024, thanks to a collaboration between Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and Singapore food-tech start-up Umami Meats.
Today’s agricultural production systems are a primary source of environmental degradation. They put the Earth beyond its planetary boundaries and exacerbate biodiversity loss, accelerate climate change and increase pollution.
Forests cover about 30 percent of the Earth’s land mass and host about 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity. They provide subsistence, employment opportunities and income to a quarter of the world’s population – not to mention storing vast amounts of carbon.
The past three years have changed nearly every industry. Where business used to be conducted in person, in offices and laboratories, the coronavirus pandemic forced a change. When remote work became mandatory, even traditional industries like the biopharmaceutical sector had to embrace new technologies.
PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that the Health Ministry is committed to work together with the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the country's healthcare reform.
In a Facebook post uploaded today (Jan 10), she shared that she received a courtesy call from WHO representative and head of country office to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe,...
The Department of Agriculture Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has announced that more than 100 tons of fresh paddy of beta carotene-enriched Malusog Rice (Golden Rice) have been harvested in 17 pioneer production sites across the country.
The world’s oceans were at their hottest ever on record in 2022, according to a new study.
“The Earth’s energy and water cycles have been profoundly altered due to the emission of greenhouse gases by human activities, driving pervasive changes in Earth’s climate system,” Anadolu Agency cited the report by an international group of scientists published in the Advances in...
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 10): The labour market is on a steady path to recovery with the unemployment rate in the country showing a downward trend with only 600,900 (persons) in November 2022, compared to 602,000 in October 2022, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 10)...
There’s no doubt that various disorders can be treated and cured by stem cells where stem cell treatment, commonly referred to as regenerative medicine, uses stem cells or their byproducts to encourage the repair response of sick, malfunctioning or wounded tissue. It is the next step in the transplantation of organs, replacing donor organs—which are scarce—with cells.
Costs of livestock feed containing insect products and legislation remain key obstacles for the European animal feed sector.
Livestock feed containing insect products is currently relatively expensive compared to conventional feed because insects are now mainly processed in pet food and fish feed.
Bigger margins are available in those 2 markets and consumers are prepared to pay higher prices than livestock...
This series looks back at the stories we were covering in Natural Products Insider 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 years ago this month. In addition to providing some interesting history, I explore why these stories are still relevant today.
WHATto Expect in 2023: The global economy is hard-pressed to satisfy its own commodity needs. Despite the past year of sky-high prices, the natural resources industry isn’t rushing to invest in more capacity to alleviate supply shortages. Without an investment boom, the only way to rebalance the market in the new year is through lowering demand.
Far from the humble sticking plaster, medical firms and researchers are seeking to create the “ultimate dressing”: artificial skin they hope will revolutionise the treatment of severe burns.
For the last 18 months, researchers from the French firm Urgo have been working towards achieving this holy grail of wound treatment, which would save serious burn victims from the painful and...
When we talk about current challenges in global warming, we face two main ones that are complementary but often seen as antagonistic: the fight against climate change and the increase in demand for food.
In this context, we find ourselves with a sector that in our opinion will be a major player in the solution but is often seen as...
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) – Case 1: In October last year, eight Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS)-licensed pig farms were identified as the source of the foul-smelling wastewater discharged onto the coast at Tanjung Sepat in Kuala Langat, Selangor.
Research house MIDF opines that Malaysia’s leading index was little changed in Oct-22, only +0.4%yoy higher than a year ago (Sep-22: +0.3%yoy). The increase was attributable to similar factors: new units of housing approved and increased real imports of other basic precious and non-ferrous metals. On a month-on-month basis, LI dropped further by -0.3%mom due to a reduction in...
Biomanufacturing is the key to unlocking a more sustainable future. It can improve the production of food and medicine, help fortify local supply chains, and make countries more resilient in the face of global crises. Its impact on natural resource use and climate change mitigation is especially notable. We’ve seen that the technology we’ve developed is safer, cleaner, and...
Each year, new innovations emerge in the ag sector that transform the field. As our climate patterns become more unpredictable and extreme, these innovators offer a glimpse into a more resilient future shaped by tech-enabled ag.
A couple of days before Christmas, I sat in a coffee shop in Street, Somerset, in the modern retail site where the footwear brand Clarks started in 1825. What should have been a short pre-Christmas conversation with an industry colleague (not a Clarks’ employee) saw minutes turn into hours as we casually swapped thoughts on the big environmental issues...
With the advent of the European Union, labeling products made in the Union has become an important part of its legislation. This is because labeling products accurately allows consumers to know where their products are coming from and it also helps to protect the Union’s economy. Labeling products can also help to ensure that products are compliant with the...
Malaysia's health tourism sector, which has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, is showing signs of a stronger comeback as the nation heads into 2023, propelled by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has huge potential for integration of domestic livestock farming with the oil palm plantation to increase the state’s self-sufficiency in meat.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said that with a vast area of about two million hectares of oil palm plantations, the opportunity is there for integration of ruminant with the palm oil industry...
The World Bank is seeking to vastly expand its lending capacity to address climate change and other global crises and will negotiate with shareholders ahead of April meetings on proposals that include a capital increase and new lending tools, according to an “evolution roadmap” seen by Reuters on Monday.
KUALA LUMPUR: Nectar Consortium Sdn Bhd (Nectar) membangunkan aplikasi pengurusan perladangan digital pertama Malaysia yang dipanggil Aplikasi Pengurusan Harta Digital (DEMA) untuk mendigitalkan proses kerja dalam sektor perladangan, sekali gus menjadi alternatif yang lebih mampan untuk menangani masalah kekurangan buruh.
Vaccines are highly effective at protecting against infectious diseases, but not everyone responds equally well to them. There are various factors that can affect a person’s immune response to vaccination, including specific biomarkers within the immune system. However, it has not previously been clear whether these factors are consistent across all types of vaccines.
A LOT has happened this year. After two years of being plagued by Covid-19 worries, Malaysia has finally transitioned to the endemic phase in April.
As the world slowly adapts to the virus and borders begin to reopen, many have vowed to carry out "revenge travelling", which is great!
KUALA LUMPUR – Crude palm oil (CPO) futures contracts on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended higher on the first trading day of 2023 on concerns over weaker output, in line with the seasonal weakness, a dealer said.
THE Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) is convinced the revival of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a timely lifeline for the country’s debt dilemma as well as well as to shore up adequate fiscal buffers in order to weather the next economic downturn.
In July, we reported that Katherine Vidal, the Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, published a letter summarizing several initiatives designed in collaboration with the FDA to “get generic, biosimilars and more affordable versions of drugs into the hands of Americans.”
As farmers of the sea, it is well known that some of the biggest challenges that are going to be faced are natural ones. And although we are new to mussel farming, we have both worked at sea in previous roles and are used to the rough seas and cold conditions that can be regularly thrown our way.
CYBERJAYA (Jan 5): More electric vehicle (EV)-related incentives are in store in the revised Budget 2023, said Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented global economic and labour market crisis, affecting millions of workers and businesses. Some businesses have opted for unpaid leave or pay cuts due to closure or limited business operation hours.
There were exciting and encouraging developments in medtech innovation, big challenges from supply chain and labor shortages, and spin-offs, purchases and partnerships among the biggest names in the industry.
Energy costs have become the largest challenge facing the poultry sector, with higher feed, distribution and labour costs affecting the industry in Europe, North America and northeast Asia. Rabobank warns that in Europe, the industry should prepare for a high-cost impact on production and storage, and potential disruption of the availability of inputs, such as packaging material and CO2 for...
Various sources of lignocellulosic biomass, such as forestry waste and agricultural feedstocks, are available all over the world. The Lignocellulosic biomass consists of three major components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose and hemicellulose form a network in which lignin acts as a glue making the cell wall recalcitrant.
The year is coming to a close, but the efforts of food and agriculture systems advocates continue to bring awareness and advocacy to some of our most pressing problems. As we look ahead to the new year, Food Tank is highlighting 123 organizations, initiatives, and movements to follow. Youth-led networks empowering the next generation of food systems leaders, food...
PUTRAJAYA, Dec 23 — The large number of experienced clinical research professionals, streamlined processes in clinical trial startup and conduct as well as vast options of capable sites