The innovative method, installed at Crescent Lake Resort in Dunhuang, was implemented to alleviate growing congestion in one of China's most popular desert resorts. As transport recovered fast after the COVID-19 pandemic, the once quiet routes became packed with pedestrians, shuttle buses, and long lines of camels, causing confusion and close encounters.

Now, order has arrived in the form of specifically created signals with camel images. When the lights turn red, the animals come to a stop in unison, supervised by their handlers. The image is almost dramatic, with rows of towering creatures standing motionless against the golden dunes, as if planned.

In a video, caravans are seen swaying forward in synchrony before halting at crossings, demonstrating a rhythm that feels both ancient and newly choreographed.

For visitors, the experience is as striking as it is memorable. Introduced in 2021, the concept has since gained widespread attention online, turning a practical solution into a viral attraction. Visitors now pause not only to admire the desert’s famous sunsets but also to capture photographs of its most disciplined commuters.

“I come from Hebei. When I saw this camel-coloured traffic light, I felt like I was on the ancient Silk Road with a modern traffic signal. I think it’s very distinctive and quite a pleasant surprise,” said Zhang Yanzi.

The initiative has proven more than a novelty. With over a thousand camels moving through the area, the system helps prevent collisions and ensures that large groups can pass safely through intersections without disrupting other traffic.

“This camel traffic light is very special. It shows the harmony between humans and animals, and I find it really innovative,” another tourist, Mr Li, added.

Footage by Viory shows streets lined with uncollected waste, underscoring the scale of the problem. In response, the startup Robaloto has begun distributing sensor-equipped “smart bins” while installing QR codes on households, allowing residents to signal when their rubbish is ready for collection. The collected plastic is then processed and repurposed into innovative school bags fitted with solar technology.

Founded by entrepreneur Aymane Gbadamassi, the initiative aims to remove up to 400 tonnes of plastic from the environment. Beyond waste reduction, the project also addresses a critical issue for students: access to electricity. Many children face frequent power shortages, limiting their ability to study after dark — a gap the solar-powered bags are designed to fill.

Gbadamassi says the idea was shaped by personal experience growing up surrounded by unmanaged waste. He recalls a time when students regularly burned rubbish, contributing to pollution. Over the years, the growing presence of plastic waste across the city reinforced his determination to find a practical and scalable solution.

At the heart of the system is a data-driven approach. The smart bins are equipped with sensors that measure fill levels and weight in real time, while a mobile app provides transparency for users. Households can track how much waste they contribute and how much they earn in return, creating both accountability and financial incentive.

The initiative operates on a circular economy model, redistributing revenue from recycled plastic back to residents while converting waste into useful products. Environmental experts say the project addresses two urgent challenges at once: waste management and energy poverty. As urbanisation continues to strain infrastructure across the region, scaling up solutions like this could prove essential in tackling both environmental and social issues.

The impact of World War II

During World War II, there was a growing need for individuals who could carry out complex calculations and support military operations. Early computing machines were being developed, but they could not function on their own. They required human input and clear instructions. Women stepped into these roles and became some of the first programmers, helping to operate and guide these early systems.

What the work involved 

The work required strong focus and attention to detail. Programmers needed to understand how the machines worked and then create clear, step-by-step instructions for them to follow. This process involved logic and precision, even though the machines themselves were far less advanced than modern computers. The basic ideas behind programming, such as breaking problems into smaller steps, were already being used.

Why women dominated the field

At the time, programming was not seen as a high-status profession. It was considered support work that happened behind the scenes. This made it more accessible to women, especially during the war when many men were away. As a result, women played a key role in shaping how early computing systems were used and developed.

How the field began to change 

As technology improved, the importance of programming became more widely recognised. It began to shift from routine work to a specialised skill. Over time, this change affected who entered the field and how programming was valued.

A massive technological shift is underway at the Dole Philippines plantations, where a 1-billion peso ($16.5 million) investment is successfully turning agricultural headaches into industrial power. Operated by Surallah Biogas Ventures Corp (SBVC), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the facility is proving that the "circular economy" is more than just a buzzword; it’s a high-stakes survival strategy. 

From Environmental Burden to Industrial Fuel

For decades, the sheer scale of pineapple production in South Cotabato created a massive disposal crisis: hundreds of tonnes of organic residue generated every single day.

"The challenge of managing production waste prompted us to devise a system to collect it all for biogas production," explains Bryl Dolor, SBVC Project Manager.

The solution lies in the LIPP ECO Digester, a German-engineered system designed to devour the rigid, fibrous crowns and skins of the fruit. This process now generates 50,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, providing the electricity and steam necessary to run Dole’s massive canning operations.

The Science: How it Works

The heart of the plant is the anaerobic digester. This "mechanical stomach" uses a biological process to break down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment.

Preparation: Waste is fed into a hopper and blended into a consistent mixture in a mixing pit.

Fermentation: Microorganisms inside the digester consume the waste, releasing Methane (Biogas).

Extraction: The gas is captured to fuel generators and boilers.

Recycling: The leftover byproduct, known as digestate, is harvested.

Closing the Nutrient Loop

Perhaps the most significant environmental win is what happens after the energy is extracted. The process leaves behind a nutrient-dense "digestate" rich in nitrogen, potassium, and protein.

Instead of being discarded, this byproduct is returned to the soil as a high-grade organic conditioner. By closing this loop, the project reduces the plantation's reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers, improves soil health, and creates a self-sustaining agricultural cycle. 

“There is sudden changes in fuel prices like diesel, so in using our biogas product, we’re able to help DOLE have an alternative fuel for their equipment like generators and boilers. Instead of using diesel, they use biogas. With that, we are not affected by the market volatility,” Dolor added.

Scientists from NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center found that HOXD13 plays an important role in how tumours develop. The protein helps regulate how DNA instructions are used to produce proteins that support cell function. It also supports the formation of blood vessels that supply tumours with oxygen and nutrients.

Role in tumour blood supply

The study, published in Cancer Discovery, found that HOXD13 activates several pathways that increase blood flow to tumours. This process, known as angiogenesis, allows cancer cells to grow and survive. The pathways identified include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), semaphorin-3A (SEMA3A), and CD73. When the activity of HOXD13 was reduced in experiments, tumour size also decreased.

Effect on immune response

Researchers observed that patients with higher levels of HOXD13 had fewer cytotoxic T cells in their blood. These cells are essential for detecting and destroying cancer cells. The study also found that T cells were less able to enter tumours when HOXD13 levels were high.

"Our study provides new evidence that transcription factor HOXD13 is a potent driver of melanoma growth and that it suppresses the T cell activity needed to fight the disease," said study lead investigator Pietro Berico, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and its Perlmutter Cancer Center.

How tumours limit immune access

Further analysis showed that HOXD13 changes the tumour environment in a way that weakens immune activity. It increases levels of CD73, which raises the production of adenosine. This substance slows down T cells and limits their ability to reach cancer cells. When HOXD13 was blocked, more T cells were able to enter tumours.

"This data supports the combined targeting of angiogenesis and adenosine-receptor pathways as a promising new treatment approach for HOXD13-driven melanoma," said study senior investigator Eva Hernando-Monge, PhD, a professor in the Department of Pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a member of the Perlmutter Cancer Center. 

Implications for treatment research

Researchers noted that clinical trials are already testing drugs that target VEGF or adenosine receptors in melanoma and other cancers. Some of these treatments are being used alongside immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the body’s natural defences.

If ongoing trials show positive results, the team plans to explore combined treatments for patients with high levels of HOXD13. They also aim to investigate whether similar approaches could be used in other cancers where this protein is present.

Study approach and findings

The research involved analysing tumour samples from more than 200 melanoma patients in the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Scientists examined which biological pathways were active and identified HOXD13 as a key factor. Experiments using mice and human melanoma cell lines confirmed its role in tumour growth and immune resistance.

Footage from the trial showed teams making last-minute preparations before the start, while engineers closely followed the robots in support vehicles. From inside the vans, specialists monitored performance data in real time and made on-the-spot adjustments. The test also examined key logistical elements, including route planning, traffic coordination, equipment handling and emergency response protocols.

Industry representatives highlighted the significant progress made in recent months. Chu Yang, marketing manager at Unitree Robotics, noted that teams would use the trial data to refine pacing and race strategies. He added that improvements in both speed and completion rates across the sector have been particularly striking this year.

Organisers acknowledged that the trial also revealed a number of technical challenges that must be addressed before race day. Liang Liang, Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese Institute of Electronics, said the exercise met expectations overall and provided a strong foundation, while exposing issues such as mechanical faults and safety concerns that will require further attention.

The trial brought together both autonomous and remote-controlled robots across a variety of terrains, including urban roads and parkland, as part of a comprehensive stress test. Early indications point to notable gains in speed, with some teams suggesting their robots could eventually approach the performance of elite human runners. However, organisers stress that reliability and safety remain the top priorities ahead of the 21-kilometre race scheduled for 19 April, following a qualifying round later this week.

Her involvement in sport began early and transitioned into professional competition in 2017. Alongside competing, she has coached women globally and contributed to building stronger networks within the industry. 

In an interview on The Qonversation, Agbah-Hughes says a key focus of her work is the role of innovation in improving performance. For years, sports science relied largely on male data, leaving a gap in understanding female athletes.

“Technology is actually showing that we need this data collected for female athletes… so we can perform better,” she tells host, Naa Oyoe Quartey.

Wearable technology is central to this shift. Devices that track recovery, sleep and physical output are helping athletes better understand their bodies and training patterns.

Drawing from her experience, she notes the impact of these tools. “It would give me feedback… if I was sleeping properly… if I was resting efficiently.”

These insights are particularly valuable for women, as hormonal changes can influence performance. Tracking these patterns allows for more personalised and effective training strategies.

Technology is also playing a role in addressing inequality. Data-driven insights make it easier to evaluate performance objectively and highlight the capabilities of female athletes.

However, Agbah-Hughes acknowledges the challenges in accessing these tools in some regions. She stresses the need for greater awareness and education, especially across Africa. 

She also calls for increased visibility. “We can keep posting about women’s sports… and support one another by sharing stories.”

Beyond athletic performance, she points to opportunities in sports technology, media and leadership, encouraging women to engage across all areas of the industry.

Footage shows beachgoers stopping to take photos and watch the animated structure in action, as the cart continues to gain popularity both in person and on social media.

Cesar’s passion for building began in childhood, when limited resources led him to create his own toys using cans and scrap materials. He later worked as a welder, developing the technical skills needed to transform waste into functional and creative designs.

Today, he continues to source materials from junkyards and the streets, combining sustainability with entrepreneurship. His work not only attracts customers but also highlights how recycled materials can be repurposed into innovative and engaging creations.

1. Writing System (Hieroglyphs)

The Egyptians developed hieroglyphs, a system of symbols used to record language. This allowed them to document religious texts, administrative records and communication. Writing helped preserve knowledge and maintain order across the state.

2. Papyrus as a Writing Material

Papyrus was created from the papyrus plant and used as an early form of paper. It provided a reliable surface for writing and record-keeping. This invention improved communication and made documentation easier to store and transport.

3. Early Medical Practices

Ancient Egyptians made progress in medicine through observation and treatment. They carried out basic surgical procedures and used plant-based remedies. Medical texts show knowledge of injuries and illnesses, supporting early healthcare systems.

4. Engineering and Construction Methods

The Egyptians developed techniques that enabled the construction of large structures. Their work on pyramids and temples required planning and coordination. Tools and ramp systems were used to move heavy materials and improve efficiency.

5. Calendar and Timekeeping

They created a calendar based on the solar cycle and the flooding of the Nile. This helped organise farming and religious activities. Devices such as sundials were also used to measure time during the day.

6. Hygiene and Personal Care Products

Daily life included the use of products for cleanliness and comfort. Egyptians developed items such as toothpaste and deodorants. Cosmetics and perfumes were also used for both hygiene and cultural practices.

7. Transport and Trade Systems

Boats made from papyrus enabled travel along the Nile River. This supported trade and the movement of goods between regions. The river became central to economic and social activity.

The Arguments

Some analysts argue that targeting industrial sectors such as steel is intended to weaken Iran’s economic capacity. The shift towards economic targets suggests a change in strategy within the conflict.

There are concerns that prolonged disruption to heavy industry could deepen unemployment and reduce state revenues. Steel production is a key part of Iran’s industrial base, and damage to this sector may have wider economic effects.

Others warn that continued attacks on infrastructure could worsen existing economic pressures. Iran’s economy was already facing challenges, including inflation and limited investment, before the escalation of the conflict.

Some experts also note that economic damage may extend beyond immediate losses. Reduced industrial output and damaged facilities could limit recovery efforts and slow future growth.

Concerns remain about the broader impact of the war on global industry. Rising costs of energy and raw materials have already affected production in other regions, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as steel.

The Facts

Recent strikes have targeted major steel facilities in Iran, causing direct disruption to production. One large plant in Khuzestan has stopped operations, affecting thousands of workers and contractors.

Damage has also been reported at another steel site in Isfahan, including impacts on power infrastructure and production lines. While the facility remains operational, its output has been affected.

The attacks form part of a broader escalation in the conflict, with economic infrastructure increasingly becoming a target. Reports indicate that steel and other industrial sectors are now within the scope of military operations.

The wider war has already disrupted economic activity across Iran. Businesses have closed, supply chains have been affected and employment conditions have worsened.

The conflict has also contributed to instability in global markets. Energy prices have risen and supply routes have been disrupted, affecting trade and industrial output beyond Iran.

According to the report by Rest of World, one of the biggest smelters in the world, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), has reduced production by 19% and declared force majeure on shipments because it is unable to transport commodities over the Strait of Hormuz. Following Iranian strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure, which prompted QatarEnergy to halt gas production on March 2, Qatalum has ceased operations entirely in Qatar.

Car manufacturers are already feeling the effects of the supply shock. Over the course of two months, Toyota has cut production of models that rely on Gulf aluminium by about 40,000 units. Nissan has also lowered its production targets.

Smelters in the Gulf region that serve businesses like Toyota, Nissan, and BMW, as well as suppliers to Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Mobis in South Korea, and several other automotive clients globally, are either suspending operations or not fulfilling their contractual responsibilities. A significant source of automotive-grade aluminium has been disrupted by the U.S.-Iran war, which has essentially blocked the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.

Over the past decades, Gulf countries have invested in aluminum production as part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on oil revenues. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar established large-scale smelting industries focused on the automotive market, with the UAE ranking as the fifth-largest aluminum producer globally.

To manage the disruption, some smelters are moving aluminum by land to ports outside the Strait. These alternative routes take longer and involve higher costs, adding strain to supply chains.

Aluminum plays a critical role in electric vehicle manufacturing due to its lightweight properties. The situation shows that EV supply chains still depend heavily on global shipping routes. The aluminum that supports vehicle efficiency is now held back by the same bottleneck that has long affected oil transport.

“This crisis is likely to permanently change how auto and EV manufacturers assess the Gulf as a sourcing region. Not by eliminating Gulf sourcing, but by forcing OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] to rethink risk exposure, diversification, and supply-chain resilience, Carsten Menke, head of next-generation research at Swiss investment bank Julius Baer, told Rest of World.

Researchers examined data from nearly 100,000 individuals to understand how everyday movement affects long-term health. The findings show that activities which cause a person to become slightly out of breath, even for a few minutes, can provide measurable health benefits.

The study, published on sciencedaily.com, focused on brief bursts of vigorous activity performed during daily routines rather than structured exercise. These activities include actions such as climbing stairs quickly, carrying heavy items, or walking at a fast pace. The results suggest that intensity plays an important role in improving health outcomes.

According to the researchers, participants who regularly engaged in short periods of higher-intensity movement had a lower risk of developing several conditions. These include heart disease, dementia, and diabetes.

The analysis also found that the total duration of activity was less important than the level of effort. Individuals who reached a point where they were breathing harder experienced greater benefits compared to those who remained at lower levels of exertion.

The researchers noted that these forms of activity are often part of normal daily life and do not require special equipment or dedicated exercise time. This makes the approach accessible to people who may not follow formal workout routines.

The study further highlights that even minimal time spent in vigorous activity can lead to noticeable health improvements. Individuals who incorporated just a few minutes of such effort each day showed reduced disease risk compared to those who remained inactive. 

The findings suggest that small changes in daily behavior can have a meaningful impact on long-term health. By increasing the intensity of routine activities, individuals may improve their overall well-being without making major lifestyle adjustments.

The decision, announced by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has been formally published in the Government Gazette on 23 March 2026. 

Addressing the media, Theofelus said: “A very good afternoon to all our viewers and listeners at home. We're very happy alongside the chairperson of the Communications Regulator Authority of Namibia, Professor Mufeti, to do this press conference and appraise the nation on the decision taken by the Government of the Republic of Namibia through the Communications Regulator Authority of Namibia to decline the application licence of Starlink.”

She added that the briefing aimed to provide clarity and reinforce transparency in the decision-making process. “This engagement serves to provide context to that decision and to reaffirm the authorities commitment to transparency, regulatory certainty and of course the rule of law.”

According to the minister, CRAN’s mandate is to regulate the communications sector in a way that supports universal access, fair competition and national digital transformation. The government also seeks to balance innovation and investment with compliance to existing laws.

The application by Starlink, submitted on 1 June 2024, sought a Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence, including ECS and ECNS, as well as a spectrum licence for fixed satellite services. The regulator directed the applicant to seek an exemption under Section 46 of the Communications Act, Act No. 8 of 2009, relating to ownership requirements.

“It is on the 1st of July 2024 that the applicant then approached the Minister of ICT in terms of applying for the exemption under that particular Section 46 of the Act,” Theofelus said.

She noted that consultations were held with stakeholders before a decision on the exemption was communicated to both CRAN and the applicant. A structured assessment then followed, guided by administrative law principles, including legality, rationality and procedural fairness.

The minister explained that the evaluation considered six statutory criteria: competition, technical and financial capacity, frequency availability, ownership and control, national defence and public security, and compliance history.

Teams were seen placing the 300-metre structure across affected areas of the bay, securing it so it can act as a filter. The barrier is designed to trap oil on the surface before it disperses further into the marine environment. 

"Today, we are here installing the largest barrier ever installed in Brazil. We are going to install a 300-metre barrier made of human hair as a preventive measure to be able to absorb this oil," said Mariana Robrahn, Founder of the NGO Fiotrar.

The project relies on hair donations collected from individuals and salons. Organisers describe the material as both widely available and suitable for reuse, offering an alternative to conventional clean-up methods.

"The way this hair is collected is through recycling. Today we can use a material that would be 100% discarded, an abundant material, also for reuse and recycling, to remove oils from the oceans. The hair comes from donations. So people donate this hair to us, not only individuals, but salons also end up properly allocating this material. That is, taking it out of the trash and using it so that we can produce these mats and help with actions like this that we are going to carry out here today," Robrahn added.

Experts involved in the effort explain that hair’s structure allows it to bind effectively with oil, improving its performance as a filtering material.

"Hair is very fine, it has a lot of surface area, right? And it can adhere to a large amount of oil, like mud," said Susana Vinzo, Coordinator of Orla sem lixo transforma.

"Hair is very fine, it has a lot of surface area, right? And it can adhere to a large amount of oil, like mud. We see that the coloration of the water in rivers, for example, fine suspended sediments, are very good at associating with all kinds of contaminants, especially oil as well, because it is a small material with a lot of surface area, so it can gather, right? Attract a large amount of oil, in this case, for the amount of hair," she explained.

For local fishermen, pollution in the bay has direct economic consequences. Debris and contaminants often interfere with fishing equipment and reduce catch efficiency.

"It is important because when we come here to fish, this garbage sticks to our nets, you know? It makes fishing difficult," said fisherman Joelson Faria.

"It is important because when we come here to fish, this garbage sticks to our nets, you know? It makes fishing difficult. Our boat stops and the engine has to stop all the time because of the garbage. And cleaning is essential for our fishing, for our survival, even for the fish," he added.

Participants say the initiative also aims to strengthen community involvement in environmental protection, with local businesses and residents contributing to both material collection and awareness efforts.

The link between email spam and canned meat

SPAM is a canned meat product introduced by the American company Hormel in 1937. The product became widely known and was sold in many countries. For years, the word “spam” simply referred to the meat. The connection to unwanted messages only appeared much later. 

The shift happened because of a famous comedy sketch by the British comedy group Monty Python in the 1970s. In the sketch, customers sit in a café while the word “spam” is repeated again and again by other characters. The constant repetition becomes so loud that it interrupts normal conversation.

How early internet users adopted the term

When early internet communities formed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, users began borrowing the word from the Monty Python sketch. They used “spam” to describe messages that appeared repeatedly in online discussion groups.

These repeated posts often pushed normal conversations out of view. Because the messages were unwanted and appeared again and again, users started calling them spam.

From online forums to email inboxes

As email became popular in the 1990s, the term quickly moved into everyday internet language. Large amounts of advertising emails and mass messages were labelled as spam. Email services then created spam filters to automatically detect and move these messages away from the main inbox.

Today the word spam is used across many digital platforms. It refers to unwanted messages sent in bulk, including promotional emails, suspicious links, and misleading offers. The original link to canned meat is rarely considered, but the name has remained part of internet culture for decades.