Researchers at Yonsei University in South Korea have developed 'hybrid rice' by integrating animal cells into rice grains, resulting in a more nutritious food with higher protein and carbohydrate content. The rice, which has a pinkish hue, is seen as a potential sustainable future food. Cultured meat is gaining attention as a solution to environmental and health issues associated with traditional meat production. The hybrid rice could be used for emergency relief and in underdeveloped regions. While the technology is promising, there is ongoing debate about its desirability and acceptance, particularly concerning food culture and the classification of alternative meats as processed foods. Regulatory approval in Europe is still pending, but the market for cultivated meat is expected to grow significantly.

Researchers at University College London and Great Ormond Street have grown organoids, or 'mini-organs,' from stem cells found in amniotic fluid during late and active pregnancies, marking a first in the field. These organoids can replicate the functions of the epithelium of organs and are seen as a significant step in prenatal medicine, potentially allowing for the monitoring and treatment of congenital conditions in newborns. The research, published in Nature Medicine, also suggests the possibility of using organoids for personalized therapies and gene delivery to the fetus. The method offers an alternative to using fetal tissue, aligning with UK regulations on stem cell collection. Although still experimental, with 50 women participating in the study, the team, including Professor Paolo de Coppi, is optimistic about developing treatments within the next five years.

In Argentina, scientists are combating mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya by sterilizing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes using gamma irradiation at the Ezeiza Atomic Centre. This method, known as the Sterile Insect Technique, was first introduced by Edward F. Knipling in the 1950s and offers a non-toxic alternative to pesticides. It specifically targets disease vectors without harming the wider ecosystem. The technique has become increasingly important as mosquito populations grow due to rising temperatures and humidity. With 68 deaths and over 130,000 confirmed cases in 2023, Argentina's health officials are preparing for the next major dengue wave expected between January and April 2024.

In Northern Australia, scientists, stockmen, and Indigenous rangers are collaborating on a four-year program called SpaceCows to monitor feral animals from space. The project, supported by the Australian government's Smart Farming Partnership initiative, uses AI and satellite technology to attach solar-powered GPS tags to cattle and buffalo. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has developed a digital platform with Microsoft technologies to track the animals and focus conservation efforts. The program aims to manage the ecological and economic threat posed by these animals and could become one of the largest remote herd management systems in the world.

The year 2023 marked significant achievements in space exploration, with ESA's JUICE mission embarking on a journey to Jupiter's icy moons, NASA's Osiris-Rex returning asteroid samples to Earth, and the launch of the Psyche mission to a metal-rich asteroid. SpaceX tested the world's most powerful rocket, Starship, which experienced an explosion on its first test but succeeded in November. These missions aim to enhance our understanding of the solar system and develop capabilities to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.

The UK has licensed its first spaceport at SaxaVord on the remote Scottish island of Unst, marking a significant step in the European space race. Despite a failed horizontal rocket launch attempt from Cornwall, the UK's Civil Aviation Authority's approval for SaxaVord, which will allow up to 30 vertical rocket launches annually starting in 2024, positions the UK at the forefront of the space economy. The spaceport is expected to attract international clients and contribute to education and the supply chain.

Arma has developed what is believed to be the world's smallest and lightest e-scooter, which can fold down to the size of 10 A4 paper sheets and weighs about 4.5 kg. The e-scooter supports riders up to 100 kg and transitions from carry-mode to ride-mode in seconds. It features a unique folding mechanism, replaceable batteries, a 250W motor, and can travel 11-14 km on a single charge at speeds up to 24 km/h. CEO Masaki Shizumu envisions the e-scooter transforming mobility and lifestyles. The product, which raised almost $76,000 on Kickstarter, is expected to hit the market in summer 2024.

Mauna Kea, a shield volcano in Hawaii, is at the center of a conflict between astronomers and Native Hawaiians. The mountain's conditions are ideal for astronomy, leading to the construction of observatories. However, the summit is also a sacred site for Native Hawaiians, featuring ceremonial platforms and burial sites. Tensions escalated in 2019 with plans to build the Thirty Meter Telescope, resulting in protests. A new law and authority aim to balance scientific and spiritual interests, with discussions on decommissioning less productive telescopes and renewing the University of Hawaii's lease for summit lands by 2033.

Tokyo has transformed since the Great Kanto Earthquake a century ago, with a modern skyline of earthquake-resistant buildings like the Toranomon Hills Mori Tower. The city has implemented advanced seismic safety technology and emergency supplies to prepare for potential earthquakes. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the vulnerability of traditional wooden houses and the city's overall resilience to natural disasters. Experts predict a 70% chance of a major earthquake hitting Tokyo in the next 30 years.

Shift Robotics, an American company, has invented a device that can be strapped onto shoes to increase walking speed by 250%, allowing a person to walk at speeds up to 11 km/h. The product, known as Moonwalkers, resembles sandals with rollers but provides balance and uses machine learning algorithms to move only when the user does. The Moonwalkers automatically adjust speed, stop when necessary, and lock wheels for ascending or descending stairs. A viral TikTok video of the shoes has garnered nearly 25 million views. Xunjie Zhang, the founder and CEO, was inspired to improve walking after a near-accident on an electric scooter. Developed with a team from Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, the AI adapts to each user's gait within 10 steps. Currently available only in the US for $1,399, the high price has elicited sarcastic comments on social media. The product was launched on Kickstarter in October 2022, raising almost $330,000, and has been tested by individuals aged 15 to 60, with most able to walk comfortably within 10-15 minutes.

Shift Robotics, an American company, has developed 'Moonwalkers', a device that attaches to shoes and increases walking speed by up to 250%, allowing speeds up to 11 km/h. The product uses machine learning algorithms to move only when the user does, with safety features like electronic brakes. It was created after the founder, Xunjie Zhang, questioned the inefficiency of walking to work. The Moonwalkers, which require no special skills and adapt to the user's walking pattern, raised nearly $330,000 on Kickstarter. Currently available only in the US, they are priced at $1,399 per pair. The high price has elicited some sarcastic comments on social media.

Shift Robotics, an American startup, has developed the 'Moonwalkers', strap-on devices that attach to shoes and increase walking speed by 250%, allowing speeds up to 11 km/h. The product uses machine learning algorithms to adapt to the user's gait and requires less than 10 steps for the AI to learn walking patterns. The Moonwalkers were crowdfunded on Kickstarter, raising around $330,000. They are currently available in the US for $1,399 per pair. The high price has led to some sarcastic comments on social media.

Shift Robotics, an American start-up, has developed 'Moonwalkers,' strap-on devices that can increase walking speed by up to 250%, allowing speeds of up to 11 km/h. The product, which resembles skates but is designed for safety and ease of use, employs machine learning to adapt to the user's gait. After a successful Kickstarter campaign raising almost $330,000, the Moonwalkers are available in the United States for $1,399 a pair. The invention aims to make walking a more viable and efficient mode of transportation.

KAIST engineers and researchers are developing 'Pibot', a humanoid robot that can pilot airplanes without cockpit modifications. Pibot manipulates controls with high precision, even in strong vibrations, and uses external and internal cameras for monitoring. It can memorize complex manuals and Jeppesen aeronautical navigation charts, surpassing human capabilities. Pibot's adaptability is enhanced by recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, allowing it to fly error-free and respond quickly in emergencies. The robot, which can also communicate with air traffic controllers and humans via voice synthesis, is designed for extreme situations and can operate as a pilot or co-pilot. Weighing 65 kg and standing 160 cm tall, Pibot's humanoid design enables it to replace humans in various roles, including driving cars, operating tanks, or commanding ships. The project, commissioned by South Korea's defense technology research agency ADD, is expected to be completed by 2026 and may have military applications.

Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) are developing 'Pibot', a humanoid robot capable of piloting airplanes without the need for cockpit modifications. Pibot can dexterously manipulate flight instruments, memorize complex manuals in natural language, and recall all Jeppesen aeronautical navigation charts worldwide. The robot uses high-precision control technology and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT to understand and memorize manuals written for humans, potentially allowing for error-free flights and rapid emergency responses. Pibot, which is still in development and expected to be completed by 2026, can also communicate with air traffic controllers and cabin humans through voice synthesis and could replace humans in various vehicle operations.

A team from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) is developing 'Pibot,' a humanoid robot capable of piloting aircraft without cockpit modifications. Pibot can operate flight instruments with precision, memorize complex manuals, and understand natural language, thanks to advances in large language models like ChatGPT. It can respond quickly in emergencies, communicate with air traffic control, and is adaptable to other roles such as driving or commanding ships. The project, expected to complete by 2026, is commissioned by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development and may have future military applications.

The UK is constructing Europe's first lithium refinery to meet the rising demand for the metal, crucial for electric vehicle batteries. By 2030, 60% of new car sales are expected to be electric vehicles, each requiring significant amounts of lithium. Currently, the industry relies heavily on Eastern Asian suppliers, particularly China, which dominates the global battery supply chain. The British company Green Lithium has received government permission to build the refinery in Teesside, England, aiming to supply British and European automakers. The plant, starting operations in 2027, will produce 50,000 tons of lithium annually, enough for a million electric cars. Green Lithium plans to reduce the carbon footprint of lithium processing by using low-energy processes, renewable electricity, hydrogen gas, and carbon capture technology, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% compared to traditional production.

Sugar Lab, located in East Los Angeles, is the world's first 'digital bakery' where a team of chefs, designers, and tech enthusiasts create custom-ordered 3D printed sweets and chocolates. Co-founder Kyle von Hasseln, who began experimenting with 3D printing at the Southern California Institute of Architecture, emphasizes the complexity and artistry involved in the process. The lab uses an NSF-certified food 3D printer, unique for its certification and ability to operate at scale. Head chef Jonathan Solomon expresses excitement about working on the future of food technology. Sugar Lab's creations have received an incredibly positive response and are available for purchase on their website.

Sweden is transforming a highway into the world's first permanent electrified road, allowing vehicles to recharge while driving. This initiative aligns with the EU's recent law requiring all new cars sold to be zero CO2 emissions by 2035. The E20 highway, connecting logistics hubs between Hallsberg and Örebro, is the chosen site for this project, expected to be constructed by 2025. Various charging methods are being considered, including catenary systems, inductive, and conductive charging. While focusing on trucks, a recent study suggests that private cars could also benefit, potentially reducing battery size by up to 70% when combining home charging with dynamic charging. Sweden, in collaboration with Germany and France, is sharing experiences through research and authority collaborations on electric roads, with plans to extend an additional 3,000 km of electric road by 2045.

FabricNano, a London-based startup, is working on a system to produce plastics without using oil and gas, aiming to make bio-based and sustainable chemicals more widely available. The company specializes in cell-free biomanufacturing, which uses enzymes to produce various products. While the chemical industry currently relies heavily on fossil fuels, FabricNano's technology could reduce this dependence and contribute to creating materials that are more symbiotic with the environment. The specifics of their process are proprietary, and while enzymes are already used in chemical and food production, adapting them for industrial use in creating plastics and other products without fossil fuels is still a developing field.

A scientific team utilized a glider in Belgium to investigate the effects of gravity on health, specifically examining if weightlessness could inhibit cancer growth. Cancerous tumours from the Netherlands were used in the study, led by Dr. Tricia Larose from the University of Oslo. Veteran Belgian pilot Vladimir Plester from the ESA conducted parabolic flights to simulate microgravity. The experiments also explored the impact of zero gravity on heart rates and bone fractures, with further tests planned for a 2025 space mission in collaboration with UNOOSA and the China Manned Space Agency.