The ITER project in Provence, France, aims to demonstrate the feasibility of nuclear fusion at an industrial scale, using the world's largest magnetic confinement chamber, or tokamak. Signed in 2006 by multiple countries, the project has faced delays and budget increases but remains a significant international collaboration. Nuclear fusion offers a safer and less radioactive alternative to fission, with the potential to provide clean energy in response to climate change challenges. Despite setbacks, the project aims to stick to its 2035 target for the start of fusion operations.

The ITER project in Provence, France, aims to demonstrate the feasibility of nuclear fusion at an industrial scale using the world's largest magnetic confinement chamber, or tokamak. Signed in 2006 by multiple countries, the project has faced delays and budget increases but maintains international collaboration despite geopolitical tensions. Nuclear fusion offers safety and waste management advantages over fission, but challenges remain in achieving the high temperatures and precision required. ITER's success is seen as crucial for long-term clean energy solutions, especially in the context of climate change.

Researchers from George Mason University's College of Public Health and Northeastern University in the United States have published research indicating a strong link between exposure to common pesticides and a decrease in sperm count. The study, which systematically reviewed 25 studies over a 50-year period, found consistent associations with lower sperm concentrations when exposed to organophosphates and N-methylcarbamates, two widely used classes of insecticides. The findings highlight the public health concern, especially for men planning to start families, and suggest policymakers should recognize insecticide exposure as a public health issue. Over the past 50 years, global sperm counts have halved, with recent trends showing an acceleration since the beginning of the century.

On October 7, Hamas launched hundreds of rockets from Gaza into Israel, marking the start of 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood' and escalating the military conflict in the Middle East. Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, developed by the state-owned defense company Rafael since its deployment in 2011, has been a key element of the country's defense infrastructure, claiming a 90% interception rate. The system, designed to intercept rockets with a range of 4 to 70 km, consists of radar, the Tamir interceptor missile, and a command and control center. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tout its effectiveness, experts like Jean-Loup Samaan of the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore question the metrics, noting the system only targets rockets threatening civilian areas. The Iron Dome's operational costs are high, with each Tamir missile costing around $50,000, leading Israel to seek financial support from the United States, which has provided nearly $3 billion for the system. Despite its operational success, the Iron Dome does not deter Palestinian groups from launching rockets, as evidenced by a recent surge in attacks from Hamas. The system's defensive capabilities are crucial, especially given the potential for regional escalation and the significant rocket arsenal of groups like Hezbollah.

Stefano Liberti, an award-winning filmmaker and journalist, discusses the financialization of the global food system and its impact on low-income countries. He explains how food has become a commodity subject to market speculation, which affects food prices and food sovereignty. The Russia-Ukraine war has exacerbated grain supply shocks, with futures contracts and deregulation in the 1990s allowing for increased speculation. Liberti suggests regulating food exchanges and building food production systems in low-income countries to regain food sovereignty. The podcast 'The Star Ingredient' where Liberti speaks is funded by the European Journalism Centre, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

At VivaTech in Paris, French start-up Embodme showcased the Erae Touch, a touch-sensitive music controller with a thousand force sensors, and a new touchless touchscreen technology. CEO Edgar Hemery highlighted the device's versatility and precision in musical articulation. The Erae Touch, on the market since 2020, has been endorsed by artists like Coldplay and Jean-Michel Jarre. The touchless technology allows interaction with devices from a distance, offering potential hygiene benefits and new user experiences.

Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed the first combat use of a hypersonic weapon, the Kinzhal, in Ukraine. Hypersonic weapons are distinguished by their ability to change trajectory and evade radar detection. Dr. Chris Combs and Dimitry Stefanovich provide insights into the military and strategic implications of their use. The strikes targeted an underground weapons storage in Ivano-Frankivsk and a fuel storage site in Mykolayiv. The use of hypersonic missiles by Russia in Ukraine raises concerns about a new arms race and the testing of advanced weaponry in conflict zones.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the country's nuclear deterrent forces to a high alert mode, a move that has caused concern among NATO allies and calls for restraint from China. Nuclear arms expert Pavel Podvig clarifies that this does not indicate an imminent nuclear strike but rather a state of readiness. Strategic nuclear weapons, which have the capability to cause massive destruction over large ranges, are distinguished from tactical nuclear weapons. Podvig suggests that if Russia were to escalate the nuclear threat, it could involve the movement of nuclear weapons, but currently, there is no such activity. The US and NATO allies have responded calmly, emphasizing the irresponsibility of bringing nuclear weapons into the conflict in Europe.

The 'White Fox' restaurant in Mosul has introduced robot waiters, programmed by the local University of Mosul's mechatronics department. The owner, Rami Chkib Abdelrahman, was inspired during lockdown to innovate and combine different concepts from around the world, resulting in a service that includes a robot server and an interactive table for orders. The service has been well received by locals, including blacksmith Bashar Mahmud, who expressed his admiration and preference for the restaurant.

Richard Browning, founder of Gravity Industries, has developed the world's fastest jetsuit, capable of reaching speeds up to 136 km/hr. Weighing approximately 30 kilos, the jetsuit has been tested by the UK's Royal Marines for potential military use and by the UK's Great North Air Ambulance Service for mountain rescue operations, demonstrating real-world applications beyond its science fiction origins.