Info Nuggets

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) due to stress factors like rising sea temperatures, pollution, or ocean acidification. This loss of algae deprives corals of their vibrant color and vital nutrients, weakening them and making them more susceptible to disease, ultimately threatening marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

Simandou Mine

The Simandou Mine, located in Guinea, West Africa, is one of the world's largest untapped iron ore reserves. It lies in the Simandou mountain range and is crucial for global iron ore production. The mine is expected to produce over 100 million tons annually, significantly impacting the global market.

Cold lava

Cold lava, known as lahar in Indonesian, occurs when rainwater mixes with volcanic materials like ash, sand, and pebbles, forming a thick, concrete-like substance. Unlike normal lava, which is molten and extremely hot, cold lava is solidified and varies in temperature. While lava is molten rock, lahars are a slurry of water and volcanic debris. Due to its high density and abrasive nature, lahars can cause significant damage to buildings, bridges, and roads, posing a serious threat to human life and property.

Dark oxygen

Dark oxygen refers to oxygen produced in the deep ocean, away from sunlight, without the process of photosynthesis. It is primarily generated through chemical reactions such as those occurring near hydrothermal vents, where minerals and microbes interact. This form of oxygen supports unique deep-sea ecosystems in oxygen-deprived environments.

USAID

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a key agency providing foreign assistance and promoting sustainable development across various sectors. USAID collaborates with governments, NGOs, businesses, and international organisations, offering grants and assistance for development projects.

GCC

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic union of six Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. Iraq is not a member.  Founded in 1981, it aims to foster economic, military, and cultural cooperation, promoting stability and integration within the region.

HKU5-CoV-2

Chinese researchers discovered a new bat coronavirus that poses potential risks of animal-to-human transmission. Identified as HKU5-CoV-2, the virus shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. It can bind to human ACE2 receptors, raising concerns about potential human transmission.

Einstein Ring

An Einstein ring is a phenomenon that occurs when a massive object, such as a galaxy or black hole, acts as a gravitational lens. When the source, lens, and observer align perfectly, the light from the background object is bent, creating a circular ring-shaped image. This effect provides valuable insights into the distribution of mass in the universe.