Local and landscape scale factors influence pollinators at solar parks – The Applied Ecologist

Authors Hollie Blaydes and Alona Armstrong describe their latest research to better understand how pollinators respond to increasing solar park developments. Ground mounted solar parks are becoming increasingly common features of our landscapes and are set to play a pivotal role on the path to net zero. Currently taking up ~15,000 hectares across the UK, […]

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From turtle robots to frontline physics: prize-winning young scientists shape the future

For Evan Budz, a 15-year-old science student from Canada, learning that his turtle-like undersea robot had earned him one of the four first prizes at this year’s EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS 2025) was overwhelming. “It all still feels surreal,” said Budz, still disoriented in the middle of the award ceremony reception in Riga, […]

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Africa Continental Brief – Politics, Business, Security and Human Rights: 25, September 2025

Continent Wide Synopsis Politics & Elections Seychelles: Democracy Under Test in 2025 Vote President Wavel Ramkalawan (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa) seeks reelection, challenging Dr. Patrick Herminie of United Seychelles. Key issues include reducing a 23% poverty rate, expanding the middle class in a country with ~US$17,000 per capita income, and strengthening transparency. Strategically located in the […]

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UK Home Office Reversed Spouse Visa Refusal Based on Non-Existent Marriage in Case of Student

In a significant public interest case, solicitor Dele Olawanle secured justice for Emmanuel Opeyemi Makinde, a UK-based student whose spouse visa application was wrongly refused due to a fabricated marriage claim which he was unaware of despite the purported wife living in the UK. Makinde’s application to bring his wife to the UK was denied […]

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AI in Africa: 5 issues that must be tackled for digital equality

The AI revolution risks deepening inequality between the global north and south. Clarote & AI4Media/betterimagesofai.org, CC BY-SA If it’s steered correctly, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to accelerate development. It can drive breakthroughs in agriculture. It can expand access to healthcare and education. It can boost financial inclusion and strengthen democratic participation. But without […]

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powering economic growth through smarter knowledge exchange – UKRI

The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) is a landmark tool that helps universities and policymakers understand how higher education is driving forwards to achieve economic growth and societal benefit across England. Now in its fifth year, KEF has proven to be a well-designed, resilient and trusted framework. A collaborative approach The framework, designed by Research England, shines […]

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UN moves to close dangerous void in AI governance

Investment, optimism and anxiety: these are three of the big drivers of interest in artificial intelligence and its implications.  Because the challenges and opportunities are global, the responses also need to be far more comprehensive than the fragmented and siloed solutions that have been enacted thus far: A UN report from 2024 found that 118 countries […]

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Ozone Layer Predicted to Be Restored by 2066

Good news from the stratosphere: the ozone hole is smaller this year than it has been in many years – and well below the long-term average. Forty years ago, the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol laid the foundation for banning ozone-depleting substances. Back then, countries around the world made a collective decision for climate […]

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French Navy Seizes $610 Million Cocaine Haul Off West African Coast

French naval forces have intercepted nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine, valued at approximately $610 million (€570 million), from an unflagged fishing vessel off the coast of West Africa, authorities confirmed on Monday. Two French warships carried out the operation, which marks one of the largest maritime drug seizures in recent years. The vessel, operating without […]

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Tánaiste Opens New Irish Embassy in Washington, Strengthens Economic Ties with U.S.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, officially opened Ireland’s new Embassy in Washington DC this week, marking a significant milestone in Irish-U.S. relations. Located near the White House, the embassy symbolizes Ireland’s expanding diplomatic and economic footprint across the United States, now supported by a network of eight Consulates General. […]

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Dublin Town CEO Proposes Curfews Following Surge in Violence at the City Centre

Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town—a representative body for city centre businesses—has proposed the introduction of curfews or exclusion zones in Dublin following a series of violent incidents that have raised public safety concerns. The suggestion comes after two stabbings occurred over the weekend. On Sunday evening, a teenage boy was hospitalised after being stabbed […]

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