Environment around you
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NUS-OceanX expedition maps 6,050 sq km of Indian Ocean, finds 20 possible new species
A 24-day deep-sea expedition co-led by the National University of Singapore and OceanX mapped 6,050 sq km of the eastern Indian Ocean and brought back over 2,000 specimens. Researchers say at least 20 species could be new to science, with 100 to 200 species documented in all. The OceanXplorer explored the Monsoon Rise, a largely uncharted seamount chain.
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UN launches Global Heat Resilience Roadmap at Singapore cooling forum
The United Nations announced a Global Heat Resilience Roadmap on Sept 17 at a forum held at Parkroyal on Beach Road hotel in Singapore, setting out ways to protect water, food, schools, hospitals and power grids during heatwaves. The UN Environment Programme convened more than 60 countries at the inaugural Global Cooling Pledge Assembly to cut emissions from air-conditioning, which accounts for about 20 per cent of global electricity use. Singapore is among the signatory countries of the Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling.
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Bowmouth guitarfish filmed at Bedok Jetty, first Singapore record since 1995
A bowmouth guitarfish was filmed by anglers at Bedok Jetty on Oct 29, 2022, and formally documented in a report published by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum on Aug 31. It is the first confirmed record of the critically endangered species in Singapore waters since a specimen was netted off Marine Parade in 1995.
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NParks removes six unhealthy tembusu trees at MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Six tembusu trees at MacRitchie Reservoir Park were removed by NParks on Sept 2 after inspections found them unhealthy, with decay and structural defects. The removals came to light after a Nature Society Singapore forum member posted photos of the stumps near the Paddle Lodge. NParks says native species will be planted to replace the trees.
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NUS study: Sand with more oxygen helps microbes break down oil faster
A new study by the National University of Singapore found that microbes in well-drained, oxygen-rich beach sand degrade oil much faster than in waterlogged sand. The research, prompted by the 2024 oil spill, showed a 40% degradation rate in oxygen-rich conditions versus 5% in oxygen-poor conditions. The findings could help improve oil spill clean-up strategies.