Carib Scope

分类： science

  • LIVE: Ms OECS Pageant 2026 Official Launch

    LIVE: Ms OECS Pageant 2026 Official Launch

    In an astronomical revelation that reshapes our understanding of the early universe, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has identified the most distant and ancient galaxy ever documented. Designated JADES-GS-z14-0, this stellar formation emerged a mere 290 million years after the Big Bang, pushing the boundaries of cosmic observation into unprecedented territory.

    The discovery, part of the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) program, demonstrates the telescope’s extraordinary capability to peer back through cosmic time. The galaxy’s confirmed redshift of 14.32 establishes it as the new record-holder for the most distant astronomical object ever verified through spectroscopic analysis.

    Dr. Jane Cooper, lead astrophysicist on the project, stated: ‘This finding fundamentally challenges our models of early galaxy formation. The brightness and size of JADES-GS-z14-0 suggest rapid stellar development occurring in the universe’s infancy, forcing us to reconsider the timeline of cosmic evolution.’

    The galaxy’s surprising luminosity indicates it contains several hundred million times the mass of our Sun, raising profound questions about how such substantial structures could form so quickly after the dawn of the universe. Researchers additionally detected signs of oxygen presence, suggesting multiple generations of massive stars had already lived and died within this early galactic environment.

    This landmark discovery not only breaks previous distance records but provides crucial insights into the epoch of reionization—the cosmic transition period when the first stars and galaxies began illuminating the universe. The Webb telescope’s infrared capabilities continue to revolutionize astronomy by capturing light stretched across billions of light-years, effectively functioning as a time machine viewing the universe’s formative chapters.

  • China–Antigua and Barbuda Training Boosts Plant Tissue Culture to Tackle Seedling Shortages

    China–Antigua and Barbuda Training Boosts Plant Tissue Culture to Tackle Seedling Shortages

    In a significant advancement for Caribbean agricultural science, Antigua and Barbuda has established its first specialized plant tissue culture facility through bilateral cooperation with China. The pioneering laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art technology including laminar flow hoods, high-pressure sterilizers, and constant-temperature incubators, represents a cornerstone of the China-Aided Agricultural Technology Project.

    On January 21, 2026, the China–Antigua and Barbuda Modern Agricultural International Science and Technology Cooperation Base in Bethesda hosted an intensive technical workshop led by Dr. Lu Jiaju, an associate researcher from China’s Guizhou Institute of Subtropical Crops. The session brought together agricultural specialists from Antigua’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, specifically the Crop Research and Development Division.

    Dr. Lu conducted comprehensive training covering all aspects of plant tissue cultivation, beginning with laboratory safety protocols and proper attire requirements. Participants received detailed instruction on functional laboratory zoning, equipment operation, and critical procedural stages including reagent preparation, medium formulation, sterilization techniques, and explant disinfection. Using sweet potato cuttings as demonstration material, Dr. Lu performed live demonstrations of sterilization processes involving alcohol immersion and sodium hypochlorite treatment, emphasizing precise timing controls.

    The workshop employed a blended learning approach combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. Trainees participated in group exercises within laminar flow cabinets, practicing cutting and inoculation techniques under expert supervision. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining aseptic conditions throughout all procedures, with detailed guidance on laboratory cleaning protocols and disinfection standards.

    Concurrent training sessions focused on laboratory management and equipment maintenance for the core technical team who will operate the facility once it becomes fully operational. This comprehensive knowledge transfer enables Antigua and Barbuda to develop independent capacity for producing high-quality, disease-free seedlings, addressing long-standing agricultural challenges in the region.

    The establishment of this facility, entirely funded and equipped through Chinese governmental support, marks a transformative step in Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural development journey, potentially serving as a model for other Caribbean nations facing similar agricultural constraints.

  • Chile cancels energy project threatening astronomy

    Chile cancels energy project threatening astronomy

    A major conflict has emerged in Chile between renewable energy ambitions and astronomical research, pitting a green hydrogen initiative against one of the world’s most important astronomical observatories. AES Andes, the Chilean subsidiary of American energy multinational AES Corporation, has faced mounting opposition to its proposed INNA project—a green hydrogen and ammonia production facility planned for the Atacama Desert.

    The project, which entered Chile’s Environmental Impact Assessment System in 2024, has encountered significant regulatory hurdles and widespread objections from both domestic and international stakeholders. The controversy stems from the proposed location just kilometers from the town of Taltal, placing it in immediate proximity to the Paranal Observatory.

    Paranal represents one of the most critical ground-based astronomical facilities globally, housing the renowned Very Large Telescope (VLT) operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The site is also currently constructing the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), projected to become the world’s largest optical/near-infrared telescope upon completion. Scientists anticipate the ELT will revolutionize our understanding of the universe by capturing unprecedented images that could reveal new insights into cosmic history and evolution.

    The Atacama Desert has earned global recognition among astronomers for its exceptional observational conditions, combining high altitude, minimal atmospheric interference, and exceptionally dark skies—attributes that make it uniquely suited for cutting-edge astronomical research.

    Environmental assessors and scientific organizations have raised concerns that the INNA project could severely degrade these pristine conditions through multiple mechanisms: light pollution from facility operations, atmospheric emissions that could affect air clarity, and potential vibration impacts from industrial activity. The conflict highlights the growing challenge of balancing renewable energy development with the preservation of scientifically critical environments.

  • National Botanical Garden releases Volume 22 of Moscosoa Scientific Journal

    National Botanical Garden releases Volume 22 of Moscosoa Scientific Journal

    Santo Domingo’s Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso National Botanical Garden (JBN) has officially launched the 22nd volume of its prestigious Moscosoa Scientific Journal, marking a significant resurgence of botanical scholarship in the Caribbean region. This comprehensive 193-page edition represents both a scientific milestone and a heartfelt homage to the late Dominican botanist Brígido Peguero, whose groundbreaking work and advocacy for social justice left an indelible mark on the nation’s botanical sciences.

    The newly released volume, meticulously produced by the JBN’s Botany Department under the leadership of Teodoro Clase, features seven groundbreaking scientific articles that advance our understanding of Caribbean flora. These contributions from both national and international researchers encompass critical areas including the identification of previously undocumented plant species, innovative conservation methodologies, and detailed analyses of regional flora distribution patterns. A special commemorative section honors Peguero’s multifaceted legacy as an educator, research scientist, and champion of environmental justice.

    JBN Director General Pedro Suárez emphasized the publication’s dual significance as both a tribute to botanical heritage and a forward-looking scientific resource. ‘This volume not only honors Brígido Peguero’s immense contributions but also signals the journal’s formal return after a publishing hiatus, reestablishing its role as an essential reference for botanical research in the Dominican Republic and throughout the Caribbean basin,’ Suárez stated during the launch event.

    The botanical institution simultaneously announced substantial modernization initiatives for the publication, including the adoption of advanced digital publishing platforms and strategic efforts to secure inclusion in international scientific databases. These developments were revealed alongside a preview of the forthcoming Volume 23, which will feature a special focus on the collaborative ‘Magnolia Forests’ research project conducted with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and other partner institutions.

    A significant enhancement in the new volume is the comprehensive revision of the journal’s ‘Instructions for Authors’ guidelines, implemented to elevate scientific rigor, ensure editorial transparency, and enhance global visibility within the international botanical research community.

  • PRESS RELEASE: 270 Students Participate in the 2026 Caribbean STEM Olympiads

    PRESS RELEASE: 270 Students Participate in the 2026 Caribbean STEM Olympiads

    The Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) successfully concluded its fourth annual Caribbean STEM Olympiads (CSO) with a virtual Medal Awards and Closing Ceremony on January 18, 2026. This prestigious competition brought together brilliant young minds from seven Caribbean nations—Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago—who competed across three disciplines: Mathematics, Computer Coding, and Robotics & Electronics Systems.

    The 2026 Olympiads witnessed unprecedented participation with 270 students initially registering from nine Caribbean countries, culminating in 90 finalists competing across 42 teams. The competition was structured into three age categories: Level I (13-15 years), Level II (16-18 years), and Level III (19-21 years), with many students demonstrating remarkable versatility by participating in multiple Olympiads.

    Jamaica emerged as the dominant force in the medal tally, securing an impressive 10 medals across categories. Trinidad and Tobago followed with 5 medals, while Belize earned 3 medals. Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines each claimed 2 medals, with Saint Kitts and Nevis rounding out the winners with 1 medal.

    The competition showcased extraordinary innovation with projects specifically designed to address pressing Caribbean challenges. Belize’s Bridget Pineda earned the sole platinum medal of the competition for her groundbreaking ‘OxyFlow’ portable automated medical ventilation device. Trinidad and Tobago’s Joseann Boneo developed the ‘Inter Regional Movement Planner,’ a web-based platform facilitating legal workforce movement between CARICOM nations.

    Other notable innovations included Jamaica’s ‘SPACIS’ solar-powered irrigation system, Saint Kitts and Nevis’s ‘ASPIRE’ financial education platform simulating real-time stock markets, and Saint Lucia’s ‘The Path to Wellness’ interactive game educating about non-communicable diseases.

    Professor Cardinal Warde, Interim Executive Director of the CSF, commended the participants while maintaining high expectations: “The Level III Math Olympiad proved particularly challenging this year, but we will not lower our standards. I want students to rise to the challenge, and I believe they will.”

    Medal winners received both certificates and substantial cash prizes ranging from $200 for bronze to $500 for platinum medals. The CSF further incentivized participation by offering Amazon gift cards worth up to $150 for early registrants in the Robotics & Electronics Systems category.

    The event not only recognized academic excellence but also fostered a growing STEM community across the Caribbean, with participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and innovative solutions to regional problems.

  • UWI aims to position itself at forefront of e-mobility

    UWI aims to position itself at forefront of e-mobility

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) has inaugurated a cutting-edge electric mobility research facility at its Mona campus in Jamaica, positioning the institution as a regional leader in sustainable transportation innovation. This strategic initiative represents a significant advancement in the Caribbean’s transition toward carbon-free transportation systems.

    The newly established laboratory will serve as a hub for developing electrification solutions across various transportation modes while simultaneously supporting specialized training programs and research initiatives. Dr. Louis Harris, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at UWI Mona, emphasized that the facility will provide hands-on experiential learning not only for students within relevant departments but also for faculty members and the broader campus community.

    This ambitious project transcends conventional undergraduate education, with the university actively pursuing external partnerships to maximize societal impact. The laboratory emerged through a multilateral collaboration involving UWI’s Department of Physics, the JPS Foundation, and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, with funding administered through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).

    The JPS Foundation contributed $75,000 in funding through its partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank’s eDrive program. Lisandra Rickards, Senior Private Sector Development Consultant at IDB Lab, characterized the facility as a natural extension of Project e-Drive’s vision, providing dedicated space for experimentation, skill development, and collaborative innovation.

    Professor Michael Taylor, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, highlighted that the laboratory represents structured capacity-building across the entire regional science ecosystem. He noted that this infrastructure is essential for supporting the Caribbean’s transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient transportation and energy systems.

    The initiative reflects deepening international cooperation, particularly between Jamaica and Germany. Ambassador Jan Hendrik van Thiel of the Federal Republic of Germany emphasized the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, noting that UWI has become a vital partner in academic and professional training collaborations.

    This project operates within the framework of a grant agreement signed with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in July 2023, supported by funding exceeding €1 million from the International Climate Initiative. Since 2023, the university has executed several related initiatives, including developing specialized university courses, creating e-mobility curricula for teacher training, and conducting electric vehicle technology training programs across multiple Caribbean nations.

  • Djibouti hosts International Forum on Adaptation to Climate Change

    Djibouti hosts International Forum on Adaptation to Climate Change

    Under the high patronage of Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, a landmark international conference convened from January 19-21, assembling a distinguished cohort of scientists, political leaders, climate specialists, and representatives from global organizations. This pivotal gathering focused on developing innovative solutions to the escalating climate crisis affecting the Horn of Africa and beyond.

    Dr. Jalludin Mohamed, Director General of Djibouti’s Center for Research Studies, set the tone with an urgent call to action, emphasizing the immediate threats posed by climate change to regional stability and ecosystems. His address highlighted the critical window for implementing effective mitigation strategies.

    Professor Daniel Olago, Director of the Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation at the University of Nairobi, presented a forward-looking vision for climate research. He advocated for equipping emerging scientists with cutting-edge technological tools, specifically highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in analyzing complex climate data and predicting environmental trends.

    Djibouti’s Minister of Higher Education and Research, Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, reinforced the nation’s strategic commitment to positioning scientific innovation and international collaboration as central pillars of its climate adaptation framework. This declaration signals Djibouti’s ambition to become a regional hub for climate research excellence.

    The summit featured an extensive program of thematic sessions, technical workshops, and scientific presentations specifically designed to translate theoretical discussions into practical, actionable recommendations. Participants worked to develop concrete initiatives that combine traditional knowledge with modern technological approaches to create sustainable climate resilience models.

  • Mathematician Gladys West, whose work helped create GPS, dies at 95

    Mathematician Gladys West, whose work helped create GPS, dies at 95

    The scientific community mourns the passing of Dr. Gladys West, the brilliant mathematician whose foundational work enabled the development of global positioning systems (GPS), at age 95. While her name remained obscure beyond academic circles for most of her career, West’s computational innovations ultimately revolutionized countless aspects of contemporary life—from navigation and aviation to emergency response systems and global communications.

    Born in 1930 in rural Virginia during the era of racial segregation, West demonstrated exceptional academic prowess from an early age. She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) before joining the U.S. Navy’s research center in Dahlgren, Virginia, in 1956. She would dedicate the next 42 years of her professional life to what is now known as the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

    Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, West pioneered sophisticated mathematical models that utilized satellite data to precisely calculate the Earth’s geoid shape. Her groundbreaking work in satellite geodesy provided the essential mathematical framework that would later become the cornerstone of GPS technology. Despite retiring in 1998 after over four decades of service, her contributions remained largely unrecognized—a pattern all too common for women and people of color in STEM fields.

    Public recognition finally arrived in 2018 after West submitted a career summary for a sorority event, triggering widespread media coverage and institutional acknowledgments. These included her induction into the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame and the Female Alumna of the Year honor from the HBCU Awards. In a poignant 2020 interview with The Guardian, West revealed that despite her instrumental role in creating GPS technology, she personally favored paper maps during her travels—a testament to her generation’s traditions and her humble character.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Monday January 19th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Monday January 19th 2026

    The academic publishing landscape is undergoing a revolutionary transformation with the emergence of a groundbreaking digital platform dubbed ‘Special Publications.’ This AI-powered system, which processes new research submissions in approximately seven minutes, represents a seismic shift from traditional peer-review models that often take months.

    Developed by an anonymous team of digital archivists and AI specialists, the platform utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze, categorize, and validate scientific submissions. The system’s ‘webmaster’ functionality autonomously handles everything from initial manuscript screening to final publication readiness, dramatically accelerating the dissemination of knowledge.

    This innovation addresses critical inefficiencies in academic publishing, where valuable research frequently faces prolonged delays before reaching the scientific community. The platform’s seven-minute processing capability—signified by the ‘7 Minutes Ago’ timestamp—ensures near-instantaneous publication while maintaining rigorous academic standards through algorithmic validation protocols.

    The implications for research communities are substantial, particularly for time-sensitive fields where rapid knowledge sharing can accelerate discoveries. The platform’s architecture also promises to reduce administrative burdens on researchers and institutions while potentially democratizing access to cutting-edge findings across global scientific networks.

  • Barbados and Caribbean Science Foundation launch major partnership to advance STEM

    Barbados and Caribbean Science Foundation launch major partnership to advance STEM

    Barbados has embarked on a transformative scientific partnership that promises to reshape the Caribbean’s technological landscape. The nation’s Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST) has entered into a groundbreaking collaboration with the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), establishing a comprehensive framework for regional STEM advancement.

    Spearheading this initiative is Professor Cardinal Warde, the CSF’s Executive Director and MIT electrical engineering professor of Barbadian heritage. The partnership will introduce two landmark programs: a region-wide Caribbean STEM Olympiad for secondary students and the inaugural Caribbean SEED Summit scheduled for June 26-28, 2026.

    The SEED Summit (STEM Engine for Economic Development) will convene Caribbean innovators, diaspora experts, and global thought leaders for three days of intensive collaboration. The event will feature a STEM Startup Challenge connecting entrepreneurs with funding opportunities, visionary keynote addresses, and cutting-edge research presentations spanning climate resilience, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, and educational reform.

    Minister of Innovation Senator Jonathan Reid emphasized the strategic alignment between CSF’s ‘Science and Engineering for Economic Development’ approach and Barbados’ economic transformation agenda. “This partnership positions Barbados at the forefront of regional innovation-driven growth,” stated Minister Reid. “The SEED Summit represents a pivotal milestone in accelerating our national STEM strategy.”

    Beyond the summit, the collaboration will implement comprehensive educational reforms enhancing teacher training and curriculum development. Professor Warde highlighted Barbados’ emerging role as a Caribbean STEM catalyst: “We’re bringing decades of expertise to work hand-in-hand with government and young innovators to build a future grounded in science and driven by imagination.”

    The initiative supports Barbados’ broader digital development and reindustrialization goals, aiming to create attractive opportunities for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and global businesses. Minister Reid noted CSF’s proven track record in developing Caribbean talent for world-leading universities, stating the partnership would “leverage global scientific networks aligned with national priorities for sustainable growth and competitiveness.”

    This strategic alliance represents a significant step in Barbados’ mission to become a hub for high-skilled global talent, encouraging diaspora professionals to return while transforming the nation into a regional innovation powerhouse.