Carib Scope

分类： science

  • Met Service: Expect a wet start for 2026 dry season

    Met Service: Expect a wet start for 2026 dry season

    Meteorological authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have released a comprehensive forecast indicating an atypical 2026 dry season characterized by near-normal to above-normal rainfall patterns alongside elevated temperatures. The analysis, presented by Acting Chief Climatologist Kaidar Kissoon during the 19th National Climate Outlook Forum, reveals significant deviations from historical seasonal norms.

    The climatic outlook stems from two primary factors: a weak La Niña system that emerged in October and unusually warm sea surface temperatures extending from Trinidad’s eastern waters into the tropical Atlantic. These conditions are projected to enhance moisture availability for cloud formation during January-May 2026, particularly influencing the season’s first half.

    Rainfall projections indicate a 56-76% probability of above-normal precipitation across most regions between January and March, with December 2025 and January 2026 expected to receive the bulk of rainfall. The nation anticipates approximately 97 dry days (recording less than 1.0mm rainfall), notably below the historical average of 108 dry days. Spatial distribution shows northern and eastern areas including Valencia, North Oropouche, and Sangre Grande in Trinidad, along with Charlotteville and Roxborough in Tobago, likely to accumulate between 540mm and 769mm. Conversely, northwestern Trinidad and southwestern Tobago may receive only around 266mm.

    Temperature projections suggest consistently above-normal readings both diurnally and nocturnally, with urban centers experiencing the most significant warming. Maximum temperatures may average 33.5°C in Trinidad and 32.5°C in Tobago during May, though brief cooler periods dipping below 20°C and 22°C respectively remain possible in January and February.

    The climatic conditions present a dual impact scenario: initial wetter periods may improve water reservoir levels and reduce fire risks while potentially increasing mosquito breeding activity. The latter dry period typically brings heightened fire hazards and air quality concerns. Officials recommend water conservation measures, public awareness campaigns regarding disease vector control, and enhanced contingency planning for respiratory health management.

  • Royal Maya Tomb Found in Belize Makes Top 10 Discoveries of 2025

    Royal Maya Tomb Found in Belize Makes Top 10 Discoveries of 2025

    A monumental archaeological breakthrough in Belize has captured global attention after being honored among Archaeology Magazine’s Top 10 Discoveries of 2025. The prestigious recognition follows the unprecedented uncovering of a royal Maya tomb at the ancient city of Caracol, representing a watershed moment in Mesoamerican research.

    After four decades of persistent excavation efforts, University of Houston archaeologists Dr. Arlen Chase and Dr. Diane Chase made what they characterize as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ discovery: the final resting place of Te’ Kab Chaak, the foundational ruler of Caracol’s royal lineage. This marks the first royal tomb ever identified at the site and stands as an extraordinary rarity in Maya archaeology, where direct correlations between human remains and historically documented figures remain exceptionally uncommon.

    The discovery process began when researchers detected an anomalous void beneath previously excavated levels in an area initially explored in 1993. ‘We experienced a eureka-type moment when our measuring instrument failed to reach the bottom,’ recounted Dr. Arlen Chase, describing the pivotal instant that signaled something significant lay beneath.

    Upon accessing the burial chamber, archaeologists revealed a seven-foot-high rectangular space adorned with red cinnabar pigment—a distinctive marker of elite status in Maya culture. The tomb contained an array of ceremonial offerings including intricately crafted pottery, jadeite ornaments, carved bone tubes, and other artifacts dating to Te’ Kab Chaak’s reign, which concluded approximately around A.D. 350. The most striking artifact emerged as a meticulously crafted death mask composed of jade and shell mosaic that once adorned the ruler’s face.

    Dr. Diane Chase reflected on the discovery’s broader significance: ‘This remarkable find serves as both a testament to archaeology’s potential for sudden breakthroughs and a reminder of the immense patience the discipline demands. While this tomb remained concealed for over a millennium, our pursuit consumed more than forty years of dedicated investigation.’

    Historical context indicates Te’ Kab Chaak ascended to power around A.D. 331, governing during Caracol’s formative development period long before it evolved into one of the Yucatán peninsula’s dominant Maya powers. The discovery provides unprecedented insights into early Maya rulership, burial practices, and the development of political dynasties in ancient Mesoamerica.

  • Antigua Grants UWI St. Augustine Cannabis Research Licence

    Antigua Grants UWI St. Augustine Cannabis Research Licence

    In a significant move for Caribbean scientific research and agricultural policy, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a groundbreaking licence to the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine campus. This authorization permits comprehensive cannabis research, marking a pivotal development in the region’s approach to the plant’s potential applications.

    The licence empowers researchers at the Trinidad-based university to initiate rigorous scientific investigations into cannabis cultivation, biochemical properties, and potential therapeutic benefits. This development transcends mere agricultural study, representing a strategic step toward evidence-based policymaking in the Caribbean, where discussions around cannabis legalization and medicinal use are increasingly prominent.

    This initiative positions UWI St. Augustine at the forefront of cannabis science within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), potentially establishing a regional hub for empirical research. The findings derived from these studies are anticipated to inform future legislation, medical guidelines, and economic strategies related to cannabis across the Eastern Caribbean. The research outcomes could provide critical data for governments considering regulatory frameworks for medicinal or recreational use, while also exploring potential economic diversification through a regulated cannabis industry.

    The collaboration between a national government and a leading academic institution signals a maturation in the region’s dialogue surrounding cannabis, shifting from prohibition to scientifically-informed exploration of its societal and economic role.

  • CELOS slaat alarm: snelle toename cassaveziekte vraagt onmiddellijke alertheid

    CELOS slaat alarm: snelle toename cassaveziekte vraagt onmiddellijke alertheid

    Suriname’s agricultural sector faces an escalating biosecurity emergency as an aggressive strain of Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease demonstrates accelerated proliferation beyond initial projections. The Center for Agricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS) has issued heightened alerts to farming communities following concerning reports from multiple districts, particularly Marowijne, where cassava plants exhibit severe pathological manifestations.

    The pathogenic variant presents distinctive symptomatology including abnormal proliferation of branches, pronounced leaf deformities, and critically stunted growth patterns—rendering infected specimens entirely unsuitable for cultivation. CELOS Director Soedeshchand Jairam characterized the situation as epidemiologically urgent, emphasizing that “this disease manifestation represents a novel threat to Suriname’s ecosystem. Preventive inertia is not an option—our intervention velocity directly correlates with containment efficacy.”

    While cassava phytopathological conditions have historical prevalence across South America, this emergent strain demonstrates significantly heightened virulence. Previously documented in Southeast Asia since 2010 with substantial agricultural devastation, the pathogen breached Western Hemisphere defenses through initial 2023-2024 detections in French Guiana. Jairam notes this established “immediate cross-border contamination risks that current observations confirm have materialized at our national perimeter.”

    The disease transmission occurs primarily through human-mediated transportation of infected cassava cuttings, creating critical control challenges. CELOS advocates stringent phytosanitary protocols urging farmers to exclusively source planting materials from visually asymptomatic fields. The institution, supported by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, is developing a national diagnostic certification system to validate planting material biosecurity.

    Digital surveillance reports indicate concentrated symptomatic manifestations across eastern and southern regions, with additional suspected cases identified in Brokopondo and Saramacca—suggesting potential multi-regional dissemination. CELOS is coordinating comprehensive field inspections to delineate contamination boundaries and severity gradients.

    Socioeconomic implications are substantial given cassava’s role as staple subsistence crop and primary income source for thousands of smallholder agriculturists. Pathogenic disruption of vegetative propagation mechanisms threatens direct production declines and severe livelihood impacts. Jairam emphasizes collaborative vigilance: “Farmers constitute our primary surveillance network—their observational acuity and willingness to report anomalies remain paramount to containment success.”

    The director concluded that effective pathogen management requires integrated response frameworks: “This battle transcends institutional capabilities—it demands consolidated action across farming communities, civil society, and governmental agencies as shared biological security responsibility.”

  • Food Industry Sustainability Symposium concludes in Cuba

    Food Industry Sustainability Symposium concludes in Cuba

    Havana is currently hosting a significant scientific symposium focused on sustainable food production, organized to commemorate the upcoming centennial of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro Ruz. The event, taking place at the Meliá Habana Hotel, brings together experts and researchers to address critical challenges in food innovation and technology.

    Academic perspectives are being provided by University of Havana professors Deborah Famadas Rodriguez and Gabriel Hernandez Rodriguez from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. Meanwhile, policy insights come from Dr. Leiverg Félix Martínez Sosa, a specialist in Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy at Cuba’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment, who is presenting on the national system of science and innovation programs.

    The symposium features a comprehensive program including conferences, panel discussions, poster sessions, and workshops examining current trends in food production development. Key topics span food engineering and technology, food safety protocols, quality control measures, nutritional solutions for vulnerable populations, novel product development, and the application of artificial intelligence in food science.

    Engineer Jesús Rodríguez Mendoza, Director General of the Institute of Research for the Food Industry (IIIA) and president of the organizing committee, emphasized the event’s dedication to Castro’s legacy during the opening ceremony. The IIIA, as Cuba’s leading institution for food industry innovation, is showcasing recent achievements including specialized nutritional products for elderly and pregnant populations, children’s fruit and vegetable juices, reduced-sugar alternatives, and various technical and educational services.

  • Our versatile bamboo

    Our versatile bamboo

    Despite its tree-like stature, bamboo is scientifically classified as a type of grass—specifically the largest grass species capable of forming forest-like stands. In Trinidad and Tobago, this versatile plant presents both ecological concerns and cultural significance, creating a complex relationship between native ecosystems and human traditions.

    While Bambusa vulgaris (common bamboo) dominates the landscape, it is surprisingly non-native to the islands, originating from Asia. Trinidad and Tobago hosts several indigenous species including Arthrostylidium pubescens, found at higher elevations, and the potentially endemic Rhipidocladum prestoei, recognized by its distinctive fan-like branching pattern.

    Legally, bamboo receives unique recognition under Trinidad and Tobago’s Forests Act, which categorizes it as a tree when growing on state lands. This classification grants the government regulatory control over harvesting and sales, requiring permits for extraction similar to traditional timber species.

    The cultural applications of bamboo span multiple domains: construction, religious ceremonies, musical traditions, and artistic expression. In Hindu practices, bamboo forms jhandi flags—religious markers planted following puja ceremonies. During Divali celebrations, creatively bent bamboo structures support deyas, symbolizing light’s triumph over darkness. The plant also serves as the foundation for tamboo bamboo ensembles, a percussive musical tradition developed by Afro-Trinidadians in the 1800s that eventually evolved into the steelpan.

    Environmentally, bamboo demonstrates remarkable utility in slope stabilization through its fibrous root systems that effectively combat soil erosion. However, the rapid growth rate of Bambusa vulgaris—reaching up to 30 centimeters daily—poses significant ecological threats. These fast-growing clumps outcompete native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, deplete soil nutrients, and create fire-prone environments through accumulated dry litter.

    Globally, bamboo is gaining recognition as a sustainable resource for construction, textile production, and renewable materials. Trinidad and Tobago appears to be underutilizing this potential resource. Government and research institutions could play pivotal roles in evaluating bamboo’s economic viability through pilot projects that balance ecological conservation with sustainable development.

  • Cuban product for pregnant women presented at Food Symposium

    Cuban product for pregnant women presented at Food Symposium

    Cuban scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking nutritional supplement specifically formulated to address iron deficiency in pregnant women. Developed by the Institute of Research for the Food Industry (IIIA), the product named ‘Hemolin’ is a syrup created through an innovative process combining stabilized bovine blood, honey, and potassium sorbate.

    Research director Urselia Hernandez Lopez presented the development at the SISIA 2025 symposium in Havana, explaining that the formulation meets all required physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory standards for consumption during pregnancy. According to Hernandez, who led the research team, just one tablespoon of Hemolin delivers 2.8 milligrams of iron – representing approximately 10% of the recommended daily intake for expectant mothers.

    The symposium, themed ‘Sustainable Food Innovation’ and organized by IIIA, serves as a platform for showcasing Cuba’s advancements in food technology. The event is notably dedicated to commemorating the centennial of Fidel Castro’s birth next year, as highlighted by Jesus Rodriguez, IIIA’s director general and president of the organizing committee.

    IIIA has established itself as a pioneering institution in Cuba’s food innovation landscape, with previous achievements including specialized nutrition products for elderly citizens, children’s fruit and vegetable juices, and reduced-sugar food items. The four-day symposium at Melia Habana Hotel features comprehensive programming including conferences, panel discussions, poster sessions, and workshops covering cutting-edge developments in food production.

    Notable attendees included Oscar Treto from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, along with officials from the Ministry of the Food Industry, prominent scientists, and students. Discussion topics span food engineering and technology, food safety protocols, nutritional solutions for vulnerable populations, novel product development, and the emerging application of artificial intelligence in food science.

  • Cuba debates National Food Fortification Strategy

    Cuba debates National Food Fortification Strategy

    The Institute of Aquatic Research (IIIA), Cuba’s premier institution for food industry innovation, recently hosted a landmark symposium centered on “Sustainable Food Innovation.” This gathering showcased significant scientific advancements designed to address critical nutritional challenges within the nation.

    A primary focus of the event was the Cuban government’s National Food Fortification Strategy, implemented with facilitation and support from the World Food Programme (WFP). This strategic initiative prioritizes securing viable mass-consumption food options, enhancing the technological capabilities of domestic industrial production, and establishing a robust regulatory framework to legally mandate national food fortification.

    Discussions highlighted the pivotal role of fortified foods in improving dietary quality and consumption practices among vulnerable demographic groups, particularly through distribution networks within the social protection system.

    Among the groundbreaking innovations presented was a novel fermented dairy dessert, specifically formulated by IIIA researchers for the nutritional needs of senior citizens. Comprising milk, sugar, modified starch, dairy culture, gelatin, salt, and soursop flavoring, this product is engineered to meet the needs of elderly individuals suffering from chewing difficulties or dysphagia (impaired swallowing ability).

    Furthermore, the institute unveiled a development with significant import-substitution potential: a chocolate-flavored confectionery syrup crafted from roasted cocoa husks. This innovation demonstrates IIIA’s broader achievements, which also include specialized foods for pregnant women and the elderly, nutritious fruit and vegetable juices for children, a range of reduced-sugar products, and various technical, educational, and scientific services bolstering Cuba’s food sovereignty.

  • Environmental institutions renew warning over high-risk species import

    Environmental institutions renew warning over high-risk species import

    Scientific authorities in the Dominican Republic have intensified their opposition to the National Zoo’s controversial plan to import non-native species from Puerto Rico, citing profound ecological risks. The Natural Sciences and Environment Commission of the Dominican Academy of Sciences, alongside the Environmental Commission of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), has reinforced its November alert regarding Zoodom’s proposed acquisition.

    The academic institutions maintain that the species targeted for importation represent recognized invasive pests in Puerto Rico, where they have already breached containment, proliferated exponentially, and inflicted substantial damage on indigenous ecosystems. They counter the zoo’s emphasis on the non-venomous nature of the snakes by highlighting that the primary threat stems from their invasive characteristics and potential ecological disruption, not their venom.

    Puerto Rican authorities currently allocate considerable resources to capturing and removing these animals, many of which are confiscated from private owners or surrendered due to uncontrolled breeding. The commissions warn that accidental release in the Dominican Republic could replicate the environmental devastation observed in Puerto Rico, jeopardizing native species, agricultural interests, and public health.

    The groups further challenge Zoodom’s characterization of the transaction as a donation, alleging instead that the zoo’s director actively solicited the animals. They have urgently appealed to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Animal Health Department of the Ministry of Agriculture to employ the precautionary principle mandated by environmental statutes before authorizing any import permits.

    As a domestic cautionary tale, experts point to Isla Catalina, where raccoons introduced during the Trujillo dictatorship have triggered severe ecological imbalance. These invasive mammals have devastated hawksbill turtle nests, disrupted tourism activities, and compromised the island’s fragile biodiversity. The ongoing struggle to manage Catalina’s raccoon population serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of introducing non-native species without adequate safeguards.

  • UWI spotlights production of its high-quality field station milk

    UWI spotlights production of its high-quality field station milk

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine’s Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA) has showcased its advanced dairy production system through a special digital publication released during World Quality Week 2025 (November 10-14). The publication highlights the institution’s commitment to agricultural excellence through its vertically integrated milk production process at the Valsayn Field Station.

    Under the guidance of Dr. Martin Hughes, Deputy Dean of Farms, the FFA maintains complete oversight of the production chain—from pasture management to bottled milk distribution. The operation begins with carefully nurtured mulato grass, specifically cultivated for its nutritional richness, which forms the primary diet for the dairy herd. The faculty recognizes that animal welfare directly impacts product quality, implementing comprehensive veterinary monitoring and maintaining pristine living conditions for the cattle.

    The milking process incorporates rigorous hygiene protocols aligned with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Stockmen meticulously sanitize both udders and equipment before each milking session. Following extraction, milk undergoes immediate pasteurization in a dedicated facility where precise temperature controls eliminate pathogens while preserving nutritional integrity and flavor profiles.

    Quality verification continues with laboratory testing that confirms both pasteurization effectiveness and nutritional composition. The bottling process occurs in sanitized environments designed to prevent contamination, with finished products rapidly moving to refrigerated storage until distribution.

    The FFA’s publication emphasizes that quality represents an institutional culture rather than mere compliance. This philosophy aligns with the 2025 World Quality Week theme ‘Quality: Think Differently,’ positioning the milk as an exemplar of preventive, data-driven agricultural science. Consumers can purchase the premium dairy product at UWI Field Station sales offices and select local supermarkets.