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The Star
13-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Plastic that dissolves in seawater developed by Japanese scientists
Plastic waste polluting the beach, mostly bottles that are pushed and attracted to the waves. — AFP A team of Japanese researchers has successfully developed a new type of plastic that is strong, transparent and, above all, completely biodegradable, capable of dissolving in seawater in just a few hours. This is a major breakthrough at a time when marine plastic pollution is a major issue. This new plastic is actually made from ionic monomers commonly used in food processing, such as sodium hexametaphosphate and guanidinium sulfate. These ionic monomers are small molecules with an electric charge that bind together to form polymers with specific properties such as salt sensitivity or conductivity. The result is also non-toxic, non-flammable, and does not release CO2 when it decomposes. In seawater, the salt bonds responsible for the material's cohesion quickly dissolve, causing complete disintegration within a few hours at most. Unlike conventional plastics, this one does not generate any microplastics, and its components are largely recyclable. In fact, after dissolving the new plastic in salt water, researchers were able to recover 91% of the hexametaphosphate and 82% of the guanidinium in powder form. And that's not all: on land, the plastic degrades in less than 10 days, releasing essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, thereby helping to enrich the soil like a fertiliser. On paper, this solution is revolutionary, especially since it is as strong as petroleum-based plastics. This means that one day this type of plastic could be used for packaging and also as a material for 3D printing without ending up polluting the oceans or land. The arrival of such a plastic on the market could be one of the solutions to marine plastic pollution, given that millions of tonnes of it end up in the oceans every year. This new material, which is potentially compostable and circular, could therefore represent an innovative solution to reduce this threat, all while offering similar performances to conventional plastics. – AFP Relaxnews
The Star
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
The world is preparing for the age of AI in the workplace, but not at the same pace
Some countries are adopting a comprehensive approach to developing AI skills. — AFP Relaxnews There's no doubt that artificial intelligence will profoundly transform the job market in the coming decades. But how are governments preparing their citizens for this revolution? US research, published in the Human Resource Development Review, reveals stark contrasts between national approaches, with only 13 out of 50 countries giving high priority to training their workforce in AI. This research analyzes the national artificial intelligence strategies of 50 countries, focusing on their education and vocational training policies. The stakes are high. Various reports estimate that nearly half of today's jobs could disappear within 20 years, while 65% of today's elementary school students will work in jobs that do not yet exist. However, not everyone around the world is preparing for this challenge in the same way. Lehong Shi, author of the study and researcher at the University of Georgia, demonstrated this by ranking the most advanced countries in AI training. To do so, the researcher used six evaluation criteria: national plan objectives, methods for achieving them, examples of concrete projects, indicators of success, support mechanisms, and implementation timelines. National approaches with differing priorities The analysis reveals that 11 European countries are among the 13 nations that place a high priority on artificial intelligence training, alongside Mexico and Australia. This dominance can be explained by a European tradition of lifelong learning and larger budgets allocated to training and education. The United States ranks in the intermediate category, along with 22 other countries that consider AI training to be a medium-level priority. "AI skills and competencies are very important," says Lehong Shi, quoted in a news release. "If you want to be competitive in other areas, it's very important to prepare employees to work with AI in the future." Despite these differences, there are some areas of convergence. Almost all the countries studied plan to create or improve university programs specializing in AI. Many are also interested in teaching artificial intelligence in primary and secondary schools. Plus, more than half of the countries are focusing on in-company training, with sector-specific programs or specialized internships. However, few are focusing on vulnerable populations such as seniors or jobseekers. This prioritization reflects national strategic choices. "Just because a country gives less prioritization to education and workforce preparation doesn't mean AI isn't on its radar," says Lehong Shi. Some Asian countries are focusing more on national security and health. The importance of a comprehensive strategy To prepare tomorrow's workers, several countries are adopting a comprehensive approach to AI skills development. Germany, for example, is focusing on creating a culture that encourages interest in this technology. Spain is going even further by teaching the basics of artificial intelligence from as early as preschool. These early initiatives aim to prepare future generations for a transformed world of work. However, these efforts have their limitations. "Human soft skills, such as creativity, collaboration and communication cannot be replaced by AI. And they were only mentioned by a few countries," observes Lehong Shi. However, developing these soft skills appears essential to ensuring that workers retain their place in an increasingly automated professional environment. These shortcomings reflect a reductive and overly technical view of preparing for AI, which neglects the human dimension of work. In other words, the world is moving at different speeds when it comes to AI. While some European countries are developing ambitious and structured approaches, other nations risk falling behind. Lehong Shi hopes that the findings of this study will encourage countries that are less advanced in this field – particularly the United States – to rethink their approach. The challenge goes far beyond technical training and requires a complete rethinking of education to prepare citizens to coexist with artificial intelligence. Ultimately, artificial intelligence will transform work, but it is humans who will decide how. – AFP Relaxnews
The Star
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Star
Wear white, choose cotton: Here's how to beat the heat without sacrificing style
Reach for light, sun-reflecting colours like white, yellow or even pastel tones. Photo: AFP When the sun's blazing and you're sweating before you've even left the house, getting dressed can feel like a daily dilemma. But staying stylish in scorching weather isn't impossible, you just need to rethink your colours, fabrics and finishing touches. First things first: colour matters. Dark shades might be your year-round go-to, but under a blazing sun, they absorb heat and increase your discomfort. Instead, reach for light, sun-reflecting colours like white, yellow or even pastel tones. Not only do these shades keep you cooler, they also brighten up your look with a summery vibe. Science even backs this up. In a 2020 Japanese study, researchers tested nine polo-shirt colours on mannequins exposed to 30-degree Celsius sun to determine which clothing colours to favour in a heatwave. Read more: When the heat rises, fashion turns to light layers and easy silhouettes Unsurprisingly, white came out on top, but yellow, gray, red and even purple also held their own in terms of keeping heat at bay. So there's no need to stick to white or a head-to-toe ice cream palette – there's room to play around. And if you're a diehard devotee of black, consider going for loose, breezy cuts in featherlight fabrics to help cool things down. Indeed, fabric is just as crucial as colour when it comes to keeping heat at bay. When temperatures soar, synthetic materials can trap heat and cling uncomfortably to your skin. Instead, turn to breathable, natural options like linen and hemp. Not only do they help release body heat throughout the day, they also absorb moisture and resist odour. What could be better for long, sweaty afternoons? Cotton can be a solid choice, too, particularly in its lighter forms like voile or muslin, which feel soft, airy and skin-friendly. Alternatively, if you're looking for something a little different, try Tencel. This sustainable fabric is made with cellulose from certain trees, such as eucalyptus or bamboo, and has a smooth, cool texture that's ideal for summer wear. Finally, don't underestimate the power of accessories. In the heat, we often default to simple, classic outfits, which can be great for comfort, but which aren't always very exciting. Read more: Sunscreen is a skincare staple – so how do you choose the right kind? That's where accessories come into play. Statement sunglasses, bold jewellery, playful raffia bags or a trusty bucket hat (yes, they're still riding high) can all add personality to your look while bringing practical perks like sun protection. It's the easiest way to add originality to your outfit without weighing you down with unnecessary layers. Ultimately, when a heatwave hits, you want your wardrobe to work with the weather, not against it. Choose smart fabrics, sunny shades and accessories that do double duty. Staying cool has never looked so good! – AFP Relaxnews
The Star
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
By 2026, US adults will spend even less time watching TV
Television is increasingly losing its place as a favorite in US homes. —/AFP Relaxnews Traditional television is continuing to lose ground in the United States. According to the latest projections, by 2026, American adults will devote only 39% of their daily screen time to linear television. This decline confirms the profound shift in usage, driven by streaming, mobility and people's changing relationship with screens. For decades, traditional television has set the pace for North American evenings. Today, it is slowly slipping into the background. According to Statista, the time US adults spend watching traditional television each day will account for only 39% of their screen use in 2026. This gradual but relentless decline, which began several years ago, shows no signs of slowing. A diversity of screens This decline doesn't mean that Americans are spending less time on screens. Quite the opposite. Smartphones, tablets and computers have taken over, driven by an ever richer, more fluid, and more mobile offering of on-demand content. "Young people around the world have been especially quick to adopt smartphone-based video streaming habits meaning that television screen time will likely fall even further in the future," explains Statista. Whether it's watching a Netflix show on the subway, a TikTok video between meetings or a YouTube documentary in bed, viewing habits have changed. While younger generations are the quickest to abandon conventional linear television, they are no longer alone. Even the over-50s are increasingly turning to streaming services. This transformation is also reflected in subscriptions. In 2019, over 80 million American households still subscribed to a cable or satellite TV service. In 2028, there will be just 40.8 million, Statista estimates – dropping by half in less than 10 years. – AFP Relaxnews
The Star
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Over 50s are increasingly turning to streaming to watch sports
Sports streaming is increasingly appealing to viewers aged 50 and over. — AFP Relaxnews Often considered diehard fans of linear television, viewers over the age of 50 are quietly but decisively shifting toward streaming. Between 2022 and 2024, their consumption of streaming sports content reportedly increased by 21%, according to Nielsen. This shift is forcing sports and media companies to rethink the digital experience for a wider, more mature, and increasingly online audience. Some stereotypes die hard. People typically assume that young people are addicted to streaming services, while older people are loyal to their TV sets. However, a new study challenges this preconception. According to the "2025 Global Sports Report,' published by Nielsen, streaming consumption of sports content has grown significantly among sports fans aged 50 and over, with a 21% increase recorded between 2022 and 2024. This is significant growth, reflecting a cultural shift. While streaming platforms have long been popular primarily with younger generations, they are now extending their influence to a more mature audience that has historically been loyal to traditional TV channels. "Live sports remain a powerful driver of fan engagement," the report points out. And it is precisely this lever that has prompted platforms to invest heavily in broadcasting rights, thereby attracting a new audience. Recently, YouTube achieved a symbolic milestone by announcing that it would livestream an NFL game for free, a historic first for both the video platform and the sports league. But the Google subsidiary is not alone in investing in sports streaming. Netflix already made a notable foray into the field at the end of 2024 by livestreaming two games, while Amazon Prime Video plans to make a splash with "Thursday Night Football,' scheduled for December 25, 2025. The e-commerce giant is no stranger to this field: it already screens several soccer matches as well as French Open tennis tournament matches. Meanwhile, linear television is trying to reinvent itself to stay relevant. In the United States, the new TGL golf league, which is interactive, high-tech, and tailored for the screen, is a perfect example of this. Since the end of 2024, its fan base has grown by 17%, and each game in its first season attracted an average of 513,000 viewers on ESPN channels, more than college basketball at the same time last year, according to Nielsen. Designed to appeal to young people, the formula appears to be working, since 32% of viewers aged 18 to 34 were not regular PGA Tour viewers. This demonstrates that innovation in formats can revitalize traditional sports... and open them up to new audiences that have previously been largely untapped. – AFP Relaxnews
