The study reporting Antarctica's recent ice mass gain is titled "Antarctic Ice Sheet Mass Gain Between 2021 and 2023: A Reversal After Two Decades of Loss", published in Science China Earth Sciences in May 2025.

Conducted by researchers from Tongji University in Shanghai, the study utilized satellite gravimetry data from NASA's GRACE and GRACE-FO missions to assess changes in the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) over more than two decades.

The findings indicate that between 2021 and 2023, the AIS experienced a net gain of approximately 108 gigatons per year, contrasting with the average annual loss of 142 gigatons from 2011 to 2020.

This gain was primarily attributed to increased precipitation, particularly in East Antarctica's Wilkes Land and Queen Mary Land regions, encompassing glacier basins such as Totten, Denman, Moscow University, and Vincennes Bay.

However, scientists caution that this reversal is likely temporary and does not signify a long-term trend, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring of Antarctic ice dynamics.

In the heart of the Kubuqi Desert, China has constructed one of the most visually stunning renewable energy projects in the world—a horse-shaped solar power plant. Stretching across the sands of Inner Mongolia, this solar array isn’t just a functional energy hub; it’s a cultural statement.

Built as part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, the project aims to accelerate the nation’s transition to carbon neutrality. The galloping horse symbolizes speed, ambition, and vitality in Chinese culture—perfectly aligning with the nation's push to dominate global clean energy development.

The plant feeds into China’s booming solar grid, contributing to its position as the world leader in renewable energy, with solar accounting for over 30% of global growth, per the IEA.

More than energy—this is eco-engineering with character. A landmark that proves sustainability can be powerful and poetic.

#SolarEnergy #ChinaInnovation #CleanEnergy #GreenFuture #DesertPower #SustainableDesign #IEA #Renewables

In a battlefield first, Russia has reportedly deployed a Chinese-made laser weapon system to neutralize Ukrainian drones. The high-energy directed-energy weapon is designed to disable or destroy UAVs mid-flight by overheating their electronics and optics without firing a single bullet.

Sources suggest the system resembles China’s Silent Hunter, a ground-based anti-drone laser platform with a range of up to 4 km. It marks a dramatic shift in warfare, where silent, invisible beams can down swarms of drones in seconds.

As Ukraine intensifies its use of drones for surveillance and strikes, this new tech adds a chilling layer to modern conflict — one where lasers, not missiles, are doing the shooting.

#LaserWeapons #DroneDefense #UkraineWar #DirectedEnergyWeapons #ChinaTech #ModernWarfare #RussiaUkraine

Recent scientific studies confirm that microplastics—tiny plastic fragments less than 5 mm in size—are indeed present in agricultural soils.

These particles originate from various sources including:

- Sewage sludge (used as fertilizer),
- Plastic mulch films,
- Compost contaminated with plastic debris,
- Irrigation with contaminated water.

A 2021 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that agricultural lands receive significantly more microplastics than oceans, mainly due to the vast volume of treated wastewater and biosolids applied on fields.

In some estimates, farmlands may receive up to 430,000 tons of microplastics per year—compared to roughly 8 million tons going into oceans globally, but far more concentrated per hectare on land.

Research from countries like China, Germany, and Australia has shown that:

Microplastics can penetrate plant roots, especially in root vegetables like carrots and turnips.

Lettuce and wheat have also absorbed microplastics through root uptake.

These plastics can migrate into edible plant parts, posing a potential risk to human health.

Although the long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics through food are still being studied, early research suggests they can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and possibly endocrine disruption in animals, and likely in humans with sufficient exposure.

Cuban Lechón Asado – Mojo Roasted Pork

A Cuban holiday favorite, Lechón Asado is slow-roasted pork marinated in garlicky citrus mojo, known for its bold flavor and incredibly tender meat.

Ingredients (Serves 6):

* 1.5kg pork shoulder
* 6 garlic cloves
* 1 cup sour orange juice (or ½ orange + ½ lime juice)
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1 tsp cumin
* ½ cup olive oil
* Salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Blend garlic, citrus juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and oil into a marinade.
2. Marinate pork overnight in the fridge.
3. Roast at 160°C (320°F) for 3–4 hours, basting occasionally.
4. Finish at 220°C (430°F) for 20 minutes to crisp the skin.
5. Shred and serve with rice, black beans, and fried plantains.

Cuban Tip:
Traditionally roasted outdoors in a caja china (charcoal roasting box) for special occasions.