Non-recyclable food packaging materials available in the market contribute to environmental pollution, highlighting the critical need for eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives. Now, researchers from Korea have developed a chitosan (CS) and gallic acid (GA) conjugate as an eco-friendly option for packaging. The CS-GA films have exceptional mechanical strength and solubility offering a sustainable packaging solution to retain the freshness of fruits. Going ahead, this green technology has the potential to sustainably reduce global food wastage.

Fraunhofer IAF is expanding its technological capabilities in the field of III-V compound semiconductors, making a valuable contribution to the development of the APECS pilot line within the framework of the EU Chips Act. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism is contributing 4.35 million euros to the funding. On 16 December 2024, State Secretary for Economic Affairs Dr. Patrick Rapp symbolically handed over a cheque for the funding amount to the institute’s directors. APECS will make it possible to further expand the research and development infrastructure across Europe over the next 4.5 years. The substantial total funding amounts to 730 million euros, provided by Chips Joint Undertaking, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and other funding.

As whooping cough cases rise in the U.S., a nationally representative panel survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that many in the public are not familiar with symptoms of the disease. Almost a third of respondents (30%) are not sure if pertussis is the same as whooping cough and not sure (30%) whether a vaccine exists to prevent it.