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Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Research team develops game-changing device to fight dangerous toxins in water supply: 'Demonstrated exceptional robustness'
Scientists have developed an affordable, real-time algal bloom monitoring system, as relayed by Its optical sensors achieve high accuracy, outperforming complex AI models. The device could revolutionize how we protect our water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, are a serious environmental issue. Rapid growth of algae can produce toxins dangerous to humans and animals. They can contaminate drinking water and deplete the oxygen in water. Water without oxygen is known as a "dead zone," which kills fish and other aquatic life. Traditional detection of HABs is expensive and not suitable for continual, on-the-ground monitoring. Satellite imaging or drone remote sensing, for example, makes it difficult to get early warnings and quick responses. The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology tackled this challenge. A research team led by Dr. Jai-Yeop Lee created a compact, sensor-based probe. The device integrates readily available ambient light and sunlight sensors into a microcontroller. It analyzes lux (brightness), ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light. These readings help categorize water surface conditions as "algae," "sunny," "shade," or "aqua." Lee and his team produced a system with an impressive 100% prediction accuracy. This is possible due to an enhanced Support Vector Machine classifier with a sequential logic-based algorithm. The system surpassed standard AI models like Random Forest and Gradient Boosting. Intelligent design like this is effective for real-world deployment in low-power, field-based systems. The device can also quantify Chlorophyll-a concentrations, a key indicator of algal blooms. The promising monitoring system is a means to protect reliable, clean water. Low-cost, real-time detection alerts authorities to potential HABs much earlier. Issuing public health warnings and treating affected bodies of water can be done more efficiently. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Preventing the spread of algal blooms is the device's main purpose. It reduces exposure to toxins, safeguards potable water, and preserves aquatic ecosystems. As a result, the system protects public health and supports fishing and recreation. "The logic-based framework demonstrated exceptional robustness and interpretability, especially for real-time deployment in embedded systems," said Dr. Lee. Making this technology accessible empowers communities to better manage their water resources. Improved detection marks a significant step forward in affordable water quality monitoring. Simple, responsive algal bloom detection — without the need for expensive hardware or extensive data — will keep our waters safe and our environment healthy. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
North Korea says US 'Golden Dome' risks 'space nuclear war'
North Korea has criticised the US's plan for a futuristic "Golden Dome" missile shield, saying it could "turn outer space into a potential nuclear war field". The defence system, which President Donald Trump plans to unveil by the end of his term, is aimed at countering "next-generation" aerial threats to the US, including ballistic and cruise missiles. Pyongyang's foreign ministry slammed the plan as "the height of self-righteousness [and] arrogance", state media reported. It accused Washington of being "hell-bent... to militarise outer space" and warned that the plan might spark "a global nuclear and space arms race". North Korea considers Washington an adversary and has routinely condemned joint military drills between the US and South Korea. Pyongyang probably sees the Golden Dome as a threat that can "significantly weaken" its nuclear arsenal, Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP news agency. "If the US completes its new missile defence programme, the North will be forced to develop alternative means to counter or penetrate it," he said. In 2022, the North passed a law declaring itself a nuclear weapons state, and it has tested a variety of ballistic and cruise missiles in recent years. Early this year it claimed it fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile tipped with a hypersonic warhead which it said "will reliably contain any rivals in the Pacific region". North Korea joins China in criticising the US's plan. Beijing said last week that it is "seriously concerned" about the Golden Dome, which it said has "strong offensive implications". "The United States, in pursuing a 'US-first' policy, is obsessed with seeking absolute security for itself," China's foreign ministry said. "This violates the principle that the security of all countries should not be compromised and undermines global strategic balance and stability." Many analysts believe an update to the US's limited defence systems is necessary, but some warn the process of developing the Golden Dome could face technical and political challenges. For one, its hefty price tag could suck up a large chunk of the US defence budget. An initial sum of $25bn (£18.7bn) has been earmarked in a new budget bill - although the government has estimated it could end up costing 20 times that over decades. Can Donald Trump build the 'Golden Dome' over the US? North Korea says it fired a new weapon - is it lying?
