Singapore

Two dolphins jumping, for article on cetacean captivity ban

Singapore stops sourcing and breeding dolphins

Resorts World Sentosa, home to more than 20 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, is halting both wild sourcing and captive breeding at its Singapore oceanarium. The resort is now assembling an independent expert panel to figure out what’s next for the animals in its care, including a 7-year-old named Kenzo. It’s a meaningful shift from one of Asia’s most prominent entertainment venues, and one animal welfare groups have pushed toward for over a decade. With Mexico, Canada, and France already banning cetacean captivity for entertainment, this quiet decision in Singapore signals that the tide is turning across Asia too, reshaping what travelers and the tourism industry are willing to accept.

Person receiving nasal spray, for article on intranasal COVID-19 vaccine

Novel nasal COVID-19 vaccine offers longer, better immunity than jabs

A nasal COVID-19 vaccine developed at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore is showing real promise: in hamster studies, it produced more central memory T cells than standard injections, hinting at protection that could last considerably longer. By delivering the vaccine right where the virus enters the body, researchers also saw stronger antibody responses against newly emerging variants. The team has filed a patent that covers other respiratory pathogens too, opening doors for future flu and RSV vaccines. Human trials are still ahead, but for anyone weary of frequent boosters — especially elderly and immunocompromised people — a needle-free shot offering broader, longer protection could meaningfully reshape how the world lives alongside evolving respiratory viruses.

Singapore

Singapore to plant 1 million native trees

In an effort to restore Singapore’s once-rich mangrove forest ecosystems, the nation is embarking on a 1 million tree planting spree in hopes that they can save numerous bird, reptile, and tree species from extinction, and provide a ton of valuable ecosystem services.