Vermont governor signs 1st-in-nation shield bills that explicitly include medicated abortion
The bills protect providers from discipline for providing legally protected reproductive and gender affirming health care services.
2023 C.E.
Helion announces world’s first fusion energy purchase agreement with Microsoft
The landmark clean energy facility is expected to be online by 2028, significantly sooner than typical projections for deployment of commercial fusion power.
Taiwan amends law to allow same-sex couples to adopt
Four years after Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage, the legislature has passed an amendment that makes the process of adoption for same-sex partners the same as for any other couple under Taiwan’s existing laws.
U.S. FDA approves first-ever vaccine for RSV
After a 60-year scientific quest, the world has its first vaccine to protect against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV – and more are on the way.
U.K. researchers develop machine learning algorithm for quickly and accurately predicting heart attacks
Compared to existing methods, the researchers found that CoDE-ACS could rule out a heart attack in more than double the number of patients, with an accuracy of 99.6%.
Planes in the E.U. will have to be partly powered by sustainable fuel
By 2025, 2% of fuel offered at EU airports must be sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). This must rise to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 70% of by 2050.
Helsinki University makes Parkinson’s disease breakthrough
Scientists at the University of Helsinki have demonstrated that certain strains of bacteria are probable causes of Parkinson’s disease in most cases. This finding may make it possible to prevent the debilitating disease.
China completes and activates massive solar farm in the Gobi Desert
The first of many solar and wind projects in China’s deserts is now online, and it’s capable of powering a staggering 1.5 million households.
Australia passes tougher emissions reduction law that hits gas investments
Australia’s parliament has passed the country’s most significant emissions reduction legislation in more than a decade. It requires that total emissions from major industrial facilities must come down, not just be offset.
Ecuador to boost protection of Galápagos in biggest debt-for-nature deal ever
Ecuador launched a plan that would effectively wipe out roughly $1 billion of interest on part of its debt in exchange for its protection of the Galápagos Islands.