While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Dec 16
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Nuclear fusion could supply a limitless amount of carbon-free power.
PHOTO: AFP
Fusion power possible in next decade, ex-US energy chief says
Fusion power plants are possible on the electricity grid within the next decade, a potential game changer that could supply a limitless amount of carbon-free power, former US energy secretary Ernest Moniz said on Thursday.
“I believe that in this decade, we will demonstrate the science through multiple technologies that can accomplish fusion,” Mr Moniz, who led the Energy Department under former president Barack Obama, said on Bloomberg Television.
“We still have a ways to go to make a commercial power plant, but the prize is incredible.”
Mr Moniz’s comments come after the Department of Energy announced on Tuesday that scientists at a laboratory in California managed for the first time to generate more energy from a fusion reaction than they needed to trigger it.
UK government admits antibiotic shortage
The UK government on Thursday admitted there were serious shortages of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections in children, despite more than a week of denials.
“Serious shortage protocols” had been issued for three types of oral solutions used in paediatrics – Phenoxymethylpenicillin, which is also known as penicillin V.
It comes after at least 19 children died in the United Kingdom from severe cases of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infection, and shortages of other types of antibiotics in Europe and North America.
Macron defends World Cup trip amid Qatar graft scandal
President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday stood by his decision to travel to Qatar to support France’s World Cup team, despite allegations linking the Gulf monarchy to corruption in the European Parliament.
Mr Macron watched France’s semi-final victory over Morocco before flying to Brussels overnight to attend an EU summit.
Belgian police investigating allegations that Qatar has been paying bribes to European politicians have arrested an MEP and three associates and charged them with corruption.
Shooting at US medical clinic leaves 2 wounded, suspect dead
A gunman on Thursday wounded two people, including his former girlfriend, in the parking lot of a Pennsylvania medical clinic before killing himself, local police said.
The suspect was identified as Xavier Starks and victims as Stacie Vereen and Travis Ritter, who were colleagues at the clinic, according to a release from the Wyomissing Police Department. It did not provide their ages or occupations.
Starks came to the medical office to confront Vereen after the couple broke up, according to a media release. When she arrived at her place of work, an argument ensued.
Andy Murray’s Ukraine pledge nets over $800,000
Former world number one Andy Murray said on Thursday his pledge to donate all of his season’s prize money to humanitarian relief in war-ravaged Ukraine netted US$630,000 (S$850,000).
Three-time major winner Murray decided in February that his on-court earnings in 2022 would be donated to Unicef projects in Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
The 35-year-old has been named recipient of the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in recognition of his gesture.
