China opts for cloned cow meat

China is set to open a government-sponsored ‘cloning park’ in early 2016, with a goal to produce 100,000 cloned cattle annually. This is because Chinese farmers are not able to meet market demand for beef cattle. Clones ensure a reliable and regular supply.

Interestingly, a report highlights the average calorie intake of a person has increased from 1,863 to 3,074 calories – with a major chunk coming from animal calories.

China’s meat demand coincides with a tax recommended by U.K. researchers on meat to deal with rising demand along with health and environmental issues that are synonymous with meat consumption and production.

Will cloned meat be able to meet rising market demand?

https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/china-opts-for-cloned-cow-meat/

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CPTPP signed by eleven Asia Pacific countries

With the sudden pull-out of the USA from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) last year, the deal was eventually signed by the eleven remaining Asia-Pacific countries and renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The current CPTPP members account for more than 13% of the global economy – covering approximately 500 million people and USD10 trillion in GDP. The CPTPP is expected to lift economic growth among Asian member countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, though more modestly than the earlier TPP would have done. Will CPTPP signatory states be able to sustain the trade deal without the backing of the USA? Read more here: https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/cptpp-signed-by-eleven-asia-pacific-countries/

How will policies affect the construction industry?

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Reverse engineering marries design and nature to create architectural marvels

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Painting with pollutants

Can you imagine using paint made from recycled air pollutants? A novel concept from India-based Anirudh Sharma’s Graviky Labs in 2013, Air Ink uses polluted air to create paint and ink. Their first line of products includes spray paints, oil-based paints and even pens where pigments were extracted from carbon soot taken from chimneys and exhaust pipes. A recent partnership with Tiger Beer resulted in the product being tested by local artists in Hong Kong. These artists were invited to use the ink in Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district to paint murals. Considering the fact that Delhi is one of the world’s most polluted cities – rated as having the most polluted air in 2014 by the World Health Organization – this revolutionary concept could help find a silver lining amidst the smog. Can air pollutants be recycled into raw materials for paint? https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/painting-with-pollutants/

Africa’s aviation sector opens up

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