International Young Scientist Awards

In 2025, blockchain technology has firmly stepped beyond its cryptocurrency roots to revolutionize real-world industries across the globe. While Bitcoin and Ethereum introduced blockchain to the masses, today’s applications span sectors such as healthcare, supply chain, finance, real estate, and public administration—delivering enhanced transparency, security, and decentralization.   One of the most significant shifts has been in supply chain management . Enterprises now use blockchain to track goods from origin to delivery, ensuring authenticity and reducing fraud. Brands across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods leverage blockchain to offer tamper-proof records and improve consumer trust. In healthcare , blockchain secures patient records, enabling seamless sharing across hospitals while maintaining privacy. This not only reduces data breaches but also improves diagnostics and patient outcomes. During pandemics or large-scale public health efforts, blockchain aids in...

After completing essential maintenance and logistics tasks, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have resumed their scientific research activities, marking a crucial phase in the advancement of space science and technology. The return to research underscores the ISS's vital role as a microgravity laboratory where a wide range of experiments are conducted—many of which cannot be performed on Earth. This transition allows crew members to focus on experiments in fields such as biotechnology , materials science, Earth observation, and human physiology. The microgravity environment provides a unique platform for investigating biological systems and physical processes, paving the way for innovations in medical research, pharmaceutical development, and sustainable technologies. Among the prominent experiments resumed are those related to plant growth in space, which are key to future long-duration space missions and deep space exploration. These studies help scientists...

Urban Heat Islands (UHIs)—urban areas that experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings—pose a serious environmental and public health challenge, especially in the context of global climate change. In response, cities across the world are increasingly turning to spatial data analysis to understand and mitigate the UHI effect more effectively.     Spatial data analysis uses geospatial technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), remote sensing, and satellite imagery to analyze the spatial distribution of heat intensity, land use patterns, vegetation cover, and population density. This data-driven approach enables researchers, urban planners, and policymakers to make informed decisions and design targeted interventions that reduce surface and ambient temperatures in heat-vulnerable areas. Recent studies have demonstrated that spatial analysis can accurately identify UHI hotspots at the neighborhood level. For instance, thermal satell...

Scientists from China and Hong Kong have unveiled a revolutionary method for treating stubborn sinus infections using microrobots — tiny, dust-sized robots that can be inserted into the nose and guided directly to the site of infection. These microrobots, made from iron oxide nanoparticles and hydrogel, are introduced non-invasively through the nostrils. Once inside the sinuses, they're magnetically guided to the infected regions. Upon reaching their destination, the robots are activated using near-infrared light, which generates localized heat and kills bacteria effectively — without damaging surrounding tissues. The treatment has shown promising results in laboratory tests and animal trials, particularly in pig sinus models and live rabbits, where infections were cleared without harming nasal tissues. These robots are biocompatible and can be naturally expelled by the body or removed via suction, reducing long-term safety concerns. This innovation has the potential to: Eliminate...

In a groundbreaking discovery, NASA scientists have revealed that Earth’s magnetic field follows a mysterious 540-million-year cycle that significantly influences the planet’s oxygen levels — and potentially the evolution of life itself. This revelation connects ancient geomagnetic patterns with critical changes in Earth’s biosphere, offering new insight into the co-evolution of our planet’s interior, surface environment, and life. Using advanced satellite data and geological records, researchers discovered that fluctuations in Earth’s magnetic field strength correlate with a long-term cycle of weakening and strengthening. These magnetic cycles appear to directly affect the shielding of Earth from solar radiation and cosmic rays. When the magnetic field is strong, the planet is better protected, allowing more stable and oxygen-rich atmospheric conditions. Conversely, weaker magnetic phases may expose Earth to more solar particles, triggering changes in climate and possibly reducing glo...

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and older, affecting millions worldwide. It primarily targets the macula—the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision necessary for activities such as reading and driving. However, recent scientific advances have led to the identification of promising strategies aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of AMD. One major breakthrough involves targeting oxidative stress and inflammation, two critical contributors to macular damage. Researchers have found that lifestyle and dietary interventions, particularly those rich in antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help neutralize free radicals and support retinal health. Diets resembling the Mediterranean pattern—high in fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy fats—have shown to lower the risk of AMD progression. Another preventive strategy is rooted in genetic screening and early diagnosi...