Scientists analysed ash residues from two incense burners in Pompeii and a nearby villa. They found local plants, imported resins and a grape product linked to ritual wine, showing Pompeii's wide trade contacts.
Photo by Europeana, Unsplash
Cameroon's forests face growing pressure from both legal and illegal logging, plus expanding agriculture and timber trafficking. Exports have shifted from Europe to Asia, enforcement is weak, and the situation harms biodiversity, communities and state revenues.
Informal markets in Latin America sell cosmetics often without labels or health checks. Studies found toxic metals in many cheap products; authorities seized counterfeit goods and experts warn of health risks, especially for children.
In Kasawo, a locally made single cocoa fermenting box improves bean fermentation and helps farmers sell directly to exporters. Researchers report faster, better fermentation, higher prices and plans to scale up production across cocoa districts.
The African Academy of Sciences warns that too little scientific evidence produced in Africa makes policy and trade harder. The AAS is building networks, starting a science diplomacy programme and trying to restore trust after funding problems.
India's ban on exports of non-basmati white rice aims to protect local supplies but has tightened global food stocks. Experts and some countries are turning to hybrid rice and investment in farming, while programmes in Asia and Africa expand.
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