In the UK, during 2023, around 7.7 million single-use vapes were purchased each week. With 11% of adults in the UK vaping regularly, it poses the question: how were the 400 million vapes purchased in 2023 disposed of? One study found that 83% of vape users were not disposing of them in a correct and sustainable manner, with 7% of vape users admitting to dropping the vapes on the street. As a result, we questioned how any remaining e-liquid within the vapes would affect invertebrates, should it leak into an aquatic environment.

Balanophora species are known for their medicinal properties, with reported effects including HIV inhibition, hypoglycemia control, anti-inflammatory activity, and analgesic properties. Balanophora in Thailand was first scientifically documented in the Flora of Thailand (Vol. 2, Part 2) by Hansen (1972b), which recorded five taxa. However, many herbarium specimens remained unidentified or misidentified, signaling the need for a comprehensive taxonomic revision. Recent research efforts at MWIT have revisited these specimens, leading to the discovery of a new species record for Thailand, Balanophora papuana Schltr. (Sakdapipanich et al., 2024, Fig. 1). This finding indicates the importance of continuous exploration and taxonomic investigation in biodiversity-rich regions such as Thailand. By reconstructing a dichotomous key for Thai or all Balanophora species, our study contributes significantly to future botanical research and conservation efforts.

This project investigates the efficacy of cushioning paper derived from durian peel mixed with activated carbon in retarding ripening and providing mangoes’ shock protection. Utilizing durian peels sourced from community leftovers, the fibers are extracted through boiling and subsequently combined with activated charcoal powder in varying proportions (5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of fibers) and finally molded using a paper sieve. In conclusion, the developed cushioning paper demonstrates the ability to retard ripening processes effectively while offering superior shock protection. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing agricultural waste for sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry.

Most of the Earth’s water is in the seas, with only a small fraction of freshwater being suitable for consumption. In fact, at the present, 2.2 billion people cannot ensure safety in drinking water. An effective approach to solve this problem is to convert sea water into fresh water. To achieve this, the focus of this study is on Bacterial Cellulose made by Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans which is a type of acetic acid bacteria. These bacteria are commonly encountered in our daily lives, and are utilized in the production of vinegar. Prior research has shown that bacterial cellulose is a semipermeable membrane. Using this fact, we aim to chemically modify bacterial cellulose to impart ion-exchange properties and to convert seawater into freshwater through electrolysis. The success of this study will contribute to solving SDG 6 “Clean water and sanitation”, to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for individuals.

In Japan, the concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur dioxides have declined since the 1970s due to environmental regulations and increasing public awareness. However, the concentrations of photochemical oxidants have continued to increase gradually since the 1980s, contributing to persistent photochemical smog. In this study, we used a round-bottom flask as a simplified smog chamber to simulate reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Trace amounts of ozone and aldehydes were observed as secondary products. While many educational resources address atmospheric chemistry, most focus on simulations or data interpretation. Few allow students to observe actual photochemical reactions. To address this gap, we developed a hands-on experiment using accessible materials to visualize smog formation.

Our cryptographic system is rooted in Amidakuji, which is a Japanese game for assigning jobs by lot. Players begin on top and swap lines on “direction-changer” bars, yielding diverse outputs. The game’s permutation guarantees distinct maps and no overlap. Group theory augments Amidakuji’s structure and cryptographic use. Unlike other permutation-based cryptographic methods, which often rely on simple cyclic or transposition-based permutations, Amidakuji permutations exhibit structured randomness due to their dependency on interconnected paths. This structure makes it harder to predict outputs without knowing the exact Amidakuji configuration.

Developing a positive disposition towards mathematics can help transform what is too often regarded as an academic chore into what should be an exciting and rewarding journey of discovery: fostering curiosity, resilience, and a passion for problem-solving. Why is it that learning and teaching maths is such a discouraging undertaking for so many and what can be done to improve the classroom experience? In the following case study, I explain how we teach and learn maths at ASMS.

Mahidol Wittayanusorn School (MWIT), a specialized science high school, has been assigned to provide advanced academic content and practical skills in eight subjects for students by organizing Olympiad camps and selecting representatives for national Olympiad competitions. Last year, the 21st Thailand Astronomy Olympiad (TAO 21), consisting of three main parts: theory, observation, and data analysis, was held in May 2024. To prepare our students, we analyzed previous feedback indicating that the summative assessments of our students’ data analysis skills were unsatisfactory. This could be due to a lack of effective practice within a limited timeframe. To address this issue, we aimed to develop a team-based learning approach in data analysis in astronomy to prepare representative students from the MWIT Astronomy Olympiad Center for TAO 21.

In today’s educational landscape, particularly post-covid, where the goal is to foster student achievement and academic success but also address any learning gaps, instructional coaches and teacher interventionists can play pivotal roles. These professionals collaborate with teachers to improve instructional strategies and provide additional support to students who need it most. By offering tailored guidance and intervention, they help create an environment conducive to learning, ensure that diverse needs are met, and drive positive outcomes for both educators and students. This is a reflection on the integration and positive impact that these practices have had at my school, West Aurora.