Tropical forests could soon add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere instead of reducing it

ScientiFix, our weekly feature, offers you a summary of the top global science stories of the week, with links to their sources.

Forest (Representational image) | Flickr

Tropical forests losing ability to remove carbon dioxide

A study has found that tropical forests are losing their ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and are no longer acting as carbon sinks. Instead, by 2030, they could add substantially to the carbon content in the atmosphere, which could trigger catastrophic climate breakdown. The Amazon rainforest has reached this stage because of the damage caused by loggers and farming interests, according to the study from nearly 100 scientific institutions. More on The Guardian.

Ancient Earth may have been a water world with no land

A study suggests that three billion years ago, ancient Earth was a water world with no land at all. If true, the findings could have huge implications for the theory of the origin of life. At present, it is not known how life came into existence — whether it formed in deep hydro-thermal vents under water, or in warm ponds, or on land. However, if the Earth were a complete water world, the origin theories can be honed further. More on Astronomy.

AI can now track individual fish for the fishing community

A machine-learning company, simply called X, has developed an algorithm that can track individual fish in schools and observe patterns in their behaviour. This algorithm will help fishing communities minimise losses and cope with the changes induced by global warming. The project, called Tidal, uses an algorithm based on a mechanism similar to facial recognition. Read more on the official blog.

CRISPR used for the first time to treat blindness

Scientists used the gene-editing tool CRISPR for the first time inside someone’s body to alter DNA. Oregon scientists performed a surgery on a patient — whose details haven’t been revealed — to alter their DNA, in an attempt to reverse blindness. The results will only be known after a month. If the first few attempts seem safe, doctors will test this on 18 children and adults. More on The New York Times.