February... 2025
New Discoveries, New Horizons: Welcome to the February Edition of Sapience!
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As we settle into 2025, the momentum of innovation continues to build! This month, we’re diving even deeper into the ever-evolving world of science, uncovering fresh ideas, and celebrating the brilliant minds shaping the future.
From cutting-edge research to the artistry of discovery, February is all about pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown. Whether you're here to marvel at breakthroughs, challenge conventional thinking, or fuel your curiosity, you’re in the right place.
Congratulations to this month’s featured researchers—your work inspires us all! Let’s continue asking bold questions, seeking fearless innovation, and expanding the frontiers of knowledge. 🚀
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) In School Classrooms
Bridget Gaffney
United States of America
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into school classrooms has the potential to
revolutionize education by offering personalized learning experiences, enhancing administrative
efficiency, and preparing students for a future dominated by technology. However, there are also arguments against its integration, citing concerns about privacy, dependency, and the potential loss of human touch in education. This essay explores both perspectives, advocating for the integration of AI while addressing the counterarguments.
AI can significantly enhance personalized learning by tailoring educational content to meet the individual needs of each student. Traditional classrooms often struggle to cater to the diverse learning paces and styles of students. AI-powered tools can analyze students' performance data to identify strengths and weaknesses, providing customized resources and exercises to help them improve. For instance, adaptive learning platforms like DreamBox and Khan Academy adjust the difficulty of tasks based on a student's progress, ensuring they are neither bored nor overwhelmed. This personalized approach can lead to better engagement and improved academic outcomes.
Moreover, AI can streamline administrative tasks, allowing teachers to focus more on instruction and student interaction. Grading, scheduling, and even attendance tracking can be automated, reducing the administrative burden on educators. AI-driven analytics can also provide insights into student performance and behavior, helping teachers identify at-risk students and intervene early. This can lead to a more efficient and responsive educational environment.
Preparing students for a future where AI is ubiquitous is another compelling reason for its integration into classrooms. As AI continues to permeate various industries, equipping students with the skills to understand and work alongside AI technologies becomes essential. Integrating AI into the curriculum can expose students to coding, machine learning, and data analysis, preparing them for careers in the rapidly evolving job market. Schools that embrace AI can foster a generation of tech-savvy individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
Despite these benefits, there are valid concerns about integrating AI into education. One major concern is privacy. AI systems often require access to vast amounts of data to function effectively, raising questions about data security and student privacy. There is a risk that sensitive information could be misused or fall into the wrong hands. Schools must implement robust data protection measures to mitigate this risk and ensure that student information is handled responsibly.
Another argument against AI in education is the potential for increased dependency on technology. Overreliance on AI tools might lead to a decline in critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students may become accustomed to having solutions readily provided by machines. It is crucial to strike a balance, ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces traditional teaching methods. Teachers should continue to play a central role in guiding and mentoring students, fostering creativity, and encouraging independent thought.
Lastly, the human touch in education is irreplaceable. The rapport between teachers and students, the encouragement, and the emotional support that teachers provide are essential components of the learning experience. AI, despite its capabilities, cannot replicate the empathy and understanding that human teachers offer. Schools must ensure that AI serves as a tool to enhance, not replace, the human elements of education.
In conclusion, while the integration of AI into classrooms offers numerous advantages, including personalized learning, administrative efficiency, and future readiness, it is essential to address the concerns related to privacy, dependency, and the preservation of human interaction. By adopting a balanced approach, schools can harness the power of AI to enhance education while safeguarding the values and principles that make learning a profoundly human experience.
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Works Cited
Regina Ta. And Darrel M. West (2023) Should schools ban or integrate generative AI in the classroom? Brookings.edu Jenna Doleh(2024) What Do School and District Leaders Need to Know About AI? Wallacefoundation.org
CRISPR and Food Security: Assessing the Feasibility of Gene Editing in Singapore’s Agriculture
Akshitha Javvadhi
Singapore
Singapore is a small nation with limited arable land, facing significant challenges in ensuring food security. With only about 1% of its land dedicated to agriculture (SingStat, 2021), the country heavily depends on food imports, with over 90% of its food being imported (SFA, 2021) to meet the needs of its growing population. This reliance on imports makes Singapore vulnerable to disruptions in the global supply chains, a risk that is further increased by ongoing geopolitical tensions and tariff wars. Such factors could lead to rising food prices. A potential solution to this challenge is gene editing. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, or CRISPR, can increase local food production by modifying plant DNA to enhance crop yield and growth (Frontiers, 2024). While this innovation appears promising, its practical application comes with challenges. There are concerns in terms of its environmental impact and the ethical problems of genetic modification which must be considered. As Singapore aims to strengthen its agricultural sector through its "30 by 30" goal — to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030 (Singapore Food Agency, 2019) this paper will analyse and evaluate whether CRISPR technology is truly feasible for Singapore’s agricultural needs.
2. Overview of CRISPR Technology
CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing mechanism that enables the modification of an organism's genome. It works by creating a specific guide RNA to recognize a particular stretch of DNA, which then attaches to the Cas9 protein. This complex is introduced into target cells, where it locates the target sequence in the genome. The Cas9 protein then edits the genome by modifying, deleting, or inserting new sequences (Doudna & Charpentier, 2014). Moreover, CRISPR's ability to fix DNA errors allows it to create new treatments for diseases linked to specific genetic errors. Since its application is not limited to humans, the potential uses of CRISPR are nearly limitless (Henle, 2019). More specifically, research has shown that editing the OsAPL gene, a MYB transcription factor in rice (Oryza sativa L.) involved in nutrient transport, can significantly increase rice yield (Zhang et al., 2024). Additionally, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency by targeting genes involved in chlorophyll synthesis and light capture, such as the OsSXK1 gene, has improved photosynthetic rates and increased grain yield (Zheng et al., 2021). Given that rice is a staple food in many Asian and African countries (FAO, 2020), using CRISPR to enhance rice yields would greatly benefit Singapore’s independent agricultural efforts.
3. Feasibility of CRISPR in Singapore
CRISPR-Cas9 technology holds great promise for enhancing agricultural practices, but how feasible is it for Singapore’s agricultural needs? The application of CRISPR technology requires careful consideration of its technological feasibility, economic constraints, regulatory and ethical policies, and environmental impacts, particularly within Singapore’s context. CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise genome editing, offering potential improvements in crop yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to environmental stresses. In Singapore, the focus is on modifying crops for urban farming and the tropical climate. The National University of Singapore's Research Centre on Sustainable Urban Farming (SUrF) is actively developing indoor farming solutions and enhancing the nutritional value of crops like leafy greens through genetic modifications (Tan, 2022). While implementing CRISPR technology involves costs related to research, development, and infrastructure, these investments may be offset by long-term benefits such as improved food security and reduced reliance on imports. The Singapore government is also making significant strides in advancing the nation’s technological landscape through initiatives like the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan. This plan aims to generate scientific breakthroughs that address societal needs and improve the lives of Singaporeans (NRF, 2025). The comprehensive framework outlines strategic investments and policies aimed at increasing innovation and technological development across various sectors, including agriculture. By supporting technologies like CRISPR, the government is preparing Singapore to enhance food security and strengthen its local food production.
4. Challenges and Concerns
Despite its promise, CRISPR technology also presents several challenges, particularly in regulatory, ethical, and environmental aspects. Singapore has a complex regulatory framework for biotechnology, which addresses the safety and ethical concerns associated with genetic modifications. However, public perception of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remains mixed. A notable lack of trust and confidence in the regulatory processes behind GMOs has been observed (Bonny, 2003). Despite the benefits GMOs offer, they often face heavy criticism. Many countries, particularly in Europe, have imposed bans or restrictions on the cultivation of GMOs, with countries like France, Germany, and Austria enforcing such measures (Illasco, 2022). It is crucial for Singapore to maintain its regulatory framework for GMOs and ensure that public understanding of CRISPR-edited crops is improved through transparent communication. Educating the public about the benefits and risks of CRISPR-edited crops can help alleviate prejudice and build greater trust in this technology. Furthermore, CRISPR-edited crops could potentially lead to unintended environmental consequences. Genes modified in crops could flow into wild relatives, resulting in genetic assimilation and demographic swamping, where hybrid plants are less fertile than their wild counterparts, thereby threatening biodiversity (Mohavedi, 2023; Haygood, 2003). Therefore, continuous monitoring and research are essential to minimize such risks and ensure the safe application of CRISPR in agriculture.
5. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in Singapore
Fortunately, Singapore's adoption of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) has significantly enhanced urban food production within its limited land area. CEA technologies, such as vertical farming and indoor plant factories, enable the efficient cultivation of crops in controlled settings, optimizing space, water, and energy use (URA, 2024). Controlled agricultural environments minimise risks, but continuous monitoring and research are essential to ensure environmental safety.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, while Singapore’s limited land area and heavy reliance on food imports present significant challenges to its food security, CRISPR-Cas9 technology offers a promising solution to enhance local agricultural production. The potential benefits of CRISPR in improving crop yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to Singapore’s tropical climate could contribute significantly to the nation’s “30 by 30” goal of producing 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030. However, the successful implementation of CRISPR technology in Singapore’s agriculture requires careful consideration of technological, economic, regulatory, and environmental factors. With a robust regulatory framework, government support through initiatives like the RIE 2025 plan, and ongoing efforts in urban farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA), Singapore is well-positioned to overcome these challenges. By fostering innovation and addressing public concerns, Singapore can harness CRISPR to not only develop its agricultural sector but also safeguard food security in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. Therefore, continuous research, transparent communication, and careful management of environmental risks it is salient for CRISPR technology to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and self-sufficient food system for Singapore’s future.
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Works Cited
Singapore Department of Statistics. (2021). Agriculture, animal production, and fisheries: Industry statistics. Singapore Department of Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.singstat.gov.sg/publications/reference/ebook/industry/agriculture-animal-production-and-fisheries
Singapore Food Agency. (2021). Singapore food statistics 2021. Singapore Food Agency. Retrieved from https://www.sfa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/publication/sg-food-statistics/singapore-food-statistics-2021.pdf
Henle, A. M. (2019). Applications of CRISPR in gene editing: Beyond human health. PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38685010/
Zhang, Y., et al. (2024). Enhancing rice yield through CRISPR-based editing of OsAPL and OsSXK1 genes. Frontiers in Plant Science, 15, 1478398. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1478398
Singapore Food Agency. (n.d.). Types of farms in Singapore. Singapore Food Agency. Retrieved from https://www.sfa.gov.sg/farming/farm-land-sea-space/types-of-farms-in-singapore#:~:text=Singapore%20is%20a%20small%20country,land%2Dbased%20food%20farms%20presently Doudna, J. A., & Charpentier, E. (2014). The new era of genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9. Science, 346(6213), 1258096. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1258096
Tan, C. (2022). Enhancing urban farming with CRISPR technology. PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34270164/
Tan, Y., et al. (2021). Enhancing crop growth in controlled environments. MDPI. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9554
FAO. (2020). Food balance sheets. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/FBS
National Research Foundation. (2025). Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE 2025) handbook. National Research Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.nrf.gov.sg/rie-ecosystem/rie2025handbook/
Lim, M. (2023, December 10). $10 million centre launched to solve urban farming challenges and boost food security. The Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/10-million-centre-launched-to-solve-urban-farming-challenges-boost-food-security?utm_source=chatgpt.com
National Research Foundation. (2025). RIE 2025 Handbook. Retrieved from https://file.go.gov.sg/rie-2025-handbook.pdf
Bonny, S. (2003). Why are most Europeans opposed to GMOs? Factors explaining rejection in France and Europe. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 6(1), 7–8. https://doi.org/10.2225/vol6-issue1-fulltext-4
DevelopmentAid. (2022, February 16). Reports on GMOs and statistics. Retrieved from https://www.developmentaid.org/news-stream/post/144105/reports-on-gmos-and-statistics
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Environmental impact of GMOs: Assessing the risks. PubMed Central. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10671001/#:~:text=Assessing%20the%20environmental%20impact%20of,during%20pre%2Drelease%20risk%20assessments
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Potential consequences of gene flow in CRISPR-modified crops. PubMed Central. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1691463/#:~:text=Possible%20consequences%20of%20such%20gene%20flow%20include,their%20wild%20parents%2C%20and%20wild%20populations%20shrink
Urban Redevelopment Authority. (2024). Urban farming: Innovative solutions for a sustainable food future. Urban Redevelopment Authority. Retrieved from https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Get-Involved/Plan-Our-Future-SG/Innovative-Urba
The Role of Sustainable Fashion in Addressing Environmental and Social Challenges
Edna Li
Canada
​Abstract
The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution and social injustices, making sustainable fashion an essential movement toward a more ethical and environmentally responsible future. The industry accounts for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater production, exacerbating climate change and depleting natural resources. Additionally, fast fashion practices contribute to immense textile waste, excessive water consumption, and pollution from chemical dyes and synthetic fibers, which release harmful microplastics into ecosystems. On the social front, the industry has long been criticized for exploitative labor practices, with garment workers in developing countries often facing poor wages, long working hours, and hazardous working conditions.
This paper explores the principles of sustainable fashion, including eco-friendly materials, ethical production, circular economy models, and consumer awareness. It also examines innovative solutions aimed at reducing the industry's environmental footprint, such as textile recycling technologies, biodegradable fabrics, and the slow fashion movement. Despite its potential, sustainable fashion faces economic and consumer-related challenges, including higher production costs and resistance to premium pricing. Overcoming these barriers requires collaborative efforts from policymakers, fashion brands, and consumers to drive systemic change.
By adopting sustainable practices, the fashion industry can mitigate its ecological and social impact while promoting a long-term shift towards ethical and environmentally responsible production. The future of fashion lies in the integration of innovative materials, responsible manufacturing, and increased consumer awareness, ensuring a more sustainable industry that balances economic growth with environmental and social well-being.
Introduction
The global fashion industry is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater production (United Nations Environment Programme, 2019). The rise of fast fashion has led to excessive consumption, with consumers purchasing more clothing items than ever before and disposing of them at an alarming rate. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is sent to landfills or incinerated every second. As consumer demand for ethical and eco-friendly practices increases, sustainable fashion has emerged as a vital movement within the industry. This research paper examines the environmental and social implications of fast fashion, explores the principles of sustainable fashion, and evaluates innovative solutions that can drive the industry toward a more sustainable future.
Environmental Impacts of the Fashion Industry
The traditional fashion industry relies heavily on unsustainable practices that harm the environment. Some of the most pressing issues include:
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Water Consumption and Pollution: Producing a single cotton T-shirt requires approximately 2,700 liters of water, equivalent to the amount a person drinks in 2.5 years (World Wildlife Fund, 2013). Textile dyeing is also the second-largest polluter of clean water globally, releasing toxic chemicals into water bodies. Additionally, fashion supply chains heavily rely on water-intensive processes such as cotton cultivation, fabric washing, and finishing treatments, further exacerbating global water scarcity.
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Carbon Footprint: The fashion industry produces more carbon emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined (McKinsey & Company, 2020). The production of synthetic fibers such as polyester, a common material in fast fashion, generates high levels of greenhouse gases. Moreover, textile production requires extensive energy consumption, particularly in the dyeing and drying processes, which are often powered by fossil fuels in manufacturing hubs like China and India.
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Textile Waste: The fast fashion model encourages disposable clothing, leading to increased textile waste. In the U.S. alone, 85% of all textiles end up in landfills each year (Environmental Protection Agency, 2018). Most of these materials are non-biodegradable, taking hundreds of years to decompose and releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and waterways.
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Microplastic Pollution: Synthetic fibers like polyester shed microplastics during washing, which enter water systems and harm marine ecosystems (Napper & Thompson, 2016). Research suggests that microplastic pollution is becoming a significant threat to aquatic life, as these tiny plastic particles are ingested by marine organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and disruptions in the food chain.
Social Implications of the Fashion Industry
Beyond its environmental impact, the fashion industry is also linked to serious social issues, including:
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Exploitative Labor Practices: Many garment workers, predominantly in developing countries, face poor wages, long hours, and unsafe working conditions. The 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, which killed over 1,100 workers, exposed the dark side of the industry’s labor practices (Clean Clothes Campaign, 2020). Despite international outcry and calls for reforms, unsafe working conditions and labor rights violations persist in numerous factories across South Asia and Latin America.
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Lack of Fair Wages: Despite generating billions in revenue, the fashion industry often fails to pay garment workers a living wage, keeping them in a cycle of poverty. A study by Oxfam (2019) found that many garment workers in Southeast Asia earn less than $3 per day, making it nearly impossible to afford basic necessities.
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Human Rights Violations: Reports have linked major fashion brands to forced labor, child labor, and discrimination in various supply chains (Fashion Revolution, 2021). The lack of supply chain transparency enables brands to distance themselves from these ethical violations, making accountability difficult.
Principles of Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion aims to address these challenges through:
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Eco-friendly Materials: Utilizing organic, recycled, or biodegradable fabrics that require fewer resources and generate less pollution. Examples include organic cotton, hemp, and Tencel. Additionally, innovations in lab-grown fabrics and bioengineered textiles are emerging as viable alternatives.
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Ethical Production: Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparency in the supply chain. Certifications like Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 help consumers identify ethically produced clothing.
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Circular Economy: Encouraging recycling, upcycling, and second-hand clothing markets to extend the lifecycle of garments. Companies like Patagonia and The RealReal promote circularity through repair programs and resale platforms.
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Conscious Consumerism: Promoting responsible purchasing decisions, including buying high-quality, durable clothing and supporting ethical brands. Awareness campaigns like Fashion Revolution’s #WhoMadeMyClothes initiative encourage consumers to question supply chain ethics.
Conclusion
Sustainable fashion is not merely a trend but a necessity for the future of the planet and society. By adopting eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and circular economy principles, the fashion industry can significantly reduce its ecological and social footprint. A collective effort involving consumers, brands, and policymakers is essential to drive this transformation. Through continued innovation and advocacy, sustainable fashion can become the industry standard, ensuring a future where fashion supports both the environment and human well-being.
Works Cited
Clean Clothes Campaign. (2020). Issues. Retrieved from https://cleanclothes.org/issues
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future. Retrieved from https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org
Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Textiles: Material-specific data. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov
McKinsey & Company. (2020). Fashion on climate. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com
Napper, I. E., & Thompson, R. C. (2016). Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines: Effects of fabric type and washing conditions. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 112(1-2), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.09.025
Oxfam. (2019). Made in poverty: The true price of fashion. Retrieved from https://www.oxfam.org
United Nations Environment Programme. (2019). Fashion industry charter for climate action. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int
World Wildlife Fund. (2013). The impact of cotton on freshwater resources. Retrieved from https://wwf.panda.org
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted their work, and heartfelt congratulations to those whose pieces were selected for publication! Your brilliance lights up these pages. We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to the table next month—keep the creativity and curiosity flowing!
