Wearing masks has become a “new normal” due to the COVID-19 outbreak. One side effect is the waste resulting from the growing use of face masks. For instance, disposable masks have washed up on the shores of Hong Kong’s Soko Islands, raising new concerns. Gary Stokes of marine conservation organization Ocean’s Asia said he picked up 70 masks on a 100-meter stretch of one beach, only to find 30 more a week later. According to Stokes, the masks appear to have come from

World News May 6, 2020

The US Food and Drug Administration flagged South Korean enoki mushrooms for the third time in the last two months as a possible source of listeria. H&C Foods, a Brooklyn-based company, recalled boxes of enoki mushrooms imported from Korea’s Green Co. after the FDA released evidence of potential contamination. Enoki mushroom samples from Sun Hong Foods Inc., Guan’s Mushroom Co. and H&C Foods tested positive for listeria bacteria, which can cause serious food poisoning in

Food May 5, 2020

Meteorologists around the world expect this summer to be the hottest in decades. According to the World Meteorological Organization, June through August last year tied with the summer of 2016 as the hottest period for the northern hemisphere in the 140-year climate record. Temperatures were unusually high in the first half of 2016 because of the El Nino weather phenomenon. Despite recent improvements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the summer of 2020 is on course to break previous recor

Social Affairs May 3, 2020

Scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed "MAP-1," a new disinfectant spray that can kill viruses -- including the novel coronavirus -- and bacteria for up to 90 days. Unlike alcohol or bleach-based solutions, MAP-1 remains effective in disrupting existing bacteria and preventing new bacteria from spreading even after it has dried. A special blend of heat-sensitive antimicrobial polymers releases disinfectants upon human contact. The coating c

Technology May 3, 2020

Belgians are well known for their love of french fries, or "pommes frites," topped with plenty of mayonnaise. In March, the Belgian government spared french fry vendors from its order to lockdown schools, bars and all cultural and sporting facilities. However, potato farmers hit by the COVID-19 crisis have claimed that their livelihoods are at stake despite the state’s efforts. Belgapom, the association for the Belgian potato trade and processing industry, noted that some 75

Culture May 3, 2020

Convenience stores are enjoying a sharp rise in dessert sales as consumers try to soothe the COVID-19 blues with sweet treats. In line with the trend, Korea’s leading convenience store chain CU has introduced dalgona-inspired products. "Dalgona" refers to a Korean street snack made from brown sugar and baking soda. The "dalgona coffee" challenge -- making a DIY latte with a coffee foam on top -- went viral online recently, with people showing interest in the drink wi

Food May 3, 2020

Walt Disney’s plans to launch its over-the-top video streaming service Disney Plus in service outside of the US have been disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Industry watchers expected Disney Plus to enter the Korean market toward the end of this year, but the outlook seems rather bleak. Earlier this month, it was reported that the US entertainment giant has furloughed more than 100,000 employees, nearly half of the company’s workforce. Production of Disney Plus origina

Television May 3, 2020