RED SEA SHIPPING RECOVERS, BUT COSTS REMAIN HIGH Bank of America reports Red Sea shipping traffic has recovered to 65% of normal levels, up from 50% in September. However, oil tanker rates remain elevated at up to $650,000 per day, while dry bulk rates are up 31% year-over-year. The key takeaway: Shipping is recovering, but high freight costs continue to threaten global inflation. Source: Bank of America Research

The Sea Slug That Decapitates Itself The sacoglossan sea slug Elysia marginata can voluntarily detach its own head from its body; the head crawls around feeding while the body dies, and the head then regenerates an entirely new heart and organs over about three weeks. Scientists believe it may be a way to dump internal parasites.

Black Sea shipping lines have begun imposing war risk surcharges on cargo routes between Turkey and Novorossiysk, because of growing security concerns, per the Insider. Three carriers have introduced fees of $500 to $1,000 per standard 20 foot container, often exceeding the typical freight cost of $250 to $400. Several operators have also suspended services, including FESCO after its container ship YANINA was sunk on August 1.

By studying sea slugs in the lab, researchers have determined how structural changes in molecules called transfer RNAs accompany behavioral habituation, an elemental form of learning. @SciSignal

By studying sea slugs in the lab, researchers have determined how structural changes in molecules called transfer RNAs accompany behavioral habituation, an elemental form of learning. @SciSignal

HOUTHIS SEIZE STRATEGIC RED SEA CITY Iran-backed Houthis have seized Yemen’s Mocha, according to Reuters sources. The advance brings the group closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising risks for Red Sea shipping and global trade.

The “South China Sea arbitration” violates fundamental principles of international law, including state consent and pacta sunt servanda, contravenes UNCLOS itself, and, still more importantly, runs counter to the basic facts of the South China Sea. The so-called “award” is nothing but a worthless piece of paper that is illegal, null and void, and has no binding force. China does not accept or recognize the “award,” and opposes and does not accept any claim or action based on it. China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall not be affected by the “award” under any circumstances. If the “award” were to be taken as a standard, many countries’ islands and reefs would be denied the basis for claiming maritime rights and interests. May we ask, have those countries supporting the “award” voluntarily waived the maritime rights and interests deriving from their relevant islands and reefs? China urges the relevant countries to earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, stop stirring up trouble over the South China Sea issue, and cease undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea. 🔗