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AdvertisementJapanAsiaEast AsiaJapanese drone school develops AI system to track bears amid rise in encountersThe new system being developed in Akita prefecture can detect bears and share their locations via smartphones
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPKyodoPublished: 11:41am, 20 Dec 2025A drone school in northeastern Japan is developing a new system that uses drones and artificial intelligence to identify and automatically track bears amid a surge in bear-related incidents.The new system being developed by D-Academy Tohoku in Gojome, Akita prefecture, will be able to detect bears hidden from view in mountainous or urban areas and share their locations via smartphones.
It is expected to be available next year, and local authorities are already showing a keen interest.
AdvertisementThe aircraft, measuring 98cm (38 inches) in length, 76cm (30 inches) in width and 48cm (19 inches) in height, will be equipped with a night-vision camera and an infrared camera for measuring temper..

AdvertisementUnited StatesWorldUnited States & Canada2 people found dead in Los Angeles home of director Rob ReinerAuthorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the people found dead in Reiner’s home
Reading Time:1 minuteWhy you can trust SCMPAgenciesPublished: 11:21am, 15 Dec 2025Two people were found dead at a Los Angeles home owned by director-actor Rob Reiner on Sunday, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation.
The official could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said it responded to a medical aid request Sunday afternoon and found a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman dead inside.
AdvertisementReiner was long one of the most prolific directors in Hollywood, and his work includes some of the most memorable films of the 1980s and ‘90s, including This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride.
His role as Meathead in the 1970..

AdvertisementGlobal changemakers in educationPeople & CultureHow this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwideMamadou Amadou Ly and Uri Wilensky help transform teaching and learning through multilingual education and computational thinking
In partnership with:Yidan Prize FoundationReading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMP
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How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates are reshaping modern literacy
How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates are reshaping modern literacyMorning Studio editorsPublished: 12:05pm, 23 Dec 2025Education has long been considered one of the strongest forces for social progress, shaping safer, healthier and more equitable societies. But as the world changes, learning must evolve with it – a belief that is at the heart of the Yidan Prize, which recognises innovations with the power to transform education and bring lasting change for all.
Established in 2016, the annual award honours and supports changemakers whose action-driven researc..