This digest summarizes the latest research and trends in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. It features a wide range of AI related topics, including the current state of research in Japan and international comparisons, the future of AI development, and AI startups.

On 4 November, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) released the "Emissions Gap Report 2025: Off target," stating that global greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 increased by 2.3% from the previous year, reaching a record high of 57.7 billion tons in carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent.

A research team from Saitama University and other institutions has revealed that in the Venus flytrap, the carnivorous plant shaped like a bivalve shell, a protein in the cell membrane serves as a touch sensor at the base of the "sensory hairs" which detect when insects make contact.

Genome editing, which won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, is seeing active movement toward industrial applications as a groundbreaking technology for rewriting the genetic information of organisms.

In the segment 'A Look Around Innovation,' we introduce research and development (R&D) sites that have led to social implementation.

I've always enjoyed coming up with various ideas and been interested in thinking about things from new angles.

The Asia Pacific Research Center (JST) collects a wide range of information on science and technology innovation policies, R&D trends, and related economic and social conditions in the Asia and Pacific regions and conducts focused surveys and analyses that respond to today's issues and needs. Click here for more information.

The strategic importance of STI is growing in today's society, and countries are competing to achieve excellence in this field. Innovation is facilitated in an environment where diverse human resources interact, collaborate, and compete.

The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a key player in global economic growth and technological innovation.