News Minimalist

14 Nov 2023 15:27

[7.1] Nearly everyone with mild cognitive impairment goes undiagnosed — WIRED

A recent study found that 92% of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the US are not diagnosed early enough to access new Alzheimer's treatments. Only 8% of predicted MCI cases were diagnosed, with even lower rates for Black, Hispanic, and lower-income individuals. Diagnosing MCI is challenging for primary care physicians, who lack time and training.

News Minimalist

14 Nov 2023 15:27

[7.8] Rising temperatures, longer monsoon drive Bangladesh's worst dengue outbreak — Reuters

Bangladesh is facing its worst-ever dengue outbreak, with 1,476 deaths and 291,832 infections in 2023, surpassing the previous record. Climate change is creating ideal breeding conditions for the dengue-spreading mosquito, Aedes aegypti, due to rising temperatures and longer monsoons. Dengue cases have been reported in all 64 districts for the first time. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with shortages of intravenous fluids.

News Minimalist

13 Nov 2023 17:52

[7.3] China's high-tech manufacturing investment raises concerns — Reuters

China is funneling funds into high-tech sectors like semiconductors and EVs, potentially exacerbating overcapacity issues. Loans to manufacturing surged by 38.2%, contrasting a drop in property lending. Europe fears a trade clash due to a potential influx of cheap exports. With China focusing on advanced manufacturing, concerns rise over its ability to drive domestic consumption, vital for sustainable growth.

News Minimalist

12 Nov 2023 16:55

[7.2] EU strikes landmark deal on law to restore and protect nature — The Guardian

EU lawmakers and member states have agreed on a nature restoration law, requiring at least 20% of the EU's land and seas to be restored, with binding targets to restore 30% of degraded habitats by 2030, rising to 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050. The law includes carveouts for farmers and an "emergency brake" if food production is threatened. The European Commission estimates a 8-38x return on investment for land restoration.

News Minimalist

10 Nov 2023 17:45

[7.1] Heirloom Carbon Technologies opens first US direct air capture plant — The New York Times [$]

Heirloom Carbon Technologies has opened the first commercial direct air capture plant in the US, located in California's Central Valley. The facility can absorb up to 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually and has already secured a deal with Microsoft to remove 315,000 tons. The company plans to sell carbon removal credits to offset emissions.

News Minimalist

09 Nov 2023 16:59

[7.0] FDA approves Eli Lilly's obesity drug Zepbound — The New York Times [$]

The FDA approved Eli Lilly's obesity drug, tirzepatide, as a competitor to Wegovy. Tirzepatide, sold as Zepbound, led to an average 18% weight loss in patients, surpassing Wegovy's 15%.

News Minimalist

09 Nov 2023 16:59

[7.1] Global mining companies aim to reduce China's dominance — Reuters

Canadian, German, and Australian mining companies aim to reduce China's dominance in rare earth metals supply for electric vehicles. They plan to offer premium prices for sustainably sourced minerals, countering China's control over 95% of production. The G7's push for domestic sourcing and geopolitical tensions drive this shift. Miners expect end users to pay a 30% premium, citing environmental and governance-related costs. This could increase electric vehicle costs by 30% to 50%.

News Minimalist

09 Nov 2023 16:59

[7.1] Google's AI-powered conversational search expands globally — TechCrunch

Google's AI-powered conversational search experience, SGE, is now available in over 120 new countries and territories, supporting four new languages. It offers fully-formed answers in natural language, with features like translations, definitions, and AI-powered summaries. Google is also testing new ways for users to ask follow-up questions directly on the search results page.

News Minimalist

08 Nov 2023 19:09

[7.2] Egypt achieves near eradication of hepatitis C — The Telegraph

Egypt has achieved 'gold-tier' status for eliminating hepatitis C, going from among the worst global rates to near eradication in a decade. Around 58 million people globally live with the infection, with over a million dying each year. Egypt's efforts have caught the world's attention, with the country establishing specialized liver centers and driving awareness through media campaigns. The achievement is seen as a model for HCV care.

News Minimalist

08 Nov 2023 19:09

[7.2] Congenital syphilis cases in the US surged — The New York Times [$]

In 2022, over 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in the United States, marking an 11-fold increase from a decade ago. This surge in cases resulted in 231 stillbirths and 51 infant deaths, with the disease causing severe developmental issues in surviving infants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that nearly 90 percent of these cases could have been prevented with timely testing and treatment, emphasizing the urgent need for a different approach to address the escalating crisis.

News Minimalist

08 Nov 2023 19:09

[7.8] UN report warns fossil fuel expansion threatens climate goals — The Guardian

A UN report indicates fossil fuel producers' expansion plans could exceed the carbon budget by two-fold. Key offenders include India, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the US, and Canada, with major expansion plans in coal, oil, and gas. The report stresses the contradiction between nations' climate commitments and actual fossil fuel strategies. Current plans could result in 460% more coal, 83% more gas, and 29% more oil by 2030 than compatible with a 1.5C limit.

News Minimalist

07 Nov 2023 17:36

[7.2] OpenAI announces GPT-4 Turbo, its most powerful AI yet — CNBC

OpenAI introduced GPT-4 Turbo, an advanced AI model with updated knowledge to April 2023, higher input capacity, and features like DALL-E 3 image generation and text-to-speech, alongside price cuts for developers. The company also launched a platform for users to create and monetize custom ChatGPT chatbots, akin to an app store, broadening access to AI technology. To address the growing concerns around generative AI and copyright infringement, OpenAI has committed to legally support its customers, sharing the financial burden of potential copyright claims.

News Minimalist

06 Nov 2023 16:30

[7.7] China records first-ever quarterly deficit in foreign direct investment. — Reuters

China has recorded its first-ever quarterly deficit in foreign direct investment, with direct investment liabilities reaching a deficit of $11.8 billion during the July-September period. This is the first quarterly shortfall since China began compiling the data in 1998 and is believed to be linked to Western countries' "de-risking" moves from China amid growing geopolitical tensions.

News Minimalist

04 Nov 2023 15:58

[7.0] Investors warn of higher borrowing costs, impacting public finances. — Financial Times [$]

Investors are warning governments to expect higher borrowing costs in the coming years, which will impact public finances and limit states' ability to respond to crises. Government bond prices have dropped on both sides of the Atlantic, reflecting a growing acceptance that interest rates will need to stay high to dampen inflation. The interest bill for G7 countries is expected to increase from $905 billion in 2018 to $1.5 trillion by 2026.

News Minimalist

04 Nov 2023 15:58

[7.6] Online world war escalates as Iran, Russia, and China support Hamas. — The New York Times [$]

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated into an online world war, with Iran, Russia, and China using state media and major social networking platforms to support Hamas and undermine Israel. The deluge of online propaganda and disinformation is larger than anything seen before, with millions of people around the world being exposed to it. The content is emotionally charged, politically biased, and often false, raising fears that it could inflame a wider conflict.

News Minimalist

14 Nov 2023 15:27

[7.4] AI could predict heart attack risk up to 10 years in the future, finds Oxford study — The Guardian

A study by the University of Oxford found that AI can predict heart attack risk up to 10 years in advance, potentially saving thousands of lives. The AI tool, tested on 40,000 patients, accurately predicted heart attack risk and altered treatment plans for 45% of patients. The British Heart Foundation-funded study aims to implement the AI tool in the NHS to prevent avoidable heart attack deaths.

News Minimalist

13 Nov 2023 17:52

[7.0] Surge in stock options trading in India — Reuters

India has seen a surge in stock options trading, with the daily average value of assets underlying these options more than doubling to $4.2 trillion between March and October 2023. The ratio of notional value of derivatives to cash trading is the highest globally. Retail investors, particularly on digital platforms, are driving this trend, with 4 million active derivatives traders in the country. Regulators are concerned about the speculative nature of this boom and are considering measures to address the risks.

News Minimalist

12 Nov 2023 16:55

[7.1] New satellite will detect and share CO2 data from individual facilities — Reuters

Canadian company GHGSat launched the Vanguard satellite to detect carbon dioxide emissions from individual facilities like coal plants and steel mills from space. The satellite aims to hold polluting industries accountable and help reduce emissions. Vanguard will complement existing satellites that monitor methane emissions. GHGSat's data is available for sale to industrial emitters, governments, and scientists.

News Minimalist

10 Nov 2023 17:45

[7.1] Hollywood actors reach tentative deal with studios to end strike — Reuters

Hollywood actors have reached a tentative agreement with major studios, ending a 118-day strike. The deal, valued at over $1 billion, includes salary increases and a new bonus paid by streaming services. It also provides protections against unauthorized use of AI-generated images. The agreement, backed by the SAG-AFTRA union, will be considered by its national board on Friday. The resolution allows Hollywood to return to full production for the first time since May.

News Minimalist

10 Nov 2023 17:45

[7.2] FDA approves first chikungunya vaccine for adults — FDA.gov

The U.S. FDA approved Ixchiq, the first chikungunya vaccine for individuals 18 and older. Chikungunya, transmitted by infected mosquitos, has caused at least 5 million cases in the past 15 years. Ixchiq's safety was evaluated in two North American studies with 3,500 participants.

News Minimalist

09 Nov 2023 16:59

[7.1] Misdiagnosed penicillin allergies contribute to antimicrobial resistance — The Conversation

Penicillins are widely used in Australia, but up to 20% of hospital patients may have a penicillin allergy. However, research suggests that up to 90% of these patients may not be allergic. Misdiagnosed allergies can lead to ineffective treatment, increased risk of superbugs, and higher healthcare costs.

News Minimalist

09 Nov 2023 16:59

[7.1] Indonesian President inaugurates 192 MWp floating solar plant — Reuters

Indonesian President inaugurated a 192 MWp floating solar power plant in West Java, part of a push for renewable energy. It's the world's third-largest floating solar plant and could be expanded up to 1,000 MWp. Renewable energy currently accounts for 12.3% of Indonesia's energy mix, with a target of 23% by 2025.

News Minimalist

09 Nov 2023 16:59

[7.8] Sudanese paramilitaries seize regional capitals, causing mass displacement — The Washington Post [$]

Sudanese paramilitaries and allied militias have seized three regional capitals in Darfur, with mass killings reported. The United Nations and Doctors Without Borders have raised alarms over the reported atrocities. The situation threatens to reignite the violence that devastated Darfur two decades ago.

News Minimalist

08 Nov 2023 19:09

[7.1] Gas stoves expose households to unsafe air pollution — Bloomberg

In a Europe-wide study spanning 276 households across seven countries, homes with gas stoves showed NO2 levels twice those with electric, averaging 26.8 μg/m³ vs. 14 μg/m³, respectively. Over half exceeded the WHO's safe daily NO2 level of 25 μg/m³. Gas stove use is linked to 12% of childhood asthma cases and a 20% increased risk of lung conditions in children.

News Minimalist

08 Nov 2023 19:09

[7.5] NHS to offer artificial pancreas for type 1 diabetes — The Guardian

NHS England and Wales will provide over 150,000 individuals with type 1 diabetes access to an artificial pancreas, a device that automatically regulates blood sugar with a closed-loop insulin delivery system. Trials show it outperforms current treatments, requiring less patient input. Prioritized groups include children, pregnant women, and those with existing pumps. The 5-year rollout aims to reduce diabetes-related complications and healthcare costs, marking the UK as the first to widely adopt this technology.

News Minimalist

07 Nov 2023 17:36

[7.1] Meta bans political campaigns from using AI ad tools — ABC News

Meta has implemented a policy barring the use of its AI ad-creation tools by political campaigns and advertisers in regulated industries such as housing, employment, credit, social issues, health, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. This decision, aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation, affects the company's generative AI tools, which can produce and modify ad content from simple prompts.

News Minimalist

06 Nov 2023 16:30

[7.0] Countries establish "loss and damage" fund for climate-affected communities. — The Guardian

Countries have agreed on key measures to establish a "loss and damage" fund to provide financial assistance to vulnerable communities affected by climate breakdown. The fund will be administered by the World Bank and will draw on funding sources including large developing countries, the US, the EU, and the UK. No specific target has been set for the amount of money the fund will disburse, but it is hoped that it will reach hundreds of billions of dollars within a few years.

News Minimalist

04 Nov 2023 15:58

[7.2] Cleveland Clinic administers first drug for Alzheimer's treatment. — Cleveland Clinic Newsroom

On November 2, 2023, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health administered its first infusion of the anti-amyloid drug, lecanemab, for the treatment of mild Alzheimer's disease. The drug received traditional approval from the FDA in July and is the first therapy proven to slow the progression of the disease, not just treat its symptoms.

News Minimalist

04 Nov 2023 15:58

[7.2] iOS 17 iPhones vulnerable to Bluetooth attack, disable Bluetooth for protection. — The Verge

Security researchers have discovered that iPhones running iOS 17 are vulnerable to a Bluetooth attack using a Flipper Zero device, which can crash the phone. The attack involves sending a combination of Bluetooth low energy alerts to nearby iPhones. The attack does not affect iPhones running older iOS versions, and a similar attack can also be used on Android devices and Windows laptops. The only reliable way to protect against the attack on iOS 17 is by disabling Bluetooth.

News Minimalist

03 Nov 2023 17:20

[7.2] AI companies allow governments to test AI models for security risks. — Financial Times [$]

Leading artificial intelligence companies, including OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Microsoft, have signed a non-binding document allowing governments, including the UK, US, and Singapore, to test their latest AI models for national security risks before they are released to businesses and consumers. The document was also signed by governments from Australia, Canada, the EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Korea, with China not participating. An international panel of experts will also produce an annual report on the evolving risks of AI, including bias and misinformation.