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

03 Nov 2023 17:20

[7.3] FTC alleges Amazon used secret algorithm to raise prices, generate profit. — Financial Times [$]

The US Federal Trade Commission has alleged in a lawsuit that Amazon used a secret algorithm called "Project Nessie" to increase prices on its platform and across the market, generating over $1 billion in extra profit. The algorithm identified products for which other online stores would try to match Amazon's prices, and when turned on, it raised prices for those goods and kept them higher when other platforms followed suit. The FTC also accused Amazon of strategically deactivating the algorithm during periods of scrutiny and of increasing "pay to play advertisements" on its platform, which made search results less relevant.

News Minimalist

03 Nov 2023 17:20

[8.6] Global warming accelerating, 1.5°C limit unlikely. — The New York Times [$]

A new study suggests that global warming may be happening faster than previously thought, with the planet potentially exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming this decade and warming by 2 degrees Celsius by 2050. The study warns that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, set in the Paris Agreement, is unlikely to be achieved. The world has already warmed by about 1.2 degrees Celsius and is experiencing worsening heat waves, wildfires, storms, and biodiversity loss as a result of climate change.

News Minimalist

02 Nov 2023 16:19

[7.1] UK, US, EU and China sign declaration of AI’s ‘catastrophic’ danger. — The Guardian

The Bletchley declaration, a commitment to address the potentially catastrophic risks of artificial intelligence, was signed by 28 governments including major players like the UK, US, EU, Australia, and China during an AI safety summit. While all parties agreed on the need for collaborative AI safety research, underlying competition between the US and UK on leading new AI regulations was evident, and the summit did not conclude with a unified decision to establish a UK-based testing hub for AI models.

News Minimalist

02 Nov 2023 16:19

[7.4] Microsoft introduces AI assistant Copilot to Microsoft 365 suite for $30/month. — Financial Times [$]

Microsoft has integrated its generative AI assistant, Copilot, into the enterprise version of Microsoft 365, potentially revolutionizing work for approximately 150 million users. However, the substantial additional cost of $30 per user per month raises questions about widespread adoption and the readiness of businesses to invest significantly in this technology.

News Minimalist

01 Nov 2023 15:29

[7.2] Tesla not at fault in fatal crash blamed on Autopilot. — The New York Times [$]

A California jury has ruled that a fatal crash involving a Tesla was not the fault of the carmaker's driver-assistance software, Autopilot. This is the first verdict in a fatal crash case where Tesla's Autopilot system was blamed, and it could set a precedent for similar pending cases. The decision may also impact consumer perceptions of Tesla's vehicles, which account for half of electric car sales in the US.

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.

News Minimalist

03 Nov 2023 17:20

[7.8] UN report: World unprepared for climate crisis, funding falls short. — The Guardian

A UN report warns that the world is unprepared for the escalating impacts of the climate crisis, with international funding for climate adaptation falling short. The report estimates that between $215 billion and $387 billion per year is needed for climate adaptation in poor and vulnerable countries alone, but funding fell to just $21 billion in 2021. Rich nations pledged to provide $40 billion by 2025, but more action is needed to close the adaptation gap and deliver climate justice.

News Minimalist

02 Nov 2023 16:19

[7.0] European Data Protection Board extends ban on Facebook advertising practices. — Reuters

The European Data Protection Board has extended Norway's ban on "behavioural advertising" on Facebook and Instagram to cover all 30 countries in the European Union and the European Economic Area. Meta Platforms, the owner of the social media services, could face fines of up to 4% of its global turnover if it fails to comply with the ban. The decision affects approximately 250 million Facebook and Instagram users in Europe.

News Minimalist

02 Nov 2023 16:19

[7.2] More former smokers are now eligible for lung cancer screening under new guidelines. — Reuters

The American Cancer Society has updated its lung cancer screening guidelines, now recommending annual tests for individuals aged 50 to 80 with a history of heavy or long-term smoking, regardless of how long it has been since they quit smoking. This change expands the previous age range for screening from 55-74 years and reduces the required pack-years from 30 to 20 (for example, a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years), potentially affecting nearly five million U.S. smokers and former smokers. The organization emphasizes that the risk of lung cancer in former smokers remains significantly higher than in never-smokers, even decades after quitting, challenging the traditional belief that the risk drops to low levels 15 years post-smoking.

News Minimalist

01 Nov 2023 15:29

[7.0] AI named word of the year. — The Guardian

The word "AI" has been named the word of the year for 2023 by Collins dictionary, as it has become the dominant conversation and its use has quadrupled over the past year. Other notable terms include "greedflation," "debanking," "nepo baby," and "deinfluencing." Health-related terms like "ultra-processed" and "semaglutide" were also prominent, along with the acronym "Ulez".

News Minimalist

01 Nov 2023 15:29

[7.3] China tightens control over financial sector. — Financial Times [$]

China has signaled tighter control over its $61tn financial sector at a policy conference, emphasizing the need for centralized Communist party leadership and risk prevention. The conference backed President Xi Jinping's drive to deleverage the real estate sector, strengthen local government finances, and crack down on speculation and corruption.