Judge Blocks Trump’s NIH Grant Cuts for Research Institutions A US judge on Monday temporarily blocked the Trump’s NIH grant cuts to sharply reduce federal grant funding for universities, medical centres, and research institutions. The ruling halts cuts proposed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that would have lowered reimbursement rates for research-related costs. The decision was made by US District Judge Angel Kelley, who granted the injunction in response to a lawsuit brought by Democratic attorneys general from 22 states. The cuts were set to take effect the same day but will now be paused until further court…
Author: Arushi Pandey
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Brazil Bans Crypto Compensation for Iris Scans by Tools for Humanity Brazil’s data protection authority, ANPD, has prohibited Tools for Humanity, a tech firm co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, from offering financial compensation for iris scans in the country. The preventive measure, which begins Saturday, also includes compensation provided through cryptocurrencies. Tools for Humanity’s World Project Under Scrutiny Tools for Humanity operates the World project, a global initiative aiming to create a universal identity system by collecting iris scans. In exchange, participants receive cryptocurrency and a digital ID. While the company claims its services comply with Brazilian laws, the…
MIT Robot Insects to Support Artificial Pollination Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created advanced robotic insects capable of aiding farming through artificial pollination. The MIT robot insects are lightweight and could be particularly valuable in the controlled environments of high-tech vertical farms. A New Era for Artificial Pollination Co-lead author Suhan Kim from MIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) highlighted the potential applications. “These types of robots open up a very new use case,” Kim explained. “Our robot looks like an insect, and its lightweight and small size allow for precise control. This…
Pope Francis Calls for Responsible Oversight of Artificial Intelligence at Davos Pope Francis has urged world leaders, including political, economic, and business figures, to carefully regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking through a written message at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Thursday, he cautioned that AI could worsen the growing “crisis of truth” if left unchecked. AI’s Promise and Peril In his statement, read by Cardinal Peter Turkson, a Vatican official, Pope Francis acknowledged AI’s remarkable capabilities. However, he warned that its development brings “critical concerns” for humanity’s future. He pointed out that AI-generated content is now so…
9-Million-Year-Old Shark Fossil of Ancient Shark Relative Unearthed in Peru Paleontologists in Peru have revealed a remarkable discovery: a 9-million-year-old shark fossil belonging to a relative of the great white shark. This ancient predator once roamed the southern Pacific Ocean and preyed on sardines. Details of the Fossil Discovery The fossil of Cosmopolitodus hastalis, a nearly complete specimen, was unearthed in Peru’s Pisco Basin. This desert region, about 235 kilometres south of Lima, is well-known for yielding fossilised remains of marine species. Experts believe this shark is an ancestor of the great white shark, although it is now extinct. The…
EU Proposes Ban on PFAS in Consumer Products, Targets Environmental and Health Risks The European Commission is planning to introduce a ban on Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” in consumer products. While some essential industrial uses may be exempt, the move aims to address growing concerns about the impact of PFAS on ecosystems, drinking water, and human health. These chemicals are resistant to breakdown in the environment, which makes them widely used in products like cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and industrial applications such as aircraft and wind turbines. However, their persistence also raises significant environmental…
China Launches Pakistani Satellite PRSC-EO1 Successfully into Space China Launches Pakistani Satellite PRSC-EO1 into space on Friday, 17 January 2025. The launch took place at 12:07 p.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency. This satellite entered its planned orbit without issue, showcasing China’s continued expertise in space technology. The launch utilised a Long March-2D carrier rocket, which also carried two additional satellites, Tianlu-1 and Lantan-1. This mission marked the 556th flight of the Long March carrier rocket series, underlining the reliability of this rocket family. Strengthening a Space Partnership China…
Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak in Northwest Tanzania Claims Eight Lives A suspected Marburg virus outbreak in northwest Tanzania has left eight people dead and infected another, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported. The cases emerged weeks after Rwanda declared its own outbreak over in December. The Marburg virus, part of the same family as Ebola, is a highly contagious viral hemorrhagic fever. With a fatality rate of up to 88%, the disease is primarily transmitted to humans through fruit bats, which are common in East Africa. Symptoms of Marburg Virus and WHO Response On 10 January, the WHO received reliable…
Healthcare Dealmakers Eyeing $10 Billion Deals at JPMorgan Conference Healthcare executives, bankers, and lawyers are gathering in San Francisco this week for the prestigious JPMorgan Healthcare Conference. With over 8,000 participants expected, the event is drawing significant attention, especially as dealmakers anticipate a surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) worth more than $10 billion. This optimism is largely fuelled by expectations of less antitrust scrutiny under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Anticipating a Resurgence in M&A In the past year, the healthcare sector saw no transactions exceeding $5 billion, marking the first time in over a decade that no such deals…
Chinese NEV Makers Boost Growth in Latin America Chinese NEV makers are driving the rise of new energy vehicles (NEVs) globally, with a focus on Latin America. Countries like Brazil are witnessing the establishment of advanced NEV manufacturing plants, which bring innovative technologies and create job opportunities. This move supports green development and promotes collaboration in the global push for sustainability. Growing Demand for NEVs Drives Chinese Exports China’s NEV exports have surged in recent years, fuelled by rising international demand. Domestic carmakers, including traditional manufacturers and newer entrants, are increasingly exploring overseas markets. “The Chinese automobile market has evolved…
