World News Daily(2024-07-12) : Helsing Raises $487M for AI Defense Expansion in Baltic Region
Helsing Raises $487M for AI Defense Expansion in Baltic Region
Helsing, a defense AI firm, has just raised $487 million. They are expanding into Estonia with the aim of strengthening defenses against Russia. This move aligns with NATO's concerns over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Helsing's technology enhances drone and jet fighter capabilities and assists in battlefield decision-making. They have partnered with Airbus and several defense ministries.
Gundbert Scherf, co-CEO of the company, views their technology as essential for defending European democracies. Estonia's Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, welcomes Helsing's presence.
Torsten Reil, Helsing's co-CEO, emphasizes the urgency to create a "capability gap" to deter and defend against potential broader threats.
The firm utilizes its own compute resources and some from unnamed third parties for security reasons. They are also working on Project Centaur, an AI for air combat that employs reinforcement learning.
This latest funding values Helsing at approximately $5.4 billion. Investors include Spotify's Daniel Ek and Saab AB.
Defense technology is gaining momentum with Western investors, reflecting increasing defense budgets. Helsing stands out as a significant European player in this field.
ScoresPolitics
Disinformation Networks Target EU Elections on Social Media
Dutch researchers discovered coordinated disinformation networks that inundated social media in France, Germany, and Italy prior to the EU elections. These accounts, many established following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, experienced rapid follower growth.
Trollrensics, a consultancy, examined 2.3 million posts from 468,000 accounts and identified 50,000 as disinformation spreaders. In France, 20% of posts about Éric Zemmour originated from these accounts, while in Germany, 10% of posts about Alternative für Deutschland were from them.
The networks could control debates by overwhelming platforms with posts, reposts, comments, and likes. Accounts were closely interconnected, likely operated by humans. An example, Leila Ruth 888, managed 13 accounts from various locations, with some posting in Russian.
These accounts strive to appear legitimate by swiftly gaining followers. Their primary tactic is to sow doubt and discredit Western authorities, a narrative associated with Russia.
Robert van der Noordaa, co-founder of Trollrensics, noted that consistent, localized endorsements on social media can be more persuasive than corporate advertising.
ScoresSociety
100 Billion Clear-Text Passwords Leak in 'RockYou2024' File
Cybernews uncovered "RockYou2024," a file containing 100 billion clear-text passwords, shared by a hacker known as ObamaCare on the dark web. This leak combines data from 4000 large databases over a span of 20 years, exposing global personal information and increasing security risks.
ScoresChina Leads Global Renewable Energy Expansion with Massive Wind and Solar Projects
China is constructing 339GW of wind and solar power, nearly double the total of the rest of the world. By 2024, they plan to reach 1,200GW, six years ahead of schedule. This rapid expansion positions China significantly ahead in the renewable energy sector. Gigawatts (GW) are units that measure power capacity; one gigawatt can supply approximately 725,000 homes. China's ambitious efforts could significantly alter global energy trends.
ScoresUN Predicts Global Population Peak and Decline, Offering Environmental Hope
The UN predicts global population will peak at 10.3 billion by mid-2080s, then drop to 10.2 billion by century's end. This is lower than earlier forecasts, offering hope for reduced environmental strain.
Sixty-three countries have already hit their population peak; another 48 will by 2054. Meanwhile, nine countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expect their populations to double by 2054.
Fertility rates are down globally, with over half of countries seeing women bear fewer than 2.1 children each. This is below the replacement rate needed to maintain population levels without migration.
Life expectancy is rising, with under-five deaths dropping below 5 million in 2023. By 2054, average life expectancy is projected to be 77 years, up from 73 now.
Immigration will drive population growth in many countries, especially in the latter half of the century in places like Australia, Canada, and the US.
The report emphasizes the need to curb teenage pregnancies and adapt to changing demographics to minimize environmental impacts.
ScoresEconomy
TSMC Reaches $1 Trillion Market Cap Amidst AI Boom
TSMC, Taiwan's chip giant, has reached a $1 trillion market capitalization. Fueled by demand for AI, its stock has surged by 80% this year. Foreign investors have poured $4.8 billion into Taiwan's market, primarily into TSMC. Despite this, Asian funds remain cautious, suggesting potential for further growth. TSMC's market value has hit T$28 trillion, making it the top public company in Asia.
ScoresBiden Administration Funds Major EV Production Expansion
The Biden administration is allocating nearly $1.1 billion to General Motors and Stellantis. This funding is intended to transform outdated plants into electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facilities. The Department of Energy is spearheading this initiative, with a total of $1.7 billion designated for 11 plants in eight states.
The objective is to produce a million EVs annually, preserve 15,000 jobs, and create 3,000 new positions. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm views this as a pivotal component of Biden's industrial strategy, aimed at modernizing conventional auto plants.
General Motors receives $500 million to convert its Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan. Stellantis is awarded $334.8 million for its Belvidere Assembly plant and $250 million for its Indiana Transmission Plant, both slated for EV production.
Other companies are also benefiting from this initiative. Hyundai Mobis, Harley-Davidson, Blue Bird, and Cummins are all receiving funds to enhance their EV capabilities.
The Department of Energy must still conclude negotiations and conduct environmental reviews before the funds are disbursed. However, the plan is evident: to steer America towards greater electrification and reduced emissions.
ScoresTechnology
Advanced AI Generates Multimodal Long Stories
SEED-Story crafts long, interleaved image-text tales. It utilizes a Multimodal Large Language Model (MLLM) to predict both text and visual tokens, transforming them into consistent images. A new attention sink boosts efficiency, allowing up to 25 sequences. StoryStream, a high-resolution dataset, aids in training and evaluation.
Scores2024 Cloudflare Security Report: Global Cyber Threats and Trends
Cloudflare's 2024 report delves deeply into internet security, covering global traffic, bot activity, API interactions, and client-side vulnerabilities. The data unveils a complex network of threats and patterns.
Global Traffic Insights: This section analyzes worldwide internet usage trends, pinpointing areas of high activity and potential risks.
Bot Traffic Insights: It provides an analysis of automated bot traffic, distinguishing between harmful and benign bots.
API Traffic Insights: The report examines Application Programming Interface usage, which is crucial for understanding data exchange security.
Client-Side Risks: This part focuses on vulnerabilities affecting end-users, such as browser exploits and malware.
The report emphasizes the necessity for strong, adaptable security measures. It serves as a call to action for vigilance and innovation in cyber defense.
ScoresWuhan's unmanned vehicle service receives international acclaim, with Baidu's Luobo KuaiPao leading the new trend in autonomous driving.
Autonomous vehicles in Wuhan have become a sensation. Baidu's Robo-Taxi, an autonomous driving mobility platform, has sparked a热潮 in Wuhan. The service has not only received high praise from domestic users but has also earned rave reviews from overseas bloggers.
Operational data from Robo-Taxi in Wuhan shows that user satisfaction is as high as 4.9 out of 5, with a perfect score rate of 94.19%. Wuhan residents have shown a high acceptance of autonomous vehicles, with peak orders per vehicle exceeding 20 per day.
The introduction of the sixth-generation autonomous vehicle has significantly reduced costs, with an invoice price of only 204,600 yuan, less than half that of the previous generation. The vehicle's design has shifted focus to enhance rear-seat comfort.
Baidu Apollo plans to achieve break-even in Wuhan by the end of this year and aims for full profitability by 2025. Autonomous driving technology is gradually becoming commercialized, improving the travel experience for ordinary people.
Wuhan's practices have demonstrated China's leading position in the field of autonomous driving. This leadership has been achieved through data, operations, and implementation. Autonomous driving, as a significant application of AI technology, showcases China's innovation and technological prowess.
The success of Robo-Taxi not only provides local residents with low-carbon, economical, and safe travel options but also sets a benchmark for the global autonomous driving industry.
ScoresVideo Game
Shift Up Raises $320 Million in IPO for Stellar Blade Development
Shift Up Corp, creators of the PlayStation 5 game Stellar Blade, raised $320 million on their IPO debut. The South Korean developer netted 435 billion won in just one day.
IPO, or Initial Public Offering, is when a company sells its stock to the public for the first time.
ScoresSekai Secures Naruto License for Global Consumer Apps
Sekai, a French startup, has secured a global license for Naruto consumer apps, excluding Japan and China. Founded in 2022, Sekai aims to expand the reach of anime beyond traditional media. The company's CEO, Samy Therain, highlighted the global appeal of franchises like Naruto and One Piece.
Sekai's focus is on developing mobile apps that immerse fans in the ninja world of Naruto. Therain emphasized the goal to make users "feel like ninjas." The company is experimenting with social elements and interactive experiences, steering clear of replicating Pokémon Go's success.
Despite initial challenges with platforms like TikTok and Meta over licensing rights, Sekai persevered. The startup also plans to venture into digital collectibles and real-life events.
Funded by notable investors including Skycatcher and Makers Fund, Sekai has raised €10 million. The company intends to diversify its portfolio by introducing new IPs annually, aiming to broaden its global impact.
ScoresEntertainment
NewJeans Named South Korea's Tourism Ambassadors
South Korea selected K-pop group NewJeans as tourism ambassadors, aiming to attract 20 million tourists this year. The group participated in a ceremony in Seoul, and videos showcasing their enjoyment of Korean culture will be broadcast worldwide. NewJeans has achieved international acclaim, topping US charts and appearing on Japan's NHK.
ScoresLavish Ambani Wedding Sparks Global Debate on Wealth and Poverty
The Ambani wedding, son of Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, has drawn global attention. Over four months, lavish events led up to the marriage of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The festivities included high-profile performances and guests like Rihanna, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates.
Critics argue the opulence contrasts sharply with India's widespread poverty. Writer Santosh Desai notes the wedding reflects a broader trend where wealth is flaunted openly, though the scale remains exceptional.
The Ambanis, with businesses spanning oil, telecom, and more, are central figures in India. Mukesh's fortune stands at $115 billion. The wedding's extravagance has sparked debates on wealth display versus societal needs.
ScoresHealth
Neuralink to Test Brain Implant on Second Patient Soon
Neuralink's brain implant, after a shaky start, is now stable in its first patient. The device, named Telepathy, uses thin wires to connect the brain to a computer interface. These wires, thinner than a human hair, capture brain signals and translate them into actions, allowing paralyzed patients to control digital devices with their thoughts.
The implant had issues—wires detached and air trapped in the patient's head. To fix this, Neuralink plans to sculpt the skull to reduce gaps and tension on the wires. They also aim to normalize blood carbon dioxide levels.
Elon Musk, Neuralink's CEO, announced they'll test the implant on a second patient soon. He hopes to have several participants this year. The FDA approved human trials last year, despite initial safety concerns.
Neuralink is developing a more efficient device requiring fewer electrodes. They're also working on Blindsight, a product aimed at restoring vision to the blind.
ScoresNew Genetic Disorder RNU4-2 Identified, Offering Hope for Diagnosis and Treatment
Scientists have identified a new genetic disorder, termed RNU4-2, which impacts numerous individuals globally. This disorder leads to significant disabilities, developmental lags, and distinctive facial characteristics.
The discovery was made through the analysis of DNA samples from nearly 9,000 individuals with unexplained neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Mutations in the RNU4-2 gene were prevalent, affecting approximately 0.5% of all global NDD cases.
A formal diagnosis is crucial for helping patients and their families comprehend the condition and link up with support networks. It also facilitates further research into potential treatments by scientists.
The identification of this disorder was unforeseen and prompts queries about why it had not been detected earlier. Future aspirations include employing artificial intelligence to diagnose the disorder based solely on facial features.
For families such as Mia Joy's, the diagnosis offers fresh hope and a sense of belonging. It also paves the way for specialized therapies aimed at enhancing the quality of life.
ScoresAncient Plague DNA Reveals Early Impact on European Populations
New research from Copenhagen and Gothenburg universities suggests that the plague, which later devastated Europe in the 14th century, may have significantly impacted populations much earlier, around 5000 years ago.
Analyzing DNA from 108 ancient individuals in Swedish passage graves, researchers found that 18 (17%) had died from the plague. This challenges previous beliefs that the plague only caused major epidemics in the Middle Ages.
The study, employing a method known as "deep shotgun sequencing," enabled detailed analysis of degraded ancient DNA. It revealed a detailed lineage of the plague and other microbes, providing insights into societal structures and diseases of the time.
This discovery suggests that the plague could have been a key factor in the decline of Neolithic populations in Scandinavia and northwest Europe.
ScoresSports
NFL Considers Allowing Private Equity Stakes in Teams
The NFL is considering allowing private equity firms to hold up to 10% stakes in its teams. Commissioner Roger Goodell views this as a necessary policy update to align with the changing economics of sports. The league plans to finalize these adjustments by the end of the year.
Traditionally, the NFL has avoided institutional investments, in contrast to other major U.S. sports leagues that permit up to 30% private equity ownership. This change is occurring as NFL franchise values skyrocket due to lucrative media contracts, making complete ownership feasible only for the extremely wealthy.
Josh Harris, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, spearheaded a $6.05 billion acquisition of the Washington Commanders in 2023, setting a record for U.S. sports franchises. His ability to raise such substantial capital indicates a possible reassessment of NFL ownership structures.
Private equity firms, which seek high returns, may be drawn to minority stakes. Such investments usually entail limited decision-making authority, which fits with the NFL's desire to keep control in the hands of current owners.
Ultimately, the NFL's embrace of private equity could represent a strategic financial strategy, balancing the infusion of new capital with the maintenance of traditional ownership patterns.
ScoresEngland Advances to European Championship Final
England's football team, led by Gareth Southgate, has once again reached the final of the European Championship. They secured their place by defeating the Netherlands thanks to a late goal from Ollie Watkins. This achievement marks their second consecutive final appearance.
Reflecting on his role, Southgate discussed his commitment to enhancing English football and providing unforgettable moments for the fans. The team is set to face Spain in the final, with the goal of capturing their first major trophy since 1966.
The path to the final has been challenging. England faced deficits in both the quarter-final and semi-final but demonstrated remarkable resilience. Jude Bellingham's crucial goal against Slovakia and their victory in a penalty shootout against Switzerland underscore their determination.
Criticism, including discontent from fans during a draw with Slovenia in the group stage, has been a part of their journey. Southgate acknowledged these difficulties but emphasized the team's accomplishments.
Real Madrid's Bellingham and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, aged 19, have been exceptional performers. Mainoo, in particular, made history by becoming the youngest player to appear in a major tournament semi-final for England.
The team is resolute in their pursuit of victory, aiming to secure a place in history with a win.
ScoresParis Olympics 2024: Prioritizing Six Pathogens for Wastewater Monitoring
In a study for the 2024 Paris Olympics, researchers identified six key pathogens to monitor through wastewater. These include poliovirus and SARS-CoV-2. The selection was based on practicality and relevance, establishing a precedent for future large events.
The French National Institute of Public Health spearheaded this research, aiming to identify critical pathogens during the Olympics and Paralympics. They employed the Delphi method, combining reviewed evidence and expert opinions, to choose these pathogens based on their analytical feasibility, relevance to the Olympics, and public health significance.
Wastewater surveillance (WWS) gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is non-invasive, cost-effective, and provides data regardless of symptoms or testing behavior. This makes it a valuable early warning system.
The selected pathogens are poliovirus, influenza A and B, measles, SARS-CoV-2, and another strain of measles. These were chosen based on three criteria: analytical feasibility, relevance to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and their impact on public health policy.
Initially, a list of 60 pathogens was compiled. This was narrowed down to 25 based on evidence from reviewed publications. A panel of 32 experts further refined this list, reaching a 70% consensus. Measles, initially excluded, was added due to its resurgence and potential risk during the Olympics.
WWS is not new but has gained momentum post-COVID-19. This study sets a framework for targeting WWS in large gatherings. If successful, it could encourage similar strategies in future events.
Further work is needed before implementing this strategy at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This includes optimizing lab methods and refining sampling strategies. The plan is to use a network of 54 sites across France to monitor SARS-CoV-2 and pilot the monitoring of measles and influenza viruses in Paris's wastewater.
ScoresFood
The Rise of Traditional Chinese Medicine Milk Tea and Health-Conscious Dining: The Next Consumer Trend?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) milk tea and health-preserving meals are rapidly gaining popularity. The "Wu Mei Tang 2.0" from Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine sold 1.15 million servings within 24 hours, sparking heated market discussions. TCM milk tea combines medicinal and edible ingredients such as wu mei (smoked plum), lotus leaf, and hawthorn, imbuing the奶茶 with health-preserving properties. Brands like "Kai Le Ge Fang Zi," Chun Feng, and Qing Nan Wu Wei Cha have secured their place in the market with unique positioning and high-quality products.
TCM-infused meals extend beyond milk tea to include baking, bread, and desserts. Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine's "Health-Preserving European Buns" and Zhang Zhongjing Pharmacy's "Health-Preserving Bakery" integrate TCM elements into traditional baking, offering products like Ejiao Soft European Buns and Astragalus Health-Preserving Buns. Tongrentang's Nanjing TCM Bakery offers health-preserving stews like Roselle and Smoked Plum Drink, which are popular among young people.
The surge in TCM-inspired dining is driven by the growing health-conscious needs of young people. The "Z Generation Nutrition Consumption Trends Report" indicates that 18-35-year-olds are the main consumers of health-preserving products, accounting for 83.7% of the market. The rise of health-preserving meals is also evident in areas like health-preserving hot pot and health-preserving coffee. Lao Wang's Pig Intestine Chicken Hot Pot and Coconut Chicken Hot Pot, along with medicinal hot pots that incorporate TCM ingredients, represent new trends in health-preserving dining.
In summary, the rise of TCM-infused dining is a product of the fusion between health-preserving culture and modern consumer demands. With increasing health awareness, TCM-inspired dining is expected to continue expanding its market influence.
ScoresChina's Cooking Oil Safety Scandal Exposed
China's latest food safety scandal erupted days before a crucial party meeting. State-run Beijing News exposed fuel tankers used to transport cooking oil without proper cleaning. These tankers, previously carrying coal-derived fuel, traveled over 800 miles from Ningxia to Qinhuangdao, loading soybean oil without disinfection.
The scandal implicates major firms like Sinograin and Hopefull Grain and Oil Group. Both claim to be investigating. The food safety commission promises severe punishment for law violations. Regulations mandate separate tankers for fuel and cooking oil, highlighting a gap in enforcement.
The Beijing News report suggests contaminated oil might reach consumers, packaged under household brands, even exported. Public outrage is high, fueled by past scandals like the 2008 baby formula tragedy and the 2013 Huangpu River dead pigs incident.
Journalistic exposure of this scandal contrasts with a decade of shrinking independent reporting space in China. Hashtags and mentions of specific companies on Weibo, China's Twitter, face censorship. Jinlongyu, a implicated brand, saw its parent company's shares drop 8%, despite claims of compliance.
Scores