World News Daily(2024-07-16) : Trump's Near Miss: Bullet Captured in Flight During Rally
Trump's Near Miss: Bullet Captured in Flight During Rally
Trump encountered a shooting during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, with a bullet grazing his right ear and blood staining the podium. The gunman was shot dead on the spot.
ScoresPolitics
Biden to Speak on Trump Assassination Attempt
White House announces Biden's national address after Trump's assassination attempt. Scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, remarks will be in the Roosevelt Room. Biden and Vice President receive security updates in the Situation Room, involving top officials. Trump shot at a Pennsylvania event, hospitalized briefly. Shooter killed one, injured two, before being neutralized by the Secret Service. FBI investigates the incident.
ScoresSociety
Moon Cave Discovery Could Be Future Human Habitat
Scientists discovered a cave on the Moon. It is deep, possibly 100 meters, and an excellent location for a human base, offering protection from radiation and extreme temperatures.
The cave features a skylight, vertical walls, and a sloping floor, formed by lava long ago, similar to volcanic caves on Earth.
Researchers located it using radar and believe there are more such caves. They require additional technology, such as ground-penetrating radar, for comprehensive exploration.
This discovery aids in understanding the Moon's history, as the rocks inside the cave are less damaged, providing a clear geological record.
It may also assist in exploring Mars's caves, potentially revealing signs of life, if any existed.
The research has been published in Nature Astronomy.
ScoresMeituan's drone service conducts its first trial operation in a Shanghai park.
Meituan's drone service has commenced trial operations at Shanghai's Huangxing Park, marking the first instance of park-based delivery. The new route originates from the Wujiaochang commercial district and can reach the park, located 2 kilometers away, within 10 minutes. Initial partnering merchants include Starbucks, Bawang Tea, among others. The drones have undergone testing in multiple locations, capable of stable operation even in adverse weather conditions, and feature a three-tier safety assurance mechanism. Currently, 31 routes have been activated, completing over 300,000 orders and offering more than 90,000 product options.
In essence, Meituan's drone technology is mature, delivering swiftly and reliably, providing consumers with a novel and convenient takeaway experience.
ScoresInnovative Tracking Device Helps Monitor Polar Bears
Scientists have developed a new tracking device, the "hair-on-prickle" label, to monitor polar bears. This method is less invasive than traditional collars and can track subadults and adult male bears, groups previously hard to study.
The device sticks to the bear's fur and confirms that these bears spend most of their time on land, conserving energy until the ice returns. This technology fills a gap left by collars, which don't fit adult males or rapidly growing subadults.
The new trackers, tested on wild bears, showed promise. The SeaTrkr label, using GPS/Iridium technology, lasted an average of 58 days and provided more accurate data. This method could be crucial for understanding bear behavior and managing human-bear interactions.
This innovation, a result of collaboration between York University, 3M, and Polar Bears International, marks a significant step in wildlife management and conservation. It's especially vital as climate change accelerates, affecting bear habitats and interactions with humans.
ScoresLhoopa Secures $80M to Boost Affordable Housing in the Philippines
Lhoopa, a Singapore-based startup, has just raised $80 million to build more affordable homes in the Philippines. The company focuses on low-income earners, offering houses priced between $10,000 and $35,000. Traditional developers tend to avoid this market, viewing it as less profitable.
Founded by Marc-Olivier Caillot and Sabrina Tan in 2018, Lhoopa utilizes technology to identify undervalued properties and streamline bureaucratic processes. They collaborate with local brokers and contractors for sales and construction.
Operating without a physical presence, the startup relies on a network of agents and contractors. They have sold over 2,500 homes to date and aim to provide 15,000 more in the next three years.
This funding round consists of $20 million in equity and $60 million in debt. Investors include the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank. Lhoopa plans to expand beyond the Philippines, targeting other Southeast Asian countries.
Insights: Lhoopa's approach decentralizes real estate by leveraging local expertise and technology to make affordable housing viable. Their model could challenge traditional real estate practices, making homeownership more accessible to those traditionally overlooked by developers.
ScoresEconomy
Global Tech Layoffs Surpass 100,000 Amid AI Integration
AI's rise is impacting global tech significantly. A total of 362 firms have cut 106,630 jobs. Intuit has fired 1800 employees and is shifting to AI-driven processes, replacing old staff with new hires who are proficient in AI. In the U.S., 20% of jobs are at risk from AI. OpenText and UiPath have also reduced their workforce. Major players like Microsoft, Apple, Meta, and ByteDance are following similar strategies.
AI is not just replacing jobs; it's altering the skills required. Companies are adapting, but the transition is harsh.
ScoresGoogle Considers $23 Billion Acquisition of Cybersecurity Firm Wiz
Alphabet, Google's parent company, is considering acquiring Wiz, a cloud security startup, for $23 billion. Wiz, established in 2020, focuses on the Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP), which secures cloud applications without the need for agents. The company has experienced rapid growth, with annual revenues exceeding $350 million and a client base that includes Fortune 100 companies. This potential acquisition, which would be Alphabet's largest to date, is aimed at strengthening its cloud security capabilities in competition with rivals such as Microsoft.
CNAPP: A system designed to protect cloud applications from their inception through to deployment, ensuring security is maintained throughout their entire lifecycle.
ScoresTikTok Predicts Doubling of 'Korean Wave' Revenue by 2030
TikTok and Kantar predict a doubling of "Korean Wave" revenue by 2030, reaching $1.43 trillion. Currently at $760 billion, this surge is driven by viral content on platforms like TikTok, particularly in the U.S. and Southeast Asia.
Korean culture, encompassing K-pop and dramas, is a significant attraction. TikTok plays a crucial role, not only as a fan hub but also as a sales catalyst for Korean products such as food and cosmetics. A video by Cardi B boosted instant noodle sales, highlighting the platform's market influence.
Although TikTok has a global impact, local Korean users favor YouTube and Instagram. However, TikTok is dominant in introducing Korean culture to new markets, with 80% of users in the U.S. and Southeast Asia discovering it there.
TikTok's expansion into e-commerce, especially with Korean products, is well-timed. Over half of TikTok users have purchased Korean items directly through the app. The music, beauty, and food sectors are particularly robust, with continued growth anticipated.
The report highlights TikTok's role in globalizing Korean culture, enhancing its soft power and economic impact. Southeast Asia is emerging as a pivotal gateway for this cultural and commercial expansion.
ScoresSignificant Decline in China's Land Sales in First Half of 2024
Land sales in China dropped 35% in the first half of 2024. Residential land sales fell 42% in value, totaling 669.4 billion yuan. This marks a significant shift, with residential land transactions dropping from 82% to 64% of total land sales since 2011.
Local governments heavily rely on land auction revenue for expenses like education and affordable housing. The decline forces them to depend more on central government transfer payments. These payments, initially a stopgap, are now a crucial part of local finances.
Guangdong, Ningxia, and Tianjin saw the steepest falls in land revenue, dropping 64%, 62%, and 60% respectively. State-owned enterprises now dominate land auctions, accounting for 80% of acquisitions.
Developers are retreating from third- and fourth-tier cities, focusing on first- and second-tier cities. However, even these markets are losing appeal. Beijing and Shanghai saw land revenue declines of 16% and 19%. Guangzhou sold only four residential lots.
The real estate crisis is deepening. Top developers avoided buying land in 12 provinces in the first half of 2024. The shift in land sales dynamics reflects broader economic challenges and changes in the real estate market.
ScoresTechnology
YouTube Music Introduces AI Radio and Song Recognition Features
YouTube Music introduces AI-generated radio and song recognition features. Premium users in the U.S. can now craft personalized stations by detailing their musical tastes. Additionally, a new capability allows users to identify songs by humming or singing, surpassing traditional methods like Shazam. These tools are designed to enrich the experience of discovering music tailored to individual preferences.
ScoresQwen2-72B: A Breakthrough in Large Language and Multimodal Models
Qwen2, a new series of large language and multimodal models, outperforms its predecessors and rivals. The key model, Qwen2-72B, achieves high scores on various tests: 84.2 on MMLU, 37.9 on GPQA, 64.6 on HumanEval, 89.5 on GSM8K, and 82.4 on BBH. It handles 30 languages, ranging from English to Chinese.
Model weights and resources are freely available on Hugging Face, ModelScope, and GitHub, supporting customization and deployment.
Scores3D Printing and Bioprinting Advancements in Space
UC Berkeley researchers, led by Taylor Waddell, sent a 3D printer, SpaceCAL, into space aboard Virgin Galactic's 07 mission. The printer utilized Computed Axial Lithography (CAL) to print four test parts in just 140 seconds of microgravity. CAL has the capability to print with over 60 materials, including biomaterials, which could potentially allow it to produce medical supplies such as dental replacements and skin grafts for astronauts. NASA plans to test bioprinting on the International Space Station, with the ultimate goal of printing human organs in space. This project received $1.4 million in funding from NASA and support from Virgin Galactic.
ScoresInsta360 Flow Pro Gimbal: Enhanced Stability and Tracking with Apple DockKit
The Insta360 Flow Pro gimbal is a compact, easy-to-use device that stabilizes videos with one hand. It folds for portability and features a USB-C port for charging. The top twists outward to turn on the device, and you mount your phone to start shooting.
Controls are centralized, allowing you to record, take photos, switch cameras, and more. The dial for switching modes mimics an iPod, which can be finicky but manageable. A wheel around the dial zooms in and out.
The gimbal includes a built-in selfie stick and tripod for various shots. It's a reliable stabilizer for smooth, stable videos and 360-degree panoramas.
The Insta360 app enhances functionality with DeepTrack 3.0, which tracks people and animals using AI. Additional effects like barrel rolls and TimeShift are available.
What sets the Flow Pro apart is its support for Apple DockKit. This allows the gimbal to track subjects in the stock Camera app and many third-party apps. Pairing is easy via NFC, and tracking works seamlessly across multiple apps.
At $149, the Insta360 Flow Pro offers a compelling mix of features and ease of use, making it a strong addition to any video kit.
ScoresEntertainment
Ibai Llanos Breaks Twitch Record with Will Smith
Ibai Llanos, a Twitch streamer, set a new record. Will Smith joined him. Together, they drew 3.85 million viewers at once. Twitch is a platform for live streaming video games and other content. This collaboration significantly boosted Ibai's popularity.
ScoresTikTok Boosts Korean Wave Revenue to $1430 Billion by 2030
By 2030, the "Korean Wave" is projected to double its revenue to $1430 billion. TikTok's crucial role in disseminating Korean content enhances user engagement and boosts sales of related merchandise. This growth also amplifies South Korea's global cultural influence, enriching the creative sectors. The forecast encompasses increasing expenditures on Korean music, beauty, and food.
ScoresHealth
New Pathway Discovered for Tuberculosis Vaccines
Scientists have discovered a new method for creating tuberculosis vaccines. This approach is different from the usual ways. It focuses on a part of the immune system that isn't typically targeted.
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a serious disease caused by bacteria. It mainly affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. Traditional vaccines aim to boost the body's defenses directly. This new method works by enhancing a different aspect of the immune response.
The discovery could lead to more effective vaccines. It opens up new possibilities for fighting TB, which remains a significant global health issue. This unconventional pathway offers hope for better protection against this persistent disease.
In essence, the research introduces a fresh angle in the battle against TB. By exploring uncharted territory in immunology, scientists are paving the way for innovative solutions. This could ultimately save lives and reduce the burden of TB worldwide.
ScoresPlant Oils Linked to Lower Heart Disease and Diabetes Risks
Scientists from Sweden, Germany, and other countries have found a link between high-quality plant oils and reduced risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They employed a method known as "lipidomics" to analyze blood fats.
In a controlled diet experiment, 113 individuals consumed either high-saturated animal fats or high-unsaturated plant fats for 16 weeks. Those who consumed plant fats exhibited healthier blood fat profiles.
This "Multi-Lipid Score" (MLS) was subsequently applied to large observational studies. A higher MLS consistently indicated lower disease risks.
The research, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that replacing saturated fats with plant-based unsaturated fats could significantly enhance heart and metabolic health.
Lipidomics: A branch of science that studies fats in the blood, examining how different types of fats relate to health and disease.
ScoresNew Biomarker Could Improve Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment
New biomarker shows potential to evaluate treatment response for metastatic colorectal cancer.
A biomarker is a biological indicator—something in the body that can signal a condition or disease. In this case, it's a marker that could help doctors see how well treatments are working for metastatic colorectal cancer. Metastatic means the cancer has spread from where it started to other parts of the body.
This new biomarker could be a game-changer. It offers a way to measure treatment effectiveness more accurately. This means doctors could adjust treatments faster, aiming for better outcomes for patients.
The potential here is clear: quicker, more precise adjustments in treatment plans based on real-time data. This could lead to improved survival rates and quality of life for those battling this aggressive form of cancer.
In essence, this biomarker could bridge the gap between treatment and response, making the fight against metastatic colorectal cancer more targeted and effective.
ScoresLowering Blood Pressure May Reduce Dementia Risk in Black and Latino Communities
Lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg may reduce dementia risk among Black, Latino populations.
Systolic blood pressure—the top number in a blood pressure reading—measures the force exerted by the heart's contraction on the arteries. Keeping this number below 120 mmHg could shield Black and Latino communities from dementia.
This finding, based on a recent study, suggests a simple, actionable step to combat a complex, devastating condition. It underscores the importance of early and consistent blood pressure management in high-risk groups.
The implications are clear: proactive healthcare, particularly in communities where resources may be scarce, can make a significant difference. It's a call to action for both individuals and the healthcare system to prioritize prevention and early intervention.
In essence, this research highlights a practical, effective way to potentially save minds and lives. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful solutions are the simplest.
ScoresSports
Carlos Alcaraz Retains Wimbledon Title with Dominant Win Over Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz, 21, dominated Novak Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) to retain his Wimbledon title. The Spaniard's serve and athleticism overwhelmed Djokovic, who aimed to match Roger Federer's eight Wimbledon titles. Alcaraz's fourth grand slam win positions him as a tennis great. Djokovic struggled with double faults and Alcaraz's relentless pace, only finding form in the tight third set. Alcaraz sealed victory in a tie-break, cheered by a royal audience.
ScoresFood
Vietnam Faces Surge in African Swine Fever Outbreaks
Vietnam is experiencing a surge in African swine fever outbreaks, with 660 cases reported this year compared to 208 last year. The number of culled pigs has increased fivefold. The disease poses a threat to food supplies and inflation. The government has directed its efforts towards vaccination, with two domestically produced vaccines currently in use. Rising pork prices are contributing to increased consumer costs.
African swine fever (ASF) is a deadly viral disease that affects pigs and had no cure or vaccine until recently. Vietnam's new vaccines represent a global first, but further testing is recommended.
ScoresBaiwang Tea姬 is accelerating its expansion, poaching talent from Starbucks and Huawei.
Bawang Tea姬, a rapidly expanding tea beverage brand, is poaching talent from companies like Starbucks and Huawei. Its goal is clear: to surpass Starbucks China in sales by 2024. In 2023, Bawang Tea姬's sales reached 10.8 billion yuan, and it is projected to exceed 20 billion yuan in 2024. Starbucks China's sales for 2023 were 22.9 billion yuan. Since its establishment in 2017, Bawang Tea姬 has expanded to over 4,500 stores.
The poaching efforts demonstrate its ambition and determination, bringing in talent from competitors and tech companies to strengthen brand marketing and management. Behind the rapid growth in figures lies the brand's pursuit of depth and breadth in the market.
Scores