World News Daily(2024-07-29) : Japan and U.S. Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Global Threats
Japan and U.S. Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Global Threats
TOKYO — Japan and the U.S. strengthen defense ties. Two-plus-two meeting held in Tokyo. Ministers pledge to enhance interoperability and cooperation. Emphasis on Indo-Pacific and global threats. Challenges from China, North Korea, and Russia highlighted.
U.S. to 'reconstitute' forces based in Japan. New USFJ to coordinate security activities. Essential for contingency planning. Japan’s defense capabilities bolstered. Constitutional limits relaxed.
Tensions in the South China Sea noted. China’s activities condemned. Concerns over the Taiwan Strait raised. Multilateral coordination emphasized.
Production of Patriot PAC-3 and Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air missiles increased. Extended deterrence meeting conducted. Nuclear threats from North Korea and China addressed.
Trilateral memorandum of understanding with South Korea. Plans for real-time intelligence sharing, regular meetings, and joint exercises.
ScoresPolitics
"Malaysia Seeks to Join BRICS Economic Bloc"
Malaysia is expressing interest in joining BRICS. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has sent a letter to Russia, the current chair of BRICS, indicating a desire to become a strategic partner. Discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov centered around this goal. BRICS, an alliance of significant emerging economies, is now considering Malaysia as a potential addition to its ranks.
Scores"Trump Advocates for National Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Crypto Policy"
Trump pledges national Bitcoin reserve, vows never to sell. At Nashville's Bitcoin conference, he advocated for U.S. mining and a comprehensive crypto policy. His stance aligns with fears of Chinese dominance in digital assets. Trump sees crypto as a burgeoning industry, potentially surpassing gold. He criticizes Democrats, promising to dismiss SEC's Gary Gensler if re-elected. This move aims to appease the crypto community, which views Gensler as hostile.
Trump's pivot on crypto reflects his business acumen. He previously dismissed Bitcoin but now leverages it for political gain and fundraising. His NFT sales underscore his adaptability. Meanwhile, Democrats under Biden have alienated the crypto sector, leaving an opening for Trump.
The 2024 election could redefine crypto regulation. Trump's support from the crypto elite signals a shift in political alignment. His message resonates with those disillusioned by Democratic policies. The race for the White House now hinges on digital currency's future.
ScoresGlobal Leaders Urge Restraint in Israel-Lebanon Conflict
Global leaders urge Israel to halt attacks on Lebanon, fearing a broader war. A rocket strike killed 12 children in the Golan Heights, sparking international diplomacy. The White House blames Hezbollah, while seeking a diplomatic solution to end all attacks.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasize the need to prevent conflict escalation. The UN calls for maximum restraint, warning of a catastrophic regional war.
In Israel, public anger grows over the strike in Majdal Shams. Funeral processions for the children draw thousands. Netanyahu vows revenge, cutting short a US visit to address the crisis. Israeli jets retaliate with strikes on southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah denies responsibility for the attack, attributing it to a malfunctioning Iron Dome missile. US envoy Amos Hochstein engages with Lebanese leaders to ease tensions.
Mediators, including CIA head William Burns and Mossad's David Barnea, meet in Rome to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire and secure the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah suggests halting attacks on Israel's northern border if Gaza fighting stops.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon intensify, causing displacement on both sides. Lebanon's foreign minister requests US intervention to curb Israeli aggression and Hezbollah's retaliation.
ScoresSociety
Global Forests' Carbon Absorption Capacity Diminishes Amid Climate Stress
High temperatures, droughts, and wildfires in 2023 weakened Earth's forests, reducing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This study, though preliminary, is alarming as it suggests a critical buffer against climate change is failing. Despite modest fossil fuel emissions, carbon dioxide levels rose, indicating a significant drop in the planet's carbon absorption capacity. Key areas affected include the Amazon, Southeast Asia, and Canada's boreal forests, which have been severely impacted by drought and fires.
Carbon Sink: A natural or artificial reservoir that stores carbon-containing compounds, thereby reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
ScoresThe development of autonomous driving technology and its impact on society.
Autonomous vehicles, benefiting from artificial intelligence, are rapidly developing. Wuhan has become the first city to commercially deploy driverless taxis, sparking widespread discussion.
- Safety: Autonomous driving is safer than human driving, relying on high-precision sensors and algorithms, with a very low chance of errors.
- Hybrid Driving Risks: These are difficult to resolve in the short term; an ideal solution is to restrict human drivers from the roads.
- Role of Safety Officers: With technological advancements, the responsibilities of safety officers are shifting towards remote assistance and takeover.
- Traffic Congestion: Autonomous driving may alleviate congestion, but the complexities of urban functional zoning and the allocation of living and working spaces remain challenging.
- Car Ownership Perceptions: Autonomous taxis, similar to buses, have low usage costs, diminishing the significance of private car ownership.
- Vehicle Form: Autonomous driving frees up the driver's seat, opening up interior space functions, and vehicles may become mobile functional spaces.
- Technical Level: Domestic autonomous driving technology is on par with international standards, and vehicle-road coordination still holds value in specific scenarios.
- New Career Opportunities: Technological evolution brings new professions, such as cloud chauffeur safety officers, prompting society to consider new models and opportunities.
Autonomous driving is not just a technological revolution but also a profound impact on urban planning, transportation systems, and social employment. Future cities need to imaginatively envision a friendly human-machine-environment system.
ScoresEconomy
Chinese Mobile Games Dominate Global Markets in H1 2024
In the first half of 2024, global mobile game revenues reached $325 billion. Chinese games overseas generated $154 billion, more than half of the total. Top earners such as "MONOPOLY GO." and "荒野乱斗" spearheaded the revenue surge. Notably, 122 games each surpassed $1 billion in earnings, with five exceeding $10 billion.
Sensor Tower data indicates a thriving market, particularly for Chinese developers. This trend highlights a worldwide demand for mobile gaming, with Chinese titles dominating international markets.
ScoresGlobal Semiconductor Sales Surge to $1 Trillion Driven by AI and Automotive Tech
Semiconductor sales are projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, according to analysts. This growth is fueled by surging demand in AI, automotive technology, and smart environments. The industry's expansion necessitates more than 100,000 tech workers, leading to a potential labor shortage.
AI may become the industry's savior, with fully autonomous wafer factories on the horizon. These facilities, driven by generative AI, promise high efficiency with minimal human involvement.
Global competition intensifies as countries invest billions in domestic chip production. The U.S., despite a $520 billion investment, could fall behind, holding only a 10% market share.
NVIDIA distinguishes itself, with its market capitalization exceeding $3 trillion. The AI chip leader holds a 10% share of global semiconductor revenue, surpassing industry giants like Intel and Samsung. NVIDIA's success stems from its ability to acquire chips at a fraction of their market price, a strategy that could further extend its advantage.
The outlook for semiconductors is promising, but it is a race against time and talent. The victors will be those who innovate the fastest and recruit the smartest.
ScoresTechnology
AI-powered electron microscopy reveals battery failure mechanisms, aiding the development of new materials.
Researcher Wang Chunyang from the Institute of Metal Research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a super-resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging technique by integrating deep learning with atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging. This technology has revealed the complex phase interface structures, phase transformation failure mechanisms, and mechanical instability mechanisms of layered oxide cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Wang Chunyang's research not only deepens the understanding of the failure mechanisms of layered oxides but also guides the development of next-generation battery cathode materials.
Layered oxides are key materials for lithium-ion batteries, but their phase transformation degradation and stress-induced failure issues limit battery performance. Wang Chunyang's research has revealed, at the atomic scale, the delithiation-induced lattice instability leading to the O3→O1 phase transformation in layered oxides, and found that this transformation is not entirely reversible. Additionally, he discovered a stress-induced phase transformation mechanism that challenges traditional understandings.
Based on these findings, Wang Chunyang designed new high-nickel cathode materials, which maintain a capacity retention rate of over 85% even after 1000 cycles, far exceeding existing materials. His research has shortened the development cycle of new materials and provided important theoretical support for enhancing the performance of electric vehicle batteries.
Wang Chunyang emphasizes that scientific research should not overly rely on equipment but should focus on the scientific issues themselves. His research achievements demonstrate this point, offering new perspectives and methods for the field of materials science.
ScoresNew 3D Material Design Method Promises Advanced Applications
Scientists have solved a longstanding issue in material design: the absence of a mathematical foundation for three-dimensional conformal methods. A team led by Professors Qiu Chengwei and Huang Jiping has developed a new technique called Conformality-Assisted Tracing (CAT). This method enables the precise and efficient design of complex 3D structures, surpassing previous geometric constraints.
CAT operates by utilizing steady-state heat flow to generate a 3D grid of lines and surfaces. This grid, which preserves angles and scale, can be employed to design materials that manage heat, light, and other physical properties. The method is forward-looking, designing materials based on desired outcomes rather than modifying existing ones.
The potential applications are extensive. CAT could transform the design of metamaterials, providing innovative solutions in fields such as stealth technology and industrial applications. The team is now exploring the expansion of CAT's applications to fluid dynamics and elasticity, with the goal of addressing challenges like chip cooling and aircraft insulation.
This breakthrough, published in Nature Computational Science, represents a significant advancement in the field of material science, promising more efficient and versatile material designs.
ScoresOpenAI Launches SearchGPT, Revolutionizing AI Search
SearchGPT, OpenAI's new AI search tool, promises faster responses and richer content than competitors. It delivers results in under 4 seconds, uses conversational formats, and includes multimedia elements like images and videos. This launch pressures both established giants like Google and emerging startups in the AI search space.
OpenAI emphasizes partnerships with publishers to avoid copyright issues and enhance content quality. This strategy aims to build a robust ecosystem, crucial for maintaining search relevance and credibility.
The entry of OpenAI, with its vast user base and advanced models, significantly narrows opportunities for AI search startups. These smaller firms face intense competition and high operational costs, particularly in building extensive index databases.
Despite challenges, AI search startups are focusing on niche markets like e-commerce and enterprise solutions, hoping to carve out sustainable roles in a rapidly evolving industry.
ScoresVideo Game
"Steins;Gate" 15th Anniversary Livestream to Announce New Information on Series Sequel
The 15th Anniversary live stream for "Steins;Gate" is scheduled for October 27th. Original cast members such as Mamoru Miyano and Kana Hanazawa will be in attendance. The stream will unveil new information about the upcoming series sequel, which is expected to launch in 2024.
"Steins;Gate Day" commemorates July 28, 2010, the day Okabe Rintaro first observed a shift in the world line. MAGES. plans to release new games and content to celebrate this occasion.
Illustrator huke has created a 15th-anniversary commemorative artwork. Makoto Asada revealed that the sequel is packed with surprises, and he himself is eagerly anticipating its release.
ScoresEntertainment
Deadpool & Wolverine Breaks R-Rated Movie Record with $205m Debut
Deadpool & Wolverine, a Marvel flick, raked in $205 million in its opening weekend in North America. This figure tops the previous R-rated record set by the first Deadpool, at $132 million. Globally, the movie grossed over $438.3 million.
The film's success marks a significant comeback for Marvel Studios, which has faced recent box office disappointments. It also highlights a crucial moment for the film industry, struggling with lower box office returns compared to the previous year.
Critics and audiences alike have responded positively, with an A CinemaScore rating. Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, announced at San Diego Comic-Con that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has now surpassed $30 billion in box-office earnings.
In a surprising turn, Robert Downey Jr. announced his return to Marvel, but not as Iron Man. Instead, he will portray the villain Doctor Doom in upcoming Avengers films.
ScoresBini, a Philippine girl group, gains global recognition.
Bini, a Philippine girl group, is making waves. Formed in 2019, they debuted in 2021. Their first solo concert, Biniverse, expanded to three days due to high demand. Fans, called Blooms, rave about the experience.
The group's name, Bini, means "young lady" in Tagalog. They've hosted unique events like a 5-kilometer Bini Run, attracting early morning crowds. Their single "Pantropiko" exploded, garnering over 54 million YouTube views. K-pop group UNIS even covered it.
Bini's influence extends to commercials and partnerships with global brands like Samsung and Unilever. In June, they became the first Philippine artist on Spotify's global Top Artists chart. They're now targeting the international market with an all-English single and upcoming concerts in Canada and the U.S.
Bini's rise is a testament to their talent and the growing global interest in P-pop. Their blend of local charm and international appeal positions them as a cultural force to watch.
ScoresHealth
NanoRanger Technology: A New Breakthrough in Rapid Gene Testing
Saudi researchers have developed NanoRanger technology, a rapid method for gene detection. It can diagnose Mendelian genetic diseases within a few hours, a significant advancement compared to the six-year wait with traditional methods. NanoRanger efficiently identifies gene mutations through molecular biology strategies, with low costs and minimal sample requirements. The technology has successfully diagnosed 13 cases of familial genomic diseases that were missed by traditional tests, helping families avoid tragic genetic diseases.
Mendelian genetic diseases: Inherited disorders caused by mutations in a single gene, such as cystic fibrosis. Molecular biology strategies: Scientific methods that study biological processes at the molecular level.
ScoresUltrasonic Localization Microscopy Innovation in Heart Disease Diagnosis
Coronary heart disease, one of the fatal illnesses, has been difficult to detect with traditional imaging techniques due to the small blood vessels within the heart muscle. Professor Tang Mengxing and his team have broken through technological barriers by developing ultrasound localization microscopy, which has achieved the first in vivo super-resolution imaging of the heart.
This technology utilizes ultrasound waves and micron-sized bubbles to generate high-definition images of microvessels within the heart muscle, setting a new standard for spatial resolution. This breakthrough not only enhances our understanding of microvascular coronary artery disease but also opens new avenues for early detection of heart conditions.
Reviewers have praised it as the highest-resolution image of the coronary vascular system in vivo, signaling a revolution in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Additionally, the technology holds broad potential and may be applied to areas such as tumors and brain diseases in the future.
Professor Tang emphasized that while initial success has been achieved, further technical optimization and extensive clinical research are needed to fully realize its clinical and research value. The team is currently collaborating with clinical experts from multiple fields to explore the potential applications of super-resolution ultrasound technology in other diseases.
ScoresExperimental drug BLZ945 shows promise in clearing HIV from the brain.
Research from Tulane University reveals that the anticancer drug BLZ945 can significantly reduce HIV levels in the brain. This drug targets infected cells, providing a new strategy for clearing viral reservoirs. The study was published in the journal "Brain," marking an important advancement in the fight against HIV.
Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) is effective, it cannot eradicate the virus and requires lifelong treatment. The virus hides in "viral reservoirs" such as the brain, where the blood-brain barrier hinders treatment. Long-term infection of brain macrophages leads to neurocognitive disorders.
The research focuses on macrophages, using the small molecule inhibitor BLZ945 to block receptors and reduce viral load. High-dose treatment reduced viral DNA by 95-99%, without affecting microglial cells or showing signs of liver toxicity.
Next, the study will test the combination of BLZ945 with ART to evaluate its efficacy, paving the way for a comprehensive eradication of HIV.
ScoresNew Method Uses Light to Completely Break Down Harmful PFAS Chemicals
Researchers from Ritsumeikan University have discovered a new method to completely decompose perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFAS) using visible light at room temperature, a harmful chemical substance commonly known as the "forever chemical." This method decomposes PFAS into fluoride ions within 8 hours, enabling sustainable recovery of fluorine.
PFAS, due to its stability, is widely used in products such as cookware, clothing, and firefighting foams, but this stability makes it difficult to decompose in the environment, posing threats to health and the environment. Traditionally, PFAS requires temperatures above 400°C to decompose, making its treatment challenging.
The new method utilizes visible LED light to irradiate semiconductor nanocrystals, efficiently decomposing PFAS into fluoride ions through a mechanism involving photoinduced ligand displacement and Auger-induced electron injection. This method is conducted at room temperature, simplifying the treatment process.
The study was published in "Angewandte Chemie International Edition," and Professor Yoichi Kobayashi, the lead author, believes that this method has the potential to effectively decompose various PFAS under mild conditions, contributing to a sustainable fluorine recovery society.
By recovering fluorine from discarded PFAS, the reliance on fluorine production can be reduced, establishing a more sustainable recycling process. This technology will promote the development of fluorine recovery techniques, which are crucial in multiple industries.
ScoresSports
Olympic Badminton: Zhou Tianchen and Luis Ramon Garrido's Resilient Match
In Paris, at the 2024 Olympics, Taiwan's Zhou Tianchen faced Mexico's Luis Ramon Garrido in a gripping badminton match. Both athletes, survivors of severe illnesses, showcased fierce determination. Zhou, overcoming cancer, and Garrido, recovering from rhabdomyolysis, played with a vigor that resonated beyond the court.
The match was intense. Zhou took the first game 21-17, followed by a decisive 21-13 in the second. The crowd, aware of their battles, applauded not just the skill but the spirit of both players. Post-match, they embraced, exchanging words of respect and well-wishes.
This encounter transcended sport, embodying the Olympic ethos of resilience and camaraderie. It was a reminder that on the global stage, personal triumphs often speak louder than victories.
ScoresSimone Biles Dominates Olympic Qualifying Despite Injury
Simone Biles returned to the Olympics, leading the all-around qualifying with a score of 59.566. The Bercy Arena was filled with excitement, with celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Ariana Grande in attendance. Biles had a challenging start on the balance beam, notorious for its unpredictability, but she handled it smoothly, setting a high standard for her comeback.
Despite a calf injury, Biles persevered, qualifying first on vault and floor, and second on the beam. Her performance on the uneven bars made her the first alternate. Rivals like Rebeca Andrade and Sunisa Lee also delivered strong performances, though Biles remained at the forefront.
Biles' coach, Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, minimized the impact of the injury, noting Biles' determination to compete. Biles herself stayed positive, smiling and conversing with teammates despite the discomfort. Her resilience was evident, particularly during her floor and vault routines, where she executed complex moves with accuracy.
ScoresKenyan Runner Helps Uncover Doping Scandal
Victor Burgos, chief investigator at Usada, met a Kenyan runner in New York. The runner had tested positive for 19-nortestosterone, a steroid. Burgos offered a deal: help catch other dopers, keep running.
The runner was shocked, initially denied. Burgos suggested a walk, a coffee. They talked. Burgos explained the runner’s options, the gravity of his situation. The runner listened, understood.
Burgos knew the runner trained in Kenya, a camp with strict anti-doping policies. The runner was now headed to a US camp, known for its long mountain trails and altitude training. Some athletes there used performance-enhancers, EPO and steroids.
Burgos weighed the runner’s potential. An established Olympian might not talk; this runner, more likely. Burgos decided to approach personally, avoid the usual legalized notice. He wanted to soften the blow, ensure the runner didn’t walk away distraught.
They met, talked. Burgos laid out the opportunity. The runner considered, accepted. Burgos saw a chance to make a difference, catch others. The runner saw a way to continue, contribute.
In the end, it was a deal. The runner would help, Burgos would help the runner. Both aimed to clean up the sport, one step at a time.
ScoresFood
EU Olive Oil Fraud Reaches Record High Amid Rising Prices
Olive oil fraud has reached a record high in the EU, with prices doubling since 2018 due to climate crisis-induced extreme weather and other factors. This surge has fueled a hidden market for fraud and mislabeling.
In the first quarter of 2023, 50 cases of potential fraud and mislabeling were recorded, a threefold increase from 2018. These cases include oils contaminated with unauthorized substances such as pesticides and mineral oils, as well as glass fragments.
Extra virgin olive oil, a premium unrefined oil, was often adulterated with cheaper oils or mislabeled. For example, lampante oil, which is unfit for direct consumption, was sold as extra virgin.
Italy, Spain, and Greece top the list of reported fraud cases. The EU introduced new rules in 2022 to combat this, focusing on conformity checks and analytical methods.
Despite the increase in reported cases, the EU claims this reflects better vigilance and cooperation among member states, not an exacerbated risk.
Professor Chris Elliott notes that contaminated olive oil is unlikely to appear in big supermarkets, but small businesses and food services are more vulnerable.
Climate-driven inflation often leads to increased fraud in commodities like olive oil, chocolate, and coffee. The more processed a food, the higher the risk of fraud.
Italian authorities seized 380 tonnes of fraudulent oil products last year, worth over €2 million, and reported 17 individuals to judicial authorities for serious violations.
Scores