World News Daily(2024-08-12) : The State Council of China is promoting the comprehensive green transformation of transportation and energy.
The State Council of China is promoting the comprehensive green transformation of transportation and energy.
The State Council of China has issued the "Opinions on Accelerating the Comprehensive Green Transformation of Economic and Social Development," aimed at promoting the green transformation of the transportation industry. The plan emphasizes the promotion of new energy vehicles and electrified urban public service vehicles, and encourages the use of clean power for ships, aircraft, and non-road mobile machinery. The goal is to reduce the carbon emission intensity of operational vehicles by 9.5% by 2030 and to make new energy vehicles the mainstream by 2035. Additionally, the document involves enhancing the green and intelligent level of transportation infrastructure, developing a low-carbon transportation service system, and improving the utilization of new energy and urban-rural logistics distribution systems. In terms of energy transition, the State Council plans to vigorously develop non-fossil energy, advance the construction of clean energy bases and new energy development, with the goal of increasing the proportion of non-fossil energy consumption to 25% by 2030.
ScoresPolitics
US Accelerates Middle East Deployment Amid Iran-Israel Tensions
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the Abraham Lincoln strike group, including fighter jets and navy warships, to speed up deployment to the Middle East. This move follows the assassination of senior Hamas and Hezbollah members, sparking fears of retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israel.
Austin also announced the deployment of a guided missile submarine, a rare public disclosure. This follows earlier commitments to bolster Israeli defenses with additional jets and warships.
Ismail Haniyeh, a key Hamas leader, was killed in Tehran, with Iran blaming Israel, though Israel has not claimed responsibility. The killing of Hezbollah's Fuad Shukr in Beirut further escalated tensions, raising fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
Hamas, backed by Iran, has shown reluctance to resume ceasefire negotiations, despite calls from the US, Egypt, and Qatar for talks to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release by August 15.
Israel has indicated its willingness to negotiate, but Hamas's recent statements suggest it may avoid further talks, demanding a direct implementation of previously agreed terms based on President Biden's proposal.
In Gaza, thousands fled Khan Younis after Israeli warnings of a new operation targeting regrouped Hamas militants. The city saw extensive damage earlier this year during prolonged Israeli military efforts.
Biden's three-phase ceasefire proposal, outlined in May, has faced repeated obstacles in implementation.
ScoresASEAN Unity at Risk as Members Pursue Diverse Global Alliances
ASEAN's unity is showing signs of strain as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia pursue divergent global alliances. Indonesia is eyeing membership in the OECD, Thailand is interested in both the OECD and BRICS, while Malaysia is leaning towards BRICS.
The OECD, consisting of developed nations, stands in contrast to BRICS, which represents the Global South. Indonesia, with a GDP per capita of $4,942, is closer to the economic range of BRICS, yet it seeks OECD membership for credibility and economic reform. Malaysia, with a higher GDP per capita, views BRICS as a means to diversify and reduce reliance on the dollar.
Each country's choice reflects its unique diplomatic history and current economic needs. Indonesia's past as a non-aligned leader influences its bid for OECD membership. Malaysia's strategic shift towards BRICS aims to navigate geopolitical risks. Thailand's dual pursuit balances current and future markets.
ASEAN's cohesion is under pressure as its members pursue independent paths in a rapidly changing global order.
ScoresSociety
NASA Records Earth's Hottest Day Amid Climate Concerns
On July 22, 2024, Earth set a record for the hottest day ever recorded. NASA data shows that temperatures on this day surpassed previous records. The days of July 21 and 23 also broke previous records. These high temperatures are attributed to human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions.
ScoresWorld's Largest Oil and Gas Platform Built in China
China-built Mazan Oil and Gas Gathering and Transportation Platform, weighing 17,000 tons, is the largest in the world. It took 34 months to construct and is set to head to the waters off Saudi Arabia. The platform integrates cutting-edge systems, with a deck as large as 15 basketball courts and standing as tall as a 25-story building. It has an annual oil transportation capacity of 2,400 million tons and a gas transportation capacity of 7.4 billion cubic meters. Following the increase in oilfield production, it will produce 2,400 million tons of oil annually, equivalent to the annual output of China's Shengli Oilfield.
ScoresEconomy
Yuewen Group's first-half performance is impressive, with AI technology poised to drive future development.
Yuewen Group, a leading Chinese online literature giant, reported a revenue of 4.19 billion yuan for the first half of the year, up 27.7%. Net profit reached 702 million yuan, an increase of 16.4%. There were significant breakthroughs in IP construction, with profits from this segment totaling 504 million yuan, up 33.9%. The film "Hot and Spicy Rollicking" topped the box office, boosting the company's stock price. AI is becoming a future driver of growth. Yuewen focuses on the development and operation of intellectual property (IP), which refers to original content such as novels and comics that can be adapted across media into films, games, etc. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), Yuewen enhances the efficiency of creation and operation.
ScoresCentral Banks Shift from Dollars to Gold Amid Currency Concerns
Central banks are ditching dollars for gold. US debt's a problem, warned Fed's Powell. Bukele calls US money-printing a bubble. Dollar's grip weakens in global reserves. Gold's appeal grows, seen as stable. IMF data shows dollar's share down. Yuan's reserve use also drops. Gold buying hits high in 2023. China leads in gold hoarding. India boosts gold reserves, moves some home. Geopolitical tensions drive gold demand. Bukele criticizes US financial system.
Gold's allure stems from its perceived stability and non-reliance on any single nation's policies. Central banks, wary of geopolitical risks and currency manipulation, are shifting towards this traditional safe-haven asset. The trend underscores a broader loss of faith in fiat currencies, especially the dollar, amid ongoing global uncertainties.
ScoresTechnology
VideoDoodles: Simplifying Hand-Drawn Animation Integration in Videos
VideoDoodles simplifies adding hand-drawn animations to videos. Traditionally, this task was complex. Now, it's straightforward. The tool integrates these animations seamlessly with video content.
Hand-drawn animations, once a challenge to insert into videos, are now easily managed with VideoDoodles. This innovation streamlines the process, making it accessible for all.
ScoresMozilla Revives Firefox with Focus on Privacy and Innovation
Mozilla's new interim CEO, Laura Chambers, is refocusing on Firefox. After years of neglect chasing other ventures, like VPN and email masking, Firefox is back in the spotlight. Chambers sees it as crucial not just for Mozilla but for the internet itself.
They're adding features like vertical tabs and tab grouping, and rethinking web apps. Mozilla's also testing a privacy-focused ad measurement system, which is less invasive than Google's alternatives.
Financially, Mozilla leans heavily on Google, which paid $510 million to be Firefox's default search engine in 2022. Chambers aims to reduce this dependency, exploring ad-tech and generative AI as potential revenue streams.
Expect a stronger marketing push for Firefox, emphasizing its independence and commitment to user privacy. Mozilla's strategy is to quickly test new products and features, seeing what sticks.
ScoresExploring Open Source Tools for Enhanced Productivity
Open source tools provide alternatives to proprietary software, emphasizing transparency, security, and customization. TechCrunch highlights several open source apps that cater to productivity needs, appealing to prosumers, freelancers, and small businesses.
Penpot: An open source design tool, gaining popularity after Adobe's failed Figma acquisition.
Cal.com: A scheduling tool, rivaling Calendly, with self-hosting options and a recent $25 million funding round.
Screenity: A Chrome-based screen recording tool, providing an open source alternative to Loom.
Jitsi: A self-hostable video conferencing platform, contrasting with Zoom, with community-driven development since 2003.
Nextcloud: Offers cloud storage solutions, prioritizing privacy and data sovereignty, with both self-hosting and third-party options.
Ghost: An open source publishing platform, providing a cheaper, fee-free alternative to Substack and Medium.
TabbyML: Aims to be an open source, self-hostable coding copilot, raising $3.2 million in seed funding.
Chatwoot: An open source customer support platform, allowing self-hosting to keep data in-house.
PhotoPrism: A photo management tool, emerging as an alternative after Google Photos ended its free unlimited tier.
Bitwarden: A password manager with an open source model, raising $100 million while offering transparency in its code.
AppFlowy: An open source Notion alternative, focusing on task management and collaboration, with $6.4 million in funding.
Dub.co: Provides an open source solution for link shortening and management, allowing self-hosting and personalization.
Open source tools, despite potential downsides like limited support and features, offer a viable path to avoid Big Tech dominance, emphasizing freedom and collaboration.
ScoresEntertainment
Deadpool & Wolverine Surpasses $1 Billion at Global Box Office
"Deadpool & Wolverine" crossed $1 billion globally. Only the second R-rated film to do so. Surpassed "Joker," which made $1.078 billion. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman led the charge. Disney and Marvel's strategy paid off: viral marketing, perfect release timing, and relentless promotion. The film's success marks a rebound for Disney post-pandemic.
Disney's reliance on established franchises is evident. "Inside Out 2" also hit $1 billion this year. Upcoming films like "Moana 2," "Toy Story 5," and "Frozen III" aim for similar heights. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, already at $30 billion, continues with new titles like "Captain America: Brave New World" and "Avengers: Secret Wars."
ScoresAI Voice Cloning Resurrects Hollywood Icons
Hollywood's past stars, such as Burt Reynolds and Judy Garland, are making a comeback through AI voice cloning. ElevenLabs, supported by major venture capital firms, enables this with its IconicVoices tool. The tool allows these stars' voices to read texts within an app but restricts exporting the voices or using them outside the app.
This technology, though controversial, is being handled through agreements with celebrity estates. It provides a controlled method to utilize AI voices, sidestepping some legal and ethical concerns. ElevenLabs collaborates with prominent publishers and was selected by Disney for its accelerator program.
Crafting a professional voice clone necessitates approximately 30 minutes of high-quality audio. The AI analyzes the actor's vocal patterns and subtleties, striving to sound identical to the real person.
Nonetheless, the technology sparks concerns. Voice actors fear their roles might be usurped or their voices used without permission. Legal disputes regarding AI voice usage are already underway.
ElevenLabs asserts that it prioritizes safety, implementing content moderation and accountability protocols. The future of AI voice technology appears promising yet intricate, with ongoing discussions about permissions, remuneration, and control.
ScoresHealth
Investigation of Water Body Pollution in Osaka Prefecture and Abnormalities in Resident Blood Tests
In Settsu City, Osaka Prefecture, organic fluorine compounds were detected in groundwater at levels 400 times above the standard. A civil group conducted blood tests on over a thousand residents, and about 30% were found to be above the normal range. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are difficult to degrade and accumulate in the environment and human bodies, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." The World Health Organization has classified two of these substances as carcinogenic or possibly carcinogenic. Abnormalities in water bodies and blood tests of residents in multiple Japanese regions are suspected to be related to U.S. military bases and Self-Defense Forces bases. The Japanese government has initiated a nationwide investigation into harmful substances in tap water.
PFAS: A class of chemicals widely used in products such as non-stick pans and waterproof clothing. Due to their persistence and accumulative nature, they pose a risk to human health.
ScoresRevolutionary 'Smart' Insulin Aims to Transform Diabetes Management
Scientists have created a new type of insulin that adjusts to blood sugar levels in real time. This "smart" insulin could revolutionize how millions with type 1 diabetes manage their condition.
Currently, patients inject synthetic insulin up to 10 times a day. This constant need to balance blood sugar can lead to health issues and stress. The new insulin, known as glucose-responsive insulin (GRI), only activates when blood sugar is high, preventing both high and low blood sugar levels.
Researchers from the US, Australia, and China are collaborating on this project. They've received millions in funding to expedite development. The aim is to reduce the frequency of insulin injections, potentially to once a week.
This new insulin mimics the body's natural response to sugar levels. It could alleviate the daily challenges of managing diabetes and enhance overall health. The research is backed by organizations like Diabetes UK and JDRF, with the goal of achieving transformative advancements in diabetes care.
ScoresNew Electrochemical Method for Efficient Chiral Molecule Synthesis
Professor Wang Jianchun from Southern University of Science and Technology has proposed a new electrochemical cyclic deracemization method, addressing the issue of incompatible redox potentials. This method, through electrocatalysis, theoretically achieves 100% atomic utilization without the need for expensive chiral reagents, simplifying the synthesis process of drug molecules.
Chiral molecules are crucial in drug synthesis but are typically difficult to obtain from racemic molecules in a single configuration. Professor Wang Jianchun's method efficiently converts racemic molecules into a single configuration through electrochemical cycling, enhancing synthesis efficiency.
This research not only theoretically proves its feasibility but also demonstrates its broad application potential in experiments. Professor Wang Jianchun's research team has achieved electrocatalytic cyclic deracemization by chemically modifying electrodes, bringing new hope to the field of medicinal chemistry.
Inspired by the pursuit of simple solutions, Professor Wang Jianchun believes that simple strategies often solve complex problems. This achievement not only complements existing technologies but also provides new directions for future drug development.
ScoresSports
Paris 2024 Olympics Close with Star-Studded Ceremony
The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded with a spectacular finale. Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance at the Stade de France to pass the flag to Los Angeles, which will host the 2028 Games. The ceremony was capped off with performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr Dre on Venice Beach.
Gold medalists Alex Yee and Bryony Page led Great Britain, finishing seventh in the medal table with 65 medals, an improvement from their tally at Tokyo 2020.
IOC president Thomas Bach described these Games as "sensational," highlighting a new era of full gender parity and sustainability. He commended the athletes for demonstrating human excellence and promoting a culture of peace.
The Paralympics will commence in Paris on August 28.
ScoresLos Angeles to Host 2028 Olympics with Focus on Sustainability and New Sports
Los Angeles is set to host the 2028 Olympics, marking the third time for the city. The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 14, 2028, and for the first time, the Paralympics will be included.
No new permanent structures are planned; existing venues such as the LA Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium will be utilized. Beach volleyball will be held on an actual beach.
Sustainability is a key focus, with the aim of a car-free event, relying on buses. The budget is estimated at nearly $7 billion.
New sports debuting include cricket, lacrosse, paraclimbing, and flag football. Baseball/softball and squash are returning, while skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing continue.
Stars to watch include Keely Hodgkinson, Léon Marchand, and Sky Brown. Simone Biles' participation is uncertain.
LA faces challenges in matching Paris's public transport and setting a new standard for Olympic glamour.
ScoresFood
Innovative Approaches to Reducing Sugar in Foods
Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute are developing a "sugar-to-fiber" enzyme. This enzyme, encased in tiny pectin cages, converts sugar to fiber in the intestine. The goal is to reduce sugar absorption by 30%. This technology could also address lactose and gluten issues. It remains costly and is better suited for solid foods.
Another approach comes from Biolumen's Monch Monch, a drink mix that uses microscopic sponges to absorb sugar in the stomach. One gram can sequester six grams of sugar. It is available online, and discussions are underway with food manufacturers.
Magic Spoon uses allulose, a natural sugar derived from figs and raisins, which does not contribute to sugar totals on labels. Tate & Lyle produces allulose from corn, and it tastes like sugar but is not metabolized.
Blommer Chocolate uses Incredo, a sugar modified to taste sweeter with a fast-dissolving mineral carrier. This allows for up to 50% less sugar in products.
Researchers are also modifying individual sugar crystals to dissolve quickly, enhancing sweetness.
ScoresNew Insights into Gluten's Role in Celiac Disease
Scientists have discovered how gluten triggers celiac disease, which begins in the cells lining the gut rather than solely in immune cells. These gut lining cells enhance the immune response, leading to symptoms. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa can exacerbate the condition. This finding could pave the way for new medications. Currently, only gluten-free diets provide relief, but they are not flawless. The study has been published in Gastroenterology.
Celiac disease: an immune reaction to gluten that causes gut damage and symptoms such as diarrhea and bloating.
Gluten: a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a harmful bacterium often found in hospitals, known for causing infections.
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