World News Daily(2024-08-25) : Tuíre Kayapó: Champion of Indigenous Rights in the Amazon
Tuíre Kayapó: Champion of Indigenous Rights in the Amazon
Tuíre Kayapó, a Kayapo leader, died at 57, fighting for her tribe's rights in Brazil's Amazon. In 1989, at 19, she rallied 600 indigenous people against a dam on the Xingu River, vital for her tribe's survival and spirituality. Kayapó confronted the project head with a machete, declaring, "White man, you have no forest." This act made her a global symbol of indigenous resistance.
Her efforts delayed the dam's construction for 20 years, earning her the title of the woman who "postponed the end of the world." Kayapó's fight highlights the ongoing impact of Western colonialism and genocide, threatening indigenous lives worldwide. Her legacy challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the Earth and each other, advocating for harmony and respect.
ScoresPolitics
Meta Discovers Iranian Hackers Targeting U.S. Officials via WhatsApp
Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, recently blocked several accounts linked to Iranian hackers. These accounts were targeting officials from both Biden's and Trump's teams. The hackers, known as APT42, are suspected of being state-sponsored. They attempted to deceive individuals by posing as tech support for major companies such as AOL and Microsoft. Meta is collaborating with law enforcement to thwart their activities. This development occurs as the U.S. approaches another major election, heightening concerns about digital security and potential interference.
ScoresThe United States expands export restrictions on entities in China's chip and electronics sectors.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has added 123 entities to its "Entity List," including 42 Chinese enterprises and institutions. This move aims to restrict exports to these entities, particularly in the field of electronic components for chips and semiconductors. Chinese entities included on the list range from Fuman Microelectronics Group to Hytera.
The U.S. government's action is partly targeting Russia's drone programs and military industrial complex as part of its sanctions against Russia. Entities on the list require U.S. companies to obtain a license before exporting technology and products to them. The U.S. Department of Commerce applies a "presumption of denial" policy to Chinese entities, meaning licenses are generally denied.
Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department and State Department have imposed sanctions on approximately 400 entities under the "Specially Designated Nationals" (SDN) list, including 42 Chinese entities and individuals. The sanctions target Chinese companies involved in machine tools and microelectronics, as well as entities assisting Russia in procuring ammunition and evading sanctions.
To date, over 1,300 Chinese entities have been placed on the U.S. "Entity List," covering cutting-edge technology sectors such as AI, chips, and quantum computing. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized that despite disagreements, dialogue between China and the U.S. is necessary to ensure mutual understanding while protecting investments, progress, and opportunities brought by trade.
ScoresSociety
"Black Myth: Wu Kong" sales surpass ten million, driving a hardware upgrade craze.
"Black Myth: WuKong," a domestic single-player game, has seen its sales surge past the 10 million mark since its release, generating revenue exceeding 2.6 billion yuan. The game's high hardware requirements have spurred a wave of computer upgrades. In Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei, the world's largest electronics market, the business of assembling computers has boomed. Many players, finding their old computers unable to run the game, have flocked to upgrade their configurations.
The demand for PS5 gaming consoles has also surged due to "Black Myth: WuKong," with several stalls in Huaqiangbei out of stock and prices rising significantly.
The game has not only achieved tremendous commercial success but has also set multiple records: it reached over 3 million simultaneous online users on the Steam platform, a historic high; it boasts a player approval rating of 96%, and its popularity has exploded on major global platforms. "Black Myth: WuKong" is more than just a game; it has become a bridge promoting Chinese culture to the world, sparking a global craze for the Journey to the West culture.
ScoresExpanding the Search for Human Fossils: Beyond the Rift Valley
Early human fossils primarily come from a small region of Africa—the East African Rift Valley. This area, which constitutes just 1% of the continent, has preserved numerous fossils, aiding scientists in reconstructing human evolution. However, this focus may overlook essential details.
A recent study by Andrew Barr and Bernard Wood at George Washington University underscores this bias. They compared the habitats of modern mammals in the Rift with those across Africa. They found that the Rift is home to only a fraction of the species.
Using modern primate skulls, they also demonstrated that the Rift's samples represent less than half of Africa's total variation. This indicates that our understanding of ancient humans is skewed.
Barr and Wood advocate for more extensive archaeological research. They encourage looking beyond the Rift to discover new fossil sites. This could help fill in the gaps in our knowledge of where and how early humans lived.
In essence, our understanding of human evolution is incomplete. By broadening our search, we might uncover a more detailed narrative of our past.
ScoresChina's Taxi Drivers Navigate Technological Disruption
SHANGHAI — China's taxi drivers are grappling with intense competition from ride-hailing apps, autonomous vehicles, and even flying cars. Didi, the leading platform, holds a commanding 70% market share. The number of ride-hailing licenses issued has surged to over 7.1 million, doubling within just three years.
Drivers such as Xu rely on multiple smartphones to juggle various apps. Smartphones are crucial for securing customers. Xu operates WeChat on one device and Didi on three others.
While ride-hailing services provide flexibility, they also heighten competition. Drivers are drawn to cities with higher fare rates, like Shanghai. Zhang, a Didi driver, now works longer hours compared to when he first started.
The market is becoming saturated in certain regions. Authorities in cities like Chongqing, Suzhou, and Jingdezhen are cautioning prospective drivers about the risks of over-competition. Average daily earnings for drivers in Guangzhou have fallen by 12% compared to the previous year.
Robotaxis, which have been in testing since 2019, present a significant challenge to human drivers. Baidu's Level 4 autonomous taxis function without any human oversight. The emergence of flying taxis, such as AutoFlight's recent demonstration, introduces yet another competitive element.
Drivers contend that human presence provides essential security and interaction. Amidst ongoing technological advancements, the future of driving jobs remains uncertain.
ScoresEconomy
Challenging the Safe Haven Status of US Treasuries
New research presented at the Kansas City Fed’s annual conference in Wyoming challenges the idea that US Treasuries are a “safe haven.” The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses, showing that Treasury behavior was akin to that of other countries' debt. Instead of hoarding Treasuries, investors marked them down similarly to other bonds. Central banks' purchases of large quantities of these securities temporarily prop up prices but disadvantage taxpayers and favor bondholders. This move towards a risky debt model complicates the valuation of Treasuries and the functioning of the market.
ScoresForeign Investment in Taiwan Signals Confidence in Long-term Peace
Foreign investors, not armchair analysts, bet big on Taiwan's peace. Over $25 billion poured in last seven years. Tech giants like Nvidia and AMD lead, with over $6 billion since 2018. Nvidia plans a Taipei AI center, hiring 1,000 engineers.
Beyond tech, Japan's Mitsui Fudosan and others invest heavily in property and retail. Mitsui's Taipei shopping center costs $1.43 billion.
Renewable energy sees significant foreign cash. Wind and solar projects attract over $9 billion. European firms like Orsted and financial giants like CDPQ invest. CDPQ, managing $313.9 billion, backs Taiwan's wind farms.
These investments signal confidence in Taiwan's stability. Despite tensions with China, foreign firms see long-term peace. Their bets boost Taiwan's economy and domestic confidence.
ScoresTechnology
Apple's September Event: iPhone 16 and New Product Launches
Apple's major iPhone event is scheduled for September 10. Anticipate the launch of the iPhone 16, new AirPods, and the Apple Watch Series 10. The iPhone 16 will see modest enhancements over its predecessor, featuring a bigger screen and improved camera functions on the Pro versions.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will come with 6.3 and 6.9-inch screens, respectively. A new Capture Button, akin to a camera shutter, will be introduced on all iPhone 16 models, improving photo and video capture capabilities.
Apple Intelligence, an AI-powered personal assistant, will be a standout feature, supported by the A18 chip. The Watch Series 10 will be slimmer with a larger display, and AirPods will introduce noise cancellation for the first time in the mid-tier model.
Updates to the Mac lineup are in progress but will not be unveiled at this event. New Macs equipped with M4 chips are being tested for compatibility with third-party applications.
Invest wisely. This summary is not financial advice and should not be considered as such. Assess your financial status and objectives before making any investment choices.
ScoresMeta's Transfusion Model: Merging Transformer and Diffusion for Multimodal AI
Meta's new Transfusion model merges Transformer and Diffusion techniques, aiming for a unified text and image generation system. This integration promises a significant step towards true multimodal AI.
Transfusion combines language modeling (predicting next text tokens) with diffusion (generating images) within a single Transformer framework. It pre-trains on mixed text and image data, scaling effectively in both single and multimodal benchmarks.
Key innovations include global causal attention for text and bidirectional attention within images, enhancing performance and compression. Transfusion's ability to generate high-quality images and maintain robust text capabilities sets it apart.
Experiments show Transfusion outperforms models like DALL-E 2 and Stable Diffusion XL in image generation. It also excels in image editing and text generation, demonstrating versatility and efficiency.
This advancement suggests a future where AI seamlessly handles various data types, from text to video, opening new possibilities in content creation and interaction.
ScoresNASA's Cold Atom Lab Advances Quantum Space Science
NASA's Cold Atom Lab on the International Space Station employs quantum technology to explore space science. It investigates gravity, dark matter, and dark energy, and tests Einstein's theory of relativity in microgravity.
The lab, a pioneering installation on the ISS, utilizes a tool known as an atom interferometer. This device measures gravity and other forces with high precision, essential for understanding the fundamentals of gravity and enhancing navigation technology.
In space, these measurements can unveil the composition of planets and satellites. They can also monitor the movement of water and ice on Earth. The lab's discoveries could illuminate the nature of dark matter and dark energy, enigmatic forces in the universe.
The Cold Atom Lab cools atoms to near absolute zero, producing a state known as Bose-Einstein condensate. This state enables atoms to display quantum behaviors on a larger scale, facilitating their study.
In microgravity, these quantum states persist longer, providing scientists with extended research opportunities. The lab's endeavors could result in new quantum technologies and a more profound understanding of the universe's fundamental particles.
ScoresVideo Game
KRAFTON Unveils Real-World Integrated Simulation Game 'inZOI'
KRAFTON, a Korean game developer, has unveiled a new simulation game, "inZOI." The game allows players to replicate real-world items within its virtual environment. This feature extends to everyday objects, offering a unique blend of reality and digital play.
The game's appeal lies in its ability to mirror life, yet with the creative liberties of a digital platform. It's a step towards integrating our physical world with virtual experiences, enhancing both immersion and personalization in gaming.
ScoresMassive DDoS Attack Hits Steam Amid 'Black Myth: WuKong' Release
On August 24, Steam experienced a massive DDoS attack. Nearly 60 botnets bombarded the platform, increasing attack commands by 20,000 times. The assault targeted Steam servers in 13 countries, with 280,000 attack commands detected. Such a coordinated attack is uncommon.
The attack occurred concurrently with the release of "Black Myth: WuKong," which quadrupled Steam's popularity. The timing and scale indicate a well-organized, targeted effort.
ScoresFeng Ji and the Game Revolution of "Black Myth: Wukong"
Feng Ji, having once written a 10,000-word manifesto titled "Who Killed Our Games" out of disappointment with the gaming industry, later joined Tencent and participated in the project for "Battle God." Eventually, due to conflicts between his ideals and reality, he left and founded Game Science. Determined to create a highly immersive single-player game, "Black Myth: Wu Kong," he faced challenges with funding and talent but ultimately attracted significant attention and resources with a trailer.
"Black Myth: Wu Kong" successfully launched, becoming the first domestic AAA single-player game, offering rare emotional value and fulfilling players' long-awaited expectations for a homegrown AAA game. Although its commercial achievements do not yet match those of mobile games, the emotional value it provides is even more precious.
Feng Ji's silence contrasts with the game's popularity, and the plagiarism accusations he faces have also drawn attention. His story, much like Sun Wukong in "Journey to the West," endures trials and tribulations to achieve success, but also foreshadows new challenges.
ScoresEntertainment
Disney Embraces Digital Engagement for Global Reach
Disney is aiming high by using digital tools to bridge gaps. Asad Ayaz, their chief brand officer, spoke at D23, a fan event. He views digital engagement as crucial, particularly in regions without Disney parks or where film access is limited.
Ayaz highlighted technology's impact on entertainment consumption. He noted that Generation Z is less interested in traditional TV and tends to skip ads, preferring social media influencers over traditional celebrities.
Disney's strategy involves leveraging digital platforms like games and social media to engage with fans. They have invested $1.5 billion in Epic Games, incorporating Disney characters into Fortnite. Additionally, they collaborate with tech leaders like Microsoft, Adobe, and Google.
Ayaz stressed Disney's commitment to pioneering new technology for branding, aiming to be at the forefront of testing and adopting new innovations. He believes this approach ensures Disney remains relevant and engaging.
ScoresNintendo Opens Museum in Kyoto, Showcasing 130-Year History
Nintendo's museum opens in Kyoto on October 2. Located in a 1969 factory, it chronicles the company's 130-year history from hanafuda cards to video games.
The second floor features every Nintendo game and early products such as diazo copy machines and baby strollers. A notable exhibit showcases the evolution of graphics in iconic series like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda.
The first floor offers eight interactive experiences, including a giant controller experiment for two players. A central floor display allows visitors to play Hyakunin Isshu, a traditional Japanese card game.
Admission fees vary by age, with tickets available via reservation and lottery. The museum includes a cafe, workshops for custom hanafuda cards, and a gift shop.
Founded in 1889, Nintendo has expanded beyond games to Universal Studios Japan, where Super Nintendo World is a major attraction. A new Donkey Kong zone is set to open within 2024.
Nintendo plans to announce its next console by March.
ScoresHealth
High Fluoride Levels in Water Linked to Lower Child IQ
A new US government report links high fluoride levels in drinking water to lower IQ in children. The National Toxicology Program found that water with more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter consistently lowers kids' IQs.
Fluoride, known for strengthening teeth, has been added to drinking water for decades. The current recommended limit is 0.7 milligrams per liter. The World Health Organization sets a safe limit at 1.5 milligrams.
About 1.9 million Americans drink water with naturally high fluoride levels. The report calls for more research and protection measures for these populations.
The American Dental Association, a longtime supporter of water fluoridation, is reviewing the report. Fluoride is naturally present in water and soil, and its benefits for dental health were discovered about 80 years ago.
The report raises questions about fluoride's impact on brain development, especially in children. It suggests pregnant women might need to reduce their fluoride intake from water and certain teas.
ScoresOutbreaks of West Nile virus have occurred in multiple global regions, resulting in at least 62 deaths.
The West Nile virus outbreak has spread to multiple regions worldwide, with cases reported in Israel, Canada, the United States, and Spain. This summer alone, Israel has seen 858 infections and at least 62 deaths. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause symptoms such as fever and encephalitis, which can be fatal in severe cases. Currently, there are no specific drugs or vaccines available, and preventive measures include eliminating mosquitoes and preventing them from entering indoor spaces.
The West Nile virus was first identified in 1937 in Uganda, Africa, and is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia. The virus has a complex pathogenic mechanism, making vaccine development challenging. Professor Zhao Wei from Southern Medical University notes that China has a wide distribution of Culex mosquitoes, posing an importation risk. He advises residents to avoid traveling to affected areas and to take mosquito-repellent measures when necessary.
It is important to note that many vector-borne diseases, such as dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, lack specific treatments and can only be managed symptomatically. Professor Zhao Wei reminds that the West Nile virus is primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which are most active during dawn and dusk. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid going outdoors during these times.
ScoresTakeda Aims to Sell Dengue Vaccine in U.S., Targeting Medical Economic Security
Takeda Pharmaceutical, a Japanese drugmaker, plans to seek U.S. approval for its dengue vaccine. CEO Christophe Weber disclosed this move, aiming to break into the American vaccine market dominated by U.S. and European companies.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus, infects nearly 400 million people annually. Its spread is exacerbated by global warming. Takeda’s vaccine is notable as it is safe for children aged four and up, with minimal serious side effects. The World Health Organization endorses its use.
Takeda already sells the vaccine in Southeast Asia and Europe. They previously sought U.S. approval but withdrew. Now, they anticipate global sales reaching $2 billion annually.
Vaccines are crucial for medical economic security. During COVID-19, the U.S. boosted domestic vaccine production using the Defense Production Act, which grants the president emergency control over industries. Europe also restricted vaccine exports at one point.
Takeda focuses on developing vaccines for various infections, aiming to make vaccines a profit center alongside prescription drugs. Wider vaccine use could boost profits, funding further vaccine development and enhancing Japan’s competitiveness in the global vaccine market.
ScoresSports
Paralympic Flame Lit in Stoke Mandeville, Leading to Paris Paralympics
The Paralympic flame was lit in Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympics. This signifies the lead-up to the Paris Paralympics, which open on Wednesday. The games originated here in 1948, initially as a rehabilitation program for WWII wounded.
Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, emphasized the event's global impact and viewership. Two British Paralympic medalists lit the flame, with Parsons serving as the first torchbearer.
The torch will journey across France, dividing into 12 flames, which will unite in Paris on the opening day. The games will last 12 days, concluding on September 8. Over 1.75 million tickets have been sold, mostly in France, with many events nearly sold out. The recent Paris Olympics likely heightened interest in the Paralympics.
ScoresSuzuki's Return to Racing with a Focus on Carbon Neutrality
Suzuki Motor returned to racing, focusing on carbon neutrality. They finished eighth in the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race.
The company had quit MotoGP and endurance races in 2022, shifting focus to electric tech. This exit hurt morale. Racing had long boosted Suzuki’s global reputation, even aiding their car brand.
In 2023, Suzuki considered re-entry using carbon-neutral tech. They emphasized feedback for mass production, a past weakness. Shinichi Sahara, with MotoGP experience, led the project. The team mixed veterans with newcomers from various company divisions.
They used sustainable fuel and parts, aiming to match conventional racing performance. Time was tight—less than three months. They faced challenges integrating eco-friendly components and training inexperienced members.
Sustainable fuels, mixed with bio-based materials, showed promise for future use in cars and boats. Despite hurdles, the team learned valuable lessons from rapid problem-solving.
Explanation of Terms:
- Carbon Neutral Technologies: Technologies designed to reduce or offset carbon emissions to achieve a net-zero impact on the environment.
- MotoGP: The premier class of motorcycle racing, known for high speeds and advanced technology.
- Endurance Race: A long-duration race, testing reliability and efficiency over time.
Food
Japan Scallop Prices Rebound Amid Expanded Exports
Japan's scallop prices have rebounded as China's ban took a toll, but exports surged to other markets. The U.S., Canada, Thailand, and Vietnam experienced significant increases. Domestic demand also grew, aided by government initiatives.
Tamarei, or flash-frozen scallops, are a favorite in sushi and tempura. Prices at Toyosu Market rose by 30% year-on-year. Tokyo fish shops now sell sashimi at rates approaching pre-ban levels.
Japan's scallop exports fell by 37% in the first half of 2024, but new markets helped offset losses. JETRO is focused on integrating scallops into global cuisines to cultivate long-term demand.
Hokkaido's scallop season began robustly, but shortages are anticipated due to escalating overseas demand. High prices are impacting their use in processed foods. Local businesses are adapting, though costs are straining them.
Diversification is crucial for Japan's fisheries. The goal is to reach 1.2 trillion yen in marine exports by 2030, with scallops playing a leading role.
ScoresSmall Farmers Key to Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Industrial farming prioritizes high yields, often at the expense of environmental adaptability. Researchers from Vermont University argue that small-scale farmers, with their diverse, locally-adapted crops, are crucial for future food security. They call for policies that integrate traditional seeds and farming methods for sustainable agriculture.
Yolanda Chen, a University of California evolutionary biologist, highlights the importance of small farmers in a changing climate. Since World War II, industrial farming has reshaped seed systems to meet population demands. However, Virginia University research suggests that small farmers will be key in maintaining seed diversity in the face of climate change.
Chen and colleagues discuss how professional crop breeders have disrupted the evolutionary process, creating a gap between "formal" and "informal" seed systems. The former dominates global seed sales, while the latter consists of farmers who select and breed diverse, locally-adapted varieties.
Small farmers provide essential ecosystem services, such as crop resilience to droughts and pests. As climate pressures increase, these services are vital for sustainability. Modern seed systems focus on high yields, often ignoring environmental conditions. This approach may fail in extreme climates.
Chen proposes that solutions lie in the diverse seeds kept by small farmers worldwide. These seeds, grown in various ecosystems, likely possess traits necessary for survival under climate change. She advocates for policies that value and support the diversity of seeds created by small farmers, ensuring their contributions are recognized and utilized in mainstream agriculture.
This shift from a yield-centric mindset to one centered on evolution and biodiversity is essential for sustainable agriculture.
Scores