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Resident Evil Requiem's Leon and Grace will have differing gameplay like "jumping into a cold bath after a hot sauna"
Resident Evil Requiem's dual protagonists will represent two styles of gameplay, which its developers describe as "jumping into a cold bath after a hot sauna".
How religious extremists have influenced science curriculum in Texas and beyond
AU Youth Organizing Fellow Ishan Kanaskar explains how religious extremists have tried to influence science curriculum in Texas.
New photos released from Epstein’s estate showing Trump, Bannon, Bill Clinton and other high-profile people
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate Friday showing the many powerful figures in the late sex trafficker’s orbit, including President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Richard Branson and others.
AI-powered FFR-CT software linked to considerable cost savings, accurate predictions
According to Heartflow, its AI offering saves health systems nearly $1,400 per patient thanks to reductions in unnecessary cardiovascular testing.
Hochul: N.Y. schools served 150M free meals since start of universal program
The program has been estimated to save families $165 per child in grocery spending each month.
Speculative Meta Analysis of Mega Dimension DLC Megas in Pokémon GO
The Mega Dimension DLC of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is here, and the brand-new addition has fans on the edge of their seats with the revelation of new Mega Evolutions! Legends: Z-A brought a host of new Megas whose stats, when translated, gave us a good idea of how meta-relevant these Mega Evolutions would be in […]
New 'DNA cassette tape' can store up to 1.5 million times more data than a smartphone — and the data can last 20,000 years if frozen
Scientists have discovered that over half a mile of DNA could hold over 360,000 terabytes of data.
Walsall have extra motivation to go up
Shrewsbury Town boss Michael Appleton says the collapse of Walsall's promotion hopes last season is driving them on this term.
Trump calls affordability a "hoax"; Democrats take note
In the first year of his second term, President Donald Trump has focused his attention on foreign policy and made numerous trips abroad – with an eye toward the Nobel Peace Prize. But as he discusses peace deals with foreign leaders, his ratings domestically have fallen. Critics say that he isn’t doing enough to ease American’s economic concerns. So, this week, Trump returned his attention stateside and kicked off his affordability tour in Pennsylvania, while simultaneously branding “affordability” as a democratic “hoax.” Today on the politics roundtable, we discuss why Trump’s tour signals the administration’s concerns about the politics of affordability, and how some Democrats could use this as a way to gain an edge during the 2026 midterms. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Dan Merica, the co-anchor of our politics newsletter, The Early Brief, and White House Bureau Chief Matt Viser.
Roper: Want to revive Uptown? Grab a ‘passport’ and show Hennepin Avenue businesses some holiday cheer
The “Holidays on Hennepin” program aims to draw traffic to the street after a lengthy road reconstruction.
Ghost particles slip through Earth and spark a hidden atomic reaction
Scientists have managed to observe solar neutrinos carrying out a rare atomic transformation deep underground, converting carbon-13 into nitrogen-13 inside the SNO+ detector. By tracking two faint flashes of light separated by several minutes, researchers confirmed one of the lowest-energy neutrino interactions ever detected.
3 key players for Bengals vs. Ravens
Mike Gesicki could be in line for a big game this Sunday.
2026 Flathead Valley Winter Sports Preview
The snow has fallen and the sun is officially on hiatus, which means Flathead Valley athletes are trading in their cleats and knee pads for goggles, headgear and basketball shoes. Area teams and athletes over the last few weeks have been amping up their preparation ahead of the start of the high school winter sports […]
3 theories that explain Trump’s collapsing support
How Trump’s winning coalition is unraveling in real time.
The top 10 gadgets of 2025
A tiny sunlight emulator, a video player for your dreams and a vest for listening to trees feature in this roundup of our favourite gadgets.
‘This place will win’: Business leaders say West Palm Beach is becoming America’s next big boomtown
West Palm Beach has evolved from its retirement haven days, as tech firms, financial giants and entrepreneurs flock to one of the country's most sought-after business destinations.
Why America gave up on economists
Both parties have turned their backs on traditional economic advice. Is the country paying the price?
Column | Why Mormonism may have an answer for our toxic politics
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox draws on teachings from his Mormon faith to ‘disagree better.’ Studies show his approach could change public attitudes.
The greatest Tyne-Wear derby moments?
When you have a rivalry as fierce and as storied as the Tyne-Wear derby, you are never short of memorable moments. With Sunderland and Newcastle set to face each other for the first time in the Premier League since 2016 on Sunday, we have taken a trip down Memory Lane to find some of the standout moments. Neither team came into the match in great form, but there was particular pressure on Newcastle boss Ruud Gullit after three defeats in the opening four games.
Past Ulster disappointments driving Kilcoo
With 13 Down titles over the past 14 years, one may get the impression that success can be taken for granted in Kilcoo, but current manager Martin Corey insists there is a sense they "have left a lot behind them" beyond their county boundary.
Sports quiz of the week: big climbs, unlikely comebacks and elite camels
Have you been following the big stories in cricket, football, motor racing, darts, climbing, athletics and the NFL?
Scientists have been studying the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 e. Could it harbor alien life? : Short Wave
Want to be a top notch candidate for hosting alien life? Then there's a few key requirements you should be aware of: Ideally, you're a large object like a moon or a planet; scientists suspect you also have an atmosphere and water; plus, you should orbit your star from a nice mid-range distance — in the "Goldilocks Zone" of habitability. Until recently, you would be competing against TRAPPIST-1 e. It's a planet outside of our solar system. TRAPPIST-1 e is also only 40 light years away, rocky and the same size as Earth, which prompted researchers to investigate whether it also has an atmosphere — and the potential for alien life. A team of researchers has been investigating TRAPPIST-1 e to learn more about its potential. Their answers, recently published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, say a lot not just about this exoplanet, but about how scientists should refocus their hunt for alien life.Interested in more space science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Uber CEO says robotaxis are a 'trillion-dollar-plus' business — and one market will drive the boom
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says robotaxis are a "trillion-dollar-plus" business and he expects Asia to drive the wave of autonomous expansion.
Full-length Replay: Best of Wake Up Barstool
A daily dose of unfiltered takes on the biggest stories in sports, featuring Dave Portnoy and the Barstool crew.
No. 18 Florida hopes to right ship vs. George Washington
The Florida Gators went 36-4 last season, winning their third national championship. This season, the 18th-ranked Gators have already equaled their loss total from all of last year.
Amazon Unveils ‘Tomb Raider: Catalyst’ Video Game First Look and 2027 Release; Sets Remake of Original Lara Croft Game for 2026
Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics have revealed a first look at their highly anticipated new "Tomb Raider" game Thursday
Ravens fans will hate Week 15 prediction vs. Bengals
This will not go down well in Baltimore.
iOS 26 Code Leak Reveals Apple Smart Home Hub Details
Apple is working on a smart home hub that will rely heavily on the more capable version of Siri that's coming next year. We've heard quite a bit about the hub over the last two years, but a recent iOS 26 code leak provides additional insight into what we can expect and confirms rumored features. Macworld claims to have access to an internal version of iOS 26 that references several upcoming Apple devices, including the home hub.
Science sleuths raise concerns about scores of bioengineering papers
Nature - Prominent bioengineer Ali Khademhosseini has so far corrected more than 40 of the papers in question, but critics say some should have been retracted.
Hidden Cost: The impact of sports betting on young adults mental health
New data from Partners in Prevention shows 23% of college students in the Show Me State report participating in sports betting. The national average is 75%.
Alabama board of education approves mandatory computer science courses
Schools have 18 months to implement the digital literacy and computer science course.
Fort Scott’s 2026 goals: Revitalization and business support
Fort Scott is looking to honor its long-standing businesses in 2026 while also encouraging the growth of new businesses that have opened in 2025.
Indiana Republicans block new congressional map in rare break with Trump
Indiana's Republican-led senate voted against a redrawn congressional map Thursday that would have favored their party in the 2026 elections, despite months of pressure by President Donald Trump for a rare mid-cycle redistricting.
C of I Students Shine at Murdock College Science Research Conference - The College of Idaho
Twenty-five members of The College of Idaho community traveled to Vancouver, Washington, on November 7–8 to participate in the annual Murdock College Science Research Conference, a leading regional event showcasing undergraduate scientific research. Every C of I student in attendance presented the results of their summer research projects, reflecting the College’s strong commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Hochul signs several bills into law on artificial intelligence regulations
One piece of legislation aims to stop artificial intelligence from being used to essentially recreate people who have died.
‘We have failed’: Murkowski, Sullivan call for compromise after Democratic proposal to extend health care subsidies stalls
Alaska’s U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan were among four Republicans who voted in favor of extending the tax credits.
Alexei Navalny’s wife and political heir still has ‘big hopes’ for Russia
The exiled widow of Russia’s late opposition leader Alexei Navalny told POLITICO on Thursday that remaining hopeful about her home country is part of her job. “I really have big hopes for Rus…
The future of American science and a dispatch from ASH
This week on "The Readout LOUD": Is a new obesity drug making people lose too much weight? Plus catch up on #ASH25 and hear how the country's scientific institutions have had a bruising year.
Roundup: Mortgage rates / Health care legislation / Jazz Fest lineup
Ticking up: Mortgage rates increased slightly, adding to cost pressures for buyers. The average for 30-year, fixed loans rose to 6.22%, up from 6.19% last week, Freddie Mac said in a statement Thursday. A year ago, the average was 6.6%. Read more from Bloomberg. A subscription may be required. Stalling: The U.S. Senate failed to […]
BBC Audio | BBC Inside Science | Would our ancestors have benefited from early neanderthals making fire?
New evidence shows that early neanderthals made fire 350 thousand years before we thought.
Truth Beer Company to close as owners announce plans to sell business
The owners of Truth Beer Company have announced plans to close their taproom and brewery near the Lancaster Amtrak station ahead of a planned sale of the business.
Nail tech shares negative impact salon chemicals had on her son’s health
Multiple studies have identified correlations between harsh chemicals used in nail salons and health issues including skin, respiratory, cancer and birth defects. NBC News’ Zinhle Essamuah spoke to a nail salon tech about the health repercussions she faces as a result of her job.
Ben Davis' Mr. Football headed back to familiar sport for Notre Dame basketball
The reigning Mr. Football played for Marcus Freeman and the Irish football team, and will pull double duty this winter - and he won't have to introduce himself to many teammates.
Failure of rival health bills underscores impasse in US politics
Democrats voted down a Republican bill that would have provided limited relief for out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Failure of rival health bills underscores impasse in US politics
Democrats voted down a Republican bill that would have provided limited relief for out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
AETH Entertainment and Kartoon Studios Partner to Launch TaleSphere Studios
New Live-Action Banner to Produce Family and Youth Entertainment; First Project, “Real Santa” BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON), a global producer and distributor of children’s and family entertainment, and AETH Entertainment, a full service entertainment studio, today jointly announced they have teamed up to launch TaleSphere Studios, a joint venture that will produce live-action youth and family focused entertainment. “This marks an
Parcel business is bright spot for global postal operators
The global postal industry is increasingly focused on parcel shipments over mail for its financial health. The post Parcel business is bright spot for global postal operators appeared first on FreightWaves.
James Webb telescope spots 'monster stars' leaking nitrogen in the early universe — and they could help solve a major mystery
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope spotted huge stars leaking nitrogen in an early galaxy, hinting that such 'monster stars' might have been the source of ancient supermassive black holes.
SpaceX’s possible $1.5 trillion IPO could be big business for Texas
SpaceX, the Elon Musk-owned aerospace company, is planning to go public next year with a potential $1.5 trillion IPO, which would set a new record for a new public offering and have a huge impact on the Texas economy.
Blame Republicans for our health insurance mess
Conservatives haven’t taken health policy seriously for decades.
CDC study says Covid shots continue to protect healthy kids from severe illness
Researchers found that Covid vaccines reduced the risk of emergency room and urgent care visits by 56% to 76%. It comes as some federal health officials have sowed doubt in the shots.
Navy delivers report to Hegseth on potential punishment for Sen. Mark Kelly over ‘illegal orders’ video
The US Navy has submitted its recommendations on potential punishments for Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over his participation in a video that reminded US troops they have a duty to refuse illegal orders, a Pentagon official told CNN on Thursday.
Bulgaria Faces More Political Turmoil Just as It Adopts the Euro
Bulgaria faces a fresh wave of political turmoil after street protests over rampant corruption led to the resignation of the prime minister just weeks before the country joins the euro.
MLB rumors: Tarik Skubal trade talks continue, Braves sign reliever Robert Suarez
Here are your hot stove rumors for Thursday, Dec. 11
Goldman on Lander challenge: ‘Politics will have to wait ’til 2026′
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday declined to comment on New York City Comptroller Brad Lander’s (D) decision to challenge him in the party primary, instead homing in on legislative tasks to c…
Reimbursement expected to drive implementation of CCTA, coronary plaque analysis
For years, imaging experts have predicted that CCTA may become the primary imaging modality for coronary artery disease and eliminate the need for invasive diagnostic catheterizations. That prediction is now coming true.
The fact-checking mandate evolves from politics to personal security
"Online scams, phishing attempts, and fraudulent schemes have grown in both volume and sophistication, creating a new front in the war on falsehoods."
Mayor Adams weighs in on his legacy, achievements
He will leave as New York City’s second Black mayor, and the first one-term mayor in more than three decades.
Southwest Airlines eyes airport lounges business
For Southwest, having lounges would attract business and frequent flyer customers, who have grown accustomed to the perk at other carriers
World of Warcraft Players Figured Out How to Make Flying Houses, and Blizzard Has Given Them Its Official Seal of Approval
World of Warcraft players have discovered a trick that makes their houses float in the air, which a number of people have used to make wild flying creations. Better yet, instead of patching it out, Blizzard has surprisingly given its blessing for airborne abodes.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Spies Solar Wind ‘U-Turn’
Images captured by NASA’s Parker Solar Probe as the spacecraft made its record-breaking closest approach to the Sun in December 2024 have now revealed new
We skipped our annual Christmas celebrations with extended family and went on vacation instead — just the 4 of us
Instead of our usual big holiday celebration with extended family, the four of us spent Christmas traveling and making new traditions on our trip.
AirPods Pro 3 Drop to New $199 Low Price on Amazon
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 have hit a new record low price of $199.00 today on Amazon, down from $249.00. This deal beats the Black Friday price we saw last month by about $20. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Chico's big fashion and entertainment show on Dec. 13 benefits FUR's cat rescue work • Chico News & Review
We are a group of award-winning free alternative weekly newspapers published by Chico Community Publishing, Inc. We publish the Chico News & Review in Chico, California, the Sacramento News & Review in Sacramento, California and the Reno News & Review in Reno, Nevada. In addition to the 3 weeklies, we also have a Custom Publication division dedicated to producing high quality publications for government agencies, nonprofits and more.
Dueling Senate bills to address health care affordability fail to pass
The Senate today failed to pass legislation to address health care affordability. The chamber first voted on a Republican-backed bill that failed by a 51-48 vote. The bill would have disbursed $1,000 in health spending accounts for individuals age 18-49 and $1,500 for those age 50-64. A Democrat-led plan that would have extended the enhanced premium tax credits for three years also failed by a 51-48 tally. The bills needed 60 votes to pass.
CNBC Sport: Utah breaks the private equity seal with historic $500 million investment
Utah may have designed a template for other schools to bring in private capital to help fund their athletic programs.
NASA’s Webb Detects Thick Atmosphere Around Broiling Lava World
Researchers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have detected the strongest evidence yet for an atmosphere on a rocky planet outside our solar system, as
Pittsburgh’s Strength as Business Center Fuels Aer Lingus Entry into Market
With today’s announcement that Aer Lingus is introducing nonstop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport to Dublin Airport, Pittsburgh and Ireland have the opportunity to build on the powerful business and cultural connection that drives economic development in both regions. Flights on Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, start on May 25, 2026, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
Devils' Meier taking leave for family health matter
The New Jersey Devils said Thursday that forward Timo Meier is taking a personal leave of absence from the team to attend to a family health matter.
I'm a millennial tech nerd. Here are 15 geeky gifts and gadgets I'd buy for myself!
'Tis the season to get the perfect gift. It could be for your nerdy self or even your geeky friends. I have ideas.
Man Utd financial results: Cost-cutting having an impact in first quarter numbers for new financial year
Redundancies and other cost-cutting measures at Man Utd have been reflected in their latest quarterly financial results; there have been small losses that will not be significant for a business of their size; the results will also not affect their plans for the January transfer window
Major Tomb Raider announcement leaks ahead of The Game Awards
A number of Tomb Raider leaks have started circulating ahead of tonight's The Game Awards show.
Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Dylan Weaver
The College of Science is proud to recognize 10 outstanding seniors who went above and beyond during their time as Wildcats. Dylan Weaver is this semester's recipient from Chemistry & Biochemistry.
Ravens Sports Network Broadcasting DII Soccer Championship Weekend in Spanish
NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. -- For the third straight season, Franklin Pierce's Ravens Sports Network will be on the road the NCAA DII men's and women's soccer championships this weekend. FPU students Erik Valdovinos and Elliot Scholes traveled to Colorado Springs, Colo. to live stream all six games this weekend in Spanish.
Warren Buffett watchers weigh in on Todd Combs' surprise exit
After praising Todd Combs for years, Warren Buffett gave him a "rather cool sendoff" in Monday's press release, one Berkshire watcher said.
Analysis | Warnock: Dems have ‘ceded’ to Republicans on religion
The Washington Post’s essential guide to power and influence in D.C.
Red Dead Redemption 2 Character Referenced In New GTA Online Update
Rockstar Games have seemingly referenced Red Dead Redemption 2 once again inside of GTA Online. We've seen Rockstar previously include screenshots from Red Dead Redemption 2 inside the game, the cash notes in GTA 6 contain the presidents of the game and much more.
How Many Triangular Faces Does a Hexagonal Bipyramid Have?
Test your wits on the Slate Quiz for Dec. 11, 2025.
Devlin playing 'best football of his life'
With rival fans and a few pundits claiming the air had been seeping out of Hearts' bubble after a few dropped points, the victory over champions Celtic may make them reconsider their opinion. While the spotlight has been on Hearts' new recruits this season - the likes of Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis have claimed much of the attention - the standout player is now in his fifth season at Tynecastle. Few people had heard of Cammy Devlin when he joined the club in summer 2021.
I made $560,000 in revenue last year reselling products on Amazon. Here's exactly how I do it.
Damilola Olaleye bought $200 worth of sunscreen during her maternity leave and sold it on Amazon. She took this gig full-time after a tech layoff.
Mamdani and top New York rabbis will meet privately, but their core divide remains unresolved
The Friday after Zohran Mamdani won, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch gave a sermon saying that he believed the incoming New York mayor’s criticisms of Israel aligned with Hamas and that critics of Israel wanted to separate “good Jews” from “bad Jews” in a way that endangers the city’s Jewish community.
Republicans struggle to unite on health care as Obamacare subsidies expire
Recent weeks have showcased a free-for-all of competing GOP ideas and reinforced deep partisan divisions over the issue.
Teens discovered my 57-year-old cheese shop on TikTok — and transformed my business
Dominick DiBartolomeo, who owns the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, told Business Insider that TikTok virality drew in waves of younger customers.
Steelers sign fourth-year offensive tackle ahead of Week 15
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed OT Dylan Cook to the active roster off the practice squad ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Maker’s Mark nets first sports league sponsorship with Unrivaled
The bourbon brand will have a significant presence around the women's basketball league both on-premise and digitally.
From classroom to community: Student’s journey exemplifies ‘public health in action’
When Waveney Brooks transferred to the University of Kentucky as a sophomore, she never imagined that a classroom experience would open the door to real-world public heath practice across Kentucky. What started as a broad introduction to the many disciplines of well-being soon grew into a purposeful public health career path defined by mentorship, community engagement and purpose.
🎧 Bournemouth 'will be hurt' if Semenyo leaves
Jordan Clarke was joined by former AFC Bournemouth defender Joe Partington on the Cherries: Unpicked podcast. Bournemouth's star attacker Antoine Semenyo has received interest from six Premier League clubs over a January move.
Tiny tracker following monarch butterflies during California migration
When this monarch butterfly hits the sky it won't be traveling alone. In fact, an energetic team of researchers will be following along with a revolutionary technology that's already unlocking secrets that could help the entire species survive.
Samsung makes progress on One UI 8.5 for Galaxy S23, Z Flip 6, and Z Fold 6
The first test firmware for the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 have been spotted on Samsung's servers.
No one is safe from the world’s next superbugs. Is this new science the solution?
Old antibiotics are losing effectiveness — and new ones aren’t being discovered fast enough. Our best hope to save lives may be AI.
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Yankees news: New York leaves meetings empty-handed
Cashman laments offseason’s slow pace, asking prices; Yankees, Mets check in on Tucker; O’s splash the cash for Alonso.
Bulgarian Protests Throw Euro Area’s Next Member Into New Crisis
A wave of street protests against ruling class graft is destabilizing Bulgaria just weeks before the Balkan nation is set to join the euro.
FLA@UTA: Bobrovsky with a great save against Clayton Keller
Buffalo Bills fan survey: Week 15
Do the Buffalo Bills have what it takes to defeat the New England Patriots in Week 15, and the AFC in general, later on?
Wario World has just arrived on Nintendo Switch 2 for Switch Online members
We have news about another classic game on Nintendo Switch Online, as Wario World has now gone live on Switch 2. The GameCube title first debuted in 2003. Now if you have a membership to Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pack tier, you can play the game now. Here’s an official overview: Go on a garlic-fueled rampage in this action title...
At the Intersection of Science and Faith: Institute for Water and Health and 12 community leaders unite to protect Brunswick’s waterways
In a remarkable collaboration, residents of Brunswick, Georgia, have joined forces with scientists and faith leaders to address critical water quality issues. Their innovative approach, centered on community involvement, is not only protecting local waterways but also setting a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges.
NFL Week 17 schedule: Texans-Chargers, Ravens-Packers chosen for Saturday doubleheader
Week 17 will feature a pair of compelling Saturday games
These plants can heat themselves up—scientists finally know why
Since the time of the dinosaurs, cycad plants may have attracted insects using infrared light. It may be the world's oldest form of pollination.