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Federal judge extends restraining order on $6.2B merger Nexstar and Tegna
Nexstar's attorneys say the deal will lead to expanded local journalism and programming, not a reduction
Federal judge extends restraining order on $6.2B merger Nexstar and Tegna
Nexstar's attorneys say the deal will lead to expanded local journalism and programming, not a reduction
Italy's UniCredit says no plans to liquidate Russian business
UniCredit said on Friday it had no plans to liquidate its Russian business or return the banking licence held by its local subsidiary, which the Italian lender has held onto during the Ukraine conflict.
Gallery: Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic Center Facility Photos
Hendrick Motorsports opens a state-of-the-art training and wellness facility on its campus to serve its athletes and employees.
Vatican meeting at Pentagon was ‘unusual,’ a church official says
U.S. and Vatican officials have sought to downplay accounts of a strained relationship, but there have been tensions between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church.
BioFest Days event spotlights innovation at Center for Brain Health - UT Health San Antonio
The BioFest Days brought the community together April 7, for an evening of discovery and connection at the UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health. Hosted as part of the 12-day, citywide celebration of biomedical advancement organized by BioMed SA, the event invited attendees to explore how research, clinical care and community involvement […]
Neuroscientist To Lead Engineering-Driven Brain Health Research
Dr. Matthew Walker joined UT Dallas in January to build the future of sleep science. His research spans fundamental neuroscience and the development of innovative engineering tools to improve the quality of life. Dr. Matthew Walker is helping to transform sleep research from an observational field into one in which engineered solutions can measure and […]
Neuroscientist To Lead Engineering-Driven Brain Health Research
Dr. Matthew Walker joined UT Dallas in January to build the future of sleep science. His research spans fundamental neuroscience and the development of innovative engineering tools to improve the quality of life. Dr. Matthew Walker is helping to transform sleep research from an observational field into one in which engineered solutions can measure and […]
Scientists Found a Common Brain 'Fingerprint' Across 5 Psychedelics
"This is a breakthrough in how we think about psychedelic drugs."
Letters to the Editor: Anyone with political aspirations should be fighting to stop Trump
'Everyone knows President Trump is out of control, and yet Congress and the Supreme Court sit back and watch as we circle the drain,' writes an L.A. Times reader.
Ford Athletic Trainer Compact Passes House Business Committee
Welcome to Oklahoma's House of Representatives website!
Scientists say we’ve been treating Alzheimer’s all wrong
Alzheimer’s isn’t just one problem—it’s a tangled mix of biology, aging, and overall health. That’s why drugs targeting a single factor have fallen short, even as new treatments show modest benefits. Scientists are now pushing toward multi-pronged strategies, from gene editing to brain-cell rejuvenation and gut health interventions. The goal: stop treating Alzheimer’s as one disease and start tackling it as a complex system.
Watch out for college sports 'reforms' that shortchange student-athletes
If the system is constrained for those whose labor actually generates the revenue, that is not reform — it is codified inequality.
Covista taps Walden University leader to integrate marketing, digital innovation
Health care education company Covista is expanding the role of Walden University President Michael Betz to include chief growth and innovation officer duties.
Women’s Brains Are a $1 Trillion Opportunity
Women’s health is a macroeconomic opportunity we have ignored, write Lisa Mosconi and George Vradenburg.
Hackers drain local jewelry business of its Shopify account
A local online jewelry business says hackers drained its Shopify account to 18 cents, leaving sales, restocks and shipping at a standstill.
Starting a Business
Marco Island has strong household income, steady tourism, and a customer base that values quality. On paper, it looks like an ideal market. But the longer you spend here, the more you realize something familiar: The opportunity is real. So are the constraints.
Why Anthropic sent its Claude AI to an actual psychiatrist
Mythos is "the most psychologically settled model we have trained to date."
Indiana Fever Unveil First Look Inside $78M Populous-Designed Sports Performance Center
The 108,000 sq. ft. facility will be the largest in the WNBA and represents a new standard for holistic player experience, performance and investment in women’s sports.——–These renderings bring our vision into focus. Every element of this facility has been intentionally designed around our players including how they train, recover, connect and live day to […]
Goodwill closes behavioral health services program in Grand Island
Goodwill is shutting down behavioral health programs in Grand Island, which served those struggling with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, mental health, substance use and more.
Summit State Bank’s Ken Wu named to North Bay Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 of 2026
“He was promoted into management because of his ability to guide others without ego, foster an environment of trust and accountability, and encourage learning and cross-training throughout the department.”
City of Bryan provides health update on City Manager Andrew Nelson
The City of Bryan announced Thursday that City Manager Andrew Nelson is undergoing treatment for a mass found in his brain.
Amazon’s chip business could be worth $50 billion, Jassy says, and he hints it may sell them externally
Andy Jassy's 2026 shareholder letter reveals Amazon's Graviton, Trainium, and Nitro chips generate $20bn+ a year — and could be sold directly to third parties.
How a series of ‘left turns’ led to wearable health tech breakthroughs at UCLA
In an alternate world, UCLA professor Anne Andrews might be a CIA agent. But in this one, she’s a scientist breaking new ground measuring chemicals in the brain and body.
Isabella Lourie Joins Marist’s Sports Medicine Department
Red Foxes' Newest Hire Will Serve as Head Football Athletic Trainer & Work with Water Polo
3L Rachel Sadler Charts Path in Brain Health, Technology, and Policy Through UC Law SF’s Health Law Concentration - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
3L Rachel Sadler studies health law and policy at UC Law SF while researching the legal implications of neurotechnology and other emerging tools that may affect human cognition. 3L student Rachel Sadler shares how UC Law SF’s Health Law Concentration prepared her for a career focused on the intersection of brain health, government policy, and technology. Gained a detailed understanding of how U.S. health care is regulated and where policy reform is needed through coursework and research. Interned with state and federal agencies that regulate health care services and worked with a major health care provider’s bioethics department. Plans to pursue a career focused on protecting cognitive liberty and mental privacy as new technologies reshape healthcare. 3L Rachel Sadler: The Health Law Concentration has given me fluency in one of the most complex regulated industries and the tools to become an effective advocate for better health policy. Before coming to law school, I spent a decade teaching and working with teachers and administrators on high school programming for multilingual learners. Healthcare kept emerging as the most powerful driver of student outcomes. I wanted to understand how to make effective policy change in this area and how to use existing law to defend people’s health rights in California. Through the concentration’s coursework, I gained a sophisticated understanding of how U.S. healthcare is regulated. I also learned where the pressure points for reform exist. The courses gave me space to develop what became my central research interest: how law and policy can be built to protect human cognition and healthy brain development, particularly regarding new technologies such as generative AI and neurotechnology. The health law faculty were instrumental in that process, genuinely invested in helping me and other students define and pursue our own intellectual vision. During law school, I interned at the General Counsel’s Office for Region IX of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I also externed at the California Department of Justice’s Health, Education and Welfare Division. Additionally, I externed at Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Bioethics Department. Alongside those placements, I conducted extensive independent research on mental privacy and emerging neurotechnology, working closely with Professors Emily Murphy and George Horvath. That research became the throughline of my law school experience and the foundation of my current policy focus. I must also credit Nicole Ozer of the Center for Constitutional Democracy (CCD), whose deep knowledge of California privacy law and the public-interest privacy landscape deeply informed my work. I currently serve a research assistant with the CCD, where I spearhead the development of K-12 educational resources in partnership with law faculty and students. I’ve found UC Law SF to be an ideal place for second-career, nontraditional students. There is a tremendous diversity of life and career experience here, and I felt fully welcomed into the community, despite returning as a student at a different stage of life. I came to law school wanting to promote equity in California’s healthcare system. I am leaving with a sharper and more specific ambition: to build a policy career focused on protecting cognitive liberty and mental privacy from technological intrusion. This is both an urgent and underserved area of law, and I want to be part of defining this landscape going forward. Whether as a practicing attorney or a policy advisor, I plan to work on these issues after law school. I strongly recommend UC Law SF and the Health Law Concentration. When I arrived in law school, I worried the concentration would be narrow and that my non-clinical background would be a disadvantage. The opposite was true. The health law faculty thinks about health expansively, encompassing social determinants of health, structural inequity, and emerging technologies alongside the regulatory mechanics of the industry. The faculty are accessible, intellectually generous, and genuinely invested in students’ development. I found my research vision here, and I deeply appreciate the concentration’s role in this. The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the College’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.
My favorite health foods from Costco, from 65-year-old fitness trainer
As a personal trainer focused on longevity and healthy eating, I stock up on protein-filled foods like frozen chicken and Greek yogurt at Costco.
Scientists just found a hidden “drain” inside the human brain
A hidden waste-removal pathway in the brain has finally been caught in action. Using cutting-edge MRI scans, researchers discovered that fluid flows along the middle meningeal artery in a slow, lymphatic-like pattern—very different from blood. This confirms the presence of a previously unknown drainage hub in humans. The finding could transform how scientists approach brain aging, injury, and diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Cardio vs. Strength: Cardiologist on Which Is Better for Heart Health
In TODAY.com's Expert Tip of the Day, a cardiologist weighs in on the best type of exercise routine for heart health and heart disease prevention.
Amazon says annual revenue run rate for chips business now over $20 billion
Amazon.com's annual revenue run rate for its chips business, which produces its Graviton and Trainium processors, is now over $20 billion, CEO Andy Jassy said in a letter to shareholders on Thursday.
This detox may erase 10 years of social media brain damage, researchers say
Studies show that taking even short breaks could reverse measures of cognitive decline.
What to watch for in WPIAL sports on April 9, 2026: Important section series to wrap up
Some rain on Monday and frosty temps the following day led to some postponements on the WPIAL baseball schedule.
The danger of when government goes rogue
It’s dangerous, even fatal, when government goes rogue whether in a democracy or autocracy. Government officials who ignore or taunt laws that constrain bad acts should be given the heave ho. We’re witnessing these egregious scenarios now at the federal and the Douglas County level. Scorn of basic rules of governance at the federal level […]
Bartholomew’s heroics save Cyclones in rivalry game
IOWA CITY — While the rain appeared heavy at times on the Big Ten Network stream it was a case of “when it rains, it pours” as Iowa State (23-15, 4-8 Big 12) and Iowa (21-17, 5-10 Big Ten) combined for five home runs, punctuated by Reagan Bartholomew’s game-winning two-run homer to deep center field […]
Scientists discover hidden gut trigger behind ALS and dementia
A new study reveals that gut bacteria may play a key role in triggering ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Harmful sugars produced by these microbes can spark immune responses that damage the brain. This breakthrough explains why some genetically at-risk people develop the diseases while others don’t. Even more promising, reducing these sugars improved brain health in experiments, hinting at new treatment possibilities.
These simple lifestyle changes could decrease dementia risk by 25%
New research is the latest to show that people don’t need elaborate or expensive longevity hacks to stay mentally sharp as they age.
William Wertheim Named One of Crain’s New York Business 2026 Notable Leaders in Healthcare
Recognition highlights leadership in advancing Stony Brook Medicine as an integrated academic health system serving Long Island William Wertheim, MD, MBA, executive vice president of Stony Brook Medicine, has been named one of Crain's New York Business 2026 Notable Leaders in Healthcare. This prestigious recognition honors professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in healthcare, driven
Motorola’s next Razr Ultra leaks in wood-grain and purple-blue colors, and I can’t wait [Gallery]
Motorola is gearing up for its next Razr launch, with new Razr Ultra renders surfacing this week to spoil the...
No Man's Sky Xeno Arena Update Channels Pokémon, Lets You Raise, Train and Battle the Alien Creatures Found Across the Universe
No Man’s Sky’s latest update, Xeno Arena, is doing its best Pokémon impression by letting you raise, train and battle the alien creatures found across the universe. Here's everything you need to know.
Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command Cherry Point Celebrates National Public Health Week
In honor of National Public Health Week 2026, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command celebrates our Preventive Medicine and Occupational Health teams.
Scientists say we’ve been wrong about what makes sprinters fast
A new international study is shaking up how we think about elite sprinting, arguing there’s no single “perfect” running style behind the world’s fastest athletes. Instead, speed emerges from a complex mix of an individual’s body, coordination, strength, and training—meaning every top sprinter moves differently. Using examples like rising Australian star Gout Gout, researchers show that unique physical traits can produce world-class speed without copying anyone else’s technique.
Veradigm brings in new CFO after years of finance pain
Veradigm has named a permanent chief financial officer who will start work only after it finally files its 2023 and 2024 annual reports, the first step for the Chicago-based health care company to renew its Nasdaq listing.
This simple springtime activity may help keep you mentally sharp
Gardening isn’t just a hobby: It can challenge your brain and help reduce your stress levels, two factors that may help stave off cognitive decline.
Scientists Have Found a New Neurodevelopmental Disorder Hidden in Our Genes
And it may be relatively prevalent.
#New40k – Take cover with updated terrain rules
It’s not hiding, it’s tactical! See how rocks and ruins have changed in the new edition.
University of Idaho to open new Meat Science Center, expanding research and training opportunities
University of Idaho to open new Meat Science Center, expanding research and training opportunities
The University of Idaho's (U of I) College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) will host a grand opening for its 12,750 square foot Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard. U of ...
7 Foods With the Most Thiamin for Heart and Brain Health
Vitamin B1, aka thiamin, supports energy metabolism and a healthy nervous system. Eat more of these thiamin-rich foods to up your intake.
Xtreme One Entertainment Secures Temporary Restraining Order Against Lender Williamsburg Venture Holdings, Halting Alleged Fraudulent Transfer and Sale of $XONI Stock
Emergency Court Order Requires Immediate Return of Shares by Williamsburg and Securities Intermediaries Based on Alleged Breach of Contract and Fraudulent TransferGRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xtreme One Entertainment, Inc. (OTCQB: XONI), a diversified media and live-event sports company, and parent company of Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC), today announced it was granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) based on the Company’s lawsuit that alleges fraud, breach
What do Americans want from their health information sources?
Most Americans say medical training, transparency and clarity matter most for health information sources.
African frogs haven’t forgotten the ice ages. Scientists can tell by where they live.
Why are frogs diverse in some parts of Africa’s rainforests and less so in others? The patterns of cooling and glaciation during the last ice age would probably not have been your first answer or even your last-ditch guess, but it is, nonetheless, correct. “When the glaciers were at their maximum
UT Health San Antonio researchers report breakthrough findings significantly reducing symptoms for combat PTSD victims - UT Health San Antonio
Adding navigated TMS to psychotherapy can ‘greatly improve’ quality of life Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO, April 7, 2026 – An advanced version of a procedure using magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells in treating depression was significantly effective for 85% of active military and veterans suffering from combat post-traumatic stress […]
45-year-old longevity researcher: How I keep my body and brain healthy—it's what 'your grandmother probably told you to do'
Jamie Justice's research focus is how to "prevent or delay the onset of functional declines, disability or chronic diseases" as people age, she says.
Scientists map the brain’s hidden wiring using RNA barcodes in major breakthrough
Researchers have developed a cutting-edge technique that uses RNA “barcodes” to map how neurons connect, capturing thousands of links with single-synapse precision. The method transforms brain mapping into a sequencing task, making it faster and more scalable than traditional approaches. In mice, it revealed surprising new connections between brain cells that were previously unknown. This could open the door to earlier detection and targeted treatment of neurological diseases.
UNE and Maine Public Health Association announce innovative workforce training partnership
Starting in spring 2026, students across multiple programs, including public health, nutrition, marine science, climate change leadership, medicine, and business, will work together with MPHA to solve real-world problems, learn how to advocate for change, and connect with mentors already working in the field. With UNE's Institute of Public and Planetary Health now MPHA’s largest academic member, the partnership will leverage UNE’s new Institute of Public and Planetary Health to provide critical transdisciplinary public health workforce training for UNE students.
Leading with Science and Evidence in a Time of Retreat
As global resources become more constrained, evidence-based tools that guide investments toward maximum impact are more important than ever. This World Health Day, the WHO urges the world to embrace evidence, support science-led solutions, and advance global cooperation to turn evidence into action.
Records broken at Easter running festival
Two runners set new course records despite wind and rain.
The Michigan Wolverines won a title by mastering college basketball’s new world. It might change the sport
Michigan, a team that has performed like a freight train in this NCAA tournament, won the national title – the Big Ten’s first in 26 years – by playing more like a bulldozer.
State’s first Health Learning Lab opens at Waianae High School
The lab provides students with hands-on clinical skills training in a modern setting and supports certificate programs designed to lead directly to entry-level healthcare jobs.
Youth sports training partnership expands with new downtown facility
Young athletes are training at an entirely new level these days with weight training and speed training, which means more injuries can happen.
Experts reveal hidden link between poor sleep and Alzheimer's disease risk
A new study links tau pathology to disrupted sleep in Alzheimer's disease. Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel discusses how critical sleep is for brain health.
Scientists solve 30-year mystery of a hidden nutrient that protects the brain and fights cancer
Scientists have finally uncovered the missing link in how our bodies absorb queuosine, a rare micronutrient crucial for brain health, memory, stress response, and cancer defense. For decades, researchers suspected a transporter had to exist, but it remained elusive—until now. By identifying the gene SLC35F2 as the gateway into cells, this breakthrough opens new possibilities for therapies and highlights how diet and gut microbes profoundly shape human health.
MNUFC Provides an Update Regarding the Health of James Rodríguez
James discharged from hospital, returned to training
When Algorithms Decide: Are Business Schools Preparing Leaders Or Training Managers To Obey Machines?
B-schools are racing to teach AI skills – but they risk producing grads who defer to algorithms instead of leading through them.
Three YouTubers accuse Apple of illegal scraping to train its AI models
The lawsuit claims that Apple "improperly circumvented" YouTube's platform protections to scrape videos.
NYC Health + Hospitals Leaders Recognized by Crain's New York Business Among '2026 Notable Leaders In Health Care' - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Wei, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Department of
NYC Health + Hospitals Leaders Recognized by Crain's New York Business Among '2026 Notable Leaders In Health Care' - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Wei, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Department of
Human echolocation step echo by step
Experts in echolocation use multiple clicks and echoes to sense objects, offering insight into how the brain builds perception.
‘Building a better future’: UCLA receives $33 million to address LA’s youth mental health crisis
The Ballmer Group investment will support academic and clinical training that will bring more Bruin practitioners into local communities.
UCLA, CSUs receive $110-million donation for mental health
UCLA, Cal State L.A. and Cal State Dominguez Hills have received $110 million from the Ballmer Group to train more students for mental health careers in California.
Scientists identify ‘neural fingerprint’ of psychedelic drugs in the brain
Analysis of more than 500 brain scans finds LSD, psilocybin and other psychedelics increase cross-talk between brain systems
Brain Matters: Equity In The Age Of Cognitive Health
The strategy, articulated at the dome-shaped “Brain House” here in Davos, underpins a series of new DAC initiatives being rolled out in Africa, India and
Apple Sued by Three YouTube Channels
Three established YouTube channels have sued Apple, alleging that the company violated the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by unlawfully accessing and scraping millions of copyrighted videos from YouTube to train its AI models.
Public Health Education in an Uncertain World: Training Leaders Guided by Evidence and Empathy
Public health education trains professionals to prevent crises and advance community health, all while emphasizing humanity.
‘Passive’ screen time may raise dementia risk. How to keep your brain engaged
People who spent more time in mentally passive activities while sitting had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia later, according to a new study.
Natural Gas Reliability as a Public Health Essential
Whether it’s a sprained wrist from trying to relive a childhood outdoor game, the sniffles from an unexpected rain shower on an evening walk, or questionable leftovers you knew may not be good; hospital trips happen every day. When anyone walks into a hospital, they expect machines to be working properly, temperatures to be comfortable, and equipment to be clean. The way patients rely on hospitals for care would not be […]
Elina Svitolina climbs into Serena Williams’ ranking territory
Elina Svitolina hits ranking milestone matched only by Serena WilliamsSince returning to the WTA Tour following her pregnancy in 2023, Elina Svitolina has experienced a notable resurgence in her career. The Ukrainian has picked up three WTA titles since then, the most recent being the ASB Classic at the beginning of the 2026 season.
3 injured Arsenal stars return to training ahead of Sporting
Arsenal have received a timely boost ahead of the trip to Sporting, with three senior players back in training.Photo by James Fearn/Getty ImagesOne of the main talking points over the international br...
Scientists discover hidden brain switch that tells you to stop eating
Your brain’s “stop eating” signal may come from an unexpected source. Researchers found that astrocytes—once thought to just support neurons—actually play a key role in controlling appetite. After a meal, glucose triggers tanycytes, which send signals to astrocytes that then activate fullness neurons. This newly discovered pathway could lead to innovative treatments for obesity and eating disorders.
The brain might not create consciousness after all
Is consciousness something the brain produces, or is it woven into the fabric of reality itself? Renowned neuroscientist Christof Koch is challenging long-held scientific assumptions by confronting the “hard problem” of consciousness — why and how subjective experience exists at all. He highlights growing tensions between neuroscience, physics, and unexplained phenomena like near-death experiences and sudden moments of clarity before death.
5 Easy Spring Science Experiments for Kids to Try at Home
Spring weather has a mind of its own.One day the kids are outside all afternoon. The next day it’s chilly, rainy, and someone is already saying, “…
Surprising things about Amtrak's California Zephyr overnight train
I traveled from Chicago to Emeryville, California, on Amtrak's California Zephyr and booked a bedroom. The 53-hour ride was full of surprises.
Investing in Tomorrow: Strengthening Human Development and Resilience in Ukraine
Since Russia’s invasion, World Bank support has helped Ukraine sustain essential services by protecting schools, strengthening healthcare, and delivering social assistance to those most in need.
The Science Behind Fish Markets And DNA Tracking In The Arabian Gulf
Scientists in Bahrain are building the country’s first DNA reference library for sharks and rays using fish market samples, unlocking the full potential of environmental DNA to identify species in one of the hottest and most understudied seas on Earth.
Healthwatch: Study shows how coffee could benefit brain health
As you’re drinking your morning coffee, you may be glad to hear that a cup of joe may help reduce your risk for dementia.
Jamie Dimon warns of a 'skunk at the party' his shareholder letter
Dimon said that the wars in Iran and Ukraine could impact prices beyond the immediate energy sector.
Want to improve your memory? The right type of exercise can give it a boost
A brief bout of physical exercise can create "ripples" of activity in your brain that help you store and retrieve memories.
How interest rate trends can impact business value
Falling interest rates are reshaping business valuation by affecting discount rates, cash flow and investor returns. Here’s what it means now.
Orban fuels anti-Ukraine mood ahead of Hungarian vote
Orbán has sought to portray his chief rival Magyar as the "puppet" of the EU and Ukraine
Recognizing the value of generational work
The Lesser Prairie Chicken habitat in southeastern Colorado is a swath of prairie that begins in Cheyenne and far-southeastern Lincoln counties and moves south and east into Kiowa, Prowers and Baca counties. This is cattle country where the short grass is nutrient dense, and a little bit of rain makes the prairie explode. A little […]
Colorado business sees increase in rain barrel interest amid drought
On plant health and embracing new plant-breeding techniques in South Africa
The major challenge currently confronting South Africa’s agriculture is the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. For many farmers across the country, the most urgent tasks are both securing sufficient vaccines and rolling them out quickly in the coming months, particularly as the beef and dairy industries continue to suffer big losses. There is also pressure on sheep, goats, and other livestock to prevent the disease from spreading. As efforts to get the country through this monumental challenge continue, I believe it is important to sharpen our focus on the broader task at hand: strengthening biosecurity. This covers both animal and plant health. In recent years, we haven’t focused much on plant health, except a few times, such as when we had a goss’s wilt scare in the maize industry, a few cases of citrus black spot, or cases of sclerotinia in sunflower seeds. But the fact that South Africa managed to control the outbreaks of these particular diseases when they occurred a few years ago was due to organized agricultural and government scientific capabilities, and, most importantly, the availability of crop protection or agrochemicals necessary to address some of them. Therefore, as the animal health division in the Department of Agriculture focuses on the pressing challenge of the day, the foot-and-mouth disease, there is an opportunity for the plant health division to assess if they have all the requirements to tackle any outbreak that may occur on fruits, vegetables or crops in future. The challenge with crop diseases is that they can spread quickly and cause much more rapid damage in the field than we typically see with livestock. Therefore, speed is everything in ensuring the appropriate controls are available. I raise this as an important area, particularly given the drastic climate variation we observe across the country. The production conditions in some areas have changed noticeably over time, which may introduce new risks. The other essential part is ensuring that South Africa has access to the best crop protection technology available in the market. Many technology developers worldwide have operations in South Africa. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture, along with the Agricultural Research Council, must continuously interact with technology developers to assess the various crop protection technologies they are releasing globally and determine their suitability and need in South Africa. This will require a proactive approach from the government, unlike the current approach, in which technology developers typically approach regulators with new technologies. The government, recognising the food security risks, must take a proactive approach to ensure that South African farmers have access to the latest crop protection technologies, thereby safeguarding the country’s food security. Beyond crop protection, we must never forget that South Africa’s agriculture is key to ensuring that the country is the most food-secure country at the national level in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa is also the only African country in the top-40 global agricultural exporters, having more than doubled since 1994 on the back of the adoption of high-yielding seed cultivars. South Africa has been the only African country to adopt a bold approach to embracing science and adopting genetically engineered seeds for grains and oilseeds in the early 2000s. Since then, we have seen crop yields improve noticeably, contributing to the gains we mentioned above. But ensuring that South Africa improves further is not a given. The key lies in South African regulators’ attitudes towards new technologies. We have to maintain a progressive approach and not give in to the politics of non-food and non-scientific voices that shout on the sidelines. Food security is national security, and the government must ensure we progress, leaning on science. Therefore, the registration of high-yielding new genomic techniques is required. South Africa cannot afford to fall behind the EU, the USA, South America, and many of its competitors in global agriculture. The Department of Agriculture’s crop science division must adopt a progress-and-science-embracing approach for the good of the country. Thanks for reading AgriView! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Subscribe Share
Ukraine beats Russia at world’s top sports court
The chess ruling in Kyiv’s favor sends signal that “aggression cannot be normalized through sporting institutions,” top Ukrainian official tells POLITICO.
Train transfer hub linked to reduced healthcare spending
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University and Japan System Techniques Co., Ltd. evaluated the 2019 Osaka-Higashi Line station openings using a natural experiment and health insurance claims. While the overall rail-line effect was not significant, Shigino Station, a well-connected transfer hub, showed an estimated cumulative reduction of about JPY 62,500 per medically treated person over four years, highlighting that station connectivity and local context may determinewhether new stations deliver healthcare cost benefits.
Study Reveals the Single Cause of Cognitive Decline—and a Cure
Researchers pinpoint a lone protein that speeds up the dysfunction of an aging brain. Eliminating it, they claim, can reverse the damage.
Forensic nurses provide survivor-centered care across Aspirus Health System - Wausau Pilot & Review
In rural Wisconsin, access to specially trained forensic nurses can be limited. Aspirus Health forensic nurses coordinate a mobile team that supports
Astros Place SP Hunter Brown on 15-Day IL
Today, the Houston Astros announced they have placed SP Hunter Brown on the 15-day IL due to a right shoulder strain. Brown, now the staff ace, is 1-0 after two starts with an 0.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. He has allowed only 1 run in 10.2 IP and has struck out 17. His injury comes […]
Yankees, Marlins start in rain delay on Sunday afternoon
First pitch of this series finale is not expected until 3pm ET at the earliest.
Vibe coding is flooding Apple’s App Store, and Apple is fighting back
AI vibe coding tools drove an 84% quarterly surge in App Store submissions, straining review times to 30 days. Apple has started pulling apps that violate its self-containment rules.
Mookie Betts lands on IL with oblique strain, but the Dodgers are already set up to handle the loss
Betts was hitting just .171/.281/.429 through eight games this season