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Alcohol is wreaking havoc on U.S. public health. American society looks the other way
The Deadliest Drug, a new investigative series, shows that the alcohol epidemic is a generational failure of the medical and public health systems, of industry, and of government.
Imperial Brands Revenue Rises, Fueled By Next-Generation Products
The manufacturer—which houses Davidoff, Gauloises and JPS among its brands—saw revenue growth from in its next-generation products such as vapes.
Flutter Entertainment Reshapes FanDuel Leadership As Shares Trade Below Targets
Flutter Entertainment (NYSE:FLUT) has reshaped its U.S. leadership, with Amy Howe departing as CEO of FanDuel. Christian Genetski has been appointed CEO of FanDuel, taking charge of the U.S. betting and iGaming business. Daniel Taylor has been promoted to President of Flutter Entertainment, retaining responsibility for international operations. These leadership changes arrive at a time when Flutter Entertainment is heavily exposed to the U.S. market through FanDuel, a leading brand in...
Nebraska Senate race hinges on accusations of trying to 'trick' voters
The Democratic primary is an unusual proxy battle due to the general election between GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent populist Dan Osborn.
Thinking Machines wants to build an AI that actually listens while it talks
Right now, every AI model you've ever used works the same way. You talk, it listens. It responds, you listen. Thinking Machines is trying to change that by building a model that processes your input and generates a response at the same time, so it's more like a phone call than a text chain.
Sam Altman’s Business Dealings Under GOP Scrutiny Ahead of OpenAI’s IPO
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee says it is investigating, and six GOP state attorneys general are calling for SEC review after a WSJ article.
Patriots rookie OT Caleb Lomu makes position preference clear
Patriots rookie offensive lineman Caleb Lomu called himself a "tackle" in general, willing to play on both the left and right side.
Official Xperia 1 VIII images show global colours and key features before launch day
The Xperia 1 VIII is launching on May 13. In the meantime, a reliable leaker has published a series of photos detailing Sony's new flagship. Features like a camera shutter button, a capacitive fingerprint scanner and Zeiss T* lens will return for the smartphones' eighth-generation release.
UT Health Jacksonville Earns an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group
Spring 2026 Safety Grade is a national recognition for commitment to patient safety Jacksonville, Texas (May 6, 2026) — UT Health Jacksonville earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across […]
Alan Wilson says affordability a top issue for SC voters this year
Attorney General Alan Wilson made a campaign stop at the Clock of Greer as he runs to be the next governor of South Carolina.
Universal, UCF launch school to shape future of themed entertainment
The two Orlando powerhouses announced the launch of the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation, a first-of-its-kind program designed to train the next generation of immersive experience leaders.
Universal, UCF launch school to shape future of themed entertainment
The two Orlando powerhouses announced the launch of the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation, a first-of-its-kind program designed to train the next generation of immersive experience leaders.
The Real Brokerage, Genesco, and Sphere Entertainment Shares Plummet, What You Need To Know
The Real Brokerage, Genesco, and Sphere Entertainment Shares Plummet, What You Need To Know
The Real Brokerage, Genesco, and Sphere Entertainment Shares Plummet, What You Need To Know
What Happened? A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after Brent crude surged, erasing the brief oil relief from the previous week as consumer sen...
Apple Releases iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 With End-to-End Encrypted RCS, New Wallpaper, and Maps Updates
Apple today released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, the newest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems. The software comes nearly two months after Apple released iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple has also released iOS 16.7.16 and iOS 18.7.9 for older devices unable to run iOS 26.
11 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 18 Pro
We're only four months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a sea change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year, adopting a two-phase rollout starting with the iPhone 18 series.
Hantavirus cruise ship: Breaking down health officials' update after Americans return to U.S.
Health officials provided an update from Omaha, Nebraska, after most of the American passengers aboard the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship Hondius arrived there for medical treatment. NBC News medical contributor Dr. Kavita Patel breaks down the key takeaways from the media briefing, including how the patients are being cared for and level of risk to the general population.
Chairs Ask President to Raise Political Prisoner Cases in China
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-New Jersey), the Chair and Co-chair respectively, of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) released a letter today calling on the President to personally raise the cases of Americans, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and their family members, who have been unjustly detained in the People’s Republic of China, during his next meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping.The Chairs were joined on the letter by CECC Ranking Members Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative James McGovern (D-MA).
Global Health in Transition at WHA79
Global health thinkers, doers, and decision-makers will converge in Geneva for the 79th annual World Health Assembly from May 18 to 23.
Reddit Starts Blocking Mobile Website, Pushing Users to App Instead
Social network Reddit recently began blocking mobile visitors to its website while pushing them to download the official Reddit app, and it's fair to say that the move is not going down well with users. If you visit reddit.com on your iPhone today, you may see a new popup that can't be dismissed, asking you to "get the app to keep using Reddit".
Malaysia’s Umno marks 80th anniversary with show of Malay political power
The party held its celebrations in the Johor palace where it was founded, signalling it is back on track ahead of coming state polls.
New AI tool developed by Stowers Institute and Helmholtz Munich scientists predicts how cells choose their future — helping uncover hidden drivers of development
Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Helmholtz Munich have developed RegVelo, a new AI framework that predicts how cells acquire their identities and identifies the genetic regulators guiding those changes. Published in Cell, the study used zebrafish neural crest development to show RegVelo can uncover early drivers of cell fate, including regulators of pigment cell formation, and then support those predictions experimentally. The researchers also applied the framework across multiple biological systems, suggesting its value extends beyond neural crest cells as a broadly useful tool for studying how cells change over time. The team says the new model could pave the way for future cell therapy treatments.
Scientists Were Studying Buttefly Wings—and Found a 120 Million-Year-Old Evolutionary Pattern
A genetic “cheat sheet” allows different species to display the same warning patterns.
Springfield school board to consider new elementary-school science curriculum
Lookout Eugene-Springfield reviewed Springfield’s elementary science curriculum, which has been in process for three years. The curriculum is a mix of teacher-created lesson plans, a science curriculum called Mystery Science and science-themed segments of the district’s English Language Arts curriculum that align with state standards.
ASMSA students qualify for Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
Several students from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts earned honors at the Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair, with 10 students qualifying for this year's Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, according to a news release.
Retail Giants Spend Billions to Make Stores Look Nicer
Walmart, Target and Dollar General are among those investing in remodeling thousands of existing stores, even as shoppers take their dollars online.
Opinion | We’re Thinking About Mental Health Diagnoses All Wrong
Neither genetics nor brain scans can distinguish a person with depression, A.D.H.D. or autism from one without.
Deepfake “doctors” are a problem—here are 7 keys to stopping them
There’s a need for clear, enforceable protections against unauthorized AI generated deepfakes that threaten patient safety. Learn more with the AMA.
A big step forward for optical core of China’s Taiji gravitational wave project
A detector that will form part of a 3 million km-long triangular ruler has passed ground tests.
Why Flutter Entertainment (FLUT) Is Down 6.2% After Q1 Earnings, CEO Exit And Major Buyback
In the first quarter of 2026, Flutter Entertainment reported sales of US$4,304 million, lower net income of US$218 million, and confirmed the completion of a US$1,241.88 million share buyback while announcing the departure of FanDuel CEO Amy Howe and expanded leadership roles for Christian Genetski and Dan Taylor. The combination of softer earnings, a leadership reshuffle at FanDuel, and continued capital returns via buybacks gives investors fresh information on how Flutter is balancing U.S...
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders makes $200,000 gesture
Shedeur Sanders’ generosity helped turn a high schooler’s prom date into a more memorable one. The NFL star and Cleveland Browns quarterback lent Bedford High School senior Marvin Thomas his $200,000 Maybach on Saturday. Sanders posted a picture of Thomas…
The scientists who will power our future
Calling in the next generation of scientists from all backgrounds to address the energy crisis and build the next generation of batteries.
Jones House Announces 2026 Summer Concert Series Lineup
The Town of Boone is pleased to announce the 2026 Summer Concerts at the Jones House, continuing a cherished tradition of free, live music in the heart of downtown Boone. Presented by the Town of Boone and sponsored by the Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA), Omega Tees Screen Printing and Embroidery, Mast General Store, ECRS, …
Scientists have unraveled the details of how plants clone themselves
Scientists found the genetic switch - the GEMMIFER gene - behind asexual reproduction, or cloning, in plants.
Small business expert discusses impact of AI on new grad hiring
Small business expert Gene Marks discusses President Donald Trump's celebration of small businesses and the April 2026 jobs report. He highlights AI-proof jobs like field managers and service technicians.
Shocking link uncovered: chemicals in plastics tied to breast cancer rise in young women - Futura-Sciences
Well-Known Risks—and Some Under the Radar These days, we have a pretty clear idea of the main risk factors for breast cancer: Older age Family history of breast or ovarian cancer Genetic predisposition Alcohol consumption Smoking Being overweight Lack of physical activity But that’s not the whole story. Other potential...
PlayStation Emulator Devs Beg People To Stop Spamming AI Code
The team behind RPCS3 suggests that vibe-coders "learn how to debug and code" instead of "generating slop that you don't understand"
Yankees Birthday of the Day: Ed Barrow
The de facto general manager helped shape so much of what we know about the Yankees.
UPFRONT: Sports betting lawsuits in Wisconsin could end up before SCOTUS
Ryan VanGrack, Coinbase VP of legal and litigation and Attorney General Josh Kaul discuss the debate
Great grandma, 90, sleeps on couch in multigenerational home; worth it
My multigenerational house has four generations all living under one roof. I sleep on the couch so everyone can live together and save money.
Chicago Bears Sign Super Bowl Champion WR Scotty Miller
The Barrington native returns home after impressing at rookie minicamp, bringing championship experience and a vertical threat to a revamped receiving corps under general manager Ryan Poles.
This is California's most interesting governor's race in ages
Far from boring, the contest is the most wide open in a generation, with a potential to make history in November. Those yawning at the contest may be looking for glitz and entertainment. Voters aren't.
One Big Headache for Politicians These Days: a Messy Digital Footprint
As a new generation of chronically online oversharers runs for office, many find themselves tripped up by past statements. Their response? Delete, distance, disavow.
Ewine van Dishoeck, astronomer: ‘We are the first generation who can bring the question of life on other planets from the realm of philosophy into real science’
The Dutch astrochemist visited Barcelona to take part in Cosmocaixa’s ‘Greats of Science’ series
Inside High School Sports
Sports stories and highlights from around the Houston area.
FBI investigating recent deaths and disappearances of multiple US scientists
The scientists supposedly all had access to sensitive government research, and the nature of their work has led to speculation that their cases might all be connected.
Scientists successfully transfer longevity gene and extend lifespan
Scientists at the University of Rochester pulled off a remarkable experiment: they transferred a longevity-related gene from the famously long-lived naked mole rat into mice, and the mice ended up healthier and lived longer. The special gene boosts production of a substance called high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which appears to protect against cancer, reduce inflammation, and support healthier aging. The modified mice showed stronger resistance to tumors, healthier guts, and lower levels of age-related inflammation.
Why tai chi and qigong are great for health, and English classes in Hong Kong
The Chinese ‘internal’ arts of tai chi and qigong offer a host of health benefits and are slowly becoming more accessible to English speakers.
Remembering Bobby Cox, iconic manager of the Atlanta Braves
A former player, general manager and manager, Cox let an indelible imprint on the organization.
How to get your teens more engaged with politics
A new poll suggests that many teenagers are anxious about their futures and are unsure about whether to vote in the next general election or not.The
Scientists reversed liver aging with young gut bacteria in stunning study
Rebooting the gut microbiome with bacteria from youth may help stop aging-related liver damage and even prevent liver cancer, according to new research in mice. Older mice that received their own preserved youthful microbiome showed less inflammation, reduced DNA damage, and no signs of liver cancer. Researchers also found that the treatment suppressed a cancer-linked gene called MDM2, making older mice biologically resemble younger ones.
The hidden atomic gap that could break next-generation computer chips
A major obstacle may be standing in the way of the next generation of ultra-tiny computer chips. Researchers discovered that many promising 2D materials lose their advantages because an invisible atomic-scale gap forms when they are combined with insulating layers. That tiny gap weakens electronic performance and could prevent further miniaturization. The team says new “zipper materials” that lock together more tightly may offer a path forward.
Joseph Fiennes on parenting, politics and banning children from social media: ‘Stand up, Keir, this is your kids’ generation’
He’s played English titans from William Shakespeare to Gareth Southgate, but what does the actor really think about the country today?
This discovery shatters everything we thought we knew about Leonardo da Vinci - Futura-Sciences
Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance genius and his lasting legacy Leonardo da Vinci, one of the brightest minds of the Renaissance, left an indelible mark on both art and science. His famously meticulous observations of nature were long considered unshakeable truths; his notebooks brim with observations that have inspired generations. Among...
Penguins send three players to World Championships
Three players will be representing the Pittsburgh Penguins when the 2026 men’s world championship kicks off next weekend in Switzerland. Tommy Novak and Connor Clifton will be playing for the United States at the tournament, while Parker Wotherspoon will be skating for Canada. The Penguins will also be represented by assistant general manager Jason Spezza […]
Long Island student takes top spot at state science fair
11 local teens have advanced from the state level to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix on May 9-15.
Basketball gets more money, while tennis and other small college sports worry over their future
Among them are the disbanding of tennis teams at Arkansas, new efforts to generate revenue in the Big 12 and at Duke and the ongoing issues surrounding the industry's new
Salary caps, a Group of Six playoff, antitrust shield: The White House's early ideas for college sports reform
A draft document obtained by CBS Sports details the most concrete federal reform plan yet for college athletics, including salary caps for coaches and the creation of a new entity empowered to act without litigation risk
Scientists found the “holy grail” gene that could one day help humans regrow limbs
Scientists studying axolotls, zebrafish, and mice have uncovered a shared set of genes that may one day help humans regrow lost limbs. By identifying powerful “SP genes” involved in regeneration, researchers discovered that disabling these genes stopped proper bone regrowth in salamanders and mice. They then used a gene therapy inspired by zebrafish biology to partially restore regeneration in mice, marking a major step toward future treatments that could replace damaged limbs with living tissue instead of prosthetics.
Why limiting teen phone usage has health benefits
Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Mass General Brigham for Children, joined the discussion to address the topic of cell phone use among students and the implications of school-wide bans.
The Chaotic New Era of British Politics
Keir Starmer’s unpopularity has led Labour to a humiliating defeat in local elections. Now, with five major parties competing for votes, the far right could be well positioned for a general-election victory.
NHL Hockey More Than A Typical Sport For Many Fan
Making memories that last a lifetime is what the NHL has done for scores of hockey fans throughout the generations and something Kraken supporters can look forward to in a sport uniquely crafted to create some of the most loyal fanbases in North America
Desert school, ocean science: How an ASU student found her calling beneath the waves
Makena Krause came to ASU with dreams to change the world — but with no clear plan on how she was going to do so.This spring, she graduates with a clear answer, found through coral reef ecology, collaboration, and the next generation of scientists and practitioners she hopes to inspire.Coming from a family of Sun Devils, Krause has always had an affinity for Arizona State University. However, what ultimately solidified her decision to attend was ASU's focus on real-world application and impact.
Apple Seeds Second iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Release Candidates to Developers
Apple today seeded new release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming five days after the first RC. It's not clear what's changed in the second RC, but Apple typically sends out another candidate if there are bugs that need to be addressed. Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.
New Jersey health officials monitoring 2 residents following potential hantavirus exposure
Health officials say the risk to the general public in New Jersey remains very low.
Official Feature Entertainment Group (OFEG) Announces Strategic Alliance with Nubian TV to Expand Digital Distribution
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Official Feature Entertainment Group (“OFEG”), a next-generation entertainment and media platform focused on premium digital access and scalable content experiences, today announced a strategic alliance with Nubian TV, a Boston-based OTT distribution platform operated by Leverett Media. The collaboration is designed to support OFEG’s Phase I rollout of live-stream and on-demand content distribution, expanding audience reach through integrat
A journey across continents - UT Health San Antonio
A childhood dental visit set Nana Opoku Ansah on a path across continents. Graduating from the School of Dentistry this May, she’s preparing to specialize in pediatric dentistry to change how the next generation experiences care.
UCF Grad’s Mission to Build Pipeline of Young Innovators
Guided by their two-time alum instructor and UCF researchers, three Oviedo High School students are ready to represent Central Florida at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
PlayStation is partnering with Bandai Namco for a "collaborative initiative" focused on generative AI
Sony and Bandai Namco have announced a "collaborative initiative" focused on AI and the latest technologies can aid game development.
Ohio AG Dave Yost's surprise departure could impact November election
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will appoint someone to replace Dave Yost months before voters choose a new attorney general.
PS5 sales expected to decline due to generative AI memory drought and rising prices
Sony has released its financial results for the past fiscal year. Inside, it predicts a decrease in PS5 hardware sales in the next 12 months.
Public health fears over Consett steelworks homes plan
Project Genesis is seeking permission for a 71-home development previously rejected by the council.
How AI is transforming entertainment
AI is reshaping Hollywood, from scriptwriting to acting, with generative AI models creating new opportunities and challenges for the entertainment industry.
Investing In Climate Health Could Generate High Returns, Study Finds
Every $1 invested in climate health solutions could yield up to $68 in benefits for low and middle-income countries, according to a new analysis.
MARY BRUNKOW
A chance discovery made around 80 years ago paved the way for Mary Brunkow’s painstaking work, which contributed to redefining how the immune system functions. From investigating an obscure gene dismissed as ‘junk’ by other scientists, to choosing to opt out of academia and conduct her research at a biotech startup, Brunkow has embraced the unexpected throughout her career.
Opposition forming against radiologist nominee for surgeon general
“Dr. Saphier would be a catastrophic mistake on messaging and communicating with MAHA at a time where the coalition is very fragile,” one opponent says.
Central California health agencies monitoring hantavirus outbreak
The CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center and classified a hantavirus outbreak as a Level 3 response, the agency's lowest level of emergency activation, signaling a low risk to the general public.
Nihar Gala Scholarship Program for American Entrepreneurs Launches to Support Emerging American Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders
Seaford, Delaware--(Newsfile Corp. - May 8, 2026) - The Nihar Gala Scholarship for American Entrepreneurs officially opens its application cycle, offering a strategic opportunity for undergraduate students and aspiring business professionals across the United States. This initiative focuses on identifying the next generation of innovators who demonstrate resilience and a clear vision for the future of the American economy. By providing financial support and a platform for creative thought, Nihar
Small Business AI Measure Approved » CBIA
SB 417 authorizes a study of a Small Business Artificial Intelligence Grant Fund, an important and forward looking step.
Apple Faces £3 Billion UK Trial Over iCloud Lock-In Claims
Apple was not able to narrow the scope of a UK lawsuit accusing it of locking 40 million UK consumers into iCloud, to the detriment of third-party cloud storage providers. British consumer group Which? first filed the lawsuit in late 2024, and is asking for £3 billion for UK Apple customers. Apple wanted to exclude non-paying iCloud users from the lawsuit, but the tribunal denied Apple's request in a 2 to 1 majority.
Mess Fest returns to Orlando Science Center May 9–10 with messy, hands-on physics
Mess Fest is back at Orlando Science Center May 9–10, and I got a media preview of the messy, hands-on fun (including 3 experiments outside). Expect washable paint, physics demos, and big reactions—plus it’s included with general admission (members get in free).
IN8bio Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Recent Business Highlights
Advancing next-generation γδ T cell engager platform with initial animal data expected in 2026Reported glioblastoma (GBM) data showing ~97% improvement in progression-free survival vs. standard-of-care; updated median overall survival (mOS) data to be presented at ASCO 2026Hosting R&D Day on May 21, 2026 in New York City NEW YORK, May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IN8bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: INAB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative gamma-delta (γδ) T cell therapies and γδ
Pyxis Oncology Appoints Nelson Azoulay as Chief Business Officer
BOSTON, May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pyxis Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PYXS), a clinical-stage company developing next-generation therapeutics for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced the appointment of Nelson Azoulay as Chief Business Officer. Mr. Azoulay joins Pyxis Oncology with more than 15 years of experience in corporate strategy, business development, and value-creating transactions across the biopharma industry, including deep antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) experience. In his role,
Meet the Mad Scientist Who Helped Create Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch
A French engineer, a circular-pool dream and thousands of simulations collide in the untold story behind Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch and the next generation of wave pools.
Healthy Returns: First Ozempic generics in Canada will be a test case for Novo Nordisk
New generics in Canada likely mark the start of a decline in international revenue of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo's Ozempic and Wegovy.
Lucky Strike Entertainment Hit With Bowling Alley Monopoly Suit
Private equity-backed Lucky Strike Entertainment Corp. was sued in federal court by consumers who allege the company unlawfully acquired bowling centers across the US to gain monopoly power and drive up prices, making the sport no longer an affordable pastime for families and leagues.
The National Academy of Sciences Elects Two Berkeley Lab Researchers
Two Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) scientists have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. They are part of a cohort of 120 new members and 25 international members. The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution that was established under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes achievement in science by election to membership, and — alongside the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine — provides science, engineering, and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations. The 2026 electees bring the total number of active members to 2,705 with 557 international members. Gary Karpen is a biologist senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Biological Systems and Engineering Division and a Professor of Cell and Developmental Physiology in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. Karpen studies how the structure, organization, and maintenance of genetic material impact inheritance and cell function. His lab focuses on chromatin — a packaged form of DNA strands wrapped around proteins that comprises our chromosomes — with a particular emphasis on centromeres, rarely expressed sequences called heterochromatin, DNA repair, and regulatory RNAs. His research reveals insights into fundamental aspects of nuclear organization and genome regulation that are shared across the tree of life, broadening our understanding of cancer and other diseases, birth defects, and aging. Kam-Biu Luk is a Professor Emeritus of physics at UC Berkeley and a retired senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Physics Division. He is an experimental particle physicist whose research has focused on neutrinos: nearly massless, electrically neutral elementary particles that can pass through matter virtually undetected. Neutrinos are created during radioactive decay processes, including the fusion process occurring in stars and the fission process that powers nuclear reactors. Luk initiated and co-led the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment, a project based in China with more than 200 international collaborators. In 2012, the Daya Bay experiment discovered a new form of a phenomenon called “neutrino oscillation” in which neutrinos change from one type to another. For this discovery, Luk and his collaborator Yifan Wang received the 2014 American Physical Society Division of Particles and Fields W.K.H. Panofsky Prize for outstanding work in experimental particle physics, and he was also the co-recipient of the 2016 Breakthrough Prize. Luk is currently participating in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) hosted by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, which will investigate any potential difference in behavior between neutrinos and antineutrinos that may shed light on the evolution of the universe, especially why antimatter is absent in the present universe. ### Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is committed to groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies. The lab’s expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Researchers from around the world rely on the lab’s world-class scientific facilities for their own pioneering research. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes. Berkeley Lab is a multiprogram national laboratory managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
How Much Microplastic Is Really In The Human Brain? Here's The Science Behind The Headlines
"This is a research field in its infancy, while the general public is being fed with sensational scraps of information."
Ohio AG Yost's surprise resignation plans follows dashed governor bid
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is expected to resign from his job as the state's top cop, a surprising shake-up in state politics.
OpenClaw and Claude can put your AI-generated podcasts in Spotify
Your own personal AI podcast feed.
Sphere Entertainment generated $386.4M in Q1 revenues, up 38% YoY – driven by The Wizard of Oz and concert
‘Today’s results demonstrate our continued success proving out Sphere’s business model,’ said Executive Chairman and CEO James L.
Science diplomacy lessons from a North Korean volcano
Mount Paektu, a mythic, active volcano on the border between North Korea and China, is almost the epitome of a scientific challenge that crosses political lines. In 946 CE, it erupted in one of the five biggest volcanic events of the past 10,000 years, kicking up huge quantities of ash and sending destructive mud flows down river channels for hundreds of kilometres. Should this happen again, the entire region, including easternmost Russia, South Korea and even Japan could be hit. “It’s definitely got the potential to be big,” said James Hammond, a professor of geophysics at Birkbeck, University of London. An eruption on the scale of 946 would have “huge regional impact.” For the past 15 years, Hammond has helped lead a groundbreaking collaboration with North Korean scientists to study the volcano, navigating scientific sanctions, tough export controls on scientific equipment and a long, pandemic-enforced exodus from the country. Although he seems more at home on far-flung research expeditions – before speaking to Science|Business, Hammond was camping out on a Greenland ice sheet – he has also advised the European Commission on its changing science diplomacy strategy. His long experience with North Korea has made Hammond sceptical of blanket bans on science collaboration, no matter the country.This is a live question in Europe, where in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, institutional ties with Russian universities were almost entirely severed, although some scientists fear this could undermine our understanding of climate change’s impact on the Arctic. Here, Hammond tells the story of the Mount Paektu mission and the policy lessons he takes from it. Ominous rumblingsThe genesis of Hammond’s collaboration came in 2002, when Mount Paektu began to rumble ominously. Earthquake activity picked up and the volcano began to emit unusual gases. North Korean scientists took notice. “People felt we need to know more about this volcano,” said Hammond. In 2011, North Korean vulcanologists put out a request for international expertise to help them learn more. At the time, Hammond and his collaborator, Clive Oppenheimer, were working on a vulcanology project in another sanctioned country, Eritrea, and so decided to answer the call. Within a month, they had flown into Pyongyang. “It was pretty incredible,” recalls Hammond (left). “We were made to feel like honoured guests, and invited to official celebrations.” The scientific opportunity was huge. Paektu is unusually positioned, a thousand kilometres from where tectonic plates rub against each other in the Pacific. “It was an incredibly interesting volcano, but not much research had been done, at least not in the international community,” he said. “There was so much we felt we could do. And we had these partners that were super keen to engage.”The mission received an unusual visitor in the form of volcano-obsessed filmmaker Werner Herzog, who accompanied Hammond and Oppenheimer while directing his 2016 film Into the Inferno about volcanos across the world. Four days into the trip, the German director delivered a long speech about reunification to his North Korean hosts, recalls Hammond. “He got to the heart of the Koreans and how they felt, and how they thought, in a way that I'm not sure I ever will,” he said. UN sanctionsHowever, Hammond realised he’d been “naïve” about how difficult it would be to collaborate with North Korea, which was sanctioned far more heavily than Eritrea. “We didn’t fully appreciate the all-encompassing nature of restrictions,” he said. In 2016, as tensions escalated over Pyongyang’s nuclear tests, a United Nations resolution banned all joint scientific work with North Korea. However, the UN sanctions did allow countries to request carve outs, and the UK successfully requested an exemption for Hammond’s work. Related articlesEU pushes for joint science diplomacy, but care needed to avoid gridlock, experts sayRussia severs its last ties with German scienceAnchor Greenlanders in Arctic climate research, experts tell EU ahead of policy updateExport controls have also delayed Hammond’s work. In one case, it took 18 months to get approval from the UK government to take seismometers, which measure earthquakes, to North Korea. “It was frustrating,” he said. “But they didn’t just say no.” However, one instrument, called an induction coil, used to measure how the earth conducts electricity, was blocked entirely because it can in theory be used to detect submarines. Karaoke bondingSince the collaboration started in 2011, Hammond has visited the country around 15 times, although the pandemic closed off North Korea for more than five years. A trip last November was Hammond’s first since the outbreak. Despite this lengthy interlude, Hammond has deep bonds in the country. The North Korean scientists Hammond works with are somewhat isolated, as they struggle to access the latest research papers and travel to international conferences. That said, they are “excellent geophysicists” and are “very well trained in the field,” he said. Over karaoke and chats about their families, “we’ve made friendships, for sure,” he said. The authorities have to sign-off things like the placement of seismometers, for example, but Hammond said these requests have been approved. “Everything that we've asked for within a scientific context has been delivered.”Scientific backchannels? These kind of personal links between scientists across political lines are one purported benefit of science diplomacy. During the Cold War, some historians argue, scientific contact between the US and Soviet Union laid a groundwork of trust for other cooperation, such as on arms control. Hammond agrees that backchannel contacts to North Korean geophysicists are hardly likely to defuse a military crisis on the Korean peninsula, but the simple fact of the scientific collaboration makes contacts between diplomats that little bit easier. “It creates opportunities to understand each other a little bit better,” he said. “When maybe you have those more difficult discussions as diplomats, it's coming from a slightly better place.” Cutting tiesDrawing lessons from the Mount Paektu mission for today’s links with Russian science isn’t simple. The analogy is far from exact, Hammond said, “because one is essentially a Cold War, versus a pretty hot war in the case of Russia.” But Hammond’s broader argument is that the challenges we face, such as climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss, pollution and so on, have globalised in an unprecedented way, making blanket shutdowns in collaboration with any country unwise.He’s somewhat critical of the UN scientific sanctions imposed on North Korea in 2016, even though they did allow for exceptions. “I think a blanket halt to some of these things, when we face big global challenges [. . .] that’s quite a risky thing to do,” he said.Institutional endorsement?European academics are still by and large free to work individually with Russian counterparts. However, official, institutional partnerships have largely ended. Shortly following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian university rectors wrote a public letter endorsing the war, meaning European universities fear official collaboration could also be seen as a kind of endorsement. Hammond acknowledges there is a risk of legitimising regimes, and state-controlled universities, through scientific cooperation. “That’s the trade off you have to make,” he said. Strategic projectsWith Russia, instead of giving a green light to restart all Arctic science, a middle ground might be firing up a few carefully selected “strategic” projects, said Hammond. After all, European countries are still collaborating with Russia on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, an experimental nuclear fusion plant in the south of France. However, even if Europe did try to revive Arctic science with Russia, there’s no guarantee Russian scientists would play ball. A series of high-profile arrests of physicists in Russia accused of sharing their findings with the outside world has made collaboration fraught. Even before the invasion of 2022, “the Russian regime made it increasingly difficult, and this sort of discouraged people,” Dag Rune Olsen, rector of the Arctic University of Norway, told Science|Business last year.
Trump’s new surgeon general pick deepens MAHA-MAGA rift
“I hate to say it, but I think they’re a little bit overrated,” said one Trump adviser. “To some extent, MAHA has always been a paper tiger.”