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Mass. health officials warn of possible measles exposure in multiple locations
Health officials are issuing a warning about possible measles exposure in multiple locations in Massachusetts. The state Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that an out-of-state visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and visited multiple locations which could have resulted in other people being exposed to the virus. Health officials said…
Woman Suffers AI Psychosis After Obsessively Generating AI Images of Herself
A woman working for a generative AI image startup says the tech led her into a manic bipolar episode, which triggered psychosis.
Maine among 19 states suing HHS over youth gender-affirming care
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people.
Applications open for Adventist Health's new LAUNCH workforce development program for students
Adventist Health wants to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Hong Kong firms hoping new southbound travel scheme will drive more business
Social media users are selling driving courses to Guangdong car owners while local companies are offering perks to attract business.
Paul Mauro on Gene Simmons' advice about politics: I didn’t see this coming
‘The Five’ discusses KISS rocker Gene Simmons’ message to Americans to stay out of other people’s politics.
Plant science with a twist
From morning glories spiraling up fence posts to grape vines corkscrewing through arbors, twisted growth is a problem-solving tool found throughout the plant kingdom. Roots “do the twist” all the time, skewing hard right or left to avoid rocks and other debris. Scientists have long known that mutations in certain genes affecting microtubules in plants can cause plants to grow in a twisting manner.
Science funding was hit in 2025. What does that mean for the future? : Consider This from NPR
2025 was a hard year for science. The Trump administration upended federal funding for all kinds of scientific pursuits, slashing budgets across agencies like NASA, NIH and NOAA. NPR's Rob Stein and Katia Riddle spoke to scientists and officials who worry that those cuts could cause the United States to lose its competitive edge as a global hub for research and innovation, and steer future generations away from careers in science. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Michael Levitt, with audio engineering by Zo vanGinhoven. It was edited by Sarah Handel, Scott Hensley and Amina Khan. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
A Daring Scene on Broadway This Season Has Audiences Talking, in More Ways Than One
NEW YORK (AP) — On any given evening as the lights come up on Act 2 of “Liberation,” Bess Wohl's intergenerational Broadway play about a women’s consciousness-raising group, you can hear supportive cheers of “Whoo!” and “Yeah!” — and sometimes, a round of applause. All before a single word has been ...
Meet the third-generation Louisiana gas station CEO who chairs trade group for $906B industry
Growing up in the 1990s in tiny Mansura, about 30 miles southeast of Alexandria, Annie Gauthier dreamed of becoming a historian and later toyed with the idea of law school.
Lemon Slice nabs $10.5M from YC and Matrix to build out its digital avatar tech
Digital avatar generation company Lemon Slice is working to add a video layer to AI chatbots with a new diffusion model that can create digital avatars from a single image.
The Kennedy dynasty: the future of America's most famous political clan
All you need to know about the family’s younger generation
Battlefield 6 players suspect AI cosmetics have been snuck into the game, despite EA saying that wouldn't happen
Battlefield 6 players have found what they believe to be an generative AI sticker in the game, causing outrage.
Your roommate’s genes may be shaping your gut bacteria
Scientists studying thousands of rats discovered that gut bacteria are shaped by both personal genetics and the genetics of social partners. Some genes promote certain microbes that can spread between individuals living together. When researchers accounted for this social sharing, genetic influence on the microbiome turned out to be much stronger than previously thought. The study suggests genes can affect others indirectly, without DNA ever being exchanged.
Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”
Can Science Tell Us Why?
The field of science is filled with questions. But are we asking the right ones?
The disunity of science is a feature, not a bug
Mathematical models wield miraculous power, but mistaking them for reality has trapped science in a destructive quest for a “Theory of Everything.” Physicist and philosopher Ragner Fjelland argues that this leads to bloated, Frankenstein theories kept alive by clumsy, ad-hoc amendments, which reduce rather than boost science’s power. Fjelland calls for a radical shift in our attitude: we must reorientate towards creating entirely new theories, celebrating rather than lamenting disunity and diversity in science. Science, from the scientific revolution in the seventeenth century to the present day, has more or less developed in a “reductionist” way. The fundamental assumption is that all sciences may be ordered in a hierarchy that can be represented as an upside-down pyramid. At the top we find the human sciences, and at the bottom physics. Strong (or “ontological”) reductionism maintains that all theories at one level can be completely reduced to the lower level, all the way down to theories of atoms and elementary particles, or whatever is “at the bottom.” In the end, all diversity in the world can be unified in one fundamental theory. Hence it is called a final theory, or a Theory of Everything.One of the central figures in developing the idea of a Theory of Everything is the Dutch theoretical physicist Gerard 't Hooft, who received a Nobel Prize in physics in 1999 for his work. He emphasizes the non-empirical status of the theory:There exists no closely resembling alternative theory. This means that any slight change brought about in the rules would make the theory unlikely or inelegant. The theory will be a "package deal": take it, or leave it. This should hold both for the local laws and for the boundary conditions.This endeavor is not new. On the contrary, it goes all the way back to the birth of Western philosophy 2,500 years ago. The Babylonians made regular astronomical observations during a period of 600 years, from 747 BCE until 150 ACE. They developed mathematical techniques to predict astronomical phenomena, but they made no attempts at explaining them. However, the Greeks developed models, both material and theoretical, to explain the observed phenomena.The best example is Plato’s late dialogue Timaeus. Here he introduces a divine craftsman, the Demiurge, who has constructed the universe according to an original plan. Plato seems to have thought that the original plan is what is actually real, while the material world is merely an imperfect realization of it. He therefore does not, in the Timaeus, reconstruct the material universe, but the original plan, which can then be used to explain the material universe.Plato’s aim in producing a theoretical model is to reconstruct the original plan. That is what he carries out in Timaeus—and some modern physicists have embarked on the same project. For example, Einstein’s basic attitude is reflected in the title of Abraham Pais’ biography: “Subtle is the Lord...,” echoing Einstein’s comment, “Subtle is the Lord, but malicious He is not.” In an interview Einstein compared our situation to a child who enters a huge library. The child knows that someone has written the books, but he does not know the languages in which they are written. He suspects that there is a mysterious order, but he does not know what it is.___“We have all been working in what Husserl called the Galilean style; that is, we have all been making abstract mathematical models of the universe to which at least the physicists give a higher degree of reality than they accord the ordinary world of sensation.”Steven Weinberg, Nobel Prize in Physics (1979)___This Platonist view is contrary to a widespread impression of science, symbolized by the picture of the “father” of modern science, Galileo Galilei, with his telescope. According to this impression, Galileo liberated himself from the dominating metaphysics of his day—basically Aristotelian philosophy—and constructed a telescope that he directed towards the sky, showing that Jupiter has four moons. He also performed experiments with bronze balls rolling down inclined planes and found the law of freely falling bodies.However, in other cases Galileo emphasized the unreliability of our senses. It is easy to see why. He defended Copernicus’ heliocentric hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, we are not at rest at the center of the universe, but moving at a tremendous speed through space. Why don’t we observe this motion? Galileo praises Copernicus because “with reason as his guide he resolutely continued to affirm what sensible experience seemed to contradict.” In other places he directly refers to Plato. SUGGESTED VIEWING The quest for a final theory With Michio Kaku Galileo’s Platonism goes back to his early writings. In The Assayer, published as early as 1623, Galileo compared the universe to a grand book that is written in the language of mathematics, and “its characters are triangles, circles, and other geometric figures without which it is humanly impossible to understand a single word of it.” Therefore, things that cannot be described by mathematics—for example, colors, smells and odors—are not real. They are merely subjective.This division into subjective and objective, advocated by Galileo and his younger contemporary René Descartes, is normally associated with a mechanistic world view, which is regarded as the opposite of Platonism. When we reduce something to, for example, molecules and atoms, we move “downwards.” In contrast, the Platonist moves “upwards,” to abstract entities. However, it only shows that when we address fundamental questions, we should be careful in applying everyday spatial metaphors like “up” and “down.”___Nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world.___The endeavor of finding a Theory of Everything has been heavily criticized. In 2006, the theoretical physicist Lee Smolin published “The Crisis in Fundamental Physics.” He argued that one of the most fundamental principles of science is that we should only regard theories as scientific if we have the possibility to show that they are false by experiments. Although he did not refer to Karl Popper, other critics have referred to Popper and argued that a theory is not scientific if it cannot be falsified (see for example Ellis & Silk 2014).These were not the first physicists to be anti-reductionists. In 1972, the journal Science published an article by the physicist Philip Anderson with the title “More Is Different.” This is the kind of article a scientist would normally write only after he has won a Nobel Prize. However, Anderson won the Nobel Prize for physics five years later, in 1977. The article is amazing, not primarily because it argues in favor of anti-reductionism in general, but because it argues for anti-reductionism within physics itself. Anderson’s conclusion was:At each stage entirely new laws, concepts, and generalizations are necessary, requiring inspiration and creativity to just as great a degree as in the previous one. Psychology is not applied biology, nor is biology applied chemistry.We may say that Plato started the “unity of science movement,” based on Euclidean geometry as the model of all knowledge. A distinguishing mark of geometry is that all possible constructions can be reduced to a few fundamental principles. We have to acknowledge that this approach has limitations. In general, we can easily model technological systems. In addition, we may construct simplified and idealized models that capture important aspects of systems, from various perspectives and for various purposes. But nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world. In a complex system, each level has its distinct, emergent, properties that are characteristic of this level. Therefore, a complex system should be investigated at different levels and from different perspectives. Instead of exclusively pursuing a scientific ideal based on the unity of science, we should acknowledge the diversity—or even the disunity—of science.
Scientists find a weak spot in deadly fungus that shut down hospital intensive care units
A deadly hospital fungus that resists nearly every antifungal drug may have an unexpected weakness. Researchers discovered that Candida auris activates specific genes during infection to hunt for nutrients it needs to survive. This insight came from a new living-host model that allowed scientists to watch the fungus in action. The findings could eventually lead to new treatments or allow current drugs to be repurposed.
Samsung Electronics unit Harman to acquire ZF Group's ADAS business for $1.8 billion
Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday a $1.8 billion deal to acquire Germany's ZF Friedrichshafen's autonomous driving technology unit to combine it with its audio business and offer next-generation in-car platforms.
One thousand Pennsylvanians now dropping health insurance daily
Nansi Armstrong is living in America’s painful health insurance purgatory: earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to cover premiums...
ChatGPT recapped your personal AI habits in 2025. Here's how to see yours.
Reflect on your generative AI use this year.
US bans new foreign drone models in a blow to Chinese giant DJI
A new rule by the Federal Communications Commission will make it impossible for US consumers to buy the next generation of foreign made drones.
Health Ministry tightens oversight as demand for sperm donations surges
Health Ministry updates sperm bank rules as demand rises and fewer people donate, capping families per donor at 12, tightening genetic screening, and new import standards to improve safe donations.
enGene Reports Full Year 2025 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
BOSTON & MONTREAL, December 22, 2025--enGene Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ENGN, "enGene" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage, non-viral genetic medicines company, today announced its financial results for the full year ended October 31, 2025, and provided a business update.
Indie Game Awards retracts Expedition 33 prizes due to generative AI
The game lost its Game of the Year and Debut Game awards.
Trump expedites marijuana reclassification: Ohio cannabis businesses to benefit
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing the attorney general to expedite the reclassifying of marijuana from a Schedule I down to a Schedule III substance in the Controlled Substances Act.
Bernie Sanders to swear in Zohran Mamdani at public ceremony Jan. 1
After a more private event headed by NY Attorney General Letitia James, Sen. Bernie Sanders will swear in the mayor-elect at a large public ceremony.
The Indie Game Awards snatches back two trophies from Clair Obscur over its use of generative AI
The Indie Game Awards has stripped Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 of two awards over its use of generative AI. The awards ceremony doesn't allow the use of generative AI in any capacity.
Health experts warn of 'super flu' surge as Christmas approaches
As Christmas approaches, health experts are warning about a surge in flu cases driven by a variant dubbed the "super flu," which has already affected millions this year.
Apple Clings to Samsung as RAM Prices Soar
Apple is significantly increasing its reliance on Samsung for iPhone memory as component prices surge, according to The Korea Economic Daily. Apple is said to be expanding the share of iPhone memory it sources from Samsung due to rapidly rising memory prices. The shift is expected to result in Samsung supplying roughly 60% to 70% of the low-power DRAM used in the iPhone 17, compared with a more even split with SK Hynix in previous generations, with Micron also participating as a smaller supplier.
Training the Next Generation of Health Care Workers
Addressing the shortage of health workers and ensuring those workers are connected to the communities they serve is at the heart of a San Diego training program doing just that, one graduate at a t…
Calls for penalties as outrage grows over limited release of Epstein files
Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie build bipartisan coalition to hold attorney general Pam Bondi in contempt of Congress
A new drug could stop Alzheimer’s before memory loss begins
New research suggests Alzheimer’s may start far earlier than previously thought, driven by a hidden toxic protein in the brain. Scientists found that an experimental drug, NU-9, blocks this early damage in mice and reduces inflammation linked to disease progression. The treatment was given before symptoms appeared, targeting the disease at its earliest stage. Researchers say this approach could reshape how Alzheimer’s is prevented and treated.
Sports brands and AI: A winning combination
Millions of sports fans are being brought ever closer to the live action from their home screens through the power of agentic and generative AI.
Ministers defend ‘most ambitious animal welfare strategy in generation’ before publication
Conservatives claim government’s plan for higher welfare standards for farmed animals could undermine British agriculture
Chinese OpenAI rivals MiniMax and Zhipu AI offer first look at business models ahead of listings
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'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' stripped of Indie Game Awards due to generative AI use
It had previously been announced Game of the Year.
Logan Lednicky caps dream with volleyball title at Texas A&M
The fourth-generation Aggie helped Texas A&M win the school's first volleyball national championship in a most improbable fashion.
Studies focusing on deteriorating neighborhoods, electronic health records, and gun trafficking highlight this month's research roundup
December's Research Roundup highlights a new approach for improving genetic risk prediction using electronic health records, how interstate gun trafficking
Top science stories of 2025
In a year of funding chaos, ongoing climate change and pollution perils, we also saw the most powerful telescope yet, personalized gene therapy, and the next-best-thing to an HIV vaccine — not to mention a brand-new color
A traditional Brazilian plant shows unexpected strength against arthritis
A Brazilian study has confirmed that Joseph’s Coat, a plant used for generations in folk medicine, can significantly reduce inflammation and arthritis symptoms in lab tests. Researchers observed less swelling, healthier joints, and signs of tissue protection. Just as important, the extract showed a promising safety profile at tested doses. The discovery could pave the way for new plant-based anti-inflammatory treatments.
In affordability speech, President Trump mentions his neuroses, his favorite armchair, and the First Lady’s underwear
Gene Simmons tells Americans to 'shut up and stop worrying' about politics of their neighbors
Gene Simmons told CNN's Manu Raju Sunday that Americans should stop worrying about their neighbors' political beliefs and said, "It's their America too."
Top Eugene-Springfield high school fall sports moments of 2025
From walk-off wins to dominant state championship performances, athletes from Lane County made the 2025 fall sports season one to remember.
GOTY Winner Clair Obscur Disqualified From Awards Show
One of the most critically adored games of 2025 has just been disqualified from an awards show due to its use of generative AI.
Exclusive | ‘No need to explain’: leading mRNA vaccine expert Hu Haitao leaves US for China
China is catching up fast in mRNA-related fundamental research and technological development, Hu says.
Indie Game Awards disqualify Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 after generative AI controversy
According to a statement issued by the Indie Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been stripped of both awards it won. This decision came after producer François Meurisse confirmed the use of generative AI in the game’s development.
Dave Chappelle reacts to white Charlie Kirk fans calling him 'this generation's Martin Luther King' in new special
Dave Chappelle reacts to white Charlie Kirk fans calling the assassinated conservative media personality 'this generation's Martin Luther King' in his new Netflix special, 'The Unstoppable.'
Scientists build a device that pulls electricity directly from Earth's rotation
Physicists at NASA and Princeton generate electricity from the Earth's rotation: could wind energy be our energy source of the future?
Mets poach top international prospect from Yankees, per report
Dominican shortstop Wandy Asigen, 16, will sign with the Mets after backing out of a verbal agreement with the Yankees.
Ramstad: Here’s how the Marvins keep the family business in remotest Minnesota
The fourth generation of descendants of George Marvin are teaching the fifth how to lead one of the nation’s biggest makers of windows and doors.
At Turning Point’s annual gathering, young conservatives fret about the future
The mood at AmericaFest is unsettled as many of the promises Trump made to the group last year — including “lower prices,” an end to foreign wars and “generational change” — have yet to materialize.
BBC South political editor Peter Henley bows out
BBC South's Peter Henley has interviewed eight prime ministers and covered six general elections.
US-based scientist Valery Fokin wins Vyzov Prize, beating fierce Chinese rivals
USC chemistry professor is awarded one of Russia’s top science honours, topping competition from 40 countries.
The guardians of the meteorites of the Argentine Chaco
About 4,000 years ago, an intense shower of these objects fell in the north of the country, turning it into a reserve of great astronomical and spiritual value for the Indigenous Moqoit people
Can cheese protect brain health? This is what the science says
A controversial study suggests that consuming these dairy products may have a protective effect, but experts aren’t so sure
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Securities Fraud Class Action Result of Undisclosed Financial Problems and 63% Stock Decline - Investors may Contact Lewis Kahn, Esq, at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
/PRNewswire/ -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial...
Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance awards 25 small business grants
The grants were awarded in three categories — startup, micro, and small business — and can be used for expenses such as equipment, inventory, software and hardware, marketing, furniture, consulting services, and licensing or certification fees.
Intriguing science discoveries of 2025
This year, our scientists offered new hope for treating neurodegeneration and obesity and dramatically improved the odds that a once-promising immunotherapy could still prove to be a game-changer for cancer patients. They gained new insight into the mechanics of hearing, the emergence of spoken language, and how brand new genes can arise out of […]
Your DNA Might Say 'Viking' but Science Says Genetic Ancestry Tests Never Tell the Whole Story
If you’re looking for your genetic origin story, your DNA will only take you so far.
Larian announce plans to let folks ask anything about their generative AI use, asserting "a lot has become lost in translation"
Larian CEO Swen Vincke has announced the studio's plans host an ask me anything session about their generative AI use and Divinity's development process.
Fish Eggs to Fry makes science real for Eugene elementary students
For more than 20 years, the Fish Eggs to Fry collaborative project has been bringing science to life for elementary students at Eugene 4J.
Lauryn Massic defines her future in public health science
UNR Med Ph.D. candidate, Lauryn Massic M.S., is engaged in work around antimicrobial resistance, genetics and infectious disease. She's also a student-athlete.
Google's new invite-only AI tool emails you morning briefings based on your Gmail, Calendar, and Drive. I tried it.
Google Labs debuted its new productivity tool, CC, which generates morning briefings using AI. It was great for sifting through my spam folder.
Councilors advocate for science on Capitol Hill
ASBMB Councilors meet with their elected officials to advocate for basic scientific research funding and training the next generation of scientists.
Lamont details $168 million plan to cover federal cuts for food, health care, housing aid
Gov. Ned Lamont detailed his plans Thursday to use $168 million from an emergency fund lawmakers created last month. In a letter to legislative leaders, Lamont said he was tapping into the $500 million fund for access to food, housing, and health care. “We wanted to do – make sure that we had people’s backs and that our people weren’t…
Maryland takes next step toward redistricting, but roadblocks remain
A new political map in the state still faces an uphill battle in the next General Assembly session, amid opposition to the idea from Senate President Bill Ferguson.
T. Rogers Wade, mentor and adviser to prominent Georgia politicians, has died
T. Rogers Wade mentored generations of young Georgians, like Attorney General Chris Carr, seeking traction in politics and the business world.
Google’s Gemini app can check videos to see if they were made with Google AI
Incremental deepfake detection.
Backlash over Larian CEO's AI comments is a leadership problem
CEO Swen Vincke angered developers with his description of how Larian Studios is using generative AI. There's good reason for it.
D.C. auditor finds advisory neighborhood commissioner misused public funds
The auditor found that Salim Adofo, the ANC 8C chair who ran for D.C. Council twice, used government funds for politics and referred the case to the D.C. attorney general.
The top 10 game industry trends of 2025
Generative AI, reshaping company structures, and far-right bigotry are among the most defining trends of 2025.
2025 Science Activation Opportunity
Full details on the Science Activation opportunity can be found here.
Large Minnesota study underscores disproportionate rates of health problems among recently incarcerated and unhoused people
In a study of more than 4.3 million people in Minnesota, researchers found widespread disparities in health conditions between the general population and people who ...
Marshall Scholar examines the intersection of books, literature and politics
Jack Wallace, UVA’s 18th recipient of the scholarship, says critical thinking and literacy are antidotes for mistrust generated by technology.
Survey: AI’s role in business ideation is growing
Generative AI is beginning to reshape not just business operations but the way companies think, according to a new analysis in the Harvard Business Review. While many executives focus on efficiency and cost reduction, the authors argue that the technology’s greater promise lies in the ideation phase—the early stage of innovation where assumptions are challenged […]
Letters to the Editor: Members of Congress should look at their own healthcare plans before cutting ours
'What is so hypocritical and unfair about the Republicans’ desire to slash health programs that serve most Americans is the fact that American citizens provide most of the money for the generous health benefits of Congress,' writes an L.A. Times reader.
Wayne Guymon Named Vice President & General Manager of Learfield’s USC Sports Properties
LOS ANGELES – Learfield and USC Athletics announced today that 25-year industry veteran Wayne Guymon has been named the Vice President & General Manager of t...
Bernard Arnault still isn't ready to talk about LVMH's real-life 'Succession' drama
LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault generally avoids succession talk, keeping investors guessing about future leadership at the luxury giant.
Once a pariah, Saudi Arabia is now Hollywood's hot cash source
Saudi Arabia’s prominent role in some of the most consequential Hollywood deals in a generation is just the latest and perhaps the most audacious move by the kingdom to expand its footprint in the U.S. entertainment industry.
China offers ‘wonderful opportunity’ for scientists: top European neurologist
Consciousness expert Steven Laureys has taken on a role at Hangzhou Normal University amid ‘challenging times’ for science in the US.
Nationals reportedly hiring Ani Kilambi, 31-year-old Phillies assistant GM, as new general manager
Washington's president of baseball operations is 35 and its manager is 33. The organization's youth movement is rolling full steam ahead.
OpenAI’s new ChatGPT image generator makes faking photos easy
New GPT Image 1.5 allows more detailed conversational image editing, for better or worse.
Dan Bongino plans to step down as FBI deputy director
Deputy FBI director Dan Bongino is stepping down soon from the job after eight months marked by clashes with his boss, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and fighting off the conspiracies he once fueled.
NYC Health + Hospitals' NYC Care Partners With Consulates to Promote Health Care Access and Provide Blood Pressure Screenings - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals’ NYC Care program today announced a partnership with the Consulate General of Guatemala in New York to provide NYC Care tabling
GenAI users Larian forced to build Divinity around RAM shortage caused by GenAI
Larian's new Divinity game is having to be made with the current RAM storage in mind - a shortage caused by generative AI tools like the ones Larian employ.
Generational Divide & Antisemitism; City Politics; Artists & Affordability; Rob Reiner Tributes | The Brian Lehrer Show
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A new era for sports communication at UNC Hussman | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
As director of UNC Hussman’s Sports Communication Focus Program, Distinguished Associate Professor of Sports Communication Livis Freeman is building on the work of the school’s legendary Distinguished Professor for Sports Communication John Sweeney. Sweeney, who retired last year, developed one of the most respected sports communication programs in the country. Freeman, now in his 12th year at the school, is launching an ambitious expansion of the program that is transforming how UNC prepares students for careers in sports media. The most visible change came this fall with a reimagining of “MEJO 377: Sports Communication.” Previously offered as two sections with 30 students each, the course expanded to 96 students and welcomed former UNC basketball star and NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough as the co-instructor with Freeman, bringing real world professional experience directly into the classroom every week. The course has been a huge success. Students have participated in recording a podcast with Hansbrough and learned from an impressive lineup of guest speakers. Steve Kirschner, UNC’s senior associate director of athletics for communications, was the first in the course’s guest speaker series, followed by UNC Hussman alumni including Kaitlyn Schmidt ’23 from Bleacher Report, Deaton Bell ’90 from Turner Sports and Becca Royer ’19 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also shared his insights with the class. The highlight of the semester came when Roy Williams, who coached Hansbrough and the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2009, visited the classroom. Former UNC men’s basketball players Luke Maye and Marcus Ginyard showed up to support their former coach and Hansbrough, creating an unforgettable experience as Williams entertained students with stories and insights that captivated the room. Student demand has been overwhelming. The course reached capacity within two days of registration opening, with more than 40 students on the waitlist. “Students want to learn from people who have actually lived these experiences,” Freeman said. “Tyler shares insights into media relations, broadcast production and athlete communications that you simply can’t get from a textbook.” The model proved so successful that the school secured funding to continue it for the next five years, with a different former professional athlete co-teaching each fall. The school’s curriculum committee approved a proposal to expand the course to 150 to 200 students starting in fall 2026. This change will make it an introductory course accessible to students from across the University, transforming it into a showcase course for the entire campus. The course redesign represents just one piece of a broader sports communication program overhaul. This fall, the curriculum committee approved “MEJO 390: Sports Play by Play,” the first course of its kind at UNC. Limited to 10 advanced students, the course will be taught by Matt Krause, the current voice of UNC women’s basketball and an ACC Network broadcaster. Students will call actual games across multiple sports including women’s softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as men’s soccer and lacrosse. They will also shadow broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball games. “The sports broadcasting industry is exploding with streaming platforms and conference networks creating unprecedented demand,” Freeman said. The course emerged directly from student advocacy, led by Anna Laible ’26 and others who pushed for hands-on broadcasting experience. Professional equipment has been acquired, partnerships with UNC Athletics are in place and a soft launch began this semester with three experienced students calling games to test the system. The program’s growth extends into other specialized areas as well. Last spring, Stembler Professor Charlie Tuggle launched a new sports event management and hospitality course in partnership with On Location, a company that manages major sporting event experiences. The course provided students with opportunities to travel to the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, and Tuggle plans to take a group to the 2026 Milan Olympics this spring. Looking ahead to spring 2026, Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg will debut a sports data visualization course, adding another dimension to the program’s skill-building offerings. The curriculum expansion reflects the increasingly diverse career paths available in sports media, from traditional journalism and broadcasting to digital analytics and strategic communication. The program is also diving into one of college athletics’ most transformative developments: Name, Image and Likeness rights. Freeman’s “MEJO 466: Sports Marketing” class collaborated last spring with Associate Professor Gary Kayye’s “MEJO 371: Advertising Creative” class on a project with UNC’s Carolina NIL group to help rebrand their organization. That same semester, Kayye’s class envisioned Chapel Thrill, UNC football’s new pregame concert and entertainment experience. And Shaun Anderson, the school’s Knight Chair in Sports, Race and Media, continues to explore the broader implications of NIL through his research and teaching. These NIL-focused initiatives give students direct exposure to the business side of college athletics at a moment when the landscape is rapidly evolving. “Our students aren’t just learning about these changes,” Freeman said. “They’re actively helping shape how schools and athletes navigate them.” The transformation of UNC Hussman’s sports communication program reflects a broader philosophy about how to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. By bringing in professional practitioners like Hansbrough and Krause, partnering with industry leaders like On Location and ACC Network, and engaging with current issues like NIL, the program ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For alumni who remember the foundations John Sweeney built, the expansion represents an evolution rather than a departure. The program still emphasizes strong reporting, strategic communication, ethical communication and critical thinking. But now it also offers students the chance to call live games, work on real NIL campaigns and learn directly from former professional athletes. “We’re not just teaching students about sports media,” Freeman said. “We’re giving them the tools, experiences and connections to actually build careers in it.” With new courses launching, professional partnerships deepening and enrollment expanding, UNC Hussman’s sports communication program is positioning itself as a national leader in preparing the next generation of sports media professionals. For current students, the message is clear: if you’re interested in sports communication, there’s never been a better time to be at UNC Hussman. And for the hundreds of students trying to get off waitlists and into these new courses, the school is working to create more opportunities. The program John Sweeney built is growing in ways that honor his legacy while meeting the demands of a new era in sports media.
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