SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " urc " 9,637 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Household air pollution
WHO fact sheet on indoor air pollution: includes key facts, definition, impact on health, impact on health equity, WHO response.
Nantucket High School Students Dive into Real-World Science at Marine…
Nantucket Current is the island's leading online news source. We deliver the news, stories, and people of Nantucket, unbiased and unfiltered.
Health Care Meets Mission at GMHC
Cedarville University equips future medical professionals to combine clinical excellence with gospel-centered compassion. Students recently attended the Global...
Chincoteague Island featured in Business View Magazine
Chincoteague has been featured in Business View Magazine as part of the publication’s ongoing series highlighting economic growth and best practices in cities and towns across North America. The feature is based on an in-depth interview between Chincoteague Mayor Denise Bowden and Business View Magazine Editor-in-Chief Karen Surca, focusing on how the island community balances tourism-driven prosperity with long-term sustainability ... Read More
Where does the NIH go from here?
Publicly funded research is essential, but federal resources are finite. So where does the NIH go from here?
Quincy sports commission advances with 48th Street site for potential indoor complex
Quincy Sports Commission
Meet nuclear science PhD graduate, 41, who can ‘see through’ walls
He has come up with a new theory on how waves and rays can be used to see through a wall.
A Political Scientist’s ‘Altar Call’: PW Talks with Ryan Burge
In The Vanishing Church (Brazos), the Washington University professor, who examines American religion through data, frets over Christians’ deep polarization, urging believers to find a church where differences, diversity, and doubts are welcomed.
WHO highlights health risks and opportunities in the global waste crisis
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Throwing away our health: the impacts of solid waste on human health – evidence, knowledge gaps and health sector responses, warns that poorly managed solid waste is driving a public health crisis and calls for urgent action to protect people and the environments they live in.Globally, the volume of municipal solid waste is growing at an unprecedented rate. Yet, many countries still lack the systems and resources to manage this waste safely. “Solid waste reflects how our societies produce and consume, and how we treat people and the environment in the process,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director a.i., Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health & Migration at the World Health Organization. “If we continue to treat waste as an afterthought, we will lock in avoidable disease, climate pollution and deep social inequities. This report is a clear call to put health and equity at the centre of how we design, manage and ultimately reduce waste.”The report summarizes evidence on how solid waste – especially municipal solid waste – affects health through polluted air, water, soil and food. When waste is not collected, or is dumped, burned or not poorly treated, it can release hazardous chemicals, contaminate drinking-water sources and create breeding grounds for insects and rodents.Communities underserved by waste management services, those living near dumpsites and poorly managed landfills and incinerators, children and pregnant women, as well as waste workers – particularly those working informally – face the greatest risks. For the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) community, the report underlines that safe management of municipal and health care waste is integral to safely managed, climate-resilient systems.A large share of municipal solid waste is still not collected or is disposed of in uncontrolled conditions, including open dumpsites and open burning. These practices damage ecosystems, contribute to climate change and undermine efforts to build healthy cities. When waste is properly managed, however, it can become a resource – generating energy and creating green jobs. The report calls for a coordinated, multisectoral response grounded in the waste hierarchy: preventing waste where possible, then reducing, reusing and recycling, with safe recovery and disposal.Key actions for governments and partners include reducing waste generation at source; expanding affordable and reliable waste collection services, especially in underserved communities; improving control at recovery and disposal facilities; and eliminating open dumping and burning, including hazardous waste. The new report identifies a central role for the health sector in addressing solid waste as a public health threat. The health sector can prevent and minimize health-care waste at source, improve segregation and safe treatment, invest in cleaner climate-resilient technologies, and advocate for health-protective policies and standards. The report also encourages more surveillance, research and biomonitoring to strengthen the evidence base, and promotes social protection and inclusion of informal waste workers.“This report gives countries and health authorities a very practical agenda,” said Mr Bruce Gordon, Head, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Unit, WHO. “Health ministries can start now by ensuring safe management of health-care waste, developing strong occupational health programmes for waste workers, and working with municipalities to reduce health risks from solid waste by closing open dumps and burn sites and gradually improving towards safe services. These concrete steps save lives today and will make cities cleaner and healthier in the future.
World leaders adopt a historic global declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health
Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted the political declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. This is the outcome of the intergovernmental negotiations in advance of and considered by the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September 2025.
Oregon State Ends Beleaguered Blueprint Sports Partnership
OSU's revenue-sharing partnership with the NIL consulting firm became a source of controversy after Sportico reported on its terms in September.
Public safety issues in St. Johns continue to hurt business
The owner of StormBreaking brewing says safety issues in the St. Johns area hurting their bottom line.
FDA Commissioner on Covid Vaccine Safety and Men’s Health
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary says the agency has no plans to put a black box warning on Covid-19 vaccines. He says a recommendation was made, but it won't be adopted since the vaccines have changed since they first came out. He speaks with Romaine Bostick and Katie Greifeld on "The Close." (Source: Bloomberg)
Chickenpox case confirmed at Waynesville Middle: Haywood County health officials
The Haywood County Health and Human Services confirmed one case of chicken pox at Waynesville Middle School, according to a Dec. 15 press release.
Want to support small businesses this holiday season? Start with how you shop.
Skip the one-day shipping. A small-business expert shares how shoppers can help small brands grow through slower spending and thoughtful purchases.
Trump's religious freedom nominee is being held up by a former political foe, his allies say
Eight months after being nominated for an ambassadorship, former Rep. Mark Walker hasn’t had a hearing because of a senator he once ran against, sources say. Now, Trump is involved.
AI's Political Persuasiveness Is Dangerously Good: Parmy Olson
Scientists found that the latest AI models are getting better at persuading people, but at the expense of the truth, using a debating tactic known as Gish galloping. Researchers tested 19 language models on nearly 80,000 participants and found that when chatbots were prompted to overwhelm users with information, their factual accuracy declined. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Parmy Olson discusses the impact of AI and the power of Persuasion on The Pulse. (Source: Bloomberg)
Errol Laborde: Remembering the frog found at a Christmas Eve church service
“O Holy Night,” the choir sang while a frog at floor level weaved his way through what must have appeared to be a stampede, hoping and hopping for survival.
Science has always been marketed, from 18th-century coffeehouse demos of Newton’s ideas to today’s TikTok explainers
Science has always been part of a marketplace of ideas, where claims vie for audiences, resources and belief, and where power, persuasion and status shape which ideas are heard, trusted or forgotten.
Science has always been marketed, from 18th-century coffeehouse demos of Newton’s ideas to today’s TikTok explainers
Science has always been part of a marketplace of ideas, where claims vie for audiences, resources and belief, and where power, persuasion and status shape which ideas are heard, trusted or forgotten.
Award of Merit, Sports/Entertainment: Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion
Combining living habitats, hands-on exploration and behind-the-scenes functions, the $141-million, 50,000-sq-ft Ocean Pavilion differs from other aquariums by highlighting the interconnectedness of human and marine life.
Science in a French City, Which I Shall Not Name
It has a beautiful historic center with typical old European streets and an impressive number of museums. It is a delightful area of narrow cobbled streets, small charming squares, and beautiful old buildings. It is a very old city—more than 2,000 years old. It is a green city with many parks. There are 14 churches and cathedrals in this city, although over the years it has become less Christian and more Muslim. [Alex Gordon]
UK to push for nudity-blocking software on devices to protect children
Home Office expected to encourage companies to introduce controls
The OpenFold Consortium Names Dr. Jan Domanski as Senior Science Lead to Drive the Next Generation of Open Source AI Models for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery
DAVIS, Calif., December 15, 2025--Dr. Domanski embodies the spirit of OpenFold: a deep scientific understanding of proteins with engineering expertise and a builder’s mindset
SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION (NYSE: FUN) DEADLINE ALERT: Bernstein Liebhard LLP Reminds Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Investors of Upcoming Deadline
Six Flags Entertainment Shareholder Lawsuit Filed - Contact Bernstein Liebhard For More Information...
Director Rob Reiner and his wife found dead in their Los Angeles home
Investigators believe they suffered stab wounds and a family member is being questioned, according to police sources
The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)
In a recent conversation, T.I. expressed his views on the church, suggesting that it can be a business and that leaders often manipulate the word for personal gain. He emphasizes the importance of personal connection with God, stating that you don't need a middle man to hear your prayers. Explore the complexities of faith and leadership in this thought-provoking discussion.
Homicide detectives investigating at address connected with Hollywood director Rob Reiner
Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department are on scene and conducting an investigation at an address associated with Hollywood director Rob Reiner, a law enforcement source tells CNN.
NBA Total Health Fair offers free screenings and groceries in Las Vegas
The inaugural NBA Total Health Fair, presented by Evernorth Health Services, took place at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Sunday, providing no-cost health s
The mystery of the Seneca Drums persists
Researchers are plumbing the depths of the largest and deepest of New York’s Finger Lakes to explain the source of its famous booming sounds.
WHO launches call for high-level experts to join the Science Council
The World Health Organization (WHO) is today soliciting the interest of internationally-renowned experts to serve on its Science Council, one of the Organization’s highest-level advisory bodies to the WHO Director-General.
SNOW FOX | Business, childcare and church closings/delays for Monday, Dec. 15, 2025
This list will be updated frequently.
Jasmine Crockett's Senate campaign makes first Houston stop
She stopped in at the same church she attended when she was a student at the University of Houston law school.
School politics class: Berenberg made largest unlawful UK political donation with £300,000 for Tories
Established UK political parties
Franklin County's 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment prioritizes food security
The 2025 Baystate Franklin Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment identified food security, maternal and infant health, behavioral health and substance use disorders as priority health concerns in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region, with the assessment highlighting the need for increased attention to and resources for food insecurity, mental health and substance use prevention.
Experts urge caution as Trump’s big bill incentivizes AI in healthcare
Analysts say benefits could be felt in under-resourced rural hospitals but warn against AI as a cost-cutting measure
FFmpeg Lands Initial Support For JPEG-XS
The widely-used FFmpeg open-source multimedia library has merged initial support for JPEG-XS.
Mass weddings and political power: Why Unification Church keeps resurfacing in Korean politics
Long known for its stadium-scale mass weddings that drew global attention — and for its followers’ widely used nickname, “Moonies” — the Unification Church has
Rapid Reaction: Northwestern takes care of business, defeating Jackson State 93-53
Your best source for quality Northwestern Wildcats news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.
Shooting at Elba business leaves one wounded
The shooting occurred at Dorsey Trailers after a dispute erupted, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the matter.
Teen’s video a ‘Breakthrough’ in science communication
Seventeen-year-old Grace Lee from Chula Vista is gaining national attention as a finalist in the global Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual competition that invites students to create original videos explaining complex scientific ideas in creative and engaging ways. Founded in 2015, the contest encourages young people to break down advanced scientific theories using imagination and storytelling— “Steven Spielberg meets Albert Einstein,” as organizers describe it. Lee’s submission centers on the principle of least time in physics, a concept that explains why light always travels the path that takes the least amount of time. To bring the idea to life, she used intricate origami characters and stop-motion animation, along with simple at-home experiments, she said. “The fact that light always travels via the path that takes the least amount of time sounds simple at first, but nature is full of surprises,” she said. “This principle is actually very profound and underlies many different fields in physics that seem completely unrelated, from optics to Newton’s laws to Einstein’s theory of relativity.” Also, origami has long been one of her passions and integrating it into her project felt natural. She often makes origami gifts for friends and teaches origami in her school clubs. “A single 10-second scene would take hours to craft,” she said, noting the mixture of stop-motion and post-production editing required to animate expressions and movement. To ensure the science remained accurate and accessible, she spent time reading books and online resources, writing a script, creating a storyboard, and filming and editing repeatedly until the visuals worked.The experiments were among the biggest challenges. To demonstrate water waves, she used everyday household items — “a spatula and an electric toothbrush to vibrate the waves, glass in a baking pan for different depths, and an iPhone flashlight so the waves would be visible.” She also put careful thought into explaining the principle through analogies, including a gingerbread man and a fox. “Analogies and visuals are incredibly important,” she said. “Visual demonstrations allow viewers to see how the science actually works.” Beyond the competition, Lee is deeply involved in science leadership and advocacy. She serves as International President of miRcore, the world’s largest student computational biology organization, with 136 chapters across five countries. She leads a 20-member executive board, organizes outreach connecting schools worldwide, and has helped run workshops at locations including Scripps Research Institute and the University of Michigan. “I used to be intimidated,” she said, but she gradually grew her skills and confidence. “Now I am no longer afraid to use my voice and enthusiasm to bring out the best in others.” Her research experience includes two peer-reviewed papers on asthma and vaping. Misconceptions around vaping, she said, show why clear science communication matters. “Our research shows that there is long-term harm to your lungs on the cellular level that isn’t obvious unless you come down with an illness like the flu,” she said. Lee also founded Full Hearts at Eastlake High School, transforming the small club into one of the school’s largest, with hands-on service projects in partnership with local nonprofits. She continues mentoring younger students to sustain the mission. If she wins the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Grace hopes the $100,000 science lab prize for her school will expand opportunities for students who have limited access to equipment and hands-on science outside the classroom.
What we're hearing: Philip Rivers' comeback, Burrow and more
Philip Rivers is expected to start an NFL game at 44 years old after a 1,800-day layoff, Joe Burrow's comments raised eyebrows across the league, and sources weigh in on what it all actually means.
Burcum: Watch out for risky health plans as sticker shock sets in
When your monthly premium goes from $500 to $1,000, even the savviest consumers may be willing to consider riskier alternatives to save money — including plans that might be scams, Jill Burcum writes.
Big 12 negotiating capital partnership that would allow schools to opt in to more funding: Sources
The partnership would focus on expanding commercial and business operations while offering a capital line of credit to 16 universities.
Robert Griffin III to call his first NFL game for Fox Sports in New Orleans
Robert Griffin III still has a couple of football games left on his broadcast schedule.With the college football regular season completed, Griffin will call his
Sources: Big 12 nearing private capital deal that could raise up to $500 million
The Big 12 deal closely follows the finalization of an equity partnership that one of the league’s members, Utah, struck earlier this week.
Business busted for selling hundreds of fake 'luxury' items out of Hamilton, Monroe County
Ivestigators have exposed a fraudulent business for selling hundreds of fake 'luxury' items out of Hamilton, Monroe County
Fintech, AI Very Strong in UK: British Business Bank CEO
The UK economy is at risk of its first quarterly contraction since Labour returned to power, after growth disappointed again by shrinking ahead of Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves' tax-raising budget. Can the UK's tech sector come to the rescue? British Business Bank CEO Louis Taylor weighs in with Ed Ludlow and Caroline Hyde to discuss on "Bloomberg Tech." (Source: Bloomberg)
Female athletes protesting transgender competition in sports drop lawsuit against OSAA
Two female athletes dropped a lawsuit they had filed alleging that the OSAA discriminated against them for protesting transgender competition in women's sports.
Award of Merit, Sports/Entertainment: New Alamein City Tourist Promenade
Located along the Mediterranean coast, the $36.6-million project transforms the waterfront into a vibrant public promenade.
Breaking echo chambers, white-label resources, and this month’s top science picks
Behind the curtain (Dec 12)
FDA intends to put its most serious warning on Covid vaccines, sources say
The US Food and Drug Administration intends to put a “black box” warning on Covid-19 vaccines, according to two people familiar with the agency’s plans.
SNOW FOX | Business, childcare and church closings/delays for Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
This list will be updated frequently.
Theresa May and the Brutality of Politics
Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May speaks with Francine Lacqua about Vladimir Putin and her approach to leadership in a world seeing a rise in "strongmen." (Source: Bloomberg)
Stand Against Mephisto: Pre-Purchase Lord of Hatred
Make your final stand against the Prime Evil Mephisto in a rich new campaign, master two new classes, and discover the ancient region of Skovos.
The Game Awards 2025 – Every Winner and Xbox Reveal Plus New Details on Control Resonant, Diablo IV, Tomb Raider, and More
On behalf of the creative teams at Xbox, Bethesda Softworks, Activision, and Blizzard, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winners and nominees at The Game Awards!
Daddy's Coming Home with Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred
It seems Lilith annoyed her father so much, he’s about to burn it all down: Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred arrives April 28, 2026, and the Paladin class is available now with pre-purchase.
Sources: Trump told Blakeman victory unlikely in race against Stefanik
Blakeman told Spectrum News he feels he is the best man for the job.
The Legacy of Lara Croft Continues in Two New Tomb Raider Games
30 years after it all started, Lara Croft returns in one new adventure, Tomb Raider: Catalyst (2027) and a complete reimagining of her first, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (2026). Learn more inside:
Trooper helps man having mental health crisis on Boston bridge
Officials released the tense video to raise awareness of mental health resources.
Connecting through food: UC Davis Health chefs visit with local students
Chefs Jet Aguirre and Santana Diaz inspired local high school students by sharing their passion for cooking and the importance of healthy, locally grown food.
Employers join forces at career fair to boost local business hires post-Helene
Employers gathered at the Valley Hope Church in Swannanoa on Thursday, Dec. 11, to take part in the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber Foundation career fair.
Michigan AD became aware of Sherrone Moore's recent mental health issues before firing, source says
Several Subway shops in Maine close as state revokes business certificates
Several Subway restaurants in Maine, owned by MTF Subs, were abruptly closed after the state revoked their business registration certificates Wednesday.
Amendment 29: F.6 Science Activation Final Text and Due Date.
The Science Mission Directorate Science Activation Program encourages all people to actively participate in science through activities and resources developed
Justice Department again fails to reindict N.Y. AG James, AP source says
A judge threw out the original indictment against James and Comey in November.
Justice Department fails to reindict Letitia James for a second time
A grand jury, for a second time, declined to bring a new indictment against Letitia James, the New York attorney general who defeated President Donald Trump and his company in court, according to multiple sources.
AETH Entertainment and Kartoon Studios Partner to Launch TaleSphere Studios
New Live-Action Banner to Produce Family and Youth Entertainment; First Project, “Real Santa”...
Local business offers free career pivot programs for Black women this holiday season
A local business is helping women reinvent themselves and pivot to a new career for free this holiday season.
James Webb telescope spots 'monster stars' leaking nitrogen in the early universe — and they could help solve a major mystery
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope spotted huge stars leaking nitrogen in an early galaxy, hinting that such 'monster stars' might have been the source of ancient supermassive black holes.
FMOL Health has purchased this property near Our Lady of the Lake
FMOL Health has acquired a kidney care facility property on Flanders Drive near Essen Lane. The system purchased the site through Our Lady of the Lake Hospital Inc. from Flanders Building LLC f… Already an INSIDER? Sign in. We are glad you enjoy reading Business Report. Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all […]
AirPods Pro 3 Drop to New $199 Low Price on Amazon
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 have hit a new record low price of $199.00 today on Amazon, down from $249.00. This deal beats the Black Friday price we saw last month by about $20. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Sarah Wieghold prepares for nanoscale science with big impact at the Advanced Photon Source
Collaboration and impact are two values that guide her work at the APS.
Global Politics Meet the Classroom
Dr. Gabriel de Arruda Castro, a former Brazilian political journalist, joins Cedarville University as assistant professor of international relations, enriching...
Kennebunkport business reopens after car crashes into store
Police say the 21-year-old driver was coming home from work early in the morning when he fell asleep at the wheel.
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Deadly shooting near Horseshoe Casino raises safety concerns in entertainment hub
A deadly shooting outside a Royal Farms store near the Horseshoe Casino in south Baltimore has left residents concerned about safety.
Google DeepMind to build materials science lab after signing deal with UK
Big Tech group will work with Sir Keir Starmer’s government to enhance AI use across public sector
Shasta County HHSA speaks on fog and connection to daylight, seasonal affective disorder
Makaylah Fazzari with Shasta County HHSA explained how fog can limit daylight hours, which may contribute to certain conditions.
Connecticut Department of Public Health reports case of measles
The Connecticut Department of Public Health announced on Wednesday it has confirmed a case of measles in a child.
UAMS to provide training for 75 community health workers in rural areas of the state
75 community health workers are slated to receive training by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, as
Maine lawmaker plans to submit mental health resources bill for heritage industries
A state senator plans to submit a bill in Augusta which would seek to address a lack of mental health resources.
'We Can Get There': Scientists Make the Case for Mars in 200-Page Report
Primarily they want to search for life, but geological and resource exploration are also discussed.
People made fire 350,000 years earlier than previously thought, scientists find
Stone Age site in English county of Suffolk shows evidence of crucial stage in human development
Panasonic Whisper Symphony™ Transforms Your Bathroom with Entertainment, Comfort, and Innovation
Panasonic, a leading provider of ventilation and sustainable home comfort solutions, today announces its new Whisper Symphony™ exhaust fan, now available for purchase in stores and online at The Home Depot and Do it Best. Designed for modern homeowners and DIYers, this innovative fan enhances daily bathroom routines by combining Panasonic's superior ventilation, energy-efficiency, and immersive audio into a single, easy-to-install solution.
The Native Brand, P&G Studios and dentsu Entertainment Launch America’s First Brand Co-Produced Feature-Length 'Microsoap' for the Vertical Video Era Produced by Pixie USA, Titled 'The Golden Pear...
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Native, a clean beauty and personal care brand, P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gam...
Shining a Light on the People Behind Solar Science
A new database provides a comprehensive who’s who of scientists in solar and heliospheric physics research, offering a valuable resource for that community and a model for other fields to follow.
'It's a great way to get exposure:' Pittsburgh area businesses land contracts for NFL Draft
About 120 businesses from the 10 counties surrounding Pittsburgh have been accepted into the NFL Draft’s Source Program.
Small Business of the Year: Hercules Express Wash, Pinnacle Building Services win big
Hank Keller never dreamed of owning a car wash, but the unexpected path led him to what he now calls “the things we cherish most.”
Netflix vs Paramount: politics could decide battle for Warner Bros
Antitrust concerns and ties to Trump administration complicate picture of who may ultimately own media group
Chateau Ste. Michelle is now under new ownership
The Wyckoff family announced its purchase of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates on Monday.
New York City Faces Record High Youth Mental Health Crisis: Comptroller Lander’s Report
New York, NY — Under resourced New York City Public Schools are facing a growing youth mental health crisis, according to a new report from New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. With close to 40% of New York City high school students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness, Comptroller Lander’s report...
Sports integrity: What is it and how does gambling affect it?
Part five in a five-part series on sports betting in the U.S. since the 2018 Supreme Court decision allowing states to legalize sports betting.
How will the Warner Bros. bidding war affect the entertainment industry?
Both Netflix and Paramount are trying to purchase the company
How will the Warner Bros. bidding war affect the entertainment industry?
Both Netflix and Paramount are trying to purchase the company
First rabies-positive bat of the year found in Barry County, health officials urge caution
A bat found in Barry County has tested positive for rabies.
Pebble's founder introduces a $75 AI smart ring for recording brief notes with a press of a button
After rebooting the Pebble smartwatch, founder Eric Migicovsky is expanding his company's device lineup with a new smart wearable: an AI-powered smart ring known as Index 01. Named for the finger where the ring is meant to be worn, the new $75 ring is not meant to be a competitor to the always-on, always-listening AI devices, like the AI pendant Friend, but instead offers a way to record quick notes and reminders with a press of a button on the ring's side. AI only comes into play via the open source, speech-to-text, and AI models that run locally on your smartphone, via the open source Pebble mobile app. That is, if the Ring's button is not being pressed, it's not recording. (And this is a press-and-hold gesture, too, which means you can't start the ring's recording and then let go to surreptitiously record a conversation.) You can wear the stainless steel ring while in the shower, washing hands, doing dishes, or in the rain, but you would have to take it off for other water-related activities, like swimming. At launch, it's water-resistant to 1 meter. The ring is also not a fitness tracker or sleep monitor. It doesn't record details about your heart rate or health. And it's not there to be your AI friend. "I'm not trying to build some AI assistant thing," Migicovsky told TechCrunch in an interview. "I build things that solve one main problem, and they solve it really well," he explains. "I think of as external memory for my brain...that's what this is. It's always with you." Plus, the ring has been designed to be highly reliable and privacy-preserving, he says, as all your thoughts are stored on your phone, not in the cloud. There is no subscription. Migicovsky has been wearing the ring for three months now and says he cannot imagine going back to a world where he doesn't always have a memory device with him. "The problem is that, during the day, I get ideas or I remember something, and if I don't write it down that second, I forget it," he says. The ring solves this problem, he adds, without becoming another device you need to charge. "The battery lasts for years," Migicovsky claims. Technically, the ring is said to support roughly 12 to 14 hours of recording. On average, the founder says he uses it 10-20 times per day to record 3-6 second thoughts. At that rate, he'll get about two years of usage. When the ring's battery dies, you can ship it back to the company for recycling. When using Index, you can record up to five minutes of audio, which can be saved to the ring and synced to your phone later. This makes sense for recording briefer, personal thoughts and notes, even when you don't have your phone handy, but it wouldn't work for recording a longer chat, like a presentation, meeting, or in-person interview of some kind. The ring also supports 99+ languages and has a bit of on-device memory, in case you're not in Bluetooth range of your device, where the recording is ultimately saved and transcribed. (The raw audio is retained, too, in case the speech-to-text is garbled due to loud background noise). If you own a Pebble smartwatch or one from another brand, your recorded thought can even appear on the watch's screen so you can verify it's correct. The ring works with Pebble's mobile app, which offers notes and reminders, but can optionally integrate with your phone's calendaring system, too, or other apps, like Notion. And the ring's software is open source, which makes it hackable by the community, the founder points out. Because of its open nature, the ring's button is already programmable. In addition to the press-and-hold gesture, you can program the ring to do other things with a single or double press, like play or pause your music or control the shutter on your phone's camera. You could use it to send a message through the universal chat app Beeper, which Migicovsky also created, or you could add your own voice actions via MCP. A new approach to hardware Migicovsky acknowledges that hardware can be difficult to get right -- as the previous exit of Pebble to Fitbit showed. (Fitbit, too, was later acquired by Google in 2021). "I didn't earn any money during Pebble -- we exited, but it was not a great exit," Migicovsky admits. This year, however, he decided to reboot the Pebble project after Google open sourced the PebbleOS, which opened up the door to new hardware. With his new company, Core Devices, Migicovsky plans to do things differently. Still, the founder doesn't regret his previous choices, he clarifies. "I wouldn't have gone back and changed anything. I loved what we built. I loved what we did. I love the company that we built, but it's not the only way to build a company," he told TechCrunch. " And, speaking as an ex-YC partner, there are -- there's a time and a place for building a venture-backed startup. Some companies are phenomenal when they raise money and build a big team, and I tried that...I think what I'm doing now is trying an alternative path, which is start from profitability," he says. The new company is a small team of five, self-funded, and focused on sustainability. So far, Core Devices has shipped the Pebble 2 Duo smartwatch with a black-and-white display. Its first run sold out, and the company is now preparing to ship the upgraded version, the Pebble Time 2. The newer device, which has seen 25,000 pre-orders, is a stainless steel watch with a larger, color e-ink screen. As for the Index 01, the ring's pre-order offer ends in March 2026. After that, the price increases to $99. It currently comes in silver, polished gold, and matte black and works with iOS and Android devices. Customers can select from eight ring sizes and three colors.
Apple's M5 iPad Pro Returns to All-Time Low Black Friday Prices at Up to $180 Off
Amazon and Best Buy today opened up big discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, offering as much as $180 off select tablets. Prices start at $899.00 for the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro at Amazon, down from $999.00. All deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during Black Friday. Note. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Brook.ai Wins Top Digital Health Award for Pioneering Work in AI-Powered Remote Care Management
Brook.ai, the company making remote care an integral part of U.S. healthcare by extending continuity of care outside the traditional practice setting, today announced its recognition with a Gold Award for Remote Patient Monitoring in the Connected Digital Health category at the 27th annual Digital Health Awards®. The prestigious program, organized by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC), honors the most innovative digital health resources developed for consumers and health professionals
Netflix's 'Stranger Things' Is Coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
The Hawkins Helicopter Tour Company takes off in the new Stranger Things Expansion pack for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.