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06/02/2023 ---- 28/02/2023

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28.02.2023
THEME: POLITICS

UK and EU seal a deal to resolve trade dispute over Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a region in the northeast of the island of Ireland that has been a part of the United Kingdom since its creation in 1921. The region was created due to the Government of Ireland Act 1920, which partitioned Ireland into two separate entities: Northern Ireland, which remained part of the UK, and the Irish Free State, which later became the Republic of Ireland. The partition of Ireland was a contentious issue, with many Irish nationalists opposing it and seeking a united Ireland. This led to a conflict known as the Troubles, which lasted from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. The conflict was primarily between Irish nationalists, who wanted Northern Ireland reunited with the rest of Ireland, and unionists, who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK. The Good Friday Agreement established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, with representatives from both nationalist and unionist parties. The agreement also included provisions for decommissioning paramilitary weapons and prisoners' early release.

Brexit has had significant implications for Northern Ireland, as it shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state. The UK's decision to leave the EU meant that a border would need to be established between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which raised concerns about the potential impact on the peace process. The Northern Ireland Protocol, included in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, aims to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland by keeping Northern Ireland aligned with some EU rules, which has led to some trade barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The Protocol has been a contentious issue in Northern Ireland, with some unionists opposing it and some nationalists supporting it.

On Monday, February 27, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen sealed a deal to resolve their strained post-Brexit trade dispute over Northern Ireland. The critical point of the agreement is the definition of two different lanes for good export from the UK to Ireland. Goods from Britain destined for Northern Ireland will travel through a new "green lane, " with reduced checks and paperwork. A separate "red lane" is instead for goods at risk of moving into the EU, which will be subject to usual checks according to the EU regulations. Under the new deal, UK VAT and excise rules will apply to Northern Ireland for alcoholic drinks for immediate consumption and immovable goods such as heat pumps - EU VAT rules will still apply for other items. A procedure is also agreed on to allow the Northern Ireland Assembly to object to new EU rules that introduce substantial changes. Finally, it will be easier for pet owners to travel between the UK and Northern Ireland. Monday's outcome has been primarily hailed positively between Dublin, Belfast, London and Brussels. But the deal is not yet entirely over the line, as Sunak still needs to appease and get the backing from some Conservative party members and Northern Ireland's politicians – especially the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) members.

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23.02.2023
THEME: HEALTH

The consumption of ginger may have a beneficial effect against bacterial infections

Ginger is a flowering plant whose root is used as a spice and herbal remedy. It's native to Southeast Asia but is now cultivated in many other parts of the world, including India, China, and the Caribbean. Ginger is a versatile and flavorful ingredient with a long history of culinary and medical use. It has a spicy, savoury flavour and warming quality, making it a popular ingredient in many cuisines, especially in Asian and Indian dishes. It's often used in teas, soups, curries, and desserts.

Beyond its culinary uses, ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-nausea effects, among other health benefits. Some people use ginger to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as nausea, vomiting, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Ginger is becoming increasingly popular in Germany as a medicinal plant or as food. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, the annual import volume of the fruity-hot root has almost quadrupled over the last ten years to around 31,600 tons.

A team led by Veronika Somoza, director of the Leibniz Institute in Freising, Germany, conducted extensive research to clarify if normal ginger consumption levels are sufficient to achieve health effects. The starting point was a result of a pilot study which showed significant amounts of aromatic ginger compounds enter the blood about 30 to 60 minutes after consuming one litre of ginger tea. The study results suggest that ginger stimulates the functionality of our immune system. Small amounts of an aromatic ginger constituent in laboratory tests put specific immune cells - white blood cells - on heightened alert. These cells are mainly involved in the protection against bacterial infection. The study also shows that this process consists of a type of receptor that plays a role in the perception of painful heat stimuli and the sensation of spiciness in food. Although more research is needed to understand its full potential for therapeutic applications, it is now demonstrated that the typical ginger intake may benefit our immune system's functionality, particularly against bacterial infection. Nevertheless, many unanswered questions at the epidemiological and medical levels still need to be addressed.

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21.02.2023
THEME: HEALTH

Could bacteria and viruses trigger Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of memory and cognitive function, along with changes in behaviour and personality. It is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide, and is typically diagnosed in individuals over 65. However, early-onset forms of the disease can occur in younger individuals. Alzheimer's is caused by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, which can interfere with communication between brain cells and ultimately lead to their death. While the major hallmarks of Alzheimer's are well-known, we still have little idea what triggers it. Specific genes and lifestyle factors such as loneliness, lack of exercise and poor diet can all increase the risk of Alzheimer's, but how and why it begins remains a mystery.

Since the mid-80s, a handful of scientists worldwide have doggedly pursued the idea that either a virus or a bacterium could play a role in Alzheimer's. Studies show that people with herpes are more likely to get Alzheimer's. In particular, evidence pointed towards herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) – a pathogen found in 70% of the UK population and the cause of oral herpes. When Prof Ruth Itzhaki from Oxford University's Institute of Population Ageing – who has done more than any other scientist to advance the HSV-1 theory of Alzheimer's - examined post-mortem brain samples from patients, she found more significant amounts of the virus's DNA than in people who had not died of the disease. Moreover, other studies show that treatment with a standard antiviral drug decreased the risk of dementia ninefold. Others have suggested that bacteria may also be capable of initiating the neurodegeneration that leads to Alzheimer's. Chlamydia pneumonia, which causes lung disease, and Borrelia burgdorferi, associated with Lyme disease and gum infections, have all been put forward as possible triggers. The main reason viruses like HSV-1 and possibly bacteria may be capable of triggering Alzheimer's is that they invade the body before burrowing into the central nervous system and travelling to the brain sometime in midlife. Once there, they stay dormant for many years before being reactivated in old age, either because the ageing immune system can no longer keep them in check or something else – a traumatic episode, a head injury or perhaps another infection – spurs them to life. Once awakened – so the theory goes – they begin to wreak havoc. Davangere Devanand, a neurologist at Columbia University Medical Center, is running a clinical trial investigating whether a herpes antiviral drug called valacyclovir could slow the progression of Alzheimer's in patients in the early stages of the disease. The ongoing trial, expected to be completed by early 2024, could significantly affect how we view the condition.

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20.02.2023
THEME: WORLD

Ukraine crisis update: US and EU aim to further intense confrontation, while China proposes to mediate

The tensions between the European Union and Russia have grown over the Ukraine war in the last two months. The Ukraine crisis has yet to have a favourable negotiation in sight today. On January 23, after weeks of Poland and other NATO members openly pressuring Germany to permit the dispatch of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, the US and EU allies decided to send armour. With this decision, NATO demonstrated continued assistance to Ukraine despite this meant crossing what was previously called Russia's "red lines". In the following days, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev reiterated in a written interview that the Russian response to attacks in Russian territory can be of any nature and that these will be consistent and immediate - referencing the country's nuclear arsenal.

Additionally, on February 2, EU President Ursula Von Der Leyen visited Kyiv along with 15 European Commissioners. The meeting discussed the numerous reforms needed for Ukraine to achieve EU membership. President Von Der Leyen also confirmed support in funds for 1 billion and further sanctions against Russia to be enacted by the end of the month. On February 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited London and urged the allies to send combat aircraft. He obtained more support in training Ukraine pilots, which may be a premise for effectively using NATO's jets. Zelensky travelled to Paris in the evening, following his visit to the United Kingdom, to meet France's leader Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. On February 9, he met in Brussels with European Union leaders as they gathered for a summit. "A Ukraine winning is going to be a member of the European Union," Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian president's main messages in London, Paris and Brussels were pleas for long-range missiles and fighter jets to beef up his armed forces and (to the EU) the necessity of rapid entry into the bloc. Following these visits, the European Parliament voted with a large majority and heavy resolution on February 15, condemning Russia's invasion and annexation of Ukraine's territories. In the document, the EU reiterates its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating that the outcome of the war and the stance taken by the international community will play a crucial role in affecting future action by other authoritarian regimes. Besides demanding that Russia withdraws its troops, it confirmed a steady and continued increase in the supply of all types of weapons to Ukraine, without exceptions, mentioning for the first the possibility of sending fighter jets and missile systems. Additionally, more sanctions against Russia will be put in place by the end of February, and a legal frame to confiscate frozen Russian assets - is to be devolved to Ukraine's reconstruction.

Following the Plenary at the EU Parliament, a Security Conference of the G7 took place in Munich on February 17 and 18. For the first time since the outbreak of COVID, China was represented in Munich at a high level this year in the form of its most senior diplomat, former Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang told the audience that China had tried and would continue to try to broker Ukraine peace talks. "There were multiple rounds of peace talks. And we saw a framework text on the peaceful resolution of the crisis. However, that was stopped. We do not know why. The process was cut short. Some forces might not want to see peace talks materialize. They don't care about the life and death of Ukrainians, not the harm to Europe. They might have strategic goals larger than Ukraine itself." Wang also used the war in Ukraine as an opportunity to say that "for a safer world, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected". In his introductory remarks, Wang had said that COVID had shown how the world was "one global village" and could only "win the victory when we trust each other." However, the US, German, and French representatives expressed perplexity about finding a diplomatic solution in the immediate future. In its final statement, the G7 confirms support for Ukraine until necessary and condemns Russia's actions. Today February 20, two more critical meetings took place. US president Joe Biden met Volodymyr Zelensky during a surprise visit to Kyiv, where he promised increased arms deliveries. In the meantime, Chinese Minister Wang Yi visits Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin.

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17.02.2023
THEME: TECHNOLOGY

New methods are emerging to harness the full potential of quantum computing

Quantum computing is a relatively new field that seeks to harness quantum mechanics' strange properties to perform computations beyond the reach of classical computers. It is a type of computer that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. Unlike classical computers, which use bits that can be either 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which can be in a state of 0, 1, or both at the same time (known as a superposition). Qubits allow quantum computers to perform certain types of calculations much faster than classical computers. One of the main reasons why quantum computing is so important is that it has the potential to revolutionize computing and solve some of the world's most complex problems. For example, quantum computers are particularly good at solving specific optimization problems difficult for classical computers, which could have applications in logistics, finance, and transportation. Quantum computers are also well-suited to simulating the behaviour of other quantum systems, which is difficult for classical computers. This could have applications in fields like materials science, where researchers are interested in simulating the behaviour of complex molecules and materials. In addition, quantum computers could accelerate the training of machine learning algorithms, leading to more powerful AI systems. And while they can break many of the encryption methods currently used to secure online communications, they can also create new encryption methods that are even more secure.

Despite these exciting possibilities, quantum computing is still in the early stages of development, and many issues must be overcome before it can reach its full potential. The main technical challenges of quantum computers today include the need for error correction to improve the reliability of computations, the development of more powerful quantum hardware, the ability to control and scale up the number of qubits, and the ability to implement fault-tolerant quantum operations. For these reasons researchers worldwide are working to build more robust and reliable quantum computers, and the field is advancing rapidly. On February 8, a team from the University of Sussex led by Prof Winfried Hensinger published a method to transfer quantum information between computer chips at record speeds and accuracy. According to Prof Winfried Hensinger, who led the research at Sussex University, the new development paves the way for systems that can solve complex real-world problems that the best computers we have today are incapable of.

While physicist Richard Feynman first proposed the idea of a quantum computer in the 1980s, it was in the late 1990s that the first functional quantum computers were built. The first quantum computer was created by a team of researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1998. This early quantum computer could only perform simple calculations and was mainly used for proof-of-concept experiments rather than practical applications. However, it demonstrated that quantum computing was a viable field of research, and subsequent developments in the area have led to the creation of more powerful and sophisticated quantum computers. While quantum computers are still in their early stages of development and many technical challenges remain, they represent a promising new direction in computing that has the potential to revolutionize many fields. As such, they are an area of intense research and investment, with companies and governments worldwide working to develop and deploy quantum computers in the years to come.

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14.02.2023
THEME: WORLD

Historic decision of the European Union imposes phase-out of gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035

Diesel and gasoline cars are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, the transportation sector, which includes cars, trucks, and other vehicles, accounted for approximately 28% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Of this 28%, passenger cars and light-duty trucks (which include gasoline and diesel vehicles) were responsible for about 60%. The primary factor contributing to the release of greenhouse gases from gasoline and diesel vehicles is the combustion of fossil fuels in their engines. When gasoline or diesel is burned, carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas, is released into the atmosphere. Other factors that contribute to vehicle emissions include fuel production and transportation, vehicle manufacturing, and vehicle maintenance. For these reasons, efforts are being made to develop and promote alternative fuel vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Today February 14, the European Union is the first political entity to take a strong position by introducing a controlled phase-out of all gasoline and diesel vehicles. Despite the right-wing parties' opposition, the final ok by the Parliament was reached with 340 votes in favour, 279 against and 21 abstentions. The new legislation is part of the Fit for 55 packages. It establishes a concrete path towards zeroing CO2 emissions: the objectives are to reduce cars' emissions by 55% in 2030 and 100% in 2035 compared to 2021 levels. After that, the new cars and vans will no longer have to produce any CO2 emissions. The decision comes as a fundamental step in order not to further aggravate the crisis linked to climate change which, by 2035, could lead to devastating consequences on a global level. Parties that opposed the decision are already proposing amendments, such as a request to postpone the phase-out deadline by a few years. Such a minor adjustment will be possible in the next few months, after which the decision will be final.

Many politicians still consider the agreement dangerous and harmful for the automotive and other sectors of the economy. The arguments revolve around both the investments needed by the automotive industries to adapt as well as the implicit dependence by third countries supplies that this strategic choice imposes. In particular, minerals such as cobalt and lithium are mainly sourced from extra-EU countries. The EU imports a significant amount of lithium and cobalt, critical raw materials used to produce batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. According to the European Commission, most of the world's cobalt production comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Lithium is mainly produced in South America, particularly in Chile. In 2020, the EU imported approximately 48,000 metric tons of cobalt and 26,000 metric tons of lithium, according to the European Commission. These imports represent a significant portion of the EU's total demand for these materials. The EU currently has limited domestic production capacity for these critical raw materials. The EU is working to develop a sustainable and responsible supply chain to reduce its dependence on imports, including promoting the development of domestic production capacity, supporting the recycling and reuse of these materials, and working with partner countries to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.

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13.02.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

Alarming levels of chemicals are threatening arctic wildlife

PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of artificial chemicals used in various consumer and industrial products, including nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant textiles and upholstery, food packaging, and fire-fighting foams. They are very stable, non-biodegradable and resistant to heat, water, and oil, making them ideal for various applications. They can be found in food packaging, cosmetics, cookware, waterproof clothing, carpets, mattresses, electronics and fire-fighting foams. In industry, they are used in processes such as metal finishing and plating, hydraulic fluids and semiconductor manufacturing. However, they are also known to persist in the environment. For this reason, they are a family of thousands of substances nicknamed “forever chemicals”.

There is growing concern about the potential health effects of PFAS exposure, as they can accumulate in the bodies of humans and wildlife over time. Some studies have linked these chemicals to various health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer, developmental issues, thyroid disease, and low birth weight. As a result, many countries are taking steps to regulate or restrict the use of PFAS. The use of two of these substances – PFOS and PFOA – have been banned or limited because of their toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative effects. Still, there are concerns about others with less toxicity evidence available because they have been less studied.

A recent study by scientists at Oxford University found that Norwegian Artic ice is contaminated with alarming levels of toxic PFAS. The scientists detected 26 types of PFAS compounds. They found that the chemicals can move from glaciers into downstream ecosystems like Arctic fjords and tundra when the ice melts. The meltwater can contain a cocktail of contaminants that includes PFAS and affects the entire food web, including plankton, fish, seal and apex animals like polar bears, which have previously been found to have high PFAS levels in their blood. The chemicals may represent a significant environmental stressor to the region’s wildlife. The study also found exceptionally high levels of TFA, a refrigeration byproduct. During the Montreal Protocol in 1987, many nations agreed to phase out chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, a potent greenhouse gas used for refrigeration. Those were ultimately replaced with hydrofluoric-olefin or HFOs. Once in the environment, HFOs, which are also greenhouse gases, can turn into TFA, and TFA levels are increasing in the Arctic. TFA and other PFAS compounds are highly mobile. They can move through the atmosphere to be deposited in the Arctic or elsewhere.

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11.02.2023
THEME: TECHNOLOGY

Google and Microsoft will soon change the world through Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence, commonly referred to as AI, refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. It has been a field of study and research for several decades. In recent years, it has experienced a surge in popularity and advancements. It is widely believed that AI is the next revolution for humanity, with the potential to revolutionize virtually every industry and aspect of our lives. AI is already being applied in numerous fields, including healthcare, finance, retail, transportation, and manufacturing. In healthcare, AI improves patient outcomes by analyzing large amounts of medical data, enabling doctors to make more accurate diagnoses. In finance, AI is used to identify fraud and make investment decisions. In retail, AI personalizes customer experiences and optimizes supply chains. In transportation, AI improves traffic flow and makes autonomous vehicles a reality.

2023 will be a pivotal year for the development of AI as more and more companies adopt this technology to improve their operations and gain a competitive edge. OpenAI, a leading AI research institute in this field, has made significant advancements. OpenAI has released ChatGPT, a large language model, as an essential step towards advancing the field of AI and making it more accessible to the public. Since the release of this public model through the OpenAI website, Microsoft has decided to invest 1.5 billion dollars. It seeks to integrate it into the upcoming software products. Google, on the other hand, in early February invested 300 million dollars in artificial intelligence start-up Anthropic, making it the latest tech giant to throw its money and computing power behind a new generation of companies trying to claim a place in the booming field of “generative AI”. Anthropic was formed in 2021 when a group of researchers led by Dario Amodei left OpenAI after a disagreement over the company’s direction.

Today AI is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to transform the way we live and work. The advancements made in AI in recent years have been nothing short of remarkable, and 2023 promises to be a year of even more remarkable progress. It is today clear that the future of AI is bright, and we are only scratching the surface of its potential.

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08.02.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

The actual use of antibiotic in farming is much higher than reported

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections more complicated to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. Antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics, are medicines used to treat infections in humans, animals and plants. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medications become ineffective, and infections become increasingly difficult or impossible to treat. The emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens that have acquired new resistance mechanisms, leading to antimicrobial resistance, continue to threaten our ability to treat common infections. In general, it is through the intensive use of antibiotics that microbes evolve to become resistant. Especially alarming is the rapid global spread of multi- and pan-resistant bacteria (also known as "superbugs") that cause infections that are not treatable with existing antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics. On top of this growing issue, the clinical pipeline of new antimicrobials is "dry". In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified 32 antibiotics in clinical development that address the WHO list of priority pathogens, of which only six were classified as innovative.

A significant contribution to antimicrobial resistance is the use of antibiotics in animal farming. Although antibiotics can be necessary to treat infections in livestock, they are often used to speed up animal growth and prevent diseases among animals in crowded, unsanitary conditions. Researchers struggle to calculate the antibiotics used in particular countries because most do not publicly release their agricultural-antibiotic usage data. Many release the data to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), which groups countries' antibiotics data into continents - so that is all that researchers can see. However, around 40% of countries do not report antibiotic use. Two epidemiologists at the Swiss federal institute of technology (ETH) analysed antibiotic usage in animal farming by collecting data from individual governments, farm surveys and scientific articles that reported veterinary use of antibiotics. They cross-referenced these with data on farm-animal populations worldwide and on antibiotic sales from the 42 countries that reported those data publicly. The team calculated that antibiotic use in Africa is probably twice what WOAH writes, and use in Asia is 50% higher than reported. China is currently using more antibiotics in farming than any other country. Pakistan will experience the highest use growth between 2020 and 2030. The researchers also estimate that antibiotic use will grow the fastest in Africa, rising by 25% between 2020 and 2030 owing to increased demand for meat products. Making usage data more publicly accessible could lead to increased accountability for countries and agricultural producers that do not use antibiotics responsibly.

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06.02.2023
THEME: WORLD

Hundreds deads in Turkey and Syria as catastrophic 7.8 earthquake hits

A powerful earthquake hit Southern Turkey and Northern Syria in the early hours of Monday morning. According to the Turkish and Syrian authorities, thousands of people have been injured, and hundreds have been found dead. The 7.8 magnitude heartquake struck near the city of Gaziantep, near the border with Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said on Twitter that "search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched" to the areas hit by the quake. Residents have been helping rescue workers to pull survivors among the debris. To complicate the intervention, ice and snow are covering roads. The earthquake's impact was so huge that tremors could be felt in Lebanon, Cyprus, and Egypt. In Damascus, buildings shook, and many people rushed onto the streets in fear. In a briefing, Turkey's vice president said that around 1,700 buildings had collapsed. Syria's state media also reported that some buildings had collapsed in Aleppo and the central city of Hama. Authorities confirmed that this is, so far, the most powerful earthquake on record in the region. However, heartquakes are not new in the zone: in 2011 and 1999, two more were hit with a power magnitude of 7.1 and 7.6, respectively. The reaction from international leaders was prompt in offering assistance to Turkey and Syria. Germany, the US, the EU and all NATO members expressed complete solidarity and are now coordinating interventions with President Erdogan.

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