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09/05/2023 ---- 13/05/2023

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13.05.2023
THEME: WORLD

South Africa Accused of Supplying Arms to Russia, EU Tackles Sanctions Evasion, and China Pushes for Peace in Ukraine

The US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, has accused the country of supplying weapons to Russia after a Russian ship was allegedly loaded with arms in Cape Town in December. South Africa has denied the claims and announced an independent inquiry. The US has expressed concern about South Africa's relationship with Russia, including its participation in military exercises with Russia and China. South Africa abstained from a UN vote condemning the invasion and refused to join the US and Europe in imposing sanctions on Russia. President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that the US ambassador's comments will be investigated.

South Africa's ties with Russia stem from its membership in the BRICS alliance and long-standing ties with the African National Congress (ANC). Historically, South Africa's arms industry has sold weapons to countries across the continent. South African authorities expect the US to provide evidence for the claims.

The European Union is discussing plans to target those helping Russia evade international sanctions. The European Commission proposed new measures to crack down on circumvention during the 11th round of sanctions. EU-Russia trade is heavily restricted, with a new focus on people, companies, and countries suspected of acting as transit destinations for sanctioned products. The 11th round of sanctions could target companies or countries accused of selling sanctioned goods to Russia. The EU may use access to its internal market, criminal proceedings, or a blacklist as leverage against sanctions evasion. China has warned against extraterritorial sanctions and may impose countersanctions.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang recently visited Germany, France, and Norway from May 8 to 12, 2023, aiming to strengthen dialogue and trust between China and Europe. The main theme of the visit was promoting bilateral practical cooperation. During the visit, agreements were made to strengthen cooperation on COP28 and biodiversity. Europe is currently reflecting on its perception and strategy towards China.

In Ukraine, ground troops commander Oleksander Syrsky reported advancements around the eastern hotspot town of Bakhmut. The battle for Bakhmut is the bloodiest and longest since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. Kyiv aims to tire the Russian army and draw resources to Donbas before launching a counter-offensive, with preparations "nearing completion."

China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, is set to visit Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, and Russia starting May 15, aiming to communicate with all parties on a political solution to the Ukraine crisis. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced Li's visit, stating that China aims to play a constructive role and build international consensus on ending hostilities, starting peace talks, and preventing escalation.

As global tensions rise, the need for open dialogue and cooperation becomes increasingly vital. With South Africa facing accusations of supplying arms to Russia, the EU tackling sanctions evasion, and China pushing for peace in Ukraine, the world watches and waits for resolutions to emerge.

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12.05.2023
THEME: TECHNOLOGY

A Leap Towards Genetic Diversity: The New Human Pangenome

Imagine a world where our understanding of human genetics is no longer based on a single reference genome, but rather on a diverse and inclusive representation of our species. This is what scientists have accomplished with the creation of a new "pangenome" draft, which incorporates the DNA of 47 individuals from every continent except Antarctica and Oceania. This groundbreaking achievement has the potential to revolutionize our ability to diagnose diseases, discover drugs, and understand genetic variants, as it takes into account the genetic diversity between individuals and populations that was previously missed.

The project, funded by the US National Human Genome Research Institute, is still in its draft stage, with researchers aiming to include 350 people by mid-2024. This scientific milestone has been detailed in papers published in Nature and its partner journals, marking a significant step forward in the field of genomics.

The human genome is made up of 3.2 billion base pairs, and the new reference adds an impressive 119 million base pairs to the library. This is a far cry from the first draft of the human genome, which was released in 2001 and only fully completed in 2022. The 47 anonymous individuals included in the pangenome project had previously participated in the 1000 Genomes Project completed in 2015. To ensure a more inclusive representation of human genetic diversity, the team is currently recruiting new individuals to represent Middle Eastern and African ancestry populations not included in the 1000 Genomes Project.

Ethical considerations and "the principle of justice" are key elements of this endeavor, as the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium presents the first draft of the human pangenome reference. This pangenome contains 47 phased, diploid assemblies from genetically diverse individuals, covering over 99% of the expected sequence in each genome and boasting an accuracy of over 99% at structural and base pair levels.

The draft pangenome captures known variants and haplotypes, revealing new alleles at structurally complex loci. In addition to the 119 million base pairs of euchromatic polymorphic sequences, it also includes 1,115 gene duplications relative to the existing reference GRCh38. A significant portion of the additional base pairs, 90 million to be exact, are derived from structural variation.

When the draft pangenome was used to analyze short-read data, it reduced small variant discovery errors by 34% and increased the number of structural variants detected per haplotype by 104% compared to GRCh38-based workflows. This demonstrates the increased accuracy and potential benefits of using the pangenome as a reference. The assemblies are highly contiguous and accurate, with 1,115 protein-coding gene families within the reliable regions of the full set of assemblies experiencing a gain in copy number in at least one genome.

In conclusion, the creation of the new human pangenome marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and accurate understanding of human genetics. By incorporating the DNA of individuals from diverse populations, this pangenome has the potential to revolutionize our ability to diagnose diseases, discover drugs, and understand genetic variants. As the project continues to expand and include even more individuals, we can look forward to a future where our knowledge of human genetics is truly representative of the diverse tapestry of humanity.

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12.05.2023
THEME: TECHNOLOGY

Europe Takes the Lead: Pioneering Rules for Generative AI Systems

Two European Union parliamentary committees have backed the world's first rules for generative AI systems like ChatGPT in Europe, marking a groundbreaking move. The draft AI Act, which governs products and services using AI systems, has been approved by the European Parliament committees on civil liberties and consumer protection. The Act, first proposed in 2021, categorizes AI into four ranks, with riskier applications facing tougher rules that require transparency and accuracy. Policing tools for crime prediction are expected to be banned, while remote facial recognition technology will be prohibited, except for countering specific terrorist threats. ChatGPT and similar generative AI are considered high-risk systems.

The AI Act will be presented to the full parliament next month for adoption. However, it could take years before the new rules become law across the EU's 27-member bloc, given the long bureaucratic process involved. The European AI Strategy aims to make the EU a world-class hub for AI, focusing on excellence and trust. The Commission plans to invest €1 billion per year in AI through Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programs, mobilizing additional investments to reach an annual investment volume of €20 billion over the digital decade. The Recovery and Resilience Facility makes €134 billion available for digital initiatives, and access to high-quality data is deemed essential for building high-performance AI systems.

The EU is also strengthening its strategic partnerships with countries like India and Singapore through the establishment of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and other cooperative agreements. The International outreach for the human-centric AI initiative promotes the EU's vision on sustainable and trustworthy AI.

The Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence aims to accelerate investment, act on strategies and programs, and align AI policy to avoid fragmentation in Europe. The European AI Alliance, established in 2018, facilitates open policy dialogue on AI. Language Technologies (Natural Language Processing) make Europe's Digital Decade accessible for everyone, promoting research, job creation, and innovation through better and safer robots while safeguarding ethical aspects of progress.

The proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down harmonized rules on artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act) was introduced on April 21, 2021. Its objective is to ensure AI systems are safe and respect existing laws on fundamental rights and Union values, ensure legal certainty, enhance governance and effective enforcement, and facilitate the development of a single market for AI applications.

Prohibited AI practices include those that contravene Union values, and restrictions and safeguards will be put in place for remote biometric identification systems for law enforcement purposes. High-risk AI systems will be subject to mandatory requirements for trustworthy AI and conformity assessment procedures, while transparency obligations will be imposed on chatbots and deep fakes.

As the world watches, Europe takes the lead in pioneering rules for generative AI systems. This bold move sets the stage for a future where AI is not only advanced but also safe and respectful of fundamental rights and values.

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10.05.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

Cold-Climate Microbes: A New Hope for Biodegradable Plastic Breakdown

The world produced a staggering 367 megatons of plastic in 2020, making the search for innovative and eco-friendly solutions to tackle plastic waste crucial. A recent study published in Frontiers in Microbiology discovered cold-adapted microbial strains from alpine and Arctic plastisphere environments capable of degrading biodegradable plastics at 15°C. This breakthrough could revolutionize recycling processes, reduce pollution and costs associated with conventional methods, and help preserve polymer quality.

Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute WSL, led by Dr. Joel Rüthi, isolated 34 microbial strains from Greenland, Svalbard, and Switzerland. While none of the strains could break down conventional polyethylene (PE), 19 strains showed the ability to degrade dispersed polyester-polyurethane (PUR), 12 strains degraded ecovio®, and 5 strains degraded BI-OPL. The most promising strains were Neodevriesia and Lachnellula, which degraded all tested biodegradable plastic materials.

The microbial plastic degradation process was found to be influenced by the composition of the culturing medium, with different strains having different optimal conditions. Current industrial-scale enzymes used for plastic biodegradation work at temperatures above 30°C, making them costly and not carbon-neutral. However, the newly discovered microbes can digest plastic at lower temperatures, around 15°C, likely due to their ability to digest plant polymers.

The next challenge for scientists is to identify and optimize the plastic-degrading enzymes produced by these cold-adapted microbial strains. Researchers have not yet found the best temperature for using these microbes, but they seem to work well between 4°C and 20°C. Future research will focus on optimizing the process and modifying enzymes for protein stability.

In conclusion, the discovery of cold-adapted microbes capable of degrading biodegradable plastics at lower temperatures offers a promising new approach to tackling the global plastic waste problem. These Arctic and alpine strains could potentially reduce pollution and recycling costs while providing a more eco-friendly alternative to conventional recycling methods. As researchers continue to explore and optimize the potential of these microbes, we may be one step closer to a future where plastic waste is more efficiently managed and our environment is better protected.

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09.05.2023
THEME: HEALTH

Eli Lilly's Donanemab Shows Promise in Slowing Alzheimer's Decline

Eli Lilly's experimental drug donanemab has demonstrated positive results in slowing cognitive and functional decline in early-stage Alzheimer's patients, marking a significant breakthrough in the treatment of the disease. The TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 Phase 3 study revealed that donanemab slowed decline by 35% over 18 months using the integrated Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (iADRS) measure. The company aims to file for FDA approval by the end of June, with potential approval by H1 2023.

Alzheimer's disease affects over 6 million Americans, with an estimated 1.7 million to 2 million people over 65 in early stages. Drug development for Alzheimer's has seen numerous failures, but Lilly's drug is among a new group, including Eisai and Biogen's Leqembi, which received accelerated FDA approval in January, showing promise in treatment.

Donanemab works by removing amyloid plaque buildups in the brain, believed to be responsible for Alzheimer's progression. Administered by infusion once a month, 52% of trial patients were able to stop taking the medicine by one year, and 72% by a year and a half. Researchers observed a 35% slowing in cognitive and functional decline in the group with intermediate levels of tau, a brain protein. When combined with the group with higher levels of tau, the figure was 22%.

The late-stage trial, involving 1,182 participants, showed that 50% of patients who received donanemab experienced no worsening of Alzheimer's symptoms after a year, while 71% of patients on placebo saw disease progression. However, side effects include brain swelling or abnormalities, with at least two deaths linked. More data is needed to determine if donanemab is truly different from Leqembi in terms of benefits and risks.

Leqembi is not currently covered by Medicare, but full FDA approval could change this as early as July. The potential pricing for donanemab has not been discussed before approval. If approved, donanemab could generate $7.5 billion a year for Lilly at its peak.

Eli Lilly's Q1 revenue dropped 11% due to declining sales of its coronavirus antibody treatment. However, the success of donanemab could mark a turning point for the company and bring hope to millions of Alzheimer's patients worldwide. The full results of the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study will be presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in July, providing further insight into this promising new treatment option.

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09.05.2023
THEME: TECHNOLOGY

A Glassy Discovery: Chang'e-5 Lunar Soil Samples Unveil Material for Future Lunar Bases

China's Chang'e-5 mission has led to a groundbreaking discovery in lunar soil samples, unveiling the potential for revolutionizing future lunar base construction. Researchers from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have found natural fiberglass, a first of its kind, in the samples collected on May, 2023. This glass material is formed from lunar soil's excellent molding properties and comes in various types, such as spherical, ellipsoidal, and dumbbell-shaped glass beads, colloidal items with porous structure, and sputtering material in fluid form. The origin of these glass materials is believed to be the result of mineral melting and rapid cooling due to frequent meteorite impacts on the lunar surface.

This discovery is important for understanding the formation and evolution of lunar soil, as well as recording multi-scale meteorite impacts. Different shapes of the glass materials reflect the impact intensity of meteorites, according to Zhao Rui, a researcher from the Institute of Physics. Natural fiberglass, for instance, has a higher length-to-diameter ratio and is formed under lower temperature and speed during meteorite impacts, while glass beads have a lower length-to-diameter ratio, reflecting more intense meteorite impacts.

In the meantime China's Shenzhou-14 spaceship, launched on June 5, 2022, landed at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center after 276 days in orbit, marking a milestone in China's efforts to develop a fully reusable space transportation system. Although Chinese authorities have not disclosed details or images of the craft, it has been compared to the US Air Force's X-37B autonomous Boeing space plane. Space expert Song Zhongping believes that the maturing reusable spacecraft technology will reduce costs and allow for more complicated missions, with the Long March-2F carrier rocket potentially being used in future manned missions.

With a payload launching capability similar to the X-37B, weighing around 8 tons, the latest test was the longest, most complicated, and most challenging, surpassing the US' X-37B's 224 days in orbit. Health monitoring of the power system and service life assessment have been listed as major scientific problems for 2023 space development. The reusable spacecraft can land horizontally, making it safer for the crew and opening up possibilities for applications in suborbital or space tourism and fast point-to-point transportation.

The discovery of natural fiberglass in lunar soil samples presents an exciting opportunity for future lunar base construction, while China's advancements in reusable spacecraft technology pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective space missions. These findings underscore the importance of international collaboration and the sharing of knowledge for the betterment of humankind.

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09.05.2023
THEME: WORLD

Escalating Tensions and Violence: Israeli Airstrikes, Rocket Attacks, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque Crisis

The deadliest Israeli airstrike since August 2021 has resulted in 13 Palestinian casualties, including three Islamic Jihad commanders, eight women, and children, with 20 people injured. Israel launched this operation targeting militants posing an imminent threat to its citizens, prompting the Islamic Jihad to vow revenge and Israel to prepare for days of fighting. Early Tuesday morning, 40 Israeli warplanes and helicopters attacked across Gaza, killing four children and four women, among others.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck ten sites used for weapon manufacturing and six Islamic Jihad military facilities. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh warned that assassinating leaders would only lead to more resistance. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is the largest militant group in Gaza next to Hamas and is responsible for many rocket attacks on Israel.

Tensions between Jewish and Muslim worshippers escalated at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on April 9, 2023, when thousands of Jewish worshippers gathered at the Western Wall for Passover, while Palestinians performed prayers for Ramadan. Palestinians protested the presence of Jewish visitors at the Al-Aqsa compound, fearing Israeli intentions to take over the site. The situation escalated after an Israeli police raid on the mosque, leading to violence and rocket fire from Palestinian militants.

In response, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon. Hezbollah's chief, Hassan Nasrallah, met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to discuss developments and escalating resistance. Militants in Syria fired rockets towards Israel and the Golan Heights, with Israel responding with artillery fire and airstrikes on Syrian army sites. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an end to hostilities in a phone call with Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog.

Over the weekend, three people were killed in Palestinian attacks in Israel and the occupied West Bank. Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza after Palestinian factions fired rockets across the border following Khader Adnan's death. Adnan, a political leader within the Islamic Jihad, died after an 87-day hunger strike in Israeli custody, which Palestinian leaders described as an assassination.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with security officials to assess the situation. Mustafa Barghouti, general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative (PNI), called Adnan's death an "ugly assassination." The number of Palestinian administrative detainees has risen to over 1,000 in the past year, the highest number in two decades. Israeli rights group B'Tselem described Adnan's hunger strike as a non-violent protest against the injustices of the occupation.

In recent weeks, tensions between Israelis and Palestinians have soared, with rocket attacks from Gaza and Lebanon and Israeli airstrikes in response. Jewish-Muslim tensions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque have further fueled the conflict, with thousands of Jewish worshippers gathering at the Western Wall for Passover and Palestinians performing prayers for Ramadan.

As the situation continues to escalate, international leaders call for an end to hostilities and a peaceful resolution. However, with the ongoing rocket attacks, airstrikes, and tensions surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the path to peace remains uncertain.

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