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WASHINGTON (AP) — A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China’s hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of “a limited number of individuals.” Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Neuberger said officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but a “large number” were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were “government targets of interest,” spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are “primarily involved in government or political activity.” Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. “We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking.
PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined together Wednesday in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962 . The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. A conservative appointed in September, Barnier becomes the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s modern Republic. “I can tell you that it will remain an honor for me to have served France and the French with dignity,” Barnier said in his final speech before the vote. “This no-confidence motion... will make everything more serious and more difficult. That’s what I’m sure of,” he said. Wednesday's crucial vote rose from fierce opposition to Barnier's proposed budget. The National Assembly, France’s lower house of parliament, is deeply fractured, with no single party holding a majority. It comprises three major blocs: Macron’s centrist allies, the left-wing coalition New Popular Front, and the far-right National Rally. Both opposition blocs, typically at odds, are uniting against Barnier, accusing him of imposing austerity measures and failing to address citizens’ needs. Speaking on TF1 television after the vote, National Rally leader Marine Le Pen said “we had a choice to make, and our choice is to protect the French” from a “toxic” budget. Le Pen also accused Macron of being “largely responsible for the current situation,” adding that “the pressure on the President of the Republic will get stronger and stronger.” Speaking at the National Assembly ahead of the vote, hard-left lawmaker Eric Coquerel had called on the government to “stop pretending the lights will go out,” noting the possibility of an emergency law to levy taxes from Jan. 1, based on this year’s rules. “The special law will prevent a shutdown. It will allow us to get through the end of the year by delaying the budget by a few weeks,” Coquerel said. Macron must appoint a new prime minister, but the fragmented parliament remains unchanged. No new legislative elections can be held until at least July, creating a potential stalemate for policymakers. Macron said discussions about him potentially resigning were “make-believe politics” during a trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this week, according to French media reports. “I’m here because I’ve been elected twice by the French people,” Macron said. He was also reported as saying: “We must not scare people with such things. We have a strong economy.” While France is not at risk of a U.S.-style government shutdown, political instability could spook financial markets. France is under pressure from the European Union to reduce its colossal debt. The country’s deficit is estimated to reach 6% of gross domestic product this year and analysts say it could rise to 7% next year without drastic adjustments. The political instability could push up French interest rates, digging the debt even further. Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING Bank, said uncertainty over France’s future government and finances is deterring investment and growth. “The impact of France not having a government would clearly be negative for the growth of France and hence the Eurozone,” Brzeski said. France has seen bond market borrowing costs rise, bringing back ugly memories of the Greek debt crisis and default in 2010-2012. Analysts say France is far from a similar crisis because much of its outstanding debt does not come due for years, and because its bonds remain in demand due to a shortage of German government bonds. Additionally, the European Central Bank could intervene to lower French borrowing costs in case of extreme market turmoil, though the bar for that remains high. —- AP Journalist David McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany, contributed to the story.By DAVID A. LIEB Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. Related Articles National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads . In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification . The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible , copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes . To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t banned texting while driving , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent , thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.
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Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 70-year-old driver who was allegedly going the wrong way on Highway 401 Sunday. Police say they received numerous 911 calls shortly after 6 p.m. reporting a driver in a silver SUV travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the highway in Loyalist Township. The driver entered the highway at Camden East Road and continued for approximately seven kilometres before exiting at Wilton Road, police said in an email to CTV News. Callers reported the driver was "veering around other traffic" at highway speeds of 100 km/h, reducing to 50 km/h at times. No collisions were reported. OPP and local police located the driver, a 70-year-old man from Etobicoke, parked in a neighbourhood in Kingston. Police were able to find him after a family member reported him as a missing person at the time of the incident. A cell phone ping for the driver provided a general location of his whereabouts, police said. The motorist was charged with dangerous operation and stunt driving. He will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Napanee at a later date. Lennox and Addington OPP are seeking any witnesses of the incident or anyone who may have dashcam video. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-888-310-1122, reference number E241694379. Correction Police previously described the suspect as a 70-year-old female. That was later corrected to a 70-year-old male. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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These LEGO Kits Are On Sale For Boxing Day 2024 The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 41% Off For Boxing Day Ottawa Top Stories Man, 70, charged with stunt driving after going wrong way on Hwy. 401 BREAKING | Jimmy Carter, a one-term president who became a globe-trotting elder statesman, dies at 100 4.1 magnitude earthquake in western Quebec felt in Ottawa and Montreal Bell Capital Cup debuts sledge hockey division for children with disabilities Eastern Ontario farm wants your Christmas trees to feed its animals: ’They do like the fresh needles’ FOG ADVISORY | Environment Canada warns of 'near-zero' visibility as fog blankets Ottawa Eastern Ontario police arrest Scarborough resident found with nearly $50K of cocaine Two taken to hospital following basement fire in Centretown West CTVNews.ca Top Stories Trudeau, Biden, Trump, other world leaders remember former U.S. president Jimmy Carter Former U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter died Sunday at the age of 100. Upon news of his death, political figures and heads of state from around the world gave praise to Carter, celebrating his faith and time both in office and afterwards. BREAKING | Jimmy Carter, a one-term president who became a globe-trotting elder statesman, dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. 'Pretty limited' options for Liberal MPs calling for leadership change As calls mount within the federal Liberal Party for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as leader, one political analyst says there’s little his detractors can do to force his hand. Possible explosion at Metro Vancouver strip mall under investigation Police and firefighters were called to the scene of a potential explosion at a Metro Vancouver strip mall Sunday morning. Eastern Ontario police arrest Scarborough resident found with nearly $50K of cocaine Police in eastern Ontario charged a Toronto resident who was allegedly in possession of hundreds of grams of cocaine earlier this month. 2 teenagers arrested, 1 suspect at-large after attack involving bear spray, machete A pair of teenaged boys have been charged with aggravated assault after police said they attacked a man with bear spray and a machete Friday evening. Plane crashes and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames Sunday in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. All but two of the 181 people on board were killed in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters, officials said. Online child exploitation spiked during lockdowns. Police worry it's here to stay Online predators are becoming increasingly resourceful in trolling media platforms where children gravitate, prompting an explosion in police case loads, said an officer who works for the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit in British Columbia. 4.1 magnitude earthquake in western Quebec felt in Ottawa and Montreal The earth moved in the Maniwaki area this Sunday morning. No damage was reported after a 4.1 magnitude earthquake rattled the Maniwaki area in western Quebec, according to Earthquakes Canada. Atlantic TSB investigating airplane landing incident at Halifax airport The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says they are investigating an aircraft incident at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport that caused temporary delays to all flight operations Saturday night. BREAKING | Jimmy Carter, a one-term president who became a globe-trotting elder statesman, dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. N.B. entrepreneur honours memory of mother with 'thank you' note legacy N.B. entrepreneur Emily Somers honours her mother with 'thank you' notes. Toronto Pedestrian taken to hospital after hit-and-run in Mississauga A pedestrian has been taken to the hospital following a hit-and-run in Mississauga Sunday. Suspect charged after woman found dead at Niagara Falls home A suspect has been charged after a woman was found dead inside her Niagara Falls home. BREAKING | Jimmy Carter, a one-term president who became a globe-trotting elder statesman, dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. Montreal BREAKING | Jimmy Carter, a one-term president who became a globe-trotting elder statesman, dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. Grocery prices to rise in 2025, report says Canadians are bracing for higher grocery bills in 2025, with a new report projecting food prices will increase by 3 to 5 per cent nationwide—and up to 5 per cent in Quebec. Here's how you can watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Sundays during the NFL season With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Sundays this season, CTV News Montreal at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App. Northern Ontario Mississauga tow truck driver charged for impersonating a cop in northern Ont. A southern Ontario resident has been charged for allegedly impersonating a peace officer during a towing incident in northwestern Ontario. BREAKING | Jimmy Carter, a one-term president who became a globe-trotting elder statesman, dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. 'Pretty limited' options for Liberal MPs calling for leadership change As calls mount within the federal Liberal Party for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as leader, one political analyst says there’s little his detractors can do to force his hand. Windsor Crews battle two apartment fires in under two hours Windsor Fire and Rescue responded to two calls at Ouellette Avenue apartment buildings Sunday morning. 'Pretty limited' options for Liberal MPs calling for leadership change As calls mount within the federal Liberal Party for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as leader, one political analyst says there’s little his detractors can do to force his hand. Woman with outstanding warrant arrested in Chatham One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent police officers conducted a traffic stop Saturday in Chatham. London Fatal crash in Middlesex County Middlesex County OPP attended the scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision in Strathroy-Caradoc early Sunday morning. New Year’s Eve in London’s Victoria Park You can ring in 2025 this Tuesday night at London’s free New Year’s Eve in the Park celebration. Can you help solve this cold case in Sarnia? Sarnia police are seeking the public’s help in finding any new leads for a cold case from over 20 years ago. Kitchener Are fluctuating temperatures here to stay this winter? Waterloo Region residents traded snow boots for raincoats this weekend as temperatures soared above seasonal norms. Portion of Highway 6 closed following collision in Ennotville, Ont. A portion of Highway 6 is closed Sunday evening following a collision in Ennotville, Ont., just north of Guelph. Police, coroner investigating two deaths at Brantford, Ont. encampment An investigation is underway into the deaths of two people at an encampment in Brantford, Ont. Barrie Deluxe taxi goes up in flames in Barrie parking lot Some locals were quick to pull out their cellphones and capture a minivan as it went up in hot flames in a Barrie parking lot. Region under rainfall warning, fog advisory Many areas across Simcoe Muskoka, upper York Region and Grey County are under rainfall warnings and fog advisories as of Sunday morning. $47K in drugs seized, man arrested in alleged domestic assault Police in Owen Sound made one arrest and seized a ‘large’ quantity of multiple drugs after responding to an alleged domestic assault on Saturday. Winnipeg Stolen vehicle chase ends in arrest, drug seizure A Winnipeg man has been charged with several offences after a police chase involving a stolen vehicle and hundreds of dollars worth of drugs. Fifth night of Hanukkah celebrated ahead of Manitoba Moose hockey game As Jewish people around the world mark the fifth night of Hanukkah, members of Winnipeg’s Jewish community brought the celebration to Canada Life Centre. Winnipeg hotel fire forces residents to evacuate A fire at a Winnipeg hotel forced residents to leave the building Sunday morning. Calgary 1 man hospitalized after being shot in leg near Calgary’s Drop-In Centre One man was taken to hospital after a shooting downtown Saturday night. ‘Eternal optimists’: Southern Alberta farmers wary of drought conditions look to prairie skies for comfort Mcgrath farmer Sean Stanford has lived through too many dry summers to be completely hopeful about the coming growing season in southern Alberta, but he sees signs that the summer of 2025 might be better for farmers than the last few years. Canadian float celebrating Coding for Veterans to participate in Rose Bowl Parade A Canadian parade float will be featured in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena next week. Edmonton 2 vehicles fall through ice at Sylvan Lake, promoting police warning RCMP issued a warning Saturday after two vehicles fell through the ice on Sylvan Lake. Ducks come from behind to beat visiting Oilers Ryan Strome scored the go-ahead goal at 17:24 of the third period, and the Anaheim Ducks rallied from a two-goal deficit for a 5-3 home-ice win over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. Edmonton to start up cold weather response plan Monday morning The City of Edmonton is activating its extreme weather response plan with the weather forecast calling for cold temperatures over the next eight days. Regina Regina police charge 2 youths in city's 6th homicide of 2024 Two Regina teens are facing murder charges in connection to the death of a Regina man on Boxing Day. Hockey talent showcased in Regina for Male U15, Top 160 tournament The last weekend of 2024 saw Saskatchewan's best hockey players under 15 years of age showing off their skills at the Co-operators Centre in Regina. Regina man showcases local bead supply business Jeramy Hannah recently began selling beading supplies, after he realized the beaders in his life were struggling with a lack of local vendors, prompting him to create a business called Bead Bro. Saskatoon U18 provincials curling tournament underway in PA Teams from across Saskatchewan are in Prince Albert for the U18 curling provincials. Police made two arrests following a shooting in Saskatoon A swift response from Saskatoon police led to the arrest of a man and woman following a reported shooting Friday afternoon. Saskatoon fire crews battle house fire Saskatoon firefighters responded to a house fire on the 100 block of Klassen Crescent Friday afternoon. Vancouver Trudeau, Biden, Trump, other world leaders remember former U.S. president Jimmy Carter Former U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter died Sunday at the age of 100. Upon news of his death, political figures and heads of state from around the world gave praise to Carter, celebrating his faith and time both in office and afterwards. Possible explosion at Metro Vancouver strip mall under investigation Police and firefighters were called to the scene of a potential explosion at a Metro Vancouver strip mall Sunday morning. 2 shot during fight outside Surrey pub Two people were injured in a shooting outside of a Surrey pub in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to authorities. Vancouver Island Victoria police seek witnesses, additional victims after hit-and-run spree A woman is facing seven charges after allegedly committing multiple hit-and-run crashes in a stolen vehicle while impaired, according to police in B.C.'s capital. Online child exploitation spiked during lockdowns. Police worry it's here to stay Online predators are becoming increasingly resourceful in trolling media platforms where children gravitate, prompting an explosion in police case loads, said an officer who works for the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit in British Columbia. Vancouver man defrauded Chinese developers of US$500K, court rules A Vancouver man has been ordered to pay more than US$500,000 after a B.C. Supreme Court judge found he had defrauded the would-be developers of a real estate project in China of that amount. Kelowna B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025. B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year. B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision. Stay ConnectedDecember 19, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by Tom Dinki, University at Buffalo There's a good chance you owe your existence to the Haber-Bosch process. This industrial chemical reaction between hydrogen and nitrogen produces ammonia , the key ingredient in synthetic fertilizers that supply much of the world's food supply and enabled the population explosion of the last century. It may also threaten the existence of future generations. The process consumes about 2% of the world's total energy supply, and the hydrogen required for the reaction mostly comes from fossil fuels. Taking inspiration from how nature—including lightning—produces ammonia, a team led by the University at Buffalo has developed a reactor that produces the chemical commodity from nitrogen in the air and water, without any carbon footprint . This plasma-electrochemical reactor, described in a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society , can sustain a high ammonia production rate of approximately 1 gram per day for over 1,000 hours at room temperature, and does so directly from air. The researchers say this is a significant advance toward green ammonia synthesis at an industrially competitive production rate and reaction stability. "Ammonia is often considered the chemical that feeds the world, but we also have to face the realization that the Haber-Bosch process has not been modernized since its invention 100 years ago. It still uses high-temperature, high-pressure processing, and generates a large carbon footprint, making it unsustainable for the long term," says the study's corresponding author, Chris Li, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry in the UB College of Arts and Sciences. "Our process only requires air and water, and can be powered by renewable electricity." Mimicking nature's nitrogen cycle Nature has its own way of producing fertilizer. In nitrogen fixation , the electrical energy of a lightning strike breaks up nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere to form different nitrogen oxide species. After falling down as rainwater, nitrogen oxides are converted into ammonia by bacteria in the soil, supplying plants with nutrients. In the UB-led team's two-step reactor, the role of lightning is replaced with plasma and the role of bacteria replaced by a catalyst of copper-palladium. "Our plasma reactor converts humidified air into nitrogen oxide fragments, which are then placed in an electrochemical reactor that uses the copper-palladium catalyst to convert them into ammonia," Li says. Crucially, the catalyst is able to adsorb and stabilize the numerous nitrogen dioxide intermediates created by the plasma reactor. The team's graph theory algorithm identified that most nitrogen oxide compounds have to cycle through nitric oxide or amine as an intermediate step before becoming ammonia. This allowed the team to intelligently design a catalyst that binds favorably with those two compounds. "When plasma energy or a lightning strike activates nitrogen, you generate a soup of nitrogen oxide compounds. To simultaneously convert, in our case, up to eight different chemical compounds into ammonia is incredibly difficult," says Xiaoli Ge, the study's first author and a postdoctoral researcher in Li's lab. "Graph theory essentially allows us to map out all the different reaction paths and then identify a bottleneck chemical. We then optimize our electrochemical reactor to stabilize the bottleneck chemical, so that all the different intermediates will be selectively transferred into ammonia." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly . Scaling up Li's team is currently in the process of scaling up their reactor and are exploring both a startup and partnerships with industry to help commercialize it. UB's Technology Transfer Office has filed a patent application on the reactor and methods for its use. Over half the world's ammonia is produced by four countries—China, the United States, Russia and India—while many developing countries are unable to produce their own. While the Haber-Bosch process must be conducted on a large scale in a centralized power plant, Li says their system can be done at a much smaller scale. "You can imagine our reactors in something like a medium-sized shipping container with solar panels on the roof. This can then be placed anywhere in the world and generate ammonia on demand for that region," he says. "That's a very exciting advantage of our system, and it will allow us to produce ammonia for underdeveloped regions with limited access to the Haber-Bosch process." More information: Xiaoli Ge et al, Controlling the Reaction Pathways of Mixed NOxHy Reactants in Plasma-Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis, Journal of the American Chemical Society (2024). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c12858 Journal information: Journal of the American Chemical Society Provided by University at BuffaloNone
FuelPositive Announces Strategic Private Placement Investment, Debt Settlement and Progress in ManitobaIn the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, accuracy and reliability are paramount. Recently, Google has found itself at the center of controversy regarding the methods it employs to fact-check the responses generated by its latest AI model, Gemini. Reports have emerged alleging that the tech giant is utilizing contract workers without specific domain expertise to evaluate the veracity of Gemini’s answers, raising concerns about the potential for misinformation and compromised quality control. This issue came to light last week when internal guidance documents, reviewed by TechCrunch, revealed that Google instructed GlobalLogic, an outsourcing firm responsible for evaluating AI-generated output, to have their contractors assess all prompts, regardless of their knowledge in the relevant field. Previously, contractors had the option to skip prompts that fell outside their area of expertise, such as a doctor being asked to evaluate legal advice. This change in policy has sparked debate and apprehension among industry experts and the public alike. The Implications of Using Non-Experts for Fact-Checking The implications of using novices to fact-check complex AI-generated responses are significant and far-reaching. Firstly, it raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information being produced by Gemini. Without subject matter experts evaluating the responses, there is a heightened risk of errors, biases, and misleading information going undetected. This could have serious consequences, especially in fields where accuracy is crucial, such as healthcare, finance, and law. Secondly, this practice undermines the public’s trust in AI technology. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, it is essential that the information it provides is trustworthy and accurate. If users cannot rely on the veracity of AI-generated content, it could lead to skepticism and reluctance to embrace this transformative technology. Furthermore, this situation raises ethical concerns about the exploitation of contract workers. By requiring them to evaluate information outside their expertise, Google may be placing undue pressure on these individuals and potentially jeopardizing the quality of their work. This practice could also be seen as undervaluing the importance of specialized knowledge and expertise in ensuring the accuracy of AI systems. Google’s Response and the Path Forward In response to these allegations, Google has defended its practices, stating that the evaluation process is multifaceted and involves multiple layers of review. They emphasize that the feedback from contractors is just one component of a broader system that includes automated checks and expert evaluation. However, critics argue that relying on non-experts for initial fact-checking could still allow inaccuracies to slip through the cracks, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire system . To address these concerns and ensure the accuracy and trustworthiness of Gemini’s responses, Google should prioritize the following steps: My Personal Experience with AI and the Importance of Expert Knowledge As someone who has been closely following the development of AI for many years, I have witnessed both its incredible potential and its limitations. In my own work, I have used AI tools for various tasks, such as generating content and analyzing data. However, I have always emphasized the importance of human oversight and expert knowledge to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. I believe that AI can be a powerful tool for augmenting human capabilities and solving complex problems. However, it is crucial to recognize that AI systems are not infallible and require careful monitoring and evaluation. By prioritizing expert knowledge and investing in robust quality control processes, we can harness the full potential of AI while mitigating the risks associated with misinformation and bias. The Future of AI and the Need for Responsible Development The controversy surrounding Google’s fact-checking practices serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible AI development. As AI continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, it is crucial that we prioritize ethical considerations and ensure that these technologies are used for the benefit of humanity. This includes ensuring that AI systems are accurate, reliable, and free from bias. It also means being transparent about the limitations of AI and providing users with the information they need to make informed decisions. By working together and adhering to ethical principles, we can create a future where AI is a force for good, empowering us to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The allegations against Google highlight the critical need for rigorous fact-checking processes in the development and deployment of AI systems. By relying on non-experts to evaluate the accuracy of Gemini’s responses , Google risks compromising the integrity of its AI model and eroding public trust in this transformative technology. Moving forward, it is essential that Google prioritizes the engagement of subject matter experts, refines its evaluation guidelines, and maintains transparency and accountability in its AI development practices. By doing so, Google can help to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically, paving the way for a future where this technology benefits all of humanity.
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Big Tech is choking the life out of New Zealand journalism. The advertising monopoly run by platforms like Meta and Google starves local media of revenue, making it harder to pay journalists and sustain quality reporting. New Zealand’s Media and Communications Minister, Paul Goldsmith, is studying Australia’s new tougher approach to Big Tech and he will watch how Australian legislation “unfolds over the next couple of months and if it lands well, consider whether or not we seek to shift our approach in that direction”. A in the Australian characterised politicians threatening to impose regulations as playing chicken with Big Tech. The problem with democratic politicians is that they just aren’t as good at chicken as tech leaders. Considered statements like Goldsmith’s suggest approaching a game of chicken with a plan to swerve when facing off against social media juggernauts focused on profit. We celebrate the diversity of views in our Parliament. Social media companies enjoy that diversity too. They know Aotearoa’s voters better than our politicians and they can use that knowledge to induce a swerve when facing off against a politician who presumes to mess with their money. “Paul Goldsmith wants to deny you access to your internet support group!” In October 2024, I spent time in Brazil giving talks on the ethics of technology at universities across the country. While there, I saw firsthand how Brazil’s Supreme Court justice played chicken with Elon Musk and his social media platform X, and won. In their earlier encounters, Australian politicians wasted a lot of time arguing with Musk and trading insults with him. For example, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Musk an “arrogant billionaire who thinks he’s above the law”. Now that Musk is informally appointed to joint leadership of the US Department of Government Efficiency, he probably views that as his job description. Insults are Musk’s superpower. X gives him immediate and unfiltered access to over 200 million followers making his accusations of “fascist” more impactful than any politico’s qualms. De Moraes’ status as a judge makes him impervious to them. He isn’t allowed to make the mistake of Australian politicians of trash-talking Musk. Instead he leaves that to others. No Portuguese is required to understand about Musk of Brazil’s First Lady, Janja Lula da Silva. Instead of arguing, de Moraes found the most direct way to reason with Musk. He targeted the platform’s revenue. On August 30 this year, de Moraes responded to a refusal to remove far-right content and accounts advocating violence by banning X in Brazil. The ban was lifted on October 8 after Musk paid a significant fine and agreed to appoint a Brazil-based representative to respond to future complaints. Aotearoa’s complaints about Google and Meta differ from Brazil’s beef with X. But the same attitude could work to prompt a reasonable approach to revenue sharing. Big Tech is adept at playing chicken against democratic politicians by giving them reasons for delay. Remember that for Big Tech a delay is as good as a win. They can always come up with further reasons for delay. If you’re serious about playing chicken with Meta it’s essential to promptly dismiss their many non-arguments. In response to Australia’s measures Meta said it was concerned about arrangements requiring “One industry to subsidise another.” Why should a successful technology company subsidise a struggling media industry? But there are many such cases. One example New Zealanders are familiar with is the tax on the tobacco industry that currently subsidises the medical services industry. How long could Facebook users do without their ‘friends’ if New Zealand politicians credibly threatened to block or limit access? Here is the weakness in Big Tech’s obsession with profit in games of chicken with democratic leaders who count on popular support. The survivors among Aotearoa’s journalists have shown they can survive hardship that comes with a hollowed-out media business. For all of his bravado, Musk was forced to swerve by de Moraes after 40 days of reduced Brazilian revenue. If our leaders blocked or restricted access to Facebook could we beat Brazil’s record? If they got better at playing chicken they might only have to credibly threaten to block access to get Big Tech to swerve. We should consider this dispute from the standpoint of Big Tech. Why are they so keen to abandon earlier deals with Australian media? Why don’t they even want to talk to us? These discussions occur at a time when social media companies are rebranding as AI businesses. Social media businesses have spent decades getting to know us. Might they be dreaming of a future in which they can take stories from richer media markets and press the ‘New Zealand-ify’ tab to sprinkle in as many Jacinda or Pinetree Meads references as the AI deems useful? In that possible future, our local journalism really is worth nothing to them. This is why threatening to block access isn’t just about short-term leverage. Without access to New Zealanders’ latest hopes, fears, and debates, stories about us would quickly feel outdated. So in the long run, local media will surely return to us on our own terms. The challenge now is whether our leaders are brave enough to credibly threaten Big Tech’s profits. If Brazil can stand up to Big Tech, surely New Zealand can too.Three boys who went missing Wednesday evening were found early the next morning after an intensive search. Parker County Sheriff's deputies were contacted Dec. 18 around 8:30 p.m. that three juveniles had gone missing in the area surrounding Deere Lane in northern Parker County. “We received the report and took immediate action knowing the juveniles were on foot, without cell communications, that nightfall had already set in and temperatures were dropping to concerning levels,” said Authier, adding the description of the juveniles ages 9, 10, and 11, were disseminated to area agencies en masse by “Be On The Look Out" alerts through telecommunications. Several departments responded to the area, including Reno-Briar Fire Department, Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety Safety Aviation Unit, Lt./Pilot Lacey and Sgt./TFO Gunnels and troopers, Parker County ESD firefighters and Search One K-9 Units. Parents of the children reported the boys got off of a school bus together and went to the home of one of the boys. They were last seen together on foot, between 5:30 and 6 p.m., further reporting it was unusual for the boys to wander off without returning. Law enforcement officers and emergency personnel met sheriff’s deputies to canvass the neighborhoods, going door-to-door, searching businesses, woods, creeks, property, buildings and surrounding areas. Sheriff’s deputies reported the terrain was rough and did not allow for equipment to continue into the depth of the woods. Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office also lent their drone to cover the area where four-wheelers were unable to continue and Texas DPS launched their helicopter, using infrared technology to canvass the area by air. Authier said without their assistance, the search would have taken much longer, and resources could have very well been depleted. He also attributed the collective response from surrounding agencies to the safe recovery of the juveniles within hours. “The helicopter pilot and crew relayed constant radio communications with the drone, K-9 unit and ground team,” said Authier. “We are pleased to state the boys, although cold and [with] sustained minor scratches from walking through areas filled with brush, were located at 3:06 a.m., in the 1000 block of South Reno Road, otherwise in good health.” The boys told law enforcement officers they were exploring a nearby creek and were unfamiliar with the wooded area when they became lost, but they kept together. Once the pilot spotted the boys with his on-board FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) system, he directed sheriff’s deputies to their location through the brush via radio communications. Emergency medical personnel also evaluated the juveniles, who were released to their parents. “We would like to thank every agency, telecommunicator and team member who responded to assist in the search,” said Authier. “Multi-agency cooperative response and effort are required, particularly in search-and-rescue missions which are of such vital standing.” Texas DPS Capt. Saben Emery also commended the law enforcement officers and first responders involved in the search efforts of the juveniles. “There’s no greater reward in this job than finding missing children,” he said in an e-mail to the sheriff's office. “And with temperatures near freezing, minutes matter. Your expert ability to use the onboard equipment is what brought these kids home safe.SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL COMMENT: A basket case of tax and spend profligacy, this woeful SNP Budget is a sure-fire blueprint for failure Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL COMMENT Published: 16:29 EST, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 17:57 EST, 4 December 2024 e-mail 1 View comments It promised the earth but Shona Robison’s threadbare Budget delivered nothing of substance. Boosting the NHS and the economy – and wiping out child poverty – were supposedly the central objectives. Yet when the details were outlined, such as they were, it was more of a damp squib than a Christmas cracker. The iniquitous cross-Border tax gap remains – despite an increase in the amount that can be earned before the basic rate of income tax applies. Scots earning more than £30,318 will still be paying more income tax than someone on the same salary in England, while those who earn less than that will be a meagre 50p a week better off. An opportunity to end this damaging disparity was missed, meaning that more businesses and young professionals will give Scotland a wide berth. Tens of thousands of people will be dragged into paying higher taxes after the higher, advanced and top-rate thresholds were frozen at their current levels. Astonishingly, the stratospheric benefits bill is set to soar by £800million, bringing the total ploughed into devolved benefits to nearly £7billion a year. It makes a mockery of SNP boasts about growing the economy – something that can never be achieved by ramping up handouts. Shona Robison's Budget betrays a monumental misunderstanding of basic economic principles Yet the additional revenue raised by income tax policies is forecast to be only around £50million in 2025-26. The gain simply isn’t worth the pain for middle-class Scots who are desperate for some respite from unrelenting SNP tax-grabs. Adding insult to injury are the eye-watering sums set to be spent on public sector pay hikes – equating to an inflation-busting 9 per cent over three years. On council tax, there was an appalling fudge, with the Finance Secretary saying only that the SNP government would ‘engage closely’ with local authorities. She asserted that there was ‘no reason for big increases’ but her failure to continue the freeze is a green light for town halls to hit householders with swingeing hikes of up to 17 per cent. Ms Robison’s Budget also betrays a monumental misunderstanding of basic economic principles – no surprise from a party that was in league with the Marxist Greens until earlier this year. Now it has to build bridges with its political opponents to secure approval for its spending plans, and failure to do so could trigger an election. The stakes are high but the SNP has served up a jumble of reheated pledges and wish-list proposals with zero credibility. Chief among them is the pledge to eliminate the two-child benefit cap – which is nothing more than the stuff of fantasy. It was framed in the vaguest of terms and depends on Westminster ‘co-operation’. The Budget documents state that the UK Government ‘should not be the barrier to us [the SNP] successfully offsetting [the cap] in Scotland’. Many strings are attached to this commitment, which smacks of the SNP getting in early excuses for failing to live up to it – resorting to its time-worn tactic of trying to shift the blame to Westminster. Why Labour should help to undermine a policy that it supports, however grudgingly, is anyone’s guess – but then this was not a Budget rooted in reality. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said it would cost up to £300million a year to mitigate the impact of the cap, and ‘would likely require cuts to some other areas of spending’ – or tax rises. It concludes that there is ‘little [in the Budget] by way of concrete proposals or sense of what destination the Scottish Government is aiming for’. Cuts to cash for housing have been reversed in a humiliating U-turn – but few voters will give the SNP any credit merely for rectifying its own mistakes. Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport Advertisement There was only minimal support for hard-pressed publicans, and the business rates relief offered will not be enough to prevent ‘massive’ closures and job losses, according to the Scottish Licensed Trade Association. Some 2,600 Scottish hospitality businesses will not be eligible for relief, which the sector warns will ‘seriously threaten their ability to support jobs’. In its damning analysis, the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde warned there was no plan to fully fund the hike in employers’ NationaI Insurance contributions for public sector bodies. It has been left asking ‘whether any lessons have been learned from going into a new year without fully setting aside budget cover for... known costs’. After the SNP’s catastrophic result in July’s general election, it’s little wonder that independence isn’t mentioned anywhere in the Budget – but it is a deeply telling omission. By contrast, growth is cited dozens of times – although the SNP plainly has no idea how to kick-start the moribund economy. On the NHS, Ms Robison’s promise that by March 2026 no one will wait longer than 12 months for a new outpatient appointment, inpatient treatment or day-case treatment is a retread of a previous commitment made in 2022. Back then, the SNP government said its waiting time pledge would be in place by September this year, but it didn’t materialise – so why should anyone believe patients won’t be let down again? This sleight of hand, clumsy as it was, is entirely typical of a party that has long prized shameless spin over tangible delivery. Earlier this week, an official report by the public spending watchdog found ‘fundamental change’ was needed in the NHS, and it warned some services may have to be cut. Yet there is nothing in the Budget to indicate that the SNP has anything resembling a reform plan. Instead it will continue to channel more cash into a cherished institution that has been badly mismanaged by the Nationalists for nearly 20 years. Proposals for a real-terms cut to alcohol and drug harm prevention funding make no sense, given the SNP’s ‘national mission’ to tackle Scotland’s drug death toll – the highest in Europe . There is very little that can be said to be remotely ‘progressive’ about this dog’s breakfast of a Budget. It is a familiar blend of chicanery and intellectual bankruptcy, with grandstanding and costly virtue-signalling thrown in for good measure. Ms Robison now faces a period of horse-trading and haggling in order to pass the Budget, relying on help from rivals her party has demonised for years. Surrounded by enemies , the supplicant SNP is determined to rebuild bridges it destroyed long ago for the sake of its own political survival. The SNP’s disgraceful hotchpotch of recycled pledges and fag-packet policymaking is further proof that it has been in power for far too long. Any party backing it in its current form would be facilitating a Budget underpinned by nothing more than wishful thinking and hollow rhetoric. It was presented as an agenda for hope – but the truth is that it is a blueprint for failure that will take Scotland further down the road to economic ruin. 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