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Lawmakers Plot to Force Health Insurers to Sell Off Pharmacies - The Wall Street Journal
As science continues its evolution, discoveries and technologies can act like a master key that open doors leading to novel advancements. Artificial intelligence is one such key, making innovations possible by solving complex problems, automating tasks and enabling research that would have been impossible, or very time-consuming, without it. Mohammad Hosseini But do we want to do research on all topics, and shall we try the AI master key on every door? To explore this question, let’s consider the use of AI by genomics experts as an example. In recent years, genomics experts have added unbelievable depth to what we know about the world and ourselves. For example, genetics researchers have revealed facts about when certain animals and plants were domesticated. In another example, researchers used DNA from 30,000-year-old permafrost to create fertile samples of a plant called narrow-leafed campion. Importantly, genetic engineering has facilitated extraordinary advances in the treatment of complicated conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia. Thanks to AI, we are witnessing a dramatic increase in the pace and scalability of genomic exploration. But given the risks and possible consequences of AI use in science, should we rush headlong into using AI in all kinds of projects? One relevant example is research on Neanderthals, our closest relatives, who lived about 40,000 years ago. Neanderthals have been studied for several years now through genetic investigation of their fossils and their DNA. Genetic engineering can potentially use ancient DNA and genome editing methods to re-create a Neanderthal or aspects of a Neanderthal’s genetics and physiology. To do this, scientists could start by figuring out the DNA sequence of a Neanderthal by comparing it with the DNA of modern humans, because they are closely related. Then, scientists could use the gene-editing tool known as CRISPR to swap out parts of human DNA with Neanderthal DNA. This process would require a lot of trial and error and might not succeed soon. But based on what we know about genetics, if something is possible, AI can help make it happen faster, cheaper and with less effort. Scientists are excited about these developments because they could facilitate new discoveries and open up many research opportunities in genetic research. With or without AI, research on Neanderthals will proceed. But the extraordinary power of AI could give the final push to these discoveries and facilitate this kind of resurrection. At that point, the scientific community must develop norms and guidelines about how to treat these resurrected beings with dispositions very similar to humans. We would need to carefully consider their rights and well-being almost in the same way as when humans are involved and not as research subjects or artifacts of scientific curiosity. These ethical issues are discussed in more detail in a new paper published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence. A more holistic question to consider is: Should we prioritize the use of resource-intensive AI, researchers’ time and public funds to resurrect extinct beings? Or should we invest these resources into conserving species that are critically endangered today to prevent biodiversity from more degradation? Hosseini is an assistant professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He wrote this for . Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!
A missing Porter County woman was found dead near the Little Calumet River in Lake Station Thursday morning. An independent search team at around 10:30 a.m. found the body of 48-year-old Jamie Vlamos-Jones in the vicinity of 2100 Cass Street, according to a Case Files Chicago release. Vlamos-Jones had been reported missing on December 18. Lake Station Police Chief James Richardson confirmed in a release that officers confirmed the body was found on the east side of Clay Street. Family members also confirmed her death on social media. Vlamos-Jones was last seen around 4:30 p.m. December 18 at Palmer’s Paving, 2735 Cass St., according to social media posts by her family and friends. She parked her 2012 blue Nissan Rogue at the business but was told it was private property and needed to leave, so she took off running north into the woods, according to the posts. Family and friends described her as “confused and not herself” in posts throughout the week she was missing. Family members were at the scene late Thursday morning to assist the Lake County Coroner with identification, Case Files Chicago said. Richardson said the investigation into her death is ongoing and, because of the crime’s nature, is asking for the public’s patience. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the department through its tipline at http://lakestation-in.gov/hottipline. Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”Every December, in the past two years, the Molade-Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Telsim Balogun Stadium in Lagos becomes the hub for Nigerians in the diaspora living in the United Kingdom. Most of the time, Nigerians living abroad far and near choose a day or more in December to come home and celebrate for different reasons. Vacation, wedding, house warming, family reunion, traditional and religious activities are some of the reasons Nigerians in the diaspora visit the country during the yuletide. In its first of a kind, table tennis has now joined the long list of reasons Nigerians in the Diaspora travel home during December; this is as a result of the annual Daniel Ford Elite Youth National Table Tennis Championships that takes place at the prestigious Molade-Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, which has hosted world ranking events like Table Tennis, Squash, Badminton, Karate and a whole of lots of world-class events. The event, which is on the calendar of the African Table Tennis Federation, the body governing table tennis in Africa, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, and on the bucket list of thousands of table tennis players in West Africa, has made Telsim Balogun Stadium a tourist centre . To prove my assertion, the two-day events, which started with a two-day training clinic and ended on Saturday, the 22nd, has the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, as the special guest at the grand finale. In her interview with Journalists, Abike lauded the sponsor, Yemi Edun, a philanthropist and a property developer in London for investing in youth development through sports. She also called on other Nigerians in the diaspora to take a cue from the real estate expert. “I commend Yemi Edun for returning home to sponsor this kind of tournament that helps unearth talents. I appeal to other Nigerians in the Diaspora to emulate him by seeing what they can do to help our youths in the country,” With 66 youths across the nation in four different categories of events – U19 Boys & Girls and U15 Boys & Girls, the Daniel Ford Elite Youth National Table Tennis Championships has given hope to Nigerian youths to shun vices in society. It’s also worth mentioning that the event is the most competitive table tennis tournament in West Africa, which is evident in the emergence of new champions in all categories as Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, a Southpaw player from Kwara State dethroned Matthew Kuti to become the new U19 champion after a thrilling and suspense full final. In the girls’ U-19 final, Ayoola fought back from the brink of defeat to beat Aishat Rabiu 4-3 (11-9, 8-11, 14-16 , 8-11, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4) and become the new champion. For the first time in the history of table tennis in Nigeria, Abia State claimed their first national title as Chinenye Okafor beat Ifeoluwa Ajasa of Lagos State 3-2 (11-5, 11-9, 11-13 , 9-11, 11-6). In the Boys’ U-15, Abdulamid Adebayo of Lagos stunned Samuel Dada of Kogi 3-2 (4-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7) to become the new boys’ champion. The importance of the annual event is not only for Nigerians in the diaspora, since the advent of COVID-19 some years ago, there has been a steady dwindle of table tennis competitions in the country, and the championships have become a beacon of hope for aspiring ping pongers. Other highlights of the event apart from the prize monies and sharing of souvenirs with all participants is the guest artist appearance of Akande Abolore Adegbola popularly known as 9ice, who played a novelty game with the special guest of the occasion Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to the amusement of the spectators. As a prove that that the championships is the annual confluence of Nigerians in the diaspora, notable persons that grace the occasion include Remi Babalola, a former Minister of State for Finance and former chairman, board of directors of First Bank Holdings, Professor Bamitale Omole, former Vice-chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday was also in attendance. Mrs Edun, wife of Yemi Edun, Gboyega Fatimilehin, an Estate Surveyor and co-founder, Diya Fatimilehin, the head of Table Tennis in Africa, Barrister Enitan Oshodi led the Table Tennis top dignitaries to the occasion. Bosun Omoniyi and his wife, Sola Osinaike, The Anthony Tejuoso Family, Olumide Coker, Dipo Davies of Castle magazine, Bunmi and Serekunmi Obanubi, Hon. Ojuri, Barrister and Mrs Bayo Koku, Abayomi Ajao of DUISSE, Koye Sax and Doyin Akinnurin from the USA were in attendance. During the interview with Journalists, the Director-General, of Lagos Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, whose mission in the state is to promote grassroots sports, identify and nurture talents acknowledged the impact of the championships in the state as a platform that can achieve the vision and mission of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the area of Sports. Beyond the main event of the day, some crème de la crème were seen on camera laughing, smiling and sharing pleasantries, caught on camera including Wale Edun, Olabode Ojuri, Remi Coker, David Coker, Joseph Edgar, the Duke of Shomolu, Ope Oye, Kolade Giwa – Osagie, Kanmi Osobu, Mr Femi Oduntan, were seen enjoying the sportainment atmosphere of the hub As the third edition commences in earnest, The 2025 Daniel Ford Elite Youth National Table Tennis Championships will take place tentatively for the 19th and 20th of December . Mudashiru Shittu writes from Lagos
Coote was sacked earlier this month after the emergence of a video in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said that a thorough investigation had concluded he was “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare,” PGMOL’s statement on December 9 added. Coote had the right to appeal against the decision but PA understands the Nottinghamshire referee has decided not to. The video which triggered PGMOL’s investigation into Coote’s conduct first came to public attention on November 11. In it, Coote is asked for his views on a Liverpool match where he has just been fourth official, and describes them as “s***”. He then describes Klopp as a “c***”, and, asked why he felt that way, Coote says the German had “a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown” and had accused him of lying. “I have got no interest in speaking to someone who’s f****** arrogant, so I do my best not to speak to him,” Coote said. Later in the video, Coote again refers to Klopp, this time as a “German c***”. The Football Association opened its own investigation into that video, understood to be centred on that last comment and whether Coote’s reference to Klopp’s nationality constituted an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules. The investigation by PGMOL which led to Coote’s contract being terminated is also understood to have looked at another video which appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder, purportedly during Euro 2024 where he was one of the assistant VARs for the tournament. European football’s governing body UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to look into the matter.
US News Live: Get the latest updates and breaking news from the US on elections, politics, crime, trends, weather along with national affairs. Stay up to date with news developments on Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. all right here This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Hindustan Times staff. ...Read More US News Live: Who is Damian Williams? Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor who brought charges against Diddy resigns as Trump returns