Harris: Fine Gael ‘will gain seats’ amid further fragmentation of Irish politicsNearly 50 payloads safely splashed down to Earth on SpaceX's 31 st Commercial Resupply Services Mission for NASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Research that could enable early cancer detection, advance treatments for neurodegenerative conditions, and improve respiratory therapies returned from the International Space Station (ISS) on SpaceX's 31st Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission for NASA. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the coast of Florida with nearly 50 biotechnology, physical science, and student research payloads sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory ® . These investigations are among those that leveraged the unique environment of the space station for the benefit of life on Earth: The ISS National Lab enables access and opportunity for researchers to leverage this unique orbiting laboratory for the benefit of humanity and to enable commerce in space. To learn more about ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations that flew on NASA's SpaceX CRS-31, please visit our launch page . Download a high-resolution image for this release: SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory: The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory ® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in SpaceTM (CASIS ® ) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website . As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS ® accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page . Media Contact: Patrick O'Neill 904-806-0035 PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS) 1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iss-national-lab-sponsored-projects-on-cancer-neurodegenerative-conditions-and-more-return-from-space-station-302334158.html SOURCE International Space Station National Lab
Border plan features round-the-clock aerial surveillance, drug detection support
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Their meeting followed a two-day ministerial roundtable on Financing Africa’s Nuclear Energy Future held in Kigali. The discussions underscored Rwanda's commitment to advancing its nuclear energy programme as a critical solution to meet the country’s growing energy needs. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s nuclear technology plans: benefits vs challenges Zerbo noted the importance of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), describing them as scalable, clean, and efficient technologies suited to Rwanda's energy landscape. “Today's discussions focused on nuclear power plants, particularly SMRs, which offer safer, modular, and clean energy solutions adaptable to Rwanda’s context,” he explained. The meeting convened international and regional stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Energy, the Nuclear Energy Agency in France, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Zerbo underscored the pivotal role energy plays in driving Rwanda’s socioeconomic transformation. “We often talk about electricity, but what we truly need is energy to drive industrialisation. Without sufficient energy, we cannot attract industries or sustain manufacturing.” He referenced a past challenge where a glass factory failed to establish operations in Rwanda due to limited energy capacity. ALSO READ: Why Rwanda is updating its energy policy “This is why technologies like SMRs are vital. They provide reliable, clean, and secure energy to support Rwanda’s development goals,” he noted, stressing that Rwanda has the potential to lead Africa’s nuclear energy journey, guided by President Paul Kagame’s vision. “Rwanda’s leadership, discipline, and stability offer a strong foundation to pilot nuclear energy development on the continent. Civil society must understand that nuclear energy is about development, not weapons. Public support and a strong regulatory framework are essential for success.” Addressing financing challenges The Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, emphasised that financing was a central theme during the ministerial roundtable, particularly addressing financial institutions' hesitations regarding perceived risks of nuclear energy investments. “As Africans, we analysed these risks and explored strategies to mitigate them. Nuclear energy is clean and climate-friendly, this is crucial as we face the growing challenges of climate change,” Gasore said. He noted Rwanda’s energy ambitions, stressing the need for transformative solutions beyond current resources. ALSO READ: Atomic energy boss talks progress towards nuclear energy solutions in Rwanda “In the next 25 years, Rwanda will need more than ten times the electricity we have today. Hydropower and other existing resources will not meet this demand alone. Nuclear energy is a viable solution to secure our energy future,” he said. Gasore also emphasised Rwanda’s goal to start utilising nuclear energy within the next decade. “We are assessing technologies suitable for Rwanda, such as SMRs, which are already available in some markets and advancing in development elsewhere.” Broader benefits of nuclear energy Gasore emphasised that nuclear energy would offer significant benefits beyond electricity generation. These include contributing to industrialisation and job creation through employment opportunities in plant construction, operation, and maintenance. In addition to its role in energy, nuclear technology will play a key role in advancing healthcare, particularly in cancer treatment. “We already have a hospital that utilises nuclear technology for treatment,” Gasore said. Nuclear energy also holds promise for improving agricultural preservation, enhancing produce storage, and ensuring better export quality, he said. Since 2019, Rwanda has made capacity building a priority, with more than 300 students trained in nuclear energy programmes across Russia, Europe, and the United States. “Nuclear energy is a skill-intensive sector. Partnerships with experienced countries and specialised training are essential,” Gasore explained. Laying the groundwork for Rwanda’s nuclear future While Rwanda has not begun construction of its first nuclear plant, the government is laying the necessary foundation. “We are conducting feasibility studies, designing regulatory frameworks, and building institutions to ensure the highest safety standards,” the minister added, also noting ongoing partnerships with key international stakeholders, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, which co-hosted the Kigali roundtable. “We are laying a solid foundation to ensure Rwanda is ready for nuclear energy development,” Gasore said.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Alice Umutesi" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/", "sameAs": ["https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTimesRwanda/","https://twitter.com/NewTimesRwanda","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZbZj6DF9zWXpdZVceDZkg"], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/theme_newtimes/images/logo.png", "width": 270, "height": 57 } }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/" } }Washington: US President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar Al Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden expressed optimism. However, he also warned that Washington would "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups. "The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said that "Assad should be held accountable." Biden, who is set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump's return to power, said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding. "We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" Syria "with a new constitution," he said. However, Biden cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance will be under scrutiny. "Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses," Biden said. The United States had "taken note" of recent statements by rebels suggesting they had since moderated, he said, but cautioned: "We will assess not just their words, but their actions." Biden said Washington is "clear eyed" that the Islamic State extremist group, often known as ISIS, "will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish" itself in Syria. "We will not let that happen," he said, adding that on Sunday alone, US forces had conducted "a dozen" strikes against ISIS inside Syria. Earlier, Biden met with his national security team at the White House to discuss the crisis. Assad's reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in the country's civil war. They announced Sunday they had taken Damascus and that Assad had fled, prompting celebrations around the country and a ransacking of Assad's luxurious home. A Kremlin source told Russian news agencies that the deposed leader was now in Moscow, along with his family. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition that was established in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group. It has regularly struck targets in the country including those linked to Iranian-backed militias. Tehran was a major backer of Assad's government. Biden also confirmed that US authorities believe the American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012, still lives. "We believe he's alive," Biden said, but the US has yet "to identify where he is."
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Winnipeg Jets (18-6, in the Central Division) vs. Dallas Stars (14-8, in the Central Division) Dallas; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Stars host the Winnipeg Jets after Mason Marchment scored two goals in the Stars' 5-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Dallas has a 14-8 record overall and a 5-2-0 record in Central Division play. The Stars have a +17 scoring differential, with 76 total goals scored and 59 conceded. Winnipeg has an 18-6 record overall and a 7-1-0 record in Central Division play. The Jets have gone 10-1-0 in games they score at least one power-play goal. Sunday's game is the second time these teams square off this season. The Jets won the last matchup 4-1. Cole Perfetti scored two goals in the victory. TOP PERFORMERS: Marchment has nine goals and 14 assists for the Stars. Roope Hintz has five goals and one assist over the last 10 games. Kyle Connor has 13 goals and 16 assists for the Jets. Mark Scheifele has scored five goals with three assists over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Stars: 6-4-0, averaging 3.9 goals, 6.6 assists, 3.3 penalties and 8.6 penalty minutes while giving up three goals per game. Jets: 5-5-0, averaging three goals, 4.7 assists, 4.2 penalties and 11.7 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game. INJURIES: Stars: None listed. Jets: None listed. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Nobel recipient Geoffrey Hinton wishes he thought of AI safety sooner Geoffrey Hinton says he doesn’t regret the work he did that laid the foundations of artificial intelligence, but wishes he thought of safety sooner. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press Dec 8, 2024 10:42 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Nobel laureate in physics Geoffrey Hinton gives a Nobel Prize lecture in physics in Aula Magna, Stockholm University, Sweden, on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS//TT News Agency-Pontus Lundahl via AP Geoffrey Hinton says he doesn’t regret the work he did that laid the foundations of artificial intelligence, but wishes he thought of safety sooner. The British-Canadian computer scientist often called the godfather of AI said over the weekend that he doesn’t have any guilty regret, which he said is when someone has done something when they know they shouldn’t have at the time. “In the same circumstances, I would do the same again,” he said of his research, which dates back to the 1980s and has formed the underpinnings of AI. “However, I think it might have been unfortunate in that we're going to get superintelligence faster than I thought, and I wish I'd thought about safety earlier.” Superintelligence surpasses the abilities of even the smartest humans. Hinton thinks it could arrive in the next five to 20 years and humanity may have to “worry seriously about how we stay in control.” Hinton made his prediction during a press conference in Stockholm, where he is due to a receive the Nobel Prize in physics on Tuesday. Hinton, a University of Toronto professor emeritus, and co-laureate John Hopfield, a Princeton University professor, are being given the prize because they developed some of the foundations of machine learning, a computer science that helps AI mimic how humans learn. Hinton kicked off his Nobel week on Saturday with the press conference, where he appeared with laureates in chemistry and economics and was asked about AI safety and regulation. Hinton left a job at Google last year to speak more freely about the technology's dangers, which he has said could include job losses, bias and discrimination, echo chambers, fake news, battle robots and even the end of humanity. On Saturday, he said he considers lethal autonomous weapons to be a short-term danger. "There isn't going to be any regulation there," he said, pointing out that European regulations have a specific clause exempting military use of AI from restrictions. "Governments are unwilling to regulate themselves, when it comes to lethal autonomous weapon, and there is an arms race going on between all the major arms suppliers like the United States, China, Russia, Britain, Israel and possibly even Sweden, though I don't know." A day later, Hinton put his concerns about AI aside to deliver a lecture with Hopfield explaining the research that earned them their Nobel. "Today I am going to do something very foolish." Hinton said in introducing his portion of the pair's hour-long speech. "I am going to try and describe a complicated technical idea for a general audience without using any equations." The audience chuckled. The talk began with Hopfield describing a network he invented that could store and reconstruct images in data. It led Hinton to later create the Boltzmann machine, which learns from examples, rather than instructions, and when trained, can recognize familiar characteristics in information, even if it has not seen that data before. Hinton said students in his lab and others run by fellow AI pioneers Yoshua Bengio and Yann LeCun were using Boltzmann machines to pre-train neural networks — machine learning models that make decisions in a manner similar to the human brain — between 2006 and 2011. By 2009, two of Hinton's students had showed the technique "worked a little bit better than the best existing techniques for recognizing fragments of phonemes in speech and that then changed the speech recognition community," Hinton said. Phonemes are small units of sound that can change the meaning of a word. Google later began working on technology based on Hinton's discoveries and "suddenly the speech recognition on the Android got a lot better." Even though the kind of Boltzmann machines Hinton was working with back then are no longer used in the same ways as he used them, he said "they allowed us to make the transition from thinking that deep neural networks would never work to seeing that deep neural networks actually could be made to work." Nobel Week will continue Monday with a discussion about the future of health before an awards ceremony and banquet is held Tuesday. Hinton has said he will donate a portion of the prize money — equivalent to about C$1.45 million — he and Hopfield will be given to Water First, which is working to boost Indigenous access to water, and a charity supporting neurodiverse young adults. He is also reportedly due to donate an early Boltzmann chip to the Nobel Prize Museum. The Nobel is not the only prize Hinton scooped up this month. On Friday, he, Bengio, LeCun, Chinese-American computer scientist Fei-Fei Li and Nvidia founder Jensen Huang, were awarded the Vin Future Prize, a US$3 million prize for science breakthroughs in a ceremony in Vietnam. Hinton, Bengio and LeCun previously won the A.M. Turing Award, known as the Nobel Prize of computing, together in 2018. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Dec. 8, 2024. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National News Border control and tariffs: Quebec Premier François Legault meets Trump in Paris Dec 8, 2024 10:23 AM Updated advisory urges Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria, leave if possible Dec 8, 2024 8:14 AM Understanding the science behind Hinton and Hopfield's Nobel Prize in physics Dec 8, 2024 8:12 AM Featured Flyer
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Geoffrey Hinton says he doesn’t regret the work he did that laid the foundations of artificial intelligence, but wishes he thought of safety sooner. The British-Canadian computer scientist often called the godfather of AI said over the weekend that he doesn’t have any guilty regret, which he said is when someone has done something when they know they shouldn’t have at the time. “In the same circumstances, I would do the same again,” he said of his research, which dates back to the 1980s and has formed the underpinnings of AI. “However, I think it might have been unfortunate in that we're going to get superintelligence faster than I thought, and I wish I'd thought about safety earlier.” Superintelligence surpasses the abilities of even the smartest humans. Hinton thinks it could arrive in the next five to 20 years and humanity may have to “worry seriously about how we stay in control.” Hinton made his prediction during a press conference in Stockholm, where he is due to a receive the Nobel Prize in physics on Tuesday. Hinton, a University of Toronto professor emeritus, and co-laureate John Hopfield, a Princeton University professor, are being given the prize because they developed some of the foundations of machine learning, a computer science that helps AI mimic how humans learn. Hinton kicked off his Nobel week on Saturday with the press conference, where he appeared with laureates in chemistry and economics and was asked about AI safety and regulation. Hinton left a job at Google last year to speak more freely about the technology's dangers, which he has said could include job losses, bias and discrimination, echo chambers, fake news, battle robots and even the end of humanity. On Saturday, he said he considers lethal autonomous weapons to be a short-term danger. "There isn't going to be any regulation there," he said, pointing out that European regulations have a specific clause exempting military use of AI from restrictions. "Governments are unwilling to regulate themselves, when it comes to lethal autonomous weapon, and there is an arms race going on between all the major arms suppliers like the United States, China, Russia, Britain, Israel and possibly even Sweden, though I don't know." A day later, Hinton put his concerns about AI aside to deliver a lecture with Hopfield explaining the research that earned them their Nobel. "Today I am going to do something very foolish." Hinton said in introducing his portion of the pair's hour-long speech. "I am going to try and describe a complicated technical idea for a general audience without using any equations." The audience chuckled. The talk began with Hopfield describing a network he invented that could store and reconstruct images in data. It led Hinton to later create the Boltzmann machine, which learns from examples, rather than instructions, and when trained, can recognize familiar characteristics in information, even if it has not seen that data before. Hinton said students in his lab and others run by fellow AI pioneers Yoshua Bengio and Yann LeCun were using Boltzmann machines to pre-train neural networks — machine learning models that make decisions in a manner similar to the human brain — between 2006 and 2011. By 2009, two of Hinton's students had showed the technique "worked a little bit better than the best existing techniques for recognizing fragments of phonemes in speech and that then changed the speech recognition community," Hinton said. Phonemes are small units of sound that can change the meaning of a word. Google later began working on technology based on Hinton's discoveries and "suddenly the speech recognition on the Android got a lot better." Even though the kind of Boltzmann machines Hinton was working with back then are no longer used in the same ways as he used them, he said "they allowed us to make the transition from thinking that deep neural networks would never work to seeing that deep neural networks actually could be made to work." Nobel Week will continue Monday with a discussion about the future of health before an awards ceremony and banquet is held Tuesday. Hinton has said he will donate a portion of the prize money — equivalent to about C$1.45 million — he and Hopfield will be given to Water First, which is working to boost Indigenous access to water, and a charity supporting neurodiverse young adults. He is also reportedly due to donate an early Boltzmann chip to the Nobel Prize Museum. The Nobel is not the only prize Hinton scooped up this month. On Friday, he, Bengio, LeCun, Chinese-American computer scientist Fei-Fei Li and Nvidia founder Jensen Huang, were awarded the Vin Future Prize, a US$3 million prize for science breakthroughs in a ceremony in Vietnam. Hinton, Bengio and LeCun previously won the A.M. Turing Award, known as the Nobel Prize of computing, together in 2018. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Dec. 8, 2024. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press