AstraZeneca in deal with China firm worth up to £4bn
AstraZeneca has agreed a deal that could be worth almost £4billion with a Chinese company to use AI in the production of new treatments for chronic diseases.
Britain's largest listed company announced the tie-up with biotech firm CSPC Pharmaceuticals following controversy over its involvement in China.
The pharmaceuticals giant will pay CSPC an upfront fee of £81m while a total further payment of up to £3.8billion is available if the drugs reach development and sales-related milestones.
AstraZeneca has been ploughing cash into the country, including announcing a £1.8billion research and development hub in the capital Beijing.
The firm's former boss in China, Leon Wang, was arrested in October and is still thought to be in detention.
More recently, former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has accused the pharma giant of 'turning a blind eye to the nature of the Chinese government'.
AstraZeneca boss Sir Pascal Soriot said in February: 'We all think about Leon and miss him, but the reality is we are not able to talk to him. We are not allowed.'
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Reuters
36 minutes ago
- Reuters
Seoul's LGBT community gathers for annual festival after liberal president elected
SEOUL, June 14 (Reuters) - The annual Seoul Queer Culture Festival was held in the South Korean capital on Saturday after the country ushered in a new liberal president, though it faced concurrent protests against the LGBT community's pride celebrations. While the community has made some advances towards broader acceptance in Korean society, conservative religious groups still mount resistance to efforts to pass laws against discrimination, and there is no legal acknowledgement of LGBTQ+ partnerships. City authorities repeatedly denied venue clearance requests for last year's festival before eventually giving their approval. "The slogan for the 26th Seoul Queer Culture Festival is that we never stop," said its chief organiser Hwang Chae-yoo. "During the last ... administration, hate against homosexuality and LGBTQ+ became very strong, leading to government policies that often ignored LGBTQ+ people. That's why we expressed our will to never give up until the end, and make efforts to improve human rights," Hwang said. South Korea elected liberal President Lee Jae-myung earlier this month in a snap election, after conservative predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted following his impeachment. While Lee has not explicitly stated his positions on LGBT issues during the campaign, his election has led to optimism among some in the community that conditions could improve. Under blue skies and temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius (87.8 Fahrenheit), festival turnout was brisk with people, some carrying rainbow flags, milling about booths including those set up by LGBTQ+ organisations, embassies and university clubs. From 4:30 p.m. local time (0730 GMT), participants marched through the streets of Seoul, calling for improved human rights and self-esteem for LGBTQ+ people. The event's organisers said 30,000 people were taking part, though police put their estimate at around 7,000. A protest against the Queer Culture Festival was also held in a nearby location in central Seoul on Saturday. Participants held blue and pink signs with phrases such as "Homosexuality Stop" and "Destroys Families". There was no clash. "It's changed a lot compared to the old days, but most people are still like, 'we know you exist, but don't come out'," said 44-year-old festival participant Hong Il-pyo, who was dressed in drag. "I hope we can make a little progress and change to 'you exist, so let's live well together.'"
Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Unlock the Secret to Building Insane AI Video Pipelines with Google Veo3 API
Have you ever wondered how some of the most innovative AI systems seamlessly process massive amounts of data, deliver real-time insights, and adapt to ever-changing demands? The secret often lies in the powerful pipelines that fuel their performance. Enter the Google Veo3 API—a versatile tool that's rewriting the rules of AI development. With its ability to integrate natural language processing, image recognition, and advanced analytics into a single framework, this API is a fantastic option for developers and businesses alike. But here's the catch: building a truly insane AI pipeline isn't just about plugging in tools—it's about crafting a system that's efficient, scalable, and tailored to your unique goals. That's where this learning tool from All About AI comes in, guiding you to unlock the full potential of the Google Veo3 API. In this step-by-step guide by All About AI, you'll uncover the secrets to designing a high-performance AI pipeline that doesn't just work—it thrives under pressure. From mastering data collection and API integration to deploying machine learning models and automating workflows, this resource equips you with a clear roadmap to success. But it doesn't stop there. You'll also explore how to optimize for scalability, troubleshoot common challenges, and integrate with platforms like Google Cloud or Tableau to supercharge your system's capabilities. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a seasoned developer, this guide promises to spark new ideas and empower you to build solutions that redefine what's possible. After all, the real question isn't whether you can build an AI pipeline—it's how far you're willing to take it. What is the Google Veo3 API? The Google Veo3 API is a powerful and versatile tool designed to enable developers to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their systems. It offers a wide range of features, including natural language processing, image recognition, and data analysis, making it an ideal choice for building AI pipelines. By using this API, you can automate complex tasks, enhance system efficiency, and unlock innovative possibilities for AI-driven solutions. Its adaptability allows businesses to streamline operations and improve decision-making processes, making it a valuable asset for organizations aiming to harness the power of artificial intelligence. Building AI with Google Veo3 Designing an AI pipeline with the Google Veo3 API involves a clear and methodical approach. Begin by defining the objectives of your system. Determine the specific tasks it will perform, such as data preprocessing, model training, or real-time inference. Once your goals are established, follow these essential steps: Data Collection: Gather and prepare high-quality data for training and testing your AI models. Ensure the dataset is clean, diverse, and relevant to improve the accuracy and reliability of your models. Gather and prepare high-quality data for training and testing your AI models. Ensure the dataset is clean, diverse, and relevant to improve the accuracy and reliability of your models. API Integration: Connect the Google Veo3 API to your system by following the API documentation. Configure endpoints, set up authentication protocols, and define data input/output formats to ensure seamless integration. Connect the Google Veo3 API to your system by following the API documentation. Configure endpoints, set up authentication protocols, and define data input/output formats to ensure seamless integration. Model Deployment: Incorporate machine learning models into your pipeline. The API supports various frameworks, allowing you to choose the one that aligns best with your project requirements. Incorporate machine learning models into your pipeline. The API supports various frameworks, allowing you to choose the one that aligns best with your project requirements. Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive tasks such as data preprocessing, model retraining, and performance monitoring. This reduces manual effort and ensures consistent operations. By following these steps, you can create a streamlined and efficient AI pipeline tailored to your specific needs. Constructing a Google Veo3 API AI Pipeline Watch this video on YouTube. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on Google Veo 3. Enhancing Functionality with Platform Integration To maximize the potential of your AI pipeline, consider integrating the Google Veo3 API with other platforms and tools. Strategic integrations can significantly enhance functionality and improve the overall user experience. Here are some key options: Cloud Services: Use platforms like Google Cloud or AWS to provide scalable storage and processing power. These services ensure your pipeline can handle large datasets and high traffic volumes efficiently. Use platforms like Google Cloud or AWS to provide scalable storage and processing power. These services ensure your pipeline can handle large datasets and high traffic volumes efficiently. Data Visualization Tools: Use tools such as Tableau or Google Data Studio to present insights in a clear and actionable format, allowing better decision-making and communication of results. Use tools such as Tableau or Google Data Studio to present insights in a clear and actionable format, allowing better decision-making and communication of results. Third-Party Applications: Integrate with CRM systems, analytics platforms, or IoT devices to expand the pipeline's capabilities and address specific business needs. These integrations not only enhance the pipeline's functionality but also enable seamless collaboration across different systems and teams. Optimizing for Performance and Scalability Making sure your AI pipeline operates efficiently under varying workloads requires a focus on optimization and scalability. Implementing the following strategies can help maintain performance and prepare your system for future growth: Resource Allocation: Monitor and allocate computational resources effectively to prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth operations. Monitor and allocate computational resources effectively to prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth operations. Model Fine-Tuning: Regularly update and fine-tune your machine learning models to maintain accuracy and adapt to changing data patterns. Regularly update and fine-tune your machine learning models to maintain accuracy and adapt to changing data patterns. Load Balancing: Distribute tasks across multiple servers to handle high traffic volumes and ensure system reliability. By designing your pipeline with scalability in mind, you can accommodate increases in data volume or user demand without compromising performance or efficiency. Troubleshooting Common Challenges Building and maintaining an AI pipeline can present several challenges. Addressing these issues proactively is essential to ensure a stable and reliable system. Here are some common challenges and their solutions: API Errors: Consult the API documentation to identify error codes and implement recommended solutions. Regularly update your API configurations to avoid compatibility issues. Consult the API documentation to identify error codes and implement recommended solutions. Regularly update your API configurations to avoid compatibility issues. Latency Issues: Optimize network configurations, implement caching mechanisms, and use content delivery networks (CDNs) to reduce delays and improve response times. Optimize network configurations, implement caching mechanisms, and use content delivery networks (CDNs) to reduce delays and improve response times. Data Inconsistencies: Establish robust data validation checks and logging systems to identify and resolve discrepancies in your datasets. By addressing these challenges effectively, you can minimize downtime, enhance system reliability, and maintain a smooth user experience. Real-World Applications of the Google Veo3 API The Google Veo3 API is highly adaptable and can be applied across a wide range of industries and use cases. Here are a few examples of its real-world applications: Customer Support: Develop AI-powered chatbots to handle customer inquiries efficiently, providing quick and accurate responses at scale. Develop AI-powered chatbots to handle customer inquiries efficiently, providing quick and accurate responses at scale. Healthcare: Use the API for medical image analysis, patient data management, and diagnostics, improving the accuracy and speed of healthcare services. Use the API for medical image analysis, patient data management, and diagnostics, improving the accuracy and speed of healthcare services. E-commerce: Implement personalized product recommendations, dynamic pricing strategies, and inventory optimization to enhance the shopping experience and drive sales. These examples highlight the API's ability to drive innovation and improve operational efficiency across diverse sectors, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to stay competitive in today's AI-driven landscape. Media Credit: All About AI Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Sky News
3 hours ago
- Sky News
Israel-Iran live: Iran issues threat to UK, France and US if they help Israel stop strikes; '60 killed' in Tehran
IDF: 'The way to Iran has been paved' Some remarks to bring you now from the IDF. The chiefs of the General Staff and Air Force said this morning the way to Iran "has been paved". Speaking in this morning's assessment of the situation, the military said it is proceeding "according to its operational plans". Fighters jets are set to resume strikes in Tehran, it added. Iran warns it will hit UK ships and bases if they defend Israel Iran has warned the UK, US and France not to help Israel stop its strikes on the country. Tehran said they will target ships and bases belonging to the three countries in the region if they do not step back. That's according to comments reported by Iranian state media. Israeli attacks likely to unite Iranian people behind leaders, says former British diplomat It's unlikely Iran's population will want to see regime change as a result of Israeli attacks. That's the view of Lord Ricketts, a former British diplomat who served as the UK's first national security adviser between 2010 ad 2012. While the regime is "very unpopular" in Iran, he said the immediate impact of Israel's strikes may boost those in power. "Clearly, Netanyahu and many people in Israel would love to see the back of the mullahs and the ayatollahs, and they are very unpopular in Iran," he said. "My question is, would they want to see the regime change because of this attack from Israel? I rather doubt that. "I think the short-term effect will be rather to bring the population behind the leaders in the circumstances of a massive attack on the country in that time." Around 60 people killed in Israeli attack, including 20 children - Iranian state TV According to Iranian state TV, 20 children are among 60 people killed in an Israeli attack. The report says the strike was on a housing complex in the capital, Tehran. More details on two people killed in central Israel We have some more information to bring you now on reports of an Iranian attack on the central city of Rishon Lezion. Two people were killed, according to Israel's paramedic service Magen David Adom, and 19 injured (see our 5.40am post). MDA has confirmed a man aged around 45 and a woman around 60 were the two who died. "A woman around 60 was rescued without signs of life, a man around 45 was evacuated in critical condition while undergoing CPR and was later pronounced dead," the service said. Of the 19 hurt in the attack, 16 have minor injuries, two have been moderately injured and one has a serious injury, MDA added. "This was a difficult and complex scene, and we are continuing to search to ensure no one remains trapped," the service said. 'Limited damage' to nuclear facility, Iran says Iran says its Fordow nuclear facility sustained "limited damage" during Israeli attacks. In comments reported by semi-official ISNA news agency this morning, a spokesperson for the country's atomic energy organisation said: "There has been limited damage to some areas at the Fordow enrichment site. "We had already moved a significant part of the equipment and materials out, and there was no extensive damage and there are no contamination concerns." Sky News verified sites struck by Israel as of last night, which you can see below. Lebanon to shut airspace Lebanon will be closing its airspace at 10.30pm local time, according to a local news agency. As we reported just minutes ago in the post below, the country reopened its airspace for the day at 10am local time (8am in the UK). Once it closes tonight, it will reopen at 6am tomorrow. Lebanon reopens airspace Lebanon has reopened its airspace, according to state news agency NNA. Flights have been allowed to resume since 10am local time (8am UK). This follows Jordan's decision to clear its skies for take-off earlier this morning - see our 6.26am post. In pictures: Rubble in Israeli city after Iranian attack This is the scene in Ramat Gan, a city in the Tel Aviv district, following an Iranian attack there. Several buildings were struck, including an apartment block in a residential neighbourhood. Iran warns strikes will continue - and conflict will 'spread' to US bases Iran's Fars news agency reports senior military officials have warned strikes on Israel will continue. They are also quoted as saying the conflict will spread to US bases in the region over the coming days. "This confrontation will not end with last night's limited actions and Iran's strikes will continue," Fars cited an unnamed official as saying. "And this action will be very painful and regrettable for the aggressors."
