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Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Following their 'Footprints'
'My China Album' event celebrates discovery journeys by US citizens WASHINGTON, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following article was published today by China Daily. China and the United States each has strengths in science and technology, and the right path forward is mutual learning and cooperation for shared success, Beijing's top envoy in Washington said on Wednesday, as the US announced new curbs on tech exports. "Blockades never prevent breakthroughs; churning waves won't hold back determined ships," Ambassador Xie Feng said at the premiere of the documentary My China Album — My China Footprints and the Glimpses of Modern China show. The event celebrated the sixth edition of "My China Album", an annual initiative co-hosted by the embassy and China Daily, featuring personal stories, short films and interactive exhibits that explore US citizens' experiences in China. Washington ordered a broad swath of companies to stop shipping goods — including design software, machine tools and aviation equipment — to China without a license and revoked licenses already granted to certain suppliers, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The new restrictions followed earlier US guidelines seeking to globally restrict the use of Chinese advanced computing chips. In a rare showcase in Washington of China's robotics technology, a 1.3-meter-tall humanoid robot, developed by Chinese tech company Unitree Robotics, invited Xie to the stage at the start of Wednesday's event at the embassy. "So cute. I never thought that I would be invited on stage, you know, by a robot. So who knows, maybe one day it will be the one standing here giving the speech," Xie quipped. He noted China's pursuit of innovation is not to oppose or out-compete anyone, but to improve the lives of its own people and the greater development of humanity. "A big yard with iron curtains only leads to isolation; blocking other countries slows global innovation; and weaponizing scientific collaboration harms one's own credibility and weakens competitiveness," Xie said, without mentioning any of the fresh US curbs. But he did recall the past feats the two countries made in science and tech exchange. They include joint efforts to promote folic acid intake that helped millions of newborns, and helping Africa combat Ebola. Most recently, China shared lunar soil samples from the Chang'e 5 mission with Brown University and Stony Brook University. In his speech, Xie noted that China is using technology to improve lives at home and around the world. He highlighted China's advances in green development and technology, noting that over 87 percent of days in China last year had good air quality, and the country created one-quarter of the world's new green spaces. China has also built the world's largest renewable energy system, employing nearly half of the global workforce in the sector. Its solar and wind products are exported to over 200 countries and regions, helping cut global carbon emissions by over 3.6 billion tons. Xie also pointed to DeepSeek, an open-source AI model, as an example of China's openness and contribution to global progress, offering hope for bridging the digital divide in the Global South. The ambassador also said that it is people-to-people ties that invigorate China-US relations. "The future of this relationship ultimately depends on the two peoples. We warmly welcome more American friends to travel in China, shop in China, succeed in China and take part in Chinese modernization," he said. In addition to the feature-length documentary My China Footprints, Wednesday's event also featured four short films, telling stories that are diverse, yet unified by a common thread — the powerful impact of people-to-people exchange. In My City, My Home, the audience met Charles Stone, a lawyer who discovered tranquility and safety in Shenzhen, and Neil Schmid, a researcher deeply engaged with the ancient Buddhist art of Dunhuang. Welcome to the Future took viewers on a journey through China's technological achievements — from the speed of sleek bullet trains to the everyday convenience of QR code payments — as seen by students like Ruthie Fike and content creators like BeeRose. Common stereotypes Meanwhile, Misconceptions vs. Reality offered a refreshing counter-narrative to common stereotypes. It followed Dustin Madison, who was surprised to find Shenzhen especially welcoming for families, and Katherine Loraine Olson, who explored China's abundant green spaces. The final short film, City or Not City, documented the whirlwind travels of Thelma Lancaster and Evan Kail, who made full use of China's extended 240-hour visa-free transit policy to explore Beijing and Tianjin, immersing themselves in the culture despite a brief visit. "These stories matter because they remind us of what's possible. Yes, tensions exist in China-US relations — trade disputes and the technology barriers created by the US dominate news headlines — but cooperation and friendship remain the bigger story," Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said in a video speech. Citing President Xi Jinping's remarks that "the hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels", Qu said that projects like "My China Album" prove this to be right. "From Bill Einreinhofer, who is at the event today, sharing his Emmy-winning insights, to tech firms like Rokid showcasing innovation, tonight's event reflects that vitality," Qu said. "China Daily is proud to amplify these voices, showing a real, vibrant China to America." More than 200 people, including people from all walks of life in the US, attended the event. In the Glimpses of Modern China show, participants were wowed by a dancing robot dog from Unitree that can walk on two legs and shake hands with visitors. There was also a robot that could do Chinese kung fu, and also help people with fire and earthquake detection. At the demonstration site of Rokid, a Hangzhou-based AR (augmented reality) glasses maker, Spanish and English-speaking visitors found that they had no difficulty talking with the Rokid staffers, who spoke Chinese with them. The AI-powered glasses can translate more than 100 languages in real time. By ZHAO HUANXIN in Washington View original content: SOURCE China Daily USA Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Star
a day ago
- Health
- The Star
From pandemic to endemic: Do you know what these terms mean?
For many of us, the year 2020 might have been the first time we were introduced to epidemiological terms such as 'pandemic', 'epidemic', and even 'endemic', as Covid-19 began to spread its devastating effect around the world. You may vaguely understand that these terms refer to infectious illnesses, but what do they really mean and what differentiates these terms? Key terms defined 'Pandemics', 'epidemics' and 'endemic diseases' are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on the rate of disease spread. What makes an epidemic and a pandemic different is not the severity of the disease, but the scale of its spread. Hence, a pandemic is not necessarily worse than an epidemic or an endemic disease. Pandemics do have the largest potential to cause worldwide disruption, but this depends on the specific disease and how we manage it collectively. Here are the definitions of these terms: An endemic disease is consistently present in a specific region or population with a fairly stable prevalence or frequency. This makes the spread of the disease predictable. For example, malaria is endemic to some parts of Africa due to the continent's higher average temperature, while dengue fever is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions like Malaysia. Another example is hepatitis B, which is endemic worldwide, with higher endemicity in Africa and Asia. An epidemic is a sudden and rapid increase in the number of disease cases above what is normally expected in a specific region or population. It can happen when a new disease appears in the population or when an endemic disease becomes more prevalent or widespread. An epidemic disease is not necessarily contagious and may refer to other diseases or health issues with a prevalence higher than the projected occurrence in a population. Examples include the Zika virus epidemic in Brazil (2015-2016), the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa (2014-2016), and the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States due to the increasing use of opioids and overdose cases in the past decades. A pandemic happens when a disease spreads across multiple countries or continents, impacting a large number of people. A disease may be declared as a pandemic if it spreads at a very fast rate, with more new cases reported every day. An ongoing epidemic may turn into a pandemic if it spreads beyond the originating region or population. Properties of the pathogen, population immunity or severity of the disease are not factors in determining whether or not a disease is a pandemic. Examples include the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (2020-2022), and the swine flu (2009) and 1918 influenza pandemics (also known as the Spanish flu pandemic, 1918-1920), both caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. Other important terms There are also other terms that may be used to describe the spread of disease in a population, such as: This is when a disease happens rarely or occasionally. Examples include tetanus, which tends to happen only in unvaccinated individuals, or foodborne illnesses such salmonella or Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) infections. This is when there is a persistent presence of a disease at a higher level in a population compared to other populations. For example, in parts of Africa, as many as one in five adults has HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hence the disease is considered hyperendemic in those places. This is when a disease occurs at a higher rate in a specific geographical area or time period, but the exact cause may be uncertain. For example, a cluster of cancer cases that arises after a chemical contamination event or a nuclear plant accident. This has the same meaning as an epidemic, but is typically used to describe a disease spread that is more limited geographically. Is Covid-19 endemic? This is a question that has been asked many times since the world started reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic. To answer this, we need to understand what it means for Covid-19 to be endemic. For Covid-19 to be considered endemic, its continued presence in the population must be at a certain predictable level or trend. The closest example is influenza, which is typically present at an expected level throughout the year in Malaysia. Yet, being endemic is not necessarily a good thing as the disease can still have severe effects on patients. Plus, it is possible for an endemic disease to turn into a pandemic again. Covid-19 is no longer categorised as a pandemic and was officially considered as having become endemic in Malaysia on May 1 (2025) after a three-year transition period that began on April 1, 2022. Regardless, continued surveillance and vigilance are necessary to prevent another pandemic from happening. Other than practising personal hygiene, taking Covid-19 vaccine booster doses is also part of the preventive measures recommended to everyone, especially high-risk groups such as the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Whether it's endemic or an epidemic or pandemic, let's continue to prioritise our health and safety! Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin is a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, and Dr Husna Musa is a paediatrician. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association's Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Measles inching closer to South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Measles is spreading, and since the initial outbreak in Texas, there are now more than 1,000 cases in the U.S this year. According to the Department of Health's website, there hasn't been a confirmed case of measles in South Dakota this year, but the infection is making its way closer every week. State panel says no to former law officer The measles outbreak started in Texas in late January and has spread to more than 25 other states. Dr. Peter Paul Lim of Avera and Dr. Ashley Sands of Sanford say the illness is extremely contagious. 'It's the most contagious infection that we know of, so in a room of ten people who are unvaccinated against measles and come into contact with that measles virus, nine of them will get sick with the measles infection,' Sands said. 'It's more contagious than Ebola virus. Everybody's scared about Ebola virus. This is more contagious than Ebola. This is more contagious than COVID-19,' Lee said. As of now, there are confirmed cases of measles in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and Nebraska. The case in Nebraska is in Sheridan County, which borders South Dakota and is just south of the Pine Ridge Reservation. 'It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when we're going to have a case here,' Lim said. Nebraska officials say the case involves an 'appropriately vaccinated child,' but local doctors say not to lose your faith in the MMR vaccine. 'It's not a guarantee that you're not going to have measles. A very, very, very rare chance. you can actually get it, but most of the time it's usually modulated, in a lot of instances as well. You will not be as contagious as if you've never had a vaccine,' Lim said. 'We know that people who are vaccinated and to do come in contact with the virus have much milder symptoms,' Sands said. Because getting vaccinated is the best form of prevention. 'It is very important that everyone gets vaccinated. In fact, I would say that's the most effective way, actually, to prevent measles,' Lim said. Both doctors say the first dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective. It's 97% effective once you get two doses, and once you get both of your shots, you don't need to another one for the rest of your life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bono Is ‘Very Angry' at Donald Trump's Budget Cuts to Foreign-Aid Relief
Bono isn't afraid to speak his mind. In our new cover story, the U2 singer and AIDS-relief advocate tells Esquire that he's 'very angry' with the state of the world today. 'The United States has been a promised land to a lot of people,' he says, 'but it looks like it's about to break that promise.' ONE, a nonprofit organization of his, was instrumental in helping to pass the largest health-care intervention for AIDS relief in U.S. history in 2003. However, America's far-right leadership is a different story today. The second Trump administration's first 100 days saw substantial cuts to global relief efforts. 'The most unbelievable carnage imaginable is happening to our work,' Bono says. 'These are the brightest, best people, who've given their lives trying to serve the poorest, most vulnerable communities, and they've just been thrown in the dumpster.' Historically, the U2 frontman hasn't been afraid to work across the aisle. He controversially worked with George W. Bush to pass the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program, even against criticism from the Left. But according to a recent report, the program states that it is responsible for saving over 26 million lives since its creation. 'I describe myself as a radical centrist,' Bono says. 'And I am sure that that sounds absurd, but I am also sure that is how we get through the future. What's being served up on the far left and on the far right is not where we need to be.' AP News reported in February that the Trump Administration's dismantling of U.S. foreign aid eliminated $60 billion in U.S. assistance. 'Widely successful USAID programs credited with containing outbreaks of Ebola and other threats and saving more than 20 million lives in Africa through HIV and AIDS treatment are among those still cut off from agency funds,' the report stated. Meanwhile, ONE is pushing lawmakers to oppose the president's budget request for 2026. Critics warn that the budget bill—currently headed for a vote in the Senate—would provide even greater strain on hospitals and health centers. 'I can understand people coming to a place where they say, 'I don't see why the United States has to pay for aid, drugs, or anything else in places far away where there is no vote,' ' Bono admits, but he believes that such thinking 'makes a lot of geopolitical troubles for you down the road. 'The delight that was taken in the destruction of life-support systems—pulling them out of the wall—that's the clue to the true nature of this,' Bono continues. 'Evil walks amongst us, but it is rarely this obvious.' Still, Bono remains hopeful that America will turn the ship around. 'I believe the old adage that if you give Americans the facts, that they will make the right choice,' he says. 'Problem is getting them the facts, especially right now.' You Might Also Like Kid Cudi Is All Right 16 Best Shoe Organizers For Storing and Displaying Your Kicks
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aviation and Humanitarian Logistics Leader to Step Down
Washington, DC, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After thirteen years as the leader of Airlink, the aviation and logistics humanitarian relief NGO, President & CEO Steve Smith will step down at the end of September 2025. As Airlink's first and only CEO, Smith built and led a groundbreaking global aviation industry humanitarian initiative. Since its inception, Airlink has facilitated worldwide aid and relief to more than 60 million people through its unique relationships with airlines and NGOs. 'Everything Airlink has achieved was made possible by its aviation and logistics partners, volunteer corps, generous donors, and most importantly, a world-class team of dedicated professionals,' said Smith. 'Together, we've built a globally recognized organization that has helped to redefine the relationship between aviation and logistics companies, and relief organizations.' Smith led the organization through dozens of major responses over the years, including the 2014-2015 Ebola response in West Africa (recognized by President Clinton), the Ukraine War (where Airlink transported over 2,400 tons of supplies and 1,100 responders to help Ukrainian civilians), and more recently the humanitarian responses in Gaza and Sudan. He navigated the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to refine Airlink's model to address the ever-changing environment of humanitarian aid and relief, driven by geopolitics, increasing global conflicts, and climate change. 'On behalf of the Airlink Board of Directors, I would like to thank Steve for his service to the organization and for his leadership over the past 13 years,' said Todd Freeman, Board Chair. 'As we celebrate Airlink's 15-year anniversary, we acknowledge the strong foundation of relationships and best practices that Steve has established. His dedicated work has positioned the organization optimally for future growth and success.' Bob Brown, founder of Airlink, said, 'It was an enormous privilege to watch Steve build this vibrant and successful organization from its early days. We were fortunate to find such a dedicated and talented leader who embodied the ideals of the organization. We will be forever grateful to Steve and his family.' A search committee of the Board led by Airlink Board Chair, Todd Freeman, has been formed and will be directing the search for Smith's successor. About Airlink, Inc. Airlink is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization delivering critical aid to communities in crisis by providing free or discounted airlift and logistical solutions to vetted nonprofit partners, changing how the humanitarian community responds to disasters worldwide. Its network includes over 200 aid organizations and over 50 commercial and charter airlines. Since its inception in 2010, Airlink has flown 13,500 relief workers and transported 18 million pounds of humanitarian cargo, directly helping 60 million people impacted by natural and man-made disasters. In 2025 Airlink celebrates its 15th anniversary. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. CONTACT: Natalie Johnson Airlink 316-518-9792 njacobsen@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
