Latest news with #Huntington
Vox
8 hours ago
- Science
- Vox
These stories could change how you feel about AI
is an editorial director at Vox overseeing the climate, tech, and world teams, and is the editor of Vox's Future Perfect section. He worked at Time magazine for 15 years as a foreign correspondent in Asia, a climate writer, and an international editor, and he wrote a book on existential risk. Here's a selection of recent headlines about artificial intelligence, picked more or less at random: Okay, not exactly at random — I did look for more doomy-sounding headlines. But they weren't hard to find. That's because numerous studies indicate that negative or fear-framed coverage of AI in mainstream media tends to outnumber positive framings. But as in so many other areas, the emphasis on the negative in artificial intelligence risks overshadowing what could go right — both in the future as this technology continues to develop and right now. As a corrective (and maybe just to ingratiate myself to our potential future robot overlords), here's a roundup of one way in which AI is already making a positive difference in three important fields. Science Whenever anyone asks me about an unquestionably good use of AI, I point to one thing: AlphaFold. After all, how many other AI models have won their creators an actual Nobel Prize? AlphaFold, which was developed by the Google-owned AI company DeepMind, is an AI model that predicts the 3D structures of proteins based solely on their amino acid sequences. That's important because scientists need to predict the shape of protein to better understand how it might function and how it might be used in products like drugs. That's known as the 'protein-folding problem' — and it was a problem because while human researchers could eventually figure out the structure of a protein, it would often take them years of laborious work in the lab to do so. AlphaFold, through machine-learning methods I couldn't explain to you if I tried, can make predictions in as little as five seconds, with accuracy that is almost as good as gold-standard experimental methods. By speeding up a basic part of biomedical research, AlphaFold has already managed to meaningfully accelerate drug development in everything from Huntington's disease to antibiotic resistance. And Google DeepMind's decision last year to open source AlphaFold3, its most advanced model, for non-commercial academic use has greatly expanded the number of researchers who can take advantage of it. Medicine You wouldn't know it from watching medical dramas like The Pitt, but doctors spend a lot of time doing paperwork — two hours of it for every one hour they actually spend with a patient, by one count. Finding a way to cut down that time could free up doctors to do actual medicine and help stem the problem of burnout. That's where AI is already making a difference. As the Wall Street Journal reported this week, health care systems across the country are employing 'AI scribes' — systems that automatically capture doctor-patient discussions, update medical records, and generally automate as much as possible around the documentation of a medical interaction. In one pilot study employing AI scribes from Microsoft and a startup called Abridge, doctors cut back daily documentation time from 90 minutes to under 30 minutes. Not only do ambient-listening AI products free doctors from much of the need to make manual notes, but they can eventually connect new data from a doctor-patient interaction with existing medical records and ensure connections and insights on care don't fall between the cracks. 'I see it being able to provide insights about the patient that the human mind just can't do in a reasonable time,' Dr. Lance Owens, regional chief medical information officer at University of Michigan Health, told the Journal. Climate A timely warning about a natural disaster can mean the difference between life and death, especially in already vulnerable poor countries. That is why Google Flood Hub is so important. An open-access, AI-driven river-flood early warning system, Flood Hub provides seven-day flood forecasts for 700 million people in 100 countries. It works by marrying a global hydrology model that can forecast river levels even in basins that lack physical flood gauges with an inundation model that converts those predicted levels into high-resolution flood maps. This allows villagers to see exactly what roads or fields might end up underwater. Flood Hub, to my mind, is one of the clearest examples of how AI can be used for good for those who need it most. Though many rich countries like the US are included in Flood Hub, they mostly already have infrastructure in place to forecast the effects of extreme weather. (Unless, of course, we cut it all from the budget.) But many poor countries lack those capabilities. AI's ability to drastically reduce the labor and cost of such forecasts has made it possible to extend those lifesaving capabilities to those who need it most. One more cool thing: The NGO GiveDirectly — which provides direct cash payments to the global poor — has experimented with using Flood Hub warnings to send families hundreds of dollars in cash aid days before an expected flood to help themselves prepare for the worst. As the threat of extreme weather grows, thanks to climate change and population movement, this is the kind of cutting-edge philanthropy. AI for good Even what seems to be the best applications for AI can come with their drawbacks. The same kind of AI technology that allows AlphaFold to help speed drug development could conceivably be used one day to more rapidly design bioweapons. AI scribes in medicine raise questions about patient confidentiality and the risk of hacking. And while it's hard to find fault in an AI system that can help warn poor people about natural disasters, the lack of access to the internet in the poorest countries can limit the value of those warnings — and there's not much AI can do to change that. But with the headlines around AI leaning so apocalyptic, it's easy to overlook the tangible benefits AI already delivers. Ultimately AI is a tool. A powerful tool, but a tool nonetheless. And like any tool, what it will do — bad and good — will be determined by how we use it.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Stupidistan
Listen to article This piece seeks to expose a key contradiction between form and substance — between aspiration, machinations, desperation, incompetence, and incoherence — evident among our eastern neighbours, and is not polemical. Recent events have thrown these elements and contradictions into sharp relief, necessitating a deep dive into their mindset and increasingly radicalised diaspora. We also see how a sense of entitlement has created cognitive dissonance, where the causal link between actions and consequences is denied or ignored, feeding into a sense of ambush and victimhood. First, let me spell out a few caveats. I do not relish any nation's humiliation or misery, even if self-inflicted. My choice of title reflects my frustration with the pack of contradictions today's India has become, rather than being motivated by calumny. Two, you do not need to remind me of my nationality. Today, we talk about India, yet I can be just as critical of my own homeland. Third, the proof of the pudding is in my theoretical framework. As an ardent follower of Karl Popper, I can say that what dismays me in India is elemental, not prejudicial. Every culture can have utopian visions and theories about historical destiny. Those specific patterns worry me universally because they justify present suffering for supposed future benefits — often resulting in cruelty. Let's begin. India today calls itself a civilisational state. This is pure gibberish outside Toynbee or Huntington's political spin on such terms. Look at the term's etymological journey: Civitas (Latin): city-state, citizenship; Civilitas (Latin): civility, refinement, courtesy; Civiliser (French): to civilise, to refine; Civilisation (French, 18th century): the process of becoming civilised. Huntington's assertion that religion may have something to do with it is just an opportunistic projection. This Indian assertion was defined more succinctly by MS Golwalkar as "race pride". But here is the catch: race as a common denominator cannot exclude Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, local Muslims, or Christians. Here, Huntington provides a useful device by othering them culturally. I have written a lot about Huntington. It is tragic to see the devastating power of suggestion — where, by picking the right moment and concealing prejudice in academic garb, a clever opportunist can cause far-reaching damage. One is surprised to see how many depressed identities accepted Huntington's caricature of them at face value, took it as a licence to misbehave, and ran with it. On January 1, 2020, Netflix launched a series called Messiah. Much of the series is filmed in Israel, showing the Jewish state's affinity for the project. In one scene, the protagonist, a CIA official, finds a young barista reading Huntington's book and tells him, "The only thing you need to remember is that he was right." No beating about the bush. In India's case, you must appreciate the sociology of this mindset: over a millennium of being ruled by foreigners in your own land. Then, today's lot learned to live in a world where hate and prejudice were the unquestioned operating system for two decades following 9/11. So, Francis Fukuyama's isothymia (the desire to be recognised as equal to others) became megalothymia (a strong, often excessive, desire to be recognised as superior or better than others). But even before 9/11, significant changes had begun. In 1989, Kashmir erupted, formalising the image of the enemy: Muslims supported by Pakistan, in turn supported by China. Then came the demolition of the Babri Mosque. A recent American Hindu convert was getting primed for an interesting twist at that time. When Huntington gave his lecture and published his essay, David Frawley ran with it. He had converted to Hinduism in 1991 and called himself Pandit Vamadeva Shastri. Within a few short years, he was churning out books priming Indian and Hindu minds for the post-9/11 cruelty. Consider the titles: Arise Arjuna: Hinduism and the Modern World (1995), Awaken Bharata: A Call for India's Rebirth (1998), and my favourite, Hinduism and the Clash of Civilizations (2001, erm). He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2015 by the Modi government. So when 9/11 happened, India was ready to be part of the Islamophobic grand architecture. While Pakistan and many others went through hell to prove they were not the West's enemy, India gained privileges — through blackmail on matters like the 2002 parliament attack, the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline, and the Mumbai attack — while Pakistan was framed as the evil one himself. India grew rapidly. The Indian diaspora, already known for its competence, benefited from tailwinds. While the earlier waves of Indian immigrants had to integrate fully, the new wave had no such compulsion. They brought their third-world view with them, became Modi bhakts after the 2002 Gujarat pogrom, and worked very hard to help him become PM. He could not have ruled a country as diverse as India without being a rockstar in their eyes. They wanted blood sports. He gave them that. Until now, of course — when that bubble has collapsed. Now, even if he resumes the war, he has no redemption. They will move on to the next strongman — or a brief secular interregnum. The recent war is quite similar to Kargil. When a Pakistani premier, whose approval had skyrocketed due to nuclear tests, announced that the country was withdrawing from Kargil, his popularity fell immediately, and his government within three months. India's toxic mix is far more potent. If Modi survives this, he will truly be a miracle worker. Even so, India's friends-and-family network remains strong. Justin Trudeau, who offended India, is gone. So is Joe Biden and his running mate. From the shadows, this lot manufactures crises and consent. At the peak of the Trump tariff wars, the US president had to step back when treasuries faced turbulence. Before suspending tariffs on most countries, his first act was to hand over Tahawwur Rana to India and increase tariffs on China — which pleased New Delhi. After the recent South Asian war, his announcement of a ceasefire did not go down well with the lot. The bond market is again facing shocks, and a mini-coup has erupted within the billionaire flank of Trumpworld. Elon Musk had quit, citing disagreements regarding One Big Beautiful Bill. His earlier defence of H1B visa beneficiaries — particularly Indians — was already a dead giveaway. This speaks to the power this lot has. When he moved to downsize the CIA, a concern was voiced that he was channelling forces with scores to settle with the Five Eyes intelligence community. If you find pieces in publications like The Atlantic arguing that Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile shield — meant solely for North America — should also cover Quad countries (a notion kept alive by Indian enthusiasm), know that this lot is at work. Mind you, this gratuitous use of power for such small wins — and this take-no-prisoners approach — does not go unnoticed. But sadly, it is the weak and vulnerable among the diaspora who pay the price of this extravagance.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wave Life Sciences to Present at 2025 Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wave Life Sciences Ltd. (Nasdaq: WVE), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on unlocking the broad potential of RNA medicines to transform human health, today announced that Paul Bolno, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to participate in an analyst-led fireside chat at the 2025 Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference in New York City on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 4:55 p.m. ET. A live webcast of this presentation can be accessed by visiting 'Investor Events' on the Investors section of the Wave Life Sciences website: A replay of this presentation will be archived and available on the site for a limited time following the event. About Wave Life SciencesWave Life Sciences (Nasdaq: WVE) is a biotechnology company focused on unlocking the broad potential of RNA medicines to transform human health. Wave's RNA medicines platform, PRISM®, combines multiple modalities, chemistry innovation and deep insights in human genetics to deliver scientific breakthroughs that treat both rare and common disorders. Its toolkit of RNA-targeting modalities includes editing, splicing, RNA interference and antisense silencing, providing Wave with unmatched capabilities for designing and sustainably delivering candidates that optimally address disease biology. Wave's diversified pipeline includes clinical programs in Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington's disease, and obesity, as well as several preclinical programs utilizing the company's broad RNA therapeutics toolkit. Driven by the calling to 'Reimagine Possible', Wave is leading the charge toward a world in which human potential is no longer hindered by the burden of disease. Wave is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information on Wave's science, pipeline and people, please visit and follow Wave on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. Contact:Kate RauschVP, Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations+1 617-949-4827 Investors:InvestorRelations@ Media:MediaRelations@ 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
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
American Banjo Museum offers free admission to Timberwolves fans after Minnesota article
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — You may have seen an article floating around from a local Minnesota newspaper that states NBA players don't like to spend a lot of time in Oklahoma City and the attractions aren't enticing unless they would like to visit the American Banjo Museum multiple times. Now, the museum is offering free admission to Timberwolves fans. 'It's obvious the author hasn't really seen Oklahoma City himself,' said Johnny Baier, a banjo icon and the Executive Director of the American Banjo Museum. Baier read the article in the Minnesota Star Tribune. It states, 'Visiting NBA teams don't like to spend a lot of time in Oklahoma not a city their friends and family may visit with them, and the attractions don't really entice them, unless somebody would really like to visit the American Banjo Museum multiple times.' OKC Mayor David Holt also read the story. 'If you're some lazy sportswriter and you don't want to leave your your room at the Omni and you just want to pop off about the Banjo Museum, you know, it makes good copy, but it's not reality,' said Mayor Holt. It's true, the American Banjo Museum is a good time and it's famous. Celebrities often visit. Just last Friday, Thomas Lennon, who played Lt. Jim Dangle on Reno 911, stopped by to play and visit. 'Eric Clapton was here,' said Baier. 'Tim Blake Nelson from O' Brother Where Art Thou?' Also, the elusive Steve Martin is very involved in the museum. 'He's become an ambassador for the museum donating instruments and loaning us things,' said Baier. Kermit the Frog has also visited multiple times. His video plays on loop. 'You know, I've been playing banjo since I was a tadpole, but I have never seen anything like this!' Mr. Green said during the video. OKC Stores preparing to sell new items pending Thunder victory Now, because of the article, the museum is opening up it's doors to Timberwolves fans for free. 'And if an Oklahoma City Fan comes and wants to get free admission saying they're a Minnesota fan, the karma train is coming!' said Baier. While the American Banjo Museum is a staple downtown, there's more to offer. 'I'd love to think the American Banjo Museum is the only thing that somebody would want to do, multiple times, but in reality there's a lot of stuff to do here,' said Baier. Chad Huntington, the CEO of the Bricktown Water Taxi, said in the later rounds of the playoffs he starts to see more visitors coming from other cities. 'You can stay busy for a week here,' said Huntington. He would know. His team tells tourists all about the city while sailing along the Bricktown Canal. 'There's also food scene, there is nightlife, believe it or not, which NBA players do find,' said Huntington. He also mentions theme parks, like the classic Frontier City and Hurricane Harbor, along with the new beach and waterslides along I-40 at Okana. Not to mention, white water rafting at Riversport OKC. 'I mean, we're bringing the Olympics to Oklahoma City via Riversport,' said Huntington. Huntington also mentions the plentiful museums, like the Oklahoma Museum of Art, Science Museum Oklahoma, First Americans Museum, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and of course the OKC National Memorial & Museum. 'If you come here with open eyes – you're going to walk away having a great experience,' said Baier. After the article, Baier sent in a response which the Minnesota Star Tribune published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Insider clip reveals what really happened at the NYC 'influencer wedding of the year'
A popular group of New York City influencers attended the 'wedding of the year' over the weekend - but cheeky videos from the nuptials revealed what really happened behind all the glitz and glam. Influencer Jazmyn Smith married her fiancé Kevin Callari on Saturday at Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York, after the couple got engaged in April 2024. Jaz's friends, all of whom are also popular on social media and have more than 10 million followers combined, dubbed the highly-anticipated nuptials their ' royal wedding ' as they made sure to keep the cameras rolling. While the group, which included Halley Kate, Bran Flakezz, Hallie Batchelder, Davis Burleson, and Remi Bader, posted several glamorous videos from the wedding, it was the behind-the-scenes content that gripped the internet's attention. On Sunday, Bader posted an inside look into what influencers were doing all night, calling herself a 'spy' with the hashtag #influencersinthewild. Hilarious insider clips included wedding guest Carly Weinstein, who was seen eating late-night McDonald's at the after-party and spitting it back up into a man's hand. Socialite and influencer Kit Keenan was spotted making awkward kissy faces and singing at a table with her boyfriend, while others, including Flakezz, were caught grabbing their chests and posing at the reception. Flakezz was also seen with a black plastic bag on his head just before someone snatched it off and he fell to the side giggling. Bader ever joined in on the fun - as she was seen sipping an espresso martini while the drink spilled onto her black dress. At one point Halley Kate, the bride's maid of honor, was awkwardly seen directing and staging her boyfriend to film a clip for her viral TikTok page as other guests looked on. Influencer Lauren Wolfe, who was clearly eager to get her content for the night, was seen recording the vast desert table with one phone while she gripped another in her hand along with a battery pack. In another video, bridesmaid Brigette Pheloung, better known as Acquired Style, was seen freaking out after a bird pooped on her black dress just moments before the couple walked down the aisle - a far cry from her polished and prim lifestyle online. After seeing what really took place at the event - which was held in the same gorgeous location where Taylor Swift filmed her Blank Space music video - followers online started to question their actions. Hundreds of other followers, however, said they loved watching the nuptials online with all of their favorite influencers' round-the-clock content. 'So, so cringe to have that many phones and photo ops but, I guess cocktail hour has to be used somehow. And behaving like drunken teens in some of them,' one Reddit user wrote. Another commented: 'It had to be sooo annoying for the regular guests. Like this is a classy ass venue and these people are acting like clowns!' 'This life seems exhausting. I'm glad that I grew up during a time when we took a few pictures at a special event and then just enjoyed ourselves without needing to be on and creating constantly,' wrote someone else. While many people were left upset after seeing the behind the scenes footage, others were pleased with it. 'This is a show I would tune into every week,' a TikTok user wrote. 'This is reallly really good,' said another. 'This is my Disney channel games except I'm rooting for everyone,' wrote a commenter. The influencers themselves even commented at the revealing video as some of them got a good laugh out of it. Weinstein clarified why she spit out her food after someone asked why she did that. 'I tasted a McChicken for the first time and did not enjoy,' she responded. 'REMIIII IM CRYINGGG,' Kate commented. The wedding was posted online as Jaz made sure to keep up with her content on the most important day of her life. Followers quickly realized just how much she was posting, as Jaz told them they 'deserve to virtually be here,' crediting them for helping her be able to enjoy her wedding day because of their support.
