THREAD: ai medical breakthroughs

GENETIC ENGINEERING Breakthrough: Could It Change Conservation?

04 March 2025 — Colossal Biosciences is pushing the limits of GENETIC ENGINEERING by trying to recreate traits of extinct species like the woolly mammoth. The company aims to genetically modify living animals with features similar to these ancient creatures. CEO Ben Lamm highlights their focus on studying ancient DNA to reach this goal.

The company’s latest success involves editing genes in mouse embryos, resulting in a “Colossal woolly mouse” with long, thick hair. This marks a big step in their bold plan announced in 2021 to bring back extinct species such as the woolly mammoth and dodo bird. However, these results are not yet peer-reviewed or published in scientific journals.

While Colossal’s work is groundbreaking, it has sparked debate among scientists about its conservation value. Christopher Preston from the University of Montana argues that these projects don’t truly bring back extinct species but just mimic certain traits. The scientific community remains split on whether this approach helps conservation or is merely a novel technological feat.

ALARMING Rise in RARE Brain Disorder Among Children This Flu Season

02 March 2025 — This flu season has seen a shocking increase in rare brain disorder cases among children. Nearly a dozen young patients have been diagnosed with this severe condition, showing symptoms like seizures, loss of consciousness, and speech issues.

Healthcare professionals urge parents to stay vigilant as this worrying trend continues. The disorder can lead to delirium and even death in many instances. This situation demands urgent attention from health authorities worldwide.

This development highlights a major public health concern tied to seasonal flu complications in children. Authorities may need to act quickly to tackle this growing crisis effectively.

POPE’S Health Scare: Faithful Pray as Francis Fights for Recovery

27 February 2025 — Pope Francis has shown a “slight” improvement over the past day, says the Vatican. Despite this progress, he remains in critical condition. The 88-year-old pontiff has been in a Rome hospital for nearly two weeks with an undisclosed prognosis.

The Vatican stated Pope Francis resumed some duties earlier this week. His mild kidney failure has improved, and a chest CT scan showed normal lung changes. However, he still needs high-flow oxygen and respiratory therapy as his prognosis stays confidential.

He was admitted on February 14 after bronchitis turned into pneumonia affecting both lungs. The Vatican confirmed he had a peaceful night’s rest after a recent respiratory crisis. While there’s slight improvement, his situation remains serious as he continues his hospitalization in Rome.

“MUSICIANS’ SILENT Protest: AI Law Changes Spark Outrage”

26 February 2025 — A new album titled “Is This What We Want?” features over 1,000 musicians and the sound of silence. Released to protest proposed changes to British AI laws, artists fear these changes could erode creative control. The U.K. government is considering allowing tech firms to use copyrighted material for AI training unless creators opt out.

Critics argue this could undermine artists’ control over their work and harm Britain’s creative industries. Notable figures like Elton John and Paul McCartney have voiced opposition to the plan. Composer Ed Newton-Rex organized the album, which includes recordings of empty studios symbolizing potential future impacts on the industry.

The album’s contributors range from famous names like Kate Bush and Annie Lennox to lesser-known musicians, highlighting widespread concern across the music community. Newton-Rex emphasized that this issue affects all artists, regardless of fame or recognition. The project serves as a powerful statement against what many see as a threat to artistic integrity in an increasingly digital world.

MUSICIANS’ SILENT Album Stuns in AI LAW Protest

26 February 2025 — A new album called “Is This What We Want?” features over 1,000 musicians and the sound of silence. Released on Tuesday, it’s a protest against proposed changes to U.K. artificial intelligence laws that artists fear will erode their creative control. British icons like Kate Bush and Annie Lennox contributed to this unique project.

The U.K. government may allow tech firms to use copyrighted material for AI training unless creators opt out. Critics say this could undermine artists’ control over their work and harm Britain’s creative industries. Elton John and Paul McCartney have voiced opposition to the plan.

Composer Ed Newton-Rex organized the album, featuring recordings of empty studios as a symbolic protest against the proposals. He emphasized that both famous and lesser-known musicians are involved because the issue affects everyone in the industry.

CHINA’S Tech Boom: How Deepseek AI is Shaking Global Markets

15 February 2025 — China’s tech industry is booming, thanks to the rise of the DeepSeek AI model. Major companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Xiaomi are seeing big benefits. This surge has pushed Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index up this year.

Alibaba, co-founded by Jack Ma, stands out in this market rally. The company’s growth shows the broader impact of tech advancements on China’s economy. Investors are watching these changes for possible global effects.

The rise in China’s tech stocks might affect U.S. investments and international trade ties. As U.S. markets close with small changes in the S&P 500, global investors keep an eye on shifts in Chinese tech trends.

This ongoing rally highlights China’s growing influence on worldwide economic dynamics, making it a key player to watch in global markets.

AI SCAM Shocks Italy’s Elite with Fake Minister Calls

11 February 2025 — An AI-driven phone scam has shocked top Italian business leaders, including Giorgio Armani and Patrizio Bertelli. Scammers used a cloned voice of Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto, to ask for money, pretending it was to free kidnapped journalists in the Middle East. This clever trick raises serious concerns about AI being used for fraud.

SURFWEAR GIANTS Billabong and Quiksilver DECLARE US BANKRUPTCY

The company behind famous surf brands Billabong and Quiksilver has declared bankruptcy in the US. Australian businessman Dick Smith warns this resembles past mistakes seen with Woolworths’ involvement in his electronics chain’s failure. Despite the US bankruptcy, operations in the South Pacific will continue smoothly, keeping business stable outside America.

AI SCAM Horror: Italian Business Leaders Tricked by Voice Cloning

10 February 2025 — A cunning AI-driven phone scam has targeted top Italian business leaders, including Giorgio Armani and Patrizio Bertelli. Scammers used advanced technology to clone the voice of Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto. They pretended to need funds for freeing kidnapped journalists in the Middle East.

This high-tech trickery convinced prominent figures they were supporting a real cause. Authorities warn business leaders to stay alert as these scams become more advanced. This incident raises alarms about AI’s role in fraud and potential financial threats to businesses.

The Italian government and law enforcement are digging deep into this scam. They emphasize the need for stronger security measures in business communications to stop future deceitful acts like this one from succeeding.

HYPERBARIC CHAMBER Explosion Ignites Safety Fears

04 February 2025 — On January 31, 2025, a hyperbaric chamber explosion at The Oxford Center led to critical injuries and urgent safety questions. Authorities are probing the cause of this tragic event.

Eyewitnesses described a loud bang followed by chaos as emergency services arrived. This incident has raised alarms about the safety protocols for operating hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers.

Medical experts are worried about equipment upkeep and supervision, urging a review of safety regulations to prevent future mishaps. The Oxford Center is working with investigators to ensure patient and staff well-being.

Both the public and healthcare professionals demand stricter oversight of hyperbaric treatment facilities across the UK as the investigation continues.

CHINESE AI Revolution: DeepSeek’s Shockwave Hits US Tech Giants

28 January 2025 — A new force in artificial intelligence, DeepSeek from China, is shaking up major U.S. tech firms. Their latest AI model, DeepSeek-R1, rivals top U.S. products like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini but at a fraction of the cost. This move challenges American dominance and has triggered a massive selloff in tech stocks.

Launched on January 20, 2025, DeepSeek-R1 boasts impressive performance with lower training costs than competitors. Nvidia faced a record market cap drop of over $500 billion — the largest single-day loss in U.S. stock market history — due to this launch. Experts are both amazed and skeptical about DeepSeek’s cost claims, sparking debate on future AI investment strategies.

DeepSeek’s CEO Liang Wenfeng has held closed-door meetings with Chinese leaders to discuss global tech competition implications from their advancements. The rapid rise of DeepSeek has sparked talks about traditional tech investment sustainability and potential industry shifts needed moving forward. Consumers are also interested, as the DeepSeek app topped download charts in both U.S. and China App Stores shortly after release.;

CHINA’S AI Threat: Tech Stocks in Danger of $1 Trillion Wipeout

27 January 2025 — Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has shaken global tech stocks, sparking fears about America’s technological advantage. Investors worry about a potential $1 trillion loss in tech value due to rising foreign competition.

The drop in tech shares shows growing concern over the competitive landscape. Major indices have fallen, urging investors to be cautious as the situation develops.

This happens amid wider talks on global trade and economic competitiveness, especially in tech-heavy areas. Experts recommend reassessing portfolios, favoring stable investments over risky tech stocks.

Market analysts emphasize watching these changes closely as they could affect market stability and growth prospects in the technology sector moving forward.

APTIV STOCK Skyrockets After Bold Business Move

23 January 2025 — Aptiv plans to spin off its electrical distribution systems (EDS) into a new company. This bold move lets Aptiv focus on advanced driver-aid technology. After the announcement, Aptiv’s shares soared by 5%.

Analysts point out that EDS has lower profit margins. The adjusted EBITDA margin for EDS is expected to be 9.5% in 2024, while Aptiv’s other operations boast an 18.8% margin.

Garrett Nelson from CFRA Research supports the spin-off, saying it aligns with Aptiv’s push toward high-margin growth areas. This strategic shift could enhance Aptiv’s future profitability and market position.

TRUMP’S $500 BILLION AI Move: A Bold Step for America’s Future

22 January 2025 — President Donald TRUMP has announced a massive $500 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. This joint venture involves OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. The initiative aims to build data centers, marking a significant technological advancement.

The project began during the Biden administration but has gained momentum under Trump’s leadership. This investment underscores the importance of AI for future economic growth and national security.

Trump’s announcement highlights his commitment to keeping America ahead in technology. The collaboration between these major companies is expected to drive innovation and create jobs across the country.

DANGEROUS ‘SLAPPING Therapy’ Healer Gets 10-Year Prison Sentence

07 December 2024 — An alternative healer, Hongchi Xiao, received a 10-year prison sentence for the death of a diabetic woman during his “slapping therapy” workshop. The victim, 71-year-old Danielle Carr-Gomm, stopped taking insulin and died after Xiao failed to get medical help as she suffered in pain.

Xiao promoted paida lajin therapy, where patients slap themselves to expel “poisonous waste.” Critics say this method lacks scientific support and can be harmful. Carr-Gomm’s death is not the only case — another patient also died under similar conditions.

Xiao was extradited from Australia after being convicted of manslaughter in a similar case involving a 6-year-old boy. Justice Robert Bright called Xiao dangerous despite him lacking typical traits of other offenders during sentencing at Winchester Crown Court.

CYBER ATTACK Devastates London NHS Hospitals

06 June 2024 — A ransomware attack by the group Qilin has crippled Synnovis, a key pathology lab service provider for several National Health Service hospitals. Ciaran Martin, former chief of the National Cyber Security Centre, called it one of the most serious attacks in the U.K. due to its disabling effect on operations.

The attack affected King’s College and Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital trusts, impacting multiple hospitals and clinics across south London. A memo to staff labeled it a “critical incident,” noting significant disruptions to services like blood transfusions and leading to canceled or redirected procedures.

Synnovis Chief Executive Mark Dollar stated that they are still trying to understand what happened but offered no further comment. The incident has been reported to police as investigations continue into this severe disruption of healthcare services in London.

Ransomware attacks involve criminals using malware to paralyze computer systems and demanding money for their release. These attacks are highly disruptive and costly, affecting various sectors including healthcare, with most perpetrators operating from former Soviet states beyond Western legal reach.

VESUVIUS SECRET Unearthed: AI Reveals Ancient Texts Hidden for Millennia

07 February 2024 — A group of scientists has managed to decode ancient texts, hidden and scorched by the notorious Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 A.D., with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). These texts, nearly two millennia old, were unearthed from a villa in Herculaneum, a Roman town close to Pompeii. The villa is thought to have been owned by Julius Caesar’s father-in-law.

For hundreds of years, these texts remained undecipherable due to the damage inflicted by volcanic debris. They were accidentally discovered by an Italian farmer in the mid-18th century. However, due to their fragile state and previous failed attempts at unrolling them, only about 5% of the scrolls could initially be decoded.

The scrolls are filled with philosophical musings written in Greek. A significant breakthrough happened last year when Dr. Brent Seales and his team from the University of Kentucky used high-resolution CT scans to digitally unroll these ancient writings. Despite this progress, distinguishing black carbon ink on burnt papyrus remained a hurdle until AI came into play.

Even today hundreds of these priceless scrolls remain untouched and indecipherable. With AI paving the way for new discoveries, we may soon unlock more secrets hidden within this ancient Roman treasure chest.

UK Courts ISSUE Stark WARNING: The Dangers of AI in Legal Analysis

09 January 2024 — The UK’s Courts and Tribunals Judiciary recently sounded an alarm over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal research and analysis. They pointed out potential pitfalls such as misinformation, bias, and inaccuracies. Master of the Rolls Geoffrey Vos stressed that judges should continue to take personal responsibility for their decisions, while not completely rejecting AI.

This caution comes at a time when conversations are heating up about the future role of AI in law. Possibilities range from replacing lawyers to making case decisions. The judiciary’s careful approach is seen as forward-thinking for a profession usually slow to embrace technology. Ryan Abbott, a law professor at the University of Surrey, highlighted that there is currently an intense debate about how to regulate AI.

Legal experts have applauded this move by the judiciary as it addresses recent advancements in AI technology head-on. England and Wales are now among leading courts worldwide tackling this issue proactively. Half a decade ago, the European Commission for Efficiency of Justice released an ethical charter on using AI in court systems which focused on principles like accountability and risk management.

DEFENDING Our Skies: Innovative EYEWEAR Shields Aircrew from Surge in Laser Attacks

29 November 2023 — The Human Systems Division of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is on a mission. They’re developing state-of-the-art protective eyewear for aircrew operators, a response to the alarming rise in laser pointer incidents. Based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, the division is focusing on the Block 3 product line. This new gear will offer both laser and ballistic protection — a first in its field.

Capt. Pete Coats, who leads the division’s Aircrew Laser Eye Protection Program, stressed how vital eye health is for pilots. He warned that being hit by a laser without adequate protection could endanger not just safe flying and landing but also jeopardize a pilot’s career itself. The innovative eyewear will come in eight different models, each tailored to specific mission needs and other key factors.

Mark Beer, deputy program manager of the same program, clarified that aircrews engaged in low-speed missions or hovering would gain most from this dual ballistic and laser protection feature. However, those piloting fighter aircraft or high-altitude bombers might not need as much ballistic coverage. In just this year alone, pilots have reported nearly 9,500 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation

FRONTIER AI: A Ticking Time Bomb? World Leaders and Tech Titans Convene to Discuss Risks

01 November 2023 — The latest buzzword in the realm of artificial intelligence, Frontier AI, has been causing a stir due to its potential threats to human existence. Advanced chatbots like ChatGPT have dazzled with their capabilities, but fears about the risks associated with such technology are escalating. Top researchers, leading AI companies, and governments are advocating for protective measures against these looming dangers.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is orchestrating a two-day summit on frontier AI at Bletchley Park. The event is set to draw around 100 officials from 28 nations including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Executives from prominent U.S. artificial intelligence firms such as OpenAI, Google’s Deepmind and Anthropic will also be in attendance.

Sunak asserts that only governments can shield people from the hazards posed by this technology. However, he stressed that the U.K.'s strategy is not to hastily impose regulation despite identifying potential threats like using AI for crafting chemical or biological weapons.

Jeff Clune, an associate computer science professor at the University of British Columbia who specializes in AI and machine learning was among those urging for more government intervention in mitigating risks from AI last week — echoing warnings issued by tech tycoons like Elon Musk and Open