Category: Education

MIL-OSI Global: I lost weight and my period stopped. How are weight and menstruation linked?

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Mia Schaumberg, Associate Professor in Physiology, School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast

You may have noticed that changes in weight are sometimes accompanied by changes in your period.

But what does one really have to do with the other?

Maintaining a healthy weight is key to regular menstruation. Here’s why – and when to talk to your doctor.

The role of hormones

The menstrual cycle – including when you bleed and ovulate – is regulated by a balance of hormones, particularly oestrogen.

The ovaries are connected to the brain through a hormonal signalling system. This acts as a kind of “chain of command” of hormones controlling the menstrual cycle.

The brain produces a key hormone, called the gonadotropin-releasing hormone, in the hypothalamus. It stimulates the release of other hormones which tell the ovaries to produce oestrogen and release a mature egg (ovulation).

But the release of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone depends on oestrogen levels and how much energy is available to the body. Both of these are closely related to body weight.

Oestrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries, but fat cells also produce oestrogen. This is why weight – and more specifically body fat – can affect menstruation.

Fat cells produce oestrogen, a hormone with a key role in the menstrual cycle.
Halfpoint/Shutterstock

Can being underweight affect my period?

The body prioritises conserving energy. When reserves are low it stops anything non-essential, such as reproduction.

This can happen when you are underweight, or suddenly lose weight. It can also happen to people who undertake intense exercise or have inadequate nutrition.

The stress sends the hypothalamus into survival mode. As a result, the body lowers its production of the hormones important to ovulation, including oestrogen, and stops menstruation.

Being chronically underweight means not having enough energy available to support reproduction, which can lead to menstrual irregularities including amenorrhea (no periods at all).

This results in very low oestrogen levels and can cause potentially serious health risks, including infertility and bone loss.

Missing periods is not always a cause for concern. But a chronic lack of energy availability can be, if not addressed. The two are linked, meaning understanding your period and being aware of any prolonged changes is important.

How about being overweight?

Higher body fat can elevate oestrogen levels.

When you’re overweight your body stores extra energy in fat cells, which produce oestrogen and other hormones and can cause inflammation in the body. So, if you have a lot of fat cells, your body produces an excess of these hormones. This can affect normal functioning of the uterus lining (endometrium).

Excess oestrogen and inflammation can interfere in the feedback system to the brain and stop ovulation. As a result, you may have irregular or missed periods.

It can also lead to pain (dysmenorrhea) and heavier bleeding (menorrhagia).

Being overweight can sometimes worsen premenstrual syndrome as well. One study found for every 1 kg increase in height (m²) in body mass index (BMI), the risk of premenstrual syndrome went up by 3%. Women with a BMI over 27.5 kg/m² had a much higher risk than those with a BMI under 20 kg/m².

Read more:
What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder? And how is it different to PMS?

What else might be going on?

Sometimes weight changes are linked to hormonal balances that indicate an underlying condition.

For example, people with polycystic ovary syndrome may gain weight or find it hard to lose weight because they have a hormonal imbalance, including higher levels of testosterone.

The syndrome is also associated with irregular periods and heavy bleeding. So, if you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Similarly, weight changes and irregular periods in midlife might signal the start of perimenopause, the period before menopause (when your periods stop altogether).

Changes in weight and your period could be a sign of menopause approaching.
Sabrina Bracher/Shutterstock

When should I worry?

Small changes in when your period comes or how long it lasts are usually harmless.

Similarly, slight fluctuations in weight won’t usually have a significant impact on your period – or the changes may be so subtle you don’t notice them.

But regular menstruation is an important marker of female health. Sometimes changes in flow, regularity or the pain you experience can indicate there’s something else going on.

If you notice changes and they don’t feel right to you, speak to a health care provider.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. I lost weight and my period stopped. How are weight and menstruation linked? – https://theconversation.com/i-lost-weight-and-my-period-stopped-how-are-weight-and-menstruation-linked-244401

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: ‘Active recovery’ after exercise is supposed to improve performance – but does it really work?

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Hunter Bennett, Lecturer in Exercise Science, University of South Australia

gpointstudio/Shutterstock

Imagine you have just finished a workout. Your legs are like jelly, your lungs are burning and you just want to collapse on the couch.

But instead, you pick yourself up and go for a brisk walk.

While this might seem counterintuitive, doing some light activity after an intense workout – known as “active recovery” – has been suggested to reduce soreness and speed up recovery after exercise.

But does it work or is it just another fitness myth?

What is active recovery?

Active recovery simply describes doing some low-intensity physical activity after a strenuous bout of exercise.

This is commonly achieved through low-intensity cardio, such as walking or cycling, but can also consist of low-intensity stretching, or even bodyweight exercises such as squats and lunges.

The key thing is making sure the intensity is light or moderate, without moving into the “vigorous” range.

As a general rule, if you can maintain a conversation while you’re exercising, you are working at a light-to-moderate intensity.

Some people consider doing an easy training session on their “rest days” as a form of active recovery. However, this has not really been researched. So we will be focusing on the more traditional form of active recovery in this article, where it is performed straight after exercise.

What does active recovery do?

Active recovery helps speed up the removal of waste products, such as lactate and hydrogen, after exercise. These waste products are moved from the muscles into the blood, before being broken down and used for energy, or simply excreted.

This is thought to be one of the ways it promotes recovery.

In some instances active recovery has been shown to reduce muscle soreness in the days following exercise. This may lead to a faster return to peak performance in some physical capabilities such as jump height.

Active recovery can involve stretching.
fatir29/Shutterstock

But, active recovery does not appear to reduce post-exercise inflammation. While this may sound like a bad thing, it’s not.

Post-exercise inflammation can promote increases in strength and fitness after exercise. And so when it’s reduced (say, by using ice baths after exercise) this can lead to smaller training improvements than would be seen otherwise.

This means active recovery can be used regularly after exercise without the risk of affecting the benefits of the main exercise session.

There’s evidence to the contrary too

Not all research on active recovery is positive.

Several studies indicate it’s no better than simply lying on the couch when it comes to reducing muscle soreness and improving performance after exercise.

In fact, there’s more research suggesting active recovery doesn’t have an effect than research showing it does have an effect.

While there could be several reasons for this, two stand out.

First, the way in which active recovery is applied in the research varies as lot. It’s likely there is a sweet spot in terms of how long active recovery should last to maximise its benefits (more on this later).

Second, it’s likely the benefits of active recovery are trivial to small. As such, they won’t always be considered “significant” in the scientific literature, despite offering potentially meaningful benefits at an individual level. In sport science, studies often have small sample sizes, which can make it hard to see small effects.

But there doesn’t seem to be any research suggesting active recovery is less effective than doing nothing, so at worst it certainly won’t cause any harm.

When is active recovery useful?

Active recovery appears useful if you need to perform multiple bouts of exercise within a short time frame. For example, if you were in a tournament and had 10–20 minutes between games, then a quick active recovery would be better than doing nothing.

Active recovery might also be a useful strategy if you have to perform exercise again within 24 hours after intense activity.

For example, if you are someone who plays sport and you need to play games on back-to-back days, doing some low-intensity active recovery after each game might help reduce soreness and improve performance on subsequent days.

Similarly, if you are training for an event like a marathon and you have a training session the day after a particularly long or intense run, then active recovery might get you better prepared for your next training session.

Conversely, if you have just completed a low-to-moderate intensity bout of exercise, it’s unlikely active recovery will offer the same benefits. And if you will get more than 24 hours of rest between exercise sessions, active recovery is unlikely to do much because this will probably be long enough for your body to recover naturally anyway.

Active recovery may be useful for people with back-to-back sporting commitments.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

How to get the most out of active recovery

The good news is you don’t have to do a lot of active recovery to see a benefit.

A systematic review looking at the effectiveness of active recovery across 26 studies found 6–10 minutes of exercise was the sweet spot when it came to enhancing recovery.

Interestingly, the intensity of exercise didn’t seem to matter. If it was within this time frame, it had a positive effect.

So it makes sense to make your active recovery easy (because why would you make it hard if you don’t have to?) by keeping it in the light-to-moderate intensity range.

However, don’t expect active recovery to be a complete game changer. The research would suggest the benefits are likely to be small at best.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. ‘Active recovery’ after exercise is supposed to improve performance – but does it really work? – https://theconversation.com/active-recovery-after-exercise-is-supposed-to-improve-performance-but-does-it-really-work-250068

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Silver medals of the NSU aerobics team

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

The Novosibirsk Region Cup in sports aerobics was held at the NSTU Sports Palace, in which NSU athletes showed excellent results.

In January 2025, the rules for holding competitions in this sport changed, and teams had to quickly rework their compositions, adapting to the new requirements. Despite this, our students became silver medalists in all group nominations – in dance gymnastics, gymnastics platform and Group-5.

The following players played for the NSU team:

Vladislava Bulavina, Victoria Detusheva, Olga Shishkina and Valeria Shatskova (GI)

Lada Avdonina, Anna Nikulina and Maria Yukhnina (FIT)

Victoria Babakova and Arina Gulenko (FEN)

Ulyana Gruzdeva (IFP)

Sofia Balya (EF)

Anastasia Iskova (FF)

Nadezhda Semina (MMF)

Olga Terina (FEN) and Polina Maryasova (IFP) fulfilled the standard of candidate for master of sports.

We congratulate the girls and their coach Anna Timofeeva on their successful performance and wish them success in all upcoming competitions.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: It’s the biggest Egyptian tomb discovery in a century. Who was Thutmose II?

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Anna M. Kotarba-Morley, Senior Lecturer in Museum and Curatorial Studies / Research Fellow, University of Adelaide

Wikimedia/The Conversation

Archaeologists in Egypt have made an exciting discovery: the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, a ruler who has long been overshadowed by his famous wife and half-sister, Queen Hatshepsut.

The remarkable find is located in the Western Valley (a burial ground for queens rather than kings), near the complex of Deir el-Bahari, which houses the funerary temple of Hatshepsut. Both of us worked together as archaeologists at this spectacular site some 15 years ago.

Thutmose II’s tomb has been labelled the first, and biggest, discovery of a royal tomb since Tutankhamun’s tomb was found just over 100 years ago.

Despite being totally empty, it’s a crucial element in further understanding a transformative period in ancient Egyptian history.

Hatshepsut’s forgotten brother and husband

Thutmose II (also called Akheperenre) reigned in the first half of the 15th century BCE. This made him the fourth ruler of the 18th Egyptian Dynasty, which marked the beginning of the New Kingdom period.

Thutmose II likely ruled for a little over ten years, although some scholars believe his reign may have lasted only three years.

He was the son of a great pharaoh Thutmose I and his lesser wife, Mutnofret. He married his half-sister Queen Hatshepsut according to the royal custom, to solidify the rule and bloodline. Together they had a daughter named Nefrure.

Thutmose II’s mummy was discovered in 1881 but his original tomb was unknown until now.
Wikimedia

Upon his death, his wife Hatshepsut became the sixth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty – and arguably one of the most famous and successful female rulers of all time.

Military activities

As the successor of Thutmose I, Thutmose II continued his father’s military policy in the southern regions of Egypt.

According to preserved inscriptions, he ordered the brutal suppression of a rebellion against Egyptian rule in the land of Kush (in present-day north Sudan). As a result, a significant number of prisoners were brought to Egypt – possibly as part of a campaign.

But Thutmose II’s military campaigns were minor in comparison to the grand conquests of his predecessors and successors. Most historians believe he was a weak ruler and that Hatshepsut had a major role in governing the country, even long before his death. However, others contest this.

Thutmose II’s short reign left modest traces of building activity in Karnak, one of the largest religious centres in ancient Egypt, located in present-day Luxor.

The structure, of which only fragments survive, features a unique decoration depicting Thutmose II, Hatshepsut as his royal wife before she became a ruler, and their daughter Nefrure. The origins of the monument are uncertain. It’s possible Thutmose II started it and Hatshepsut finished it.

The monument was reconstructed by French researchers and can now be admired at the Open Air Museum in Karnak.

Karnak is one of the most important religious centres in Ancient Egypt.
Katarzyna Kapiec

Other monuments of Thutmose II were found in the southern regions of Egypt, such as in Elephantine, in the city of Aswan, and in northern Sudan (likely connected to his military campaigns).

The condemnation of Hatshepsut’s memory

Interestingly, the name of Thutmose II became strongly associated with many of Hatshepsut’s constructions due to the actions of Thutmose III.

Regarded as one of the greatest warriors, military commanders and military strategists of all time, Thutmose III was the nephew and stepson of Hatshepsut, and co-ruled with her as a regent.

At the end of Thutmose III’s reign, some 20 years after Hatshepsut’s death, he carried out a large-scale campaign to remove or alter Hatshepsut’s names and images. Scholars call this “damnatio memoriae”, or condemnation of the memory.

An example of Hatshepsut’s ‘damnatio memoriae’ at Deir el-Bahari. Hatshepsut’s cartouches (left) were defaced, while Thutmose III’s (right) remained untouched.
Wikimedia

This was likely due to concerns about securing the throne for his successor, Amenhotep II, by linking him to his male ancestors.

In many cases, Hatshepsut’s name was replaced with that of Thutmose II, making him the principal celebrant in temples built by Hatshepsut, such as in Deir el-Bahari.

View at the temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari at the dawn.
Katarzyna Kapiec

What does Thutmose II’s empty tomb tell us?

The newly discovered tomb reveals fresh details about the status of Thutmose II and his role in the sociopolitical structure of 15th century BCE Egypt – a period of territorial expansion, wealth and political intrigue. It also sheds light on the perception of his rule at the time.

Thutmose II has been painted as an ineffectual ruler. And the latest findings don’t contradict this.

Unlike his father Thutmose I, who expanded Egypt’s reign through military strength, or his stepson Thutmose III, who became one of the most famous Egyptian warrior-kings, his modest tomb suggests his legacy may not have been as widely celebrated as others in his dynasty.

The tomb’s location is also intriguing, as it is near the tombs of royal wives, including the cliff tomb of Hatshepsut, which was prepared for her when she was still a royal wife.

Thutmose II’s mummy was discovered in the so-called Royal Cache in Deir el-Bahari in 1881, alongside other royal mummies. Many royal mummies were relocated here for protection from flooding and during the uncertain times of the 21st Dynasty (circa 1077–950 BCE), some 400–500 years after Thutmose II’s original burial.

However, experts suspect Thutmose II’s tomb might have been emptied even earlier due to flooding from a waterfall above it.

The two of us speculate another tomb may have been built for him, and is still awaiting discovery.

An 1881 photograph of some of the coffins and mummies found in DB320, taken before the mummies were unwrapped.
Wikimedia

Ultimately, Thutmose II’s reign remains shrouded in mystery due to the lack of available records. The search for his tomb – from Western Valley, through the Valley of the Kings, all the way to Deir el-Bahari – spanned centuries.

Despite its poorly preserved state, and its scarcity compared with Tutankhamun’s splendorous tomb, this discovery will expand our understanding of the overlooked figure of Thutmose II, and the role he played in setting up the reign of Hatshepsut – arguably the most successful of the four female pharaohs.

In fact, paving the way for the ascent of Hatshepsut may have been his greatest contribution.

Anna M. Kotarba-Morley receives funding from Australian Research Council and previously received funding from National Centre of Science in Poland.

Katarzyna Kapiec receives funding from National Science Centre in Poland

– ref. It’s the biggest Egyptian tomb discovery in a century. Who was Thutmose II? – https://theconversation.com/its-the-biggest-egyptian-tomb-discovery-in-a-century-who-was-thutmose-ii-250432

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New Adelaide facility will fast track cancer treatment for children

Source: University of South Australia

21 February 2025

UniSA Professor Richard D’Andrea and Associate Professor Lisa Ebert in the new lab.

A new tissue culture facility has opened at UniSA today, helping to advance research into two of the most aggressive childhood cancers worldwide – brain tumours and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Approximately 120 children and adolescents are diagnosed with brain cancer each year in Australia, making it the second most common cancer in children after leukemia. The prognosis for children under five is brutal, with 45% not surviving their disease.

AML accounts for about 20% of childhood leukemia cases, affecting about 50 new children each year. The survival rate is higher – around 70% – but there is also a high rate of relapse and the existing treatment options leave long lasting effects.

Researchers from the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB) – an alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia – have welcomed a $36,100 grant from Cops for Kids to help transform an unused space in UniSA’s flagship health research precinct into a much-needed tissue culture facility.

CCB Professor of Leukemia Biology Richard D’Andrea says the facility will be an invaluable resource for childhood cancer researchers located in the Bradley Building on North Terrace in the health and biomedical precinct.

“Cellular immunotherapy is an emerging field in childhood cancer treatment and the research to develop and optimise this involves tissue culture to grow and study cells in a specialised laboratory space under sterile conditions,” Prof D’Andrea says.

Immunotherapy – using the patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer – is now considered the fourth pillar of cancer treatment alongside surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Prof D’Andrea says children with AML who are treated with intensive chemotherapy suffer many long-term implications due to the toxic effects of treatment.

“For some, this aggressive treatment does not provide a cure, so better treatments are badly needed to improve outcomes for these children.

“With a cellular immunotherapy approach, immune cells obtained from a patient or from a cord blood source can be engineered or manipulated in the laboratory and used to eradicate the cancer cells, which is less toxic for the patient.”

Prof D’Andrea and his CCB team are collaborating with researchers from the University of Queensland to advance the cellular immunotherapy approach to treat childhood AML.

Associate Professor Lisa Ebert, Group Leader of Cancer Immunotherapy Research at CCB, will use the tissue culture lab to further her team’s research into paediatric brain cancer, focusing on engineering CAR T-cells, a form of immunotherapy.

“Our main focus is on a type of childhood brain cancer called DMG, or diffuse midline glioma, which is rare, but also uniformly fatal, usually within 12 months of diagnosis because it is inoperable,” Assoc Prof Ebert says.

“Chemotherapy doesn’t work, and radiotherapy only extends their lifespan by a couple of months, so it’s a really horrible disease.

“However, we are currently working with Sydney Children Hospital’s network to conduct a clinical trial using CAR T-cells and based on results from the US running similar trials, we are seeing some very exciting results, which could lead to an effective treatment.”

The Cops for Kids donation was inspired by a conversation between an Adelaide police officer and Kelly Stevens, founder of the Charlie’s Rainbow initiative that funds paediatric AML research at UniSA.

Senior Constable First Class Genevieve Cullinan, a neighbour, friend and client of hairdresser Kelly Stevens, said she was touched by Kelly’s courage to establish a charity honouring her son Charlie, who died of AML in 2021 at three years of age.

“Despite Kelly’s immense loss and overwhelming sorrow, she has found the strength to create this amazing charity, Charlie’s Rainbow, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for AML research in the past four years,” Cullinan says.

Cullinan is one of 2000 current and former SAPOL members who contribute a small amount from their fortnightly pay to help improve children’s quality of life in South Australia.

The police officer will join the Cops for Kids Board, Kelly Stevens, and CCB researchers in an official launch of the new tissue culture laboratory in UniSA’s Bradley Building at 11am today.

Donations to paediatric cancer research at UniSA can be made using the following links:

https://giving.unisa.edu.au/donate-to-charlies-rainbow-aml-research/ (for AML research)
https://giving.unisa.edu.au/donate-to-centre-for-cancer-biology/ (for brain cancer research)

100% of all donations are spent directly on cancer research at UniSA.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

MIL OSI News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Creative progress or mass theft? Why a major AI art auction is provoking wonder – and outrage

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Jessica Herrington, Futures Specialist, School of Cybernetics, Australian National University

Thirty-four artworks created with artificial intelligence (AI) have gone up for sale at Christie’s in New York, in the famed auction house’s first collection dedicated to AI art.

Christie’s says the collection aims to explore “human agency in the age of AI within fine art”, prompting viewers to question the evolving role of the artist and of creativity.

Questions are not all the collection has prompted: there has also been a backlash. At the time of writing, more than 6,000 artists have signed an open letter calling on Christie’s to cancel the auction.

What’s in the collection?

Sougwen Chung’s Study 33 (2024) was created through a process that captured data from an EEG headset and a computer vision system tracking body movement and fed it to a painting robot called D.O.U.G._4.
Sougwen Chung / Christie’s

The Augmented Intelligence collection, up for auction from February 20 to March 5, spans work from early AI art pioneers such as Harold Cohen through to contemporary innovators such as Refik Anadol, Vanessa Rosa and Sougwen Chung.

The showcased pieces vary widely in their use of AI. Some are physical objects, some are digital-only works – sold as non-fungible tokens or NFTs – and others are offered as both digital and physical components together.

Some have a performance aspect, such as Alexander Reben’s Untitled Robot Painting 2025 (to be titled by AI at the conclusion of the sale).

After generating an initial image tile, the work iteratively expands outwards, growing with each new bid in the auction. As the image evolves digitally, it is translated onto a physical canvas by an oil-painting robot. The price estimate for the work ranges from US$100 to US$1.7 million, and at the time of writing the bid sits at US$3,000.

Alexander Reben’s Untitled Robot Painting 2025 involves art generated by AI and painted by robot as bids come in.
Alexander Reben / Christie’s

Claims of exploitation

The controversy surrounding this show is not surprising. Debates over the creation of AI art have simmered ever since the technology became widely available in 2022.

The open letter calling for the auction to be cancelled argues that many works in the exhibition use “AI models that are known to be trained on copyrighted work without a license”.

Embedding Study 1 & 2 (from the xhairymutantx series) (2024) by Holly Herndon and Matt Dryhurst explores the concept of ‘Holly Herndon’ in generative AI models.
Holly Herndon and Matt Dryhurst / Christie’s

The letter says:

These models, and the companies behind them, exploit human artists, using their work without permission or payment to build commercial AI products that compete with them.

The models in question include popular image generators such as Stable Diffusion, Midjourney and DALL-E.

The letter continues:

[Christie’s] support of these models, and the people who use them, rewards and further incentivizes AI companies’ mass theft of human artists’ work.

Copyright and cultural appropriation

Refik Anadol’s Machine Hallucinations – ISS Dreams (2021) is a video work used an AI model trained on publicly available images taken from the International Space Station.
Refik Anadol / Christie’s

There are several attempts by artists to bring legal proceedings against AI companies underway. As yet, the key question remains unresolved: by training AI models on existing artworks, do AI models infringe artists’ copyright, or is this a case of fair use?

Artists who are critical of AI are rightly concerned about losing their incomes, or their skills becoming irrelevant or outdated. They are also concerned about losing their creative community – their place in the creative ecosystem.

Last year, Indigenous artists withdrew from a Brisbane art prize, highlighting concerns about AI and cultural appropriation.

At the same time, many AI artists don’t use copyrighted material. Refik Anadol, for instance, has stated that his work in the Christie’s collection was made using publicly available datasets from NASA.

How the ‘work’ of art is changing

The Christie’s event occurs during a major shift in what it means to be an artist, and to be creative. Some participants in the show even question whether the label of “artist” is even necessary or required to make meaningful imagery and artefacts.

Many non-artists may wonder – if AI is used, where is the real “work” of art? The answer is that many forms of work will look different in the age of AI, and creative endeavours are no exception.

Creativity gave humans an evolutionary edge. What happens if society censors or undermines certain forms of creativity?

Pindar Van Arman’s Emerging Faces (2017) was created via two AI agents: one attempted to generate images of faces, while the other stopped the process as soon as it recognised the image as a face.
Pindar Van Arman / Christie’s

Clinging to traditional ideas about how things are done ignores the bigger picture. When used thoughtfully, technology can stretch our creative potential.

And AI cannot make art without human artists. Creating with new technologies requires context, direction, meaning, and an aesthetic sense.

In the case of the Christie’s auction, artists are doing much more than typing in prompts. They iterate with data, refine models, and actively shape the end result.

This evolving relationship between humans and machines reframes the creative process, with AI becoming more like a “conversational partner”.

What now?

Calling for the Christie’s auction to be cancelled may be shortsighted. It oversimplifies a complex issue and sidesteps deeper questions about how we should think about authorship, what authenticity means, and the evolving relationship between artists and the tools they use.

Whether we embrace or resist AI art, the Christie’s auction pushes us to rethink artistic labour and the creative process.

At the same time, Christie’s may need to take more care to produce collections that are sensitive to contemporary issues. Artists have real concerns about loss of work and income. A “move fast and break things” approach feels ill-suited to the thoughtfulness associated with artistic production.

Harold Cohen’s Untitled (i23-3758) (1987) was produced with the groundbreaking AARON image-generating AI system.
Harold Cohen / Christie’s

Beyond protest, more education and collaboration is required overall. Artists who do not adapt to new technologies and ways of creating may be left behind.

Equally important is ensuring AI does not diminish human agency or exploit creatives. Discussions around achieving sustainable and inclusive AI could follow other sectors focusing on equally sharing benefits and having rigorous ethical standards.

Examples might come from the open source community (and organisations such as the Open Source Initiative), where licensing and frameworks allow contributors to benefit from collective development. And in the tech realm, some software companies (such as IBM) do stand out for their rigorous approach to ethics.

Rather than cancelling the Christie’s auction, perhaps this is a moment for us to reimagine how we do creativity and adapt with AI.

But are artists – and audiences – prepared for a future where the nature of being an artist, and creativity itself, is radically different?

Jessica Herrington does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Creative progress or mass theft? Why a major AI art auction is provoking wonder – and outrage – https://theconversation.com/creative-progress-or-mass-theft-why-a-major-ai-art-auction-is-provoking-wonder-and-outrage-250157

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Trump is ruling like a ‘king’, following the Putin model. How can he be stopped?

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By William Partlett, Associate Professor of Public Law, The University of Melbourne

A month in, and it is clear even to conservatives that US President Donald Trump is attempting to fundamentally reshape the role of the American president.

Trump and his supporters sees the natural authority of the American president in broad terms, similar to those of the Russian president, or a king. Trump, in fact, has already likened himself to a king.

This desire to “Russify” the presidency is not an accident: Trump and many of his supporters admire the king-like power that Vladimir Putin exercises as Russian president.

Understanding how Trump is attempting to transform presidential power is key to mobilising in the most effective way to stop it.

Decrees by a ‘king’

Russia’s system of government is what I call a “crown-presidential” system, which makes the president a kind of elected king.

Two powers are central to this role.

First, like a king, the Russian “crown-president” does not rely on an elected legislature to make policy. Instead, Putin exercises policy-making authority unilaterally via decree.

Putin has used decrees to wage wars, privatise the economy and even to amend the constitution to lay claim to the parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia since 2014.

He has also used these decrees in a performative way, for example, by declaring pay raises for all Russian state employees without any ability to enforce it.

Over the last month, Trump has made similar use of decrees (what the White House now terms “presidential actions”).

He has issued scores of presidential decrees to unilaterally reshape vast swathes of American policy – far more than past presidents. Trump sees these orders as a way of both exercising and demonstrating his vast presidential power.

Control over the bureaucracy

Second, like a king, Putin does not allow the Russian legislature to use the law to organise the executive branch and create agencies independent of presidential control. Instead, he has unquestioned dominance over both the organisation and staffing of the executive branch. This has given him vast power to dominate politics by controlling information gathering and legal prosecutions.

A similar push is underway in the United States. Trump has appointed key loyalists to head the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Moreover, he is seeking to restructure the executive branch by abolishing some agencies altogether and vastly reducing the size of the workforce in others.

Can the courts stop Trump?

Trump’s attempt to Russify the American presidency undermines the American constitutional order.

Courts are the natural “first responders” in this kind of crisis. And many courts have blocked some of Trump’s early decrees.

This legal response is important. But it is not enough on it own.

First, the US Supreme Court might be more willing to accept this expansion of presidential power than lower courts. In a ruling last year, for example, the court granted the president immunity from criminal prosecution, showing itself to be sympathetic to broad understandings of executive power.

Second, presidential decrees can be easily withdrawn and modified. This can allow Trump and his legal team to recalibrate as his decrees are challenged and find the best test cases to take to the Supreme Court.

Third, parts of the conservative right have long argued for a far more powerful president. For instance, the idea of a “unitary executive” has been discussed in conservative circles for years. This essentially claims that the president should be able to direct and control the entire executive branch, from the bureaucracy to prosecutors to the FBI.

These arguments are already being made to justify Trump’s actions. As Elon Musk has said, “you could not ask for a stronger mandate from the public” to reform the executive branch. These arguments will be made to courts to justify Trump’s expansion of power.

Fourth, even if the Supreme Court does block some decrees, it is possible the White House will simply ignore these actions. We had an early glimpse of this when Trump posted that “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law”.

Vice President JD Vance has also said judges “aren’t allowed” to block the president’s “legitimate power”.

The importance of political mobilisation and messaging

Trump’s aggressive use of presidential power is not just a constitutional crisis, it is a political one. For those seeking to resist, this is too important to just be left to the courts; it must also involve America’s key political institutions.

The most obvious place to start is in Congress. Lawmakers must act decisively to assert the legal power granted to them in the constitution to check the power of the presidency. This would include active Congressional use of its budgeting power, as well as its oversight powers on the presidency.

This could happen now if a few Republicans were to take a principled position on important constitutional issues, though nearly all have so far preferred to fall in line. Democrats could retake both branches of Congress in the midterm elections in 2026, though, and assert this power.

The states can and should also act to resist this expansion of presidential power. This action could take many forms, including refusing to deploy their traditional police powers to enforce decrees they view to be unconstitutional or unlawful.

In mobilising to defend the constitution, these institutions could appeal to the American people with more than the narrow legal argument that Trump’s acts are unconstitutional. They could also make the broader political argument that turning the American president into a Russian-style, elected king will foster a form of inefficient, unresponsive and corrupt politics.

Or, in the words of The New York Times columnist Ezra Klein, “it’s the corruption, stupid”.

Time is of the essence. Russia shows the more time a “crown-president” is able to operate, the more entrenched this system becomes. For those hoping to preserve American democracy, the time is now for not just legal, but political resistance.

William Partlett does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Trump is ruling like a ‘king’, following the Putin model. How can he be stopped? – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-ruling-like-a-king-following-the-putin-model-how-can-he-be-stopped-249721

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 21, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: It’s the biggest Egyptian tomb discovery in a century. Who was Thutmose II?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna M. Kotarba-Morley, Senior Lecturer in Museum and Curatorial Studies / Research Fellow, University of Adelaide

Wikimedia/The Conversation

Archaeologists in Egypt have made an exciting discovery: the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, a ruler who has long been overshadowed by his famous wife and half-sister, Queen Hatshepsut.

The remarkable find is located in the Western Valley (a burial ground for queens rather than kings), near the complex of Deir el-Bahari, which houses the funerary temple of Hatshepsut. Both of us worked together as archaeologists at this spectacular site some 15 years ago.

Thutmose II’s tomb has been labelled the first, and biggest, discovery of a royal tomb since Tutankhamun’s tomb was found just over 100 years ago.

Despite being totally empty, it’s a crucial element in further understanding a transformative period in ancient Egyptian history.

Hatshepsut’s forgotten brother and husband

Thutmose II (also called Akheperenre) reigned in the first half of the 15th century BCE. This made him the fourth ruler of the 18th Egyptian Dynasty, which marked the beginning of the New Kingdom period.

Thutmose II likely ruled for a little over ten years, although some scholars believe his reign may have lasted only three years.

He was the son of a great pharaoh Thutmose I and his lesser wife, Mutnofret. He married his half-sister Queen Hatshepsut according to the royal custom, to solidify the rule and bloodline. Together they had a daughter named Nefrure.

Thutmose II’s mummy was discovered in 1881 but his original tomb was unknown until now.
Wikimedia

Upon his death, his wife Hatshepsut became the sixth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty – and arguably one of the most famous and successful female rulers of all time.

Military activities

As the successor of Thutmose I, Thutmose II continued his father’s military policy in the southern regions of Egypt.

According to preserved inscriptions, he ordered the brutal suppression of a rebellion against Egyptian rule in the land of Kush (in present-day north Sudan). As a result, a significant number of prisoners were brought to Egypt – possibly as part of a campaign.

But Thutmose II’s military campaigns were minor in comparison to the grand conquests of his predecessors and successors. Most historians believe he was a weak ruler and that Hatshepsut had a major role in governing the country, even long before his death. However, others contest this.

Thutmose II’s short reign left modest traces of building activity in Karnak, one of the largest religious centres in ancient Egypt, located in present-day Luxor.

The structure, of which only fragments survive, features a unique decoration depicting Thutmose II, Hatshepsut as his royal wife before she became a ruler, and their daughter Nefrure. The origins of the monument are uncertain. It’s possible Thutmose II started it and Hatshepsut finished it.

The monument was reconstructed by French researchers and can now be admired at the Open Air Museum in Karnak.

Karnak is one of the most important religious centres in Ancient Egypt.
Katarzyna Kapiec

Other monuments of Thutmose II were found in the southern regions of Egypt, such as in Elephantine, in the city of Aswan, and in northern Sudan (likely connected to his military campaigns).

The condemnation of Hatshepsut’s memory

Interestingly, the name of Thutmose II became strongly associated with many of Hatshepsut’s constructions due to the actions of Thutmose III.

Regarded as one of the greatest warriors, military commanders and military strategists of all time, Thutmose III was the nephew and stepson of Hatshepsut, and co-ruled with her as a regent.

At the end of Thutmose III’s reign, some 20 years after Hatshepsut’s death, he carried out a large-scale campaign to remove or alter Hatshepsut’s names and images. Scholars call this “damnatio memoriae”, or condemnation of the memory.

An example of Hatshepsut’s ‘damnatio memoriae’ at Deir el-Bahari. Hatshepsut’s cartouches (left) were defaced, while Thutmose III’s (right) remained untouched.
Wikimedia

This was likely due to concerns about securing the throne for his successor, Amenhotep II, by linking him to his male ancestors.

In many cases, Hatshepsut’s name was replaced with that of Thutmose II, making him the principal celebrant in temples built by Hatshepsut, such as in Deir el-Bahari.

View at the temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari at the dawn.
Katarzyna Kapiec

What does Thutmose II’s empty tomb tell us?

The newly discovered tomb reveals fresh details about the status of Thutmose II and his role in the sociopolitical structure of 15th century BCE Egypt – a period of territorial expansion, wealth and political intrigue. It also sheds light on the perception of his rule at the time.

Thutmose II has been painted as an ineffectual ruler. And the latest findings don’t contradict this.

Unlike his father Thutmose I, who expanded Egypt’s reign through military strength, or his stepson Thutmose III, who became one of the most famous Egyptian warrior-kings, his modest tomb suggests his legacy may not have been as widely celebrated as others in his dynasty.

The tomb’s location is also intriguing, as it is near the tombs of royal wives, including the cliff tomb of Hatshepsut, which was prepared for her when she was still a royal wife.

Thutmose II’s mummy was discovered in the so-called Royal Cache in Deir el-Bahari in 1881, alongside other royal mummies. Many royal mummies were relocated here for protection from flooding and during the uncertain times of the 21st Dynasty (circa 1077–950 BCE), some 400–500 years after Thutmose II’s original burial.

However, experts suspect Thutmose II’s tomb might have been emptied even earlier due to flooding from a waterfall above it.

The two of us speculate another tomb may have been built for him, and is still awaiting discovery.

An 1881 photograph of some of the coffins and mummies found in DB320, taken before the mummies were unwrapped.
Wikimedia

Ultimately, Thutmose II’s reign remains shrouded in mystery due to the lack of available records. The search for his tomb – from Western Valley, through the Valley of the Kings, all the way to Deir el-Bahari – spanned centuries.

Despite its poorly preserved state, and its scarcity compared with Tutankhamun’s splendorous tomb, this discovery will expand our understanding of the overlooked figure of Thutmose II, and the role he played in setting up the reign of Hatshepsut – arguably the most successful of the four female pharaohs.

In fact, paving the way for the ascent of Hatshepsut may have been his greatest contribution.

Anna M. Kotarba-Morley receives funding from Australian Research Council and previously received funding from National Centre of Science in Poland.

Katarzyna Kapiec receives funding from National Science Centre in Poland

– ref. It’s the biggest Egyptian tomb discovery in a century. Who was Thutmose II? – https://theconversation.com/its-the-biggest-egyptian-tomb-discovery-in-a-century-who-was-thutmose-ii-250432

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Scientist: No need to panic about asteroid that might hit Earth in 2032

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Since early January, Chinese scientists have been continuously observing an asteroid that has a small chance of colliding with Earth in 2032.
By combining global data, astronomers have updated the probability of impact to around 1.5 percent.
“As observational data accumulates, the calculations of its orbit will become more accurate, and the probability of it hitting Earth will also change. So the public need not panic and should await further results from astronomers,” said Zhao Haibin, director of and researcher at the Department of Planetary Sciences and Deep Space Exploration at the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The asteroid, named 2024 YR4, has an estimated diameter of between 40 and 90 meters, roughly the size of a large building. It was discovered on Dec 27 by an Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System telescope in Chile, according to scientists.
On Wednesday, the near-Earth object monitoring system of the United States space agency NASA revised the probability of 2024 YR4 hitting Earth to 1.5 percent, down from its Tuesday estimation of 3.1 percent.
On Tuesday, the European Space Agency’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre revised its estimation of the probability to 2.8 percent from the previous 2.4 percent.
“The orbit of an asteroid is primarily calculated through optical observations,” Zhao said. “Asteroids shine by reflecting sunlight, and observing them with telescopes, along with the surrounding stars in their field of view, helps us determine their coordinates in the celestial sphere. This, in turn, allows us to calculate their orbits.”
The orbit of this asteroid has a relatively high eccentricity, meaning that its path is elliptical. It passes near Earth’s orbit approximately every four years. The period from the end of last year to the beginning of this year was a good observation window, and there will be another favorable observation window in 2028, he said.
Experts studying asteroids at the CAS indicated that although current technology makes it difficult to directly intercept an asteroid, its trajectory can be altered by a few millimeters per second.
There are several ways to prevent a near-Earth asteroid from colliding with the planet, such as launching rockets to push it off its original path or evacuating people when it is about to collide with the planet, minimizing the effect of impact.
“An asteroid with a diameter of a few dozen meters could devastate an area of several thousand square kilometers, equivalent to a large city, if it hits Earth without any preventive measures,” said a scientist who asked to remain anonymous.
Zhao, the researcher, said, “Given that we have already discovered the asteroid, with a diameter of around 50 meters, we will undoubtedly develop a response plan, meaning that the public need not worry excessively.”
The International Asteroid Warning Network and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group have been operating since 2013, monitoring and issuing warnings for asteroids that pose a potential risk of impact.
For an asteroid with a diameter greater than 10 meters and an impact probability of more than 1 percent, the IAWN will issue a warning, calling on astronomers worldwide to monitor it, Zhao said.
“If the asteroid has a diameter greater than 20 meters and a 10 percent probability of impact within the next 20 years, the SMPAG will activate a response mechanism. This involves accurately assessing the impact risk corridor for Earth and preparing civil defense measures,” he said.
“If the asteroid’s diameter exceeds 50 meters and there is a 1 percent probability of impact within 50 years, active defense plans, such as launching spacecraft to alter its orbit, may be initiated,” he added.
At a conference in Beijing in 2018, Chinese scientists discussed the key technologies related to asteroid monitoring and early warning, safety defense and resource utilization.
“If we need to defend against an asteroid with a diameter of around 50 meters, we might need to start deploying measures three to four years in advance,” said the scientist who requested anonymity.
Chinese scientists have achieved notable progress in the detection and monitoring of near-Earth asteroids. In particular, the Near-Earth Object Telescope at the Purple Mountain Observatory and the Wide Field Survey Telescope, a collaboration between the University of Science and Technology of China and the Purple Mountain Observatory, have delivered significant results in recent years. To date, China has discovered more than 60 near-Earth asteroids.
“This also reflects China’s active commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities as a major nation in the field of asteroid monitoring, early warning and defense,” said Zhao.

MIL OSI China News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Trump is ruling like a ‘king’, following the Putin model. How can he be stopped?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Partlett, Associate Professor of Public Law, The University of Melbourne

A month in, and it is clear even to conservatives that US President Donald Trump is attempting to fundamentally reshape the role of the American president.

Trump and his supporters sees the natural authority of the American president in broad terms, similar to those of the Russian president, or a king. Trump, in fact, has already likened himself to a king.

This desire to “Russify” the presidency is not an accident: Trump and many of his supporters admire the king-like power that Vladimir Putin exercises as Russian president.

Understanding how Trump is attempting to transform presidential power is key to mobilising in the most effective way to stop it.

Decrees by a ‘king’

Russia’s system of government is what I call a “crown-presidential” system, which makes the president a kind of elected king.

Two powers are central to this role.

First, like a king, the Russian “crown-president” does not rely on an elected legislature to make policy. Instead, Putin exercises policy-making authority unilaterally via decree.

Putin has used decrees to wage wars, privatise the economy and even to amend the constitution to lay claim to the parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia since 2014.

He has also used these decrees in a performative way, for example, by declaring pay raises for all Russian state employees without any ability to enforce it.

Over the last month, Trump has made similar use of decrees (what the White House now terms “presidential actions”).

He has issued scores of presidential decrees to unilaterally reshape vast swathes of American policy – far more than past presidents. Trump sees these orders as a way of both exercising and demonstrating his vast presidential power.

Control over the bureaucracy

Second, like a king, Putin does not allow the Russian legislature to use the law to organise the executive branch and create agencies independent of presidential control. Instead, he has unquestioned dominance over both the organisation and staffing of the executive branch. This has given him vast power to dominate politics by controlling information gathering and legal prosecutions.

A similar push is underway in the United States. Trump has appointed key loyalists to head the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Moreover, he is seeking to restructure the executive branch by abolishing some agencies altogether and vastly reducing the size of the workforce in others.

Can the courts stop Trump?

Trump’s attempt to Russify the American presidency undermines the American constitutional order.

Courts are the natural “first responders” in this kind of crisis. And many courts have blocked some of Trump’s early decrees.

This legal response is important. But it is not enough on it own.

First, the US Supreme Court might be more willing to accept this expansion of presidential power than lower courts. In a ruling last year, for example, the court granted the president immunity from criminal prosecution, showing itself to be sympathetic to broad understandings of executive power.

Second, presidential decrees can be easily withdrawn and modified. This can allow Trump and his legal team to recalibrate as his decrees are challenged and find the best test cases to take to the Supreme Court.

Third, parts of the conservative right have long argued for a far more powerful president. For instance, the idea of a “unitary executive” has been discussed in conservative circles for years. This essentially claims that the president should be able to direct and control the entire executive branch, from the bureaucracy to prosecutors to the FBI.

These arguments are already being made to justify Trump’s actions. As Elon Musk has said, “you could not ask for a stronger mandate from the public” to reform the executive branch. These arguments will be made to courts to justify Trump’s expansion of power.

Fourth, even if the Supreme Court does block some decrees, it is possible the White House will simply ignore these actions. We had an early glimpse of this when Trump posted that “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law”.

Vice President JD Vance has also said judges “aren’t allowed” to block the president’s “legitimate power”.

The importance of political mobilisation and messaging

Trump’s aggressive use of presidential power is not just a constitutional crisis, it is a political one. For those seeking to resist, this is too important to just be left to the courts; it must also involve America’s key political institutions.

The most obvious place to start is in Congress. Lawmakers must act decisively to assert the legal power granted to them in the constitution to check the power of the presidency. This would include active Congressional use of its budgeting power, as well as its oversight powers on the presidency.

This could happen now if a few Republicans were to take a principled position on important constitutional issues, though nearly all have so far preferred to fall in line. Democrats could retake both branches of Congress in the midterm elections in 2026, though, and assert this power.

The states can and should also act to resist this expansion of presidential power. This action could take many forms, including refusing to deploy their traditional police powers to enforce decrees they view to be unconstitutional or unlawful.

In mobilising to defend the constitution, these institutions could appeal to the American people with more than the narrow legal argument that Trump’s acts are unconstitutional. They could also make the broader political argument that turning the American president into a Russian-style, elected king will foster a form of inefficient, unresponsive and corrupt politics.

Or, in the words of The New York Times columnist Ezra Klein, “it’s the corruption, stupid”.

Time is of the essence. Russia shows the more time a “crown-president” is able to operate, the more entrenched this system becomes. For those hoping to preserve American democracy, the time is now for not just legal, but political resistance.

William Partlett does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Trump is ruling like a ‘king’, following the Putin model. How can he be stopped? – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-ruling-like-a-king-following-the-putin-model-how-can-he-be-stopped-249721

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 21, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Creative progress or mass theft? Why a major AI art auction is provoking wonder – and outrage

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Herrington, Futures Specialist, School of Cybernetics, Australian National University

Thirty-four artworks created with artificial intelligence (AI) have gone up for sale at Christie’s in New York, in the famed auction house’s first collection dedicated to AI art.

Christie’s says the collection aims to explore “human agency in the age of AI within fine art”, prompting viewers to question the evolving role of the artist and of creativity.

Questions are not all the collection has prompted: there has also been a backlash. At the time of writing, more than 6,000 artists have signed an open letter calling on Christie’s to cancel the auction.

What’s in the collection?

Sougwen Chung’s Study 33 (2024) was created through a process that captured data from an EEG headset and a computer vision system tracking body movement and fed it to a painting robot called D.O.U.G._4.
Sougwen Chung / Christie’s

The Augmented Intelligence collection, up for auction from February 20 to March 5, spans work from early AI art pioneers such as Harold Cohen through to contemporary innovators such as Refik Anadol, Vanessa Rosa and Sougwen Chung.

The showcased pieces vary widely in their use of AI. Some are physical objects, some are digital-only works – sold as non-fungible tokens or NFTs – and others are offered as both digital and physical components together.

Some have a performance aspect, such as Alexander Reben’s Untitled Robot Painting 2025 (to be titled by AI at the conclusion of the sale).

After generating an initial image tile, the work iteratively expands outwards, growing with each new bid in the auction. As the image evolves digitally, it is translated onto a physical canvas by an oil-painting robot. The price estimate for the work ranges from US$100 to US$1.7 million, and at the time of writing the bid sits at US$3,000.

Alexander Reben’s Untitled Robot Painting 2025 involves art generated by AI and painted by robot as bids come in.
Alexander Reben / Christie’s

Claims of exploitation

The controversy surrounding this show is not surprising. Debates over the creation of AI art have simmered ever since the technology became widely available in 2022.

The open letter calling for the auction to be cancelled argues that many works in the exhibition use “AI models that are known to be trained on copyrighted work without a license”.

Embedding Study 1 & 2 (from the xhairymutantx series) (2024) by Holly Herndon and Matt Dryhurst explores the concept of ‘Holly Herndon’ in generative AI models.
Holly Herndon and Matt Dryhurst / Christie’s

The letter says:

These models, and the companies behind them, exploit human artists, using their work without permission or payment to build commercial AI products that compete with them.

The models in question include popular image generators such as Stable Diffusion, Midjourney and DALL-E.

The letter continues:

[Christie’s] support of these models, and the people who use them, rewards and further incentivizes AI companies’ mass theft of human artists’ work.

Copyright and cultural appropriation

Refik Anadol’s Machine Hallucinations – ISS Dreams (2021) is a video work used an AI model trained on publicly available images taken from the International Space Station.
Refik Anadol / Christie’s

There are several attempts by artists to bring legal proceedings against AI companies underway. As yet, the key question remains unresolved: by training AI models on existing artworks, do AI models infringe artists’ copyright, or is this a case of fair use?

Artists who are critical of AI are rightly concerned about losing their incomes, or their skills becoming irrelevant or outdated. They are also concerned about losing their creative community – their place in the creative ecosystem.

Last year, Indigenous artists withdrew from a Brisbane art prize, highlighting concerns about AI and cultural appropriation.

At the same time, many AI artists don’t use copyrighted material. Refik Anadol, for instance, has stated that his work in the Christie’s collection was made using publicly available datasets from NASA.

How the ‘work’ of art is changing

The Christie’s event occurs during a major shift in what it means to be an artist, and to be creative. Some participants in the show even question whether the label of “artist” is even necessary or required to make meaningful imagery and artefacts.

Many non-artists may wonder – if AI is used, where is the real “work” of art? The answer is that many forms of work will look different in the age of AI, and creative endeavours are no exception.

Creativity gave humans an evolutionary edge. What happens if society censors or undermines certain forms of creativity?

Pindar Van Arman’s Emerging Faces (2017) was created via two AI agents: one attempted to generate images of faces, while the other stopped the process as soon as it recognised the image as a face.
Pindar Van Arman / Christie’s

Clinging to traditional ideas about how things are done ignores the bigger picture. When used thoughtfully, technology can stretch our creative potential.

And AI cannot make art without human artists. Creating with new technologies requires context, direction, meaning, and an aesthetic sense.

In the case of the Christie’s auction, artists are doing much more than typing in prompts. They iterate with data, refine models, and actively shape the end result.

This evolving relationship between humans and machines reframes the creative process, with AI becoming more like a “conversational partner”.

What now?

Calling for the Christie’s auction to be cancelled may be shortsighted. It oversimplifies a complex issue and sidesteps deeper questions about how we should think about authorship, what authenticity means, and the evolving relationship between artists and the tools they use.

Whether we embrace or resist AI art, the Christie’s auction pushes us to rethink artistic labour and the creative process.

At the same time, Christie’s may need to take more care to produce collections that are sensitive to contemporary issues. Artists have real concerns about loss of work and income. A “move fast and break things” approach feels ill-suited to the thoughtfulness associated with artistic production.

Harold Cohen’s Untitled (i23-3758) (1987) was produced with the groundbreaking AARON image-generating AI system.
Harold Cohen / Christie’s

Beyond protest, more education and collaboration is required overall. Artists who do not adapt to new technologies and ways of creating may be left behind.

Equally important is ensuring AI does not diminish human agency or exploit creatives. Discussions around achieving sustainable and inclusive AI could follow other sectors focusing on equally sharing benefits and having rigorous ethical standards.

Examples might come from the open source community (and organisations such as the Open Source Initiative), where licensing and frameworks allow contributors to benefit from collective development. And in the tech realm, some software companies (such as IBM) do stand out for their rigorous approach to ethics.

Rather than cancelling the Christie’s auction, perhaps this is a moment for us to reimagine how we do creativity and adapt with AI.

But are artists – and audiences – prepared for a future where the nature of being an artist, and creativity itself, is radically different?

Jessica Herrington does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Creative progress or mass theft? Why a major AI art auction is provoking wonder – and outrage – https://theconversation.com/creative-progress-or-mass-theft-why-a-major-ai-art-auction-is-provoking-wonder-and-outrage-250157

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Schmitt Reintroduce Bill to Make Missouri Churchill Museum a National Historic Landmark
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

Thursday, February 20, 2025
Today, Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) reintroduced legislation to designate America’s National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously last year. Missouri Rep. Bob Onder (Mo.-3) will introduce companion legislation in the House.

“Missouri is proud to have played a special role in the friendship between one of the world’s greatest leaders–Sir Winston Churchill–and the United States,” said Senator Hawley. “Churchill’s ‘Iron Curtain’ speech marked the beginning of the Cold War and it is only fitting that he be honored with a proper and permanent landmark in Fulton.”

“The Missouri Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri commemorates Winston Churchill’s famous ‘Iron Curtain’ speech at Westminster College and memorializes his life,” said Senator Schmitt. “I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the museum myself and would recommend my fellow Missourians also visit. I’m proud to join Senator Hawley’s bill that would make this museum a National Historic Landmark.”

The museum is located on the Westminster College campus in Fulton, Missouri. On March 5, 1946 it was the site of Churchill’s famous words, “From Stettin in the Baltic, to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.” In the 1960s to honor the 20th anniversary of Churchill’s visit, Westminster College imported the 17th-century church from London to Fulton. The church of St. Mary Aldermanbury was moved stone-by-stone to Westminster’s campus. Reconstruction was completed in 1969 and is today’s location of the museum.

The America’s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act would:

Direct the Secretary of Interior to establish America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri as a National Historic Landmark. A National Historic Landmark (NHL) is a building, district, object, site, or structure that is officially recognized by the United States government for its outstanding historical significance.

Direct National Park Service to conduct a Special Resource Study to consider future potential designations for the site.

Senator Hawley originally introduced this legislation last June. Read the full bill text here.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Senior leadership appointment in the Government of Yukon public service

Senior leadership appointment in the Government of Yukon public service
zaburke
February 20, 2025 – 2:27 pm

Premier Ranj Pillai has made a senior leadership appointment.

Paul Moore’s appointment as interim Deputy Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources has been extended at pleasure for up to three months. The Energy, Mines and Resources portfolio will continue to be divided between the acting Deputy and interim Deputy Ministers.

Moore will be responsible for Land Planning, Land Management, Agriculture, Energy, Geothermal and Petroleum Resources, Forest Management, Strategic Alliances, Policy, Human Resources, Communications, Finance and Information Management.

Van der Meer will continue to be responsible for Mineral Resources, Yukon Geological Survey, Assessment and Abandoned Mines and Compliance, Monitoring and Inspection.

Backgrounder

Paul Moore has many years of public service experience with municipal, First Nations and territorial governments including director of the Human Resource and Education for the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, and the chief administrative officer for the City of Dawson. He joined the Government of Yukon in 2008 as director of Community Affairs and then became assistant deputy minister of Community Development. He has served as the Deputy Minister for Community Services, Deputy Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and most recently as the Public Service Commissioner. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and a Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University.

MIL OSI Canada News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Meeting with CDC Nominee Dave Weldon, RFK Plotting to Overthrow Vaccine Advisory Committees

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP), released the following statement in response to her meeting with Dr. David “Dave” Weldon, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and news reports that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing to remove members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which plays a key role in setting vaccine policy.

“In our meeting today, I pressed Dr. Weldon on his longstanding vaccine skepticism and whether he would make changes to the membership of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel. He said he had no intention of getting rid of anyone. Yet just hours later, there is new reporting that RFK Jr. may upend the advisory committees that make important recommendations on vaccine approvals and coverage—and replace experts with dangerous anti-vaxxers. I have very little confidence that Dr. Weldon will stand up to RFK Jr.—not only has Dr. Weldon spent years promoting the false conspiracy that vaccines cause autism, but he has also criticized the CDC’s essential role in vaccine safety research.

“Additionally, I remain deeply concerned by Dr. Weldon’s history of peddling inflammatory and medically debunked anti-abortion rhetoric and past legislative efforts, which have put the lives and health of countless women in danger.”

Senator Murray further called on Republicans who said they were voting for RFK Jr. despite concerns over his anti-vaccine record to join her in speaking out and demanding RFK Jr. abandon any plans that would undermine vaccine access, like overthrowing the experts on CDC’s advisory committee.

“Let’s not mince words here: the state of public health infrastructure in America is in a deeply precarious state. Thousands of researchers and public health experts have already been culled from the government by Elon Musk and RFK Jr. Now, we are hearing that while communities across the country are in desperate need of steady, science-based leadership to help protect families from measles outbreaks, tuberculosis, and the threat of bird flu—RFK Jr. is plotting to overthrow CDC’s vaccine advisory board. That is as alarming as it gets.

“To every Republican who voted for this man because they believed, in spite of his record, RFK Jr. would not undermine vaccines: now—right now—is the time to speak up and hold RFK Jr. accountable. It is irresponsible to stay silent until after RFK Jr. follows through on this dangerous idea, and vaccines are already undermined. We all know perfectly well what is at stake here—so I desperately hope they will join me in finding the biggest microphone they can and demand RFK Jr. completely abandon any plans that will undermine access to vaccines.”

As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Over her years as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. As Chair of the HELP Committee, Murray was also instrumental in crafting the American Rescue Plan Act, including its landmark investments in public health and health care. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. Murray is also the lead sponsor of the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (PHISLA), legislation to establish $4.5 billion in dedicated, annual funding for a grant program to build up and maintain the nation’s public health system across the board.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gaelic teaching hub announced
Source: Scottish Government

£200,000 funding for sports bus and accommodation.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is to be a Gaelic hub in the new Centre for Teaching Excellence, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has announced during a visit to the college.

The Cabinet Secretary met with staff at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, during a visit to discuss the aims of the new Centre in providing opportunities for Gaelic teachers across the country.

Ahead of Gaelic week which gets underway on Monday, Ms Gilruth met senior leadership, teachers and students, before attending the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Annual Lecture.

More than £100,000 of funding has been confirmed today to provide upgrades to accommodation at the college. Separate funding for Comann na Gàidhlig will also help provide a new minibus to support participation in Gaelic sports.

Ms Gilruth also visited Broadford Primary to hear first hand from staff and pupils about the English and Gaelic education it provides, as well as plans for a new school and community hub at the site.

The Education Secretary said:

“Sabhal Mór Ostaig is internationally respected as the only Centre of Higher and Further Education in the world which provides its learning programmes entirely through the medium of Gaelic.

“It has been a privilege to meet staff and students at the college to learn about the work here, including the Gaelic hub being developed for the Centre for Teaching Excellence

“I was also hugely encouraged to hear about the great work being undertaken at Broadford Primary and to hear about their exciting plans for the new school.

“The Scottish Government is a strong supporter of Scotland’s indigenous languages and encourages bodies and communities to work together to support and promote Gaelic language and culture.”

Shona Cormack, Head of Teacher Education at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, said:

“We are delighted to be working with our colleagues at the University of Glasgow to establish the Centre and to have Gaelic Education recognised as a core area in the new Centre’s work. We look forward to working with Gaelic teachers to identify priority areas for development and to provide access to professional learning based on the latest research that will positively impact teaching and learning in Gaelic classrooms across the country.”

Background

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig will work collaboratively on the Centre for Teaching Excellence with hosts, the University of Glasgow. The Cabinet Secretary’s visit to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Broadford Primary took place on Thursday 20 February.

The Sabhal Mór Ostaig annual lecture this year was delivered by Alan Esslemont, Director General of Irish language channel TG4.

The funding announced today comprises:
- £109,657 for in capital funding for the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig estate, mainly in the student accommodation
- £91,711 for Comann na Gàidhlig to provide a minibus for Gaelic sports, as well as outdoor equipment.
Hub Teagaisg Gàidhlig air ainmeachadh

Maoineachadh de £200,000 airson bus spòrs agus àite-còmhnaidh.

Bidh Sabhal Mòr Ostaig mar hub Gàidhlig dha Ionad ùr airson Sàr-mhathais ann an Teagasg. Chaidh seo a chur an cèill le Rùnaire an Fhoghlaim is i a’ tadhal air a’ cholaiste.

Choinnich Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit le luchd-obrach aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, an t-Ionad Nàiseanta airson Cànan agus Cultar na Gàidhlig, is i a’ tadhal gus còmhradh mu na h-amasan a bhiodh aig an Ionad ùr is e a’ toirt seachad chothroman do thidsearan Gàidhlig air feadh na dùthcha.

Le Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ tòiseachadh air Diluain, choinnich a’ BhCh. NicGilleRuaidh ri ceannardan, tidsearan agus oileanaich, mus robh i an làthair aig Òraid Bhliadhnail Shabhal Mòr Ostaig.

Chaidh còrr air £100,000 de mhaoineachadh a dhearbhadh an-diugh gus àite-còmhnaidh na Colaiste ùrachadh. Thèid maoineachadh fa leth a thoirt seachad gus cuideachadh le bhith a’ frithealadh bus ùr tron urrainn daoine a dhol an sàs ann an spòrs Gàidhlig.

Bha a’ BhCh. NicGilleRuaidh cuideachd a’ tadhal air Bun-sgoil an Àth Leathainn gus cluinntinn bho luchd-obrach is sgoilearan iad fhèin mun fhoghlam Bheurla is Ghàidhlig a bhios an sgoil a’ toirt seachad, a thuilleadh air planaichean airson sgoil ùr agus hub coimhearsnachd aig an làraich.

Thuirt Rùnaire an Fhoghlaim:

“Tha Sabhal Mòr Ostaig air spèis a choisinn gu h-eadar-nàiseanta mar an aon Ionad airson Foghlam Àrd-ìre is Leantainneach anns an t-saoghal a tha a’ toirt seachad am prògram ionnsachaidh gu tur tron Ghàidhlig.

“’S e urram a tha air a bhith ann coinneachadh ri luchd-obrach agus oileanaich aig a’ cholaiste gus ionnsachadh mun obair an seo, na mheasg an hub Gàidhlig a thathar a leasachadh don Ionad airson Sàr-mhathais ann an Teagasg.

“Bha mi cuideachd fìor air mo bhrosnachadh cluinntinn mun sàr obair a tha a’ leantainn aig Bun-sgoil an Àth Leathainn is a bhith a’ cluinntinn mu na planaichean misneachail aca airson na sgoile ùire.

“Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba gu làidir a’ cur taic ri cànain tùsanach na h-Alba is a’ brosnachadh bhuidhnean is coimhearsnachdan a bhith ag obair còmhla gus taic is adhartas a thoirt do chànan is cultar na Gàidhlig.”

Thuirt Shona NicCarmaig, Stiùiriche Foghlam Thidsearan aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig:

“Tha sinn air ar dòigh a bhith ag obair còmla ri ar co-obraichean aig Oilthigh Ghlaschu gus an t-Ionad a stèidheachadh is gun tèid a’ Ghàidhlig aithneachadh mar phrìomh phàirt de dh’obair an Ionaid ùir. Tha sinn a’ dèanamh fiughar ri bhith ag obair le tidsearan Gàidhlig gus aithneachadh dè na prìomh chùisean a dh’fheumas a bhith air an leasachadh agus gus cothrom a thoirt dhaibh air ionnsachadh proifeiseanta a tha air fhiosrachadh leis an rannsachadh as ùire aig am bi deagh bhuaidh air teagasg agus ionnsachadh ann an seòmraichean-sgoile Gàidhlig air feadh na dùthcha.”

Cùl-fhiosrachadh

Obraichidh Sabhal Mòr Ostaig ann an com-pàirt air an Ionad airson Sàr-mhathais ann an Teagasg còmhla ri prìomh bhuidhinn an ionaid, Oilthigh Ghlaschu. ’S ann air Diardaoin 20 Gearran a bha Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit a’ tadhal air Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus Bun-sgoil an Àth Leathainn.

A’ bhliadhna seo bha òraid bhliadhnail Shabhal Mòr Ostaig air a lìbhrigeadh le Ailean Esslemont, Stiùiriche Coitcheann na seanail Gaeilge, TG4.

An lùib a’ mhaoineachadh a chaidh fhoillseachadh an-diugh tha:
- £109,657 de mhaoin-chalpa airson oighreachd SMO, a’ chuid as motha airson àite-còmhnaidh nan oileanach
- £91,711 do Chomunn na Gàidhlig gus bus a bhith aca airson spòrs Gàidhlig, agus cuideachd uidheamachd airson a’ bhlàr a-muigh
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: New children’s book promotes the value of all languages

Source: United Nations 2

What Makes Us Human is the work of Brazilian linguist and writer Victor Santos, with illustrations by Italian artist Anna Forlati.

The book uses the form of a riddle to introduce young readers to the concept of language while underscoring the need to preserve all languages globally.

“I have existed for a long time, longer than toys, dogs, or anyone you know,” the book begins.

“My roots date back several centuries. Some are even much older. I am everywhere, in every country, in every city, in every school, and in every home…”

Linguistic diversity in danger

UNESCO estimates that there some 8,324 spoken or signed languages, with around 7,000 still in use today. However, linguistic diversity is under threat as many languages are disappearing at an accelerating rate due to globalization and societal changes.

To help safeguard this heritage, UNESCO is joining forces with publishing houses across the world to translate What Makes Us Human into as many languages as possible, with a special focus on indigenous languages.

For example, it is now available in Mapuzugún, the native language of the Mapuche people in Chile.

Courtesy of Nevenca Cayullán

Nevenca Cayullán, a Mapuche educator, wearing traditional clothing and jewellery.

Love for the mother tongue

Nevenca Cayullán, a traditional Mapuche educator, translated the book into her mother tongue. She expressed her love for Mapuzugún in a recent interview with UN News.

“My mother taught it to me, and that is why I carry it in my skin, in my heart, and in my head,” she said, speaking from Araucanía, the Mapuche heartland.

“I make it present in all territories, wherever I am. Language is the engine that preserves culture, spirituality, the worldview of our indigenous people, respect, and the value of life.”

For 25 years, the UN has celebrated International Mother Language Day on 21 February to highlight the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and promoting all mother languages, which in the simplest definition are those naturally acquired without being officially taught.

‘A living treasure’

Ms. Cayullán believes everyone’s “mother tongue” is much more than that.

“It is a living human treasure, which is why it must be carried, taught, and educated in the establishments where children are confined to monolingualism but have the capacity to learn the culture of indigenous peoples, the land – in this case, the Chilean territory and all territories,” she said.

With this conviction, she enthusiastically joined the What Makes Us Human project when Planeta Sostenible, the publishing house co-editing the bilingual Mapuzugún-Spanish version of the book with UNESCO, proposed that she translate it.

“Ultimately, it’s not just about the translation, but also the interpretation of the book. Being a translator and interpreter of the Mapuche language allows me to have the knowledge and capacity to understand such an important text as What Makes Us Human,” she said.

“It was very relevant because the voice of my people, the voice of my ancestors, will reach others, other countries, other territories, that will learn about my culture. For me, it was incredibly important.”

Editorial Planeta Sostenible and UNESCO

Cover of the book What Makes Us Human in its bilingual Mapuzugún-Spanish edition

Recovering ‘what was already there’

Ms. Cayullán lives in Chile’s bustling capital, Santiago. She said the book shows how to recognize the simple things in life.

“It talks about the games or toys that children use and how we recover them, as well as the value of these games or toys, which are often forgotten. Before all this globalization, many things existed, and this also includes the knowledge of language, which was already there.

“However, over time, everything has been left behind. The book talks about how to recover what was already there, how to understand the knowledge provided by what existed before globalization.”

She said this was especially true for indigenous languages, “especially the language of the Mapuche people.”

Language makes us human

When asked what makes us human, Ms. Cayullán highlighted the values of respect and appreciation of linguistic and territorial identity.

“For us, this is a living treasure that must be passed down, generation after generation. Language is the means we have to communicate with each other and share our culture, which is why what this book says is so important, and it says it in Mapuzugún as well,” she responded.

What Makes Us Human has been very well received in Chile, where it has initially been distributed in cities where children only speak Spanish.

“I was at an event where many books were given out, and I obviously went with my Mapuche clothing,” Ms. Cayullán recalled.

“The children thought that Mapuches no longer existed; they thought I came from, I don’t know, another planet. They received the books very happily, excited to see me and to have a book translated into Mapuzugún. It was a very emotional event.”

History of repression

When the Spanish conquistadores arrived in what is now Chile in the 16^th century, Mapuzugún was spoken from the Choapa River, which begins in the Andes mountains, to the island of Chiloé in the south.

At that time, several groups shared this language. In the face of the Spanish presence, they came together and strengthened their bonds, eventually forming the Mapuche identity.

The Mapuche are the largest indigenous community in Chile, numbering more than 1.4 million. They mostly live in the central part of the country, but there is also a small group in Neuquén province in Argentina. Most live in urban areas.

Unfortunately, because of a history of repression, only 10 per cent of Mapuche speak Mapuzugún today, and only another 10 per cent understand it.

Carolina Jerez/UNESCO Santiago

Mapuche children from the Tirúa Youth Orchestra at the launch of the “Mucho Chile” campaign in the capital, Santiago, in 2019.

Defend and encourage

When asked whether What Makes Us Human could help children reclaim pride in Mapuzugún, Ms. Cayullán’s response was clear.

“Yes, of course,” she said. “Yes, because it is a very easy-to-understand book. I believe that texts should be made with monolingual children in mind. I have faith that it will have an impact on society and the new generation.”

She is adamant that defending her mother tongue, and encouraging its use, is a duty.

“I have the responsibility to transmit knowledge. That is why I have this team of traditional educators where I promote speaking Mapuzugún in a city because we all live in Santiago.

“But from here, we are working with the traditional educators who are currently in schools, teaching these monolingual students from different communes in the metropolitan region.”

‘My grandmother talks like you’

Ms. Cayullán explained that efforts to revitalize her language are slowly beginning to bear fruit through support from the Chilean Ministry of Education which is helping to disseminate What Makes Us Human in schools.

She noted that since 1992, schools located in Mapuche territories have been teaching Mapuzugún as part of their curriculum.

“The child recovers their identity by seeing someone, perhaps in traditional clothing, perhaps wearing Mapuche jewelry. They will recover their identity. ‘Oh, my grandmother talks like you, or my grandmother dresses like you, or my aunt’… it’s so significant.”

Fear and discrimination

The Mapuche educator acknowledges that, despite these advances, there is still a “red zone” in southern Chile where speaking Mapuzugún is forbidden.

“It is forbidden to be indigenous; cultural gatherings are prohibited. And this happens like an everyday war in the red zone,” she said.

“If one passes by the highway, one sees the Chilean state guard, where they violate the rights of the children but also of the indigenous communities. And those children won’t speak Mapuzugún but they won’t speak out of fear, not because they dislike it.”

Sadly, Ms. Cayullán also noted some of the discriminatory incidents that indigenous people face because they are different.

“I walk around Santiago in my traditional attire, and I have often been asked, ‘Do you come from the area where they burn trucks?’ This is a violation of people’s rights. If it’s done to a child who is just starting their life, obviously they won’t speak Mapuzugún and won’t recognize it either.”

Respect for diversity

But What Makes Us Human promotes respect for diversity, which fills her with hope.

“We should learn to respect all diversity because we live in a diverse world, and today we do not respect that diverse world,” she said.

“And this diverse world is made up not only of human beings but also everything around us, everything that has life. In that diversity, languages are included.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Early years reform to cut costs and deliver on Plan for Change
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Parents to save cash through new guidance to prevent overcharging on childcare whilst £75 million will help deliver final phase of childcare rollout
Parents are set to save money on childcare thanks to new protections from additional charges on top of the government’s funded childcare offer, increasing access to high-quality early education and putting cash back into working families’ pockets.

To ensure no family is priced out of the support they need, the government has published updated guidance today that puts transparency at the heart of how the funded hours should be delivered, supporting local authorities to ensure providers make all additional charges – whether for nappies, wipes or lunch – clear and upfront to parents, and setting out that these charges must not be included as a condition for parents accessing their hours.

Giving every child the best start in life is central to the government’s mission to break the unfair link between background and success, and its Plan for Change to get tens of thousands more children a year school-ready by aged five. 

As part of this, the government is committed to delivering on the promises made to working parents, so they can save up to £7,500 on average from using the full 30 hours a week of government funded childcare support, compared to paying for it themselves.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

Giving every child the best start in life is my top priority, and integral to our mission to ensure tens of thousands more children are school ready every year.

That’s why despite the inherited challenges we face, we are pressing ahead with the investment and leadership needed to support families and make sure that every child, regardless of background, can access the high-quality early education they deserve.

Today marks an important step towards an early years system that is accessible for parents, sustainable for providers, and better serves children’s development.

This comes as the government has announced a targeted approach to its next tranche of early years funding to support the sector to deliver the new places needed for parents of children from nine months old looking to take up the entitlements for the first time.

Despite having to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of the economy, the government is increasing investment in early years to over £8 billion next year.

This includes a dedicated £75 million expansion grant, which will be targeted to providers supporting delivery of the expanded 30 hours of government-funded childcare in September, helping parents with children from nine months back into work and boosting household finances.

This means that private and voluntary providers, including childminders, are expected to see significant impact from a share of an average of around £500,000 in local areas. Funding allocations will vary between local authorities, reflecting local circumstances, with some of the largest areas seeing up to £2.1 million.

£75m is equivalent, on average, to an additional £80 per two-year old, and £110 per child under-two, though final amounts of funding reaching providers will depend on local circumstances.

The government also continues to make quick progress towards its Plan for Change milestone, with thousands of early years educators continuing to benefit from support networks and early maths training this year.

The Stronger Practice Hubs programme, which supports early years settings to deliver high-quality education by sharing knowledge and evidence-based approaches via 18 regional Hubs, has been funded for a further year. 

On top of this, as part of wider work to deliver on the government’s commitment to boost early maths support for children, the Maths Champions programme delivery also launches this month – with up to 800 early years settings to benefit from the training this year.

Delivered in partnership with the National Day Nurseries Association and Education Endowment Foundation, an evaluation of the programme showed children in settings receiving the Maths Champions programme can make an average of three months’ additional progress in maths compared to their peers.

Educators in this year’s first cohort of 156 settings will take up the training this month, with spaces still available for sign-ups from March to June.

These programmes form part of wider vital work to drive high and rising standards across early education, offering improved early learning support and the training that educators need to prepare children for school.

The government will continue to work closely with parents and providers to deliver its ambitious reforms so that tens of thousands more children have the invaluable skills needed from communication and maths to personal, physical and social development to have the best possible life chances.

Lydia Hodges, head of Coram Family and Childcare, said:

We welcome the clarification in this update, which is something we have been calling for to address the high level of variation in childcare costs to parents. Our research shows that additional charges can be a major barrier to families – particularly disadvantaged families – taking up their funded early education entitlements.

Supporting childcare providers through these changes will be essential, to ensure the sector remains stable, but this updated guidance is an important step towards a transparent system that allows parents to make informed choices about their childcare options and enables all children to access their entitlements, particularly those who stand to benefit the most from high quality early education.

Emily Yeomans, Co-CEO of The Education Endowment Foundation, said:

Our independent evaluations of the Maths Champions programme have consistently shown its potential in establishing solid foundations in maths for young children. Crucially, this potential is even greater for children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

A strong grounding in early maths is so important for setting up children for later success, acting as a fundamental enabler of later opportunity. So I’m delighted that we’re able to offer hundreds of early years settings access to the programme this year so that many more children can benefit.

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Published 21 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Engages with Secretary of Labor Nominee During Confirmation Hearing

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
02.19.25
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) engaged with Secretary of Labor nominee, former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, during a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing. Senator Murkowski articulated Alaska’s workforce demands, and received a commitment from Chavez-DeRemer to work to address these needs at the federal level.
“Alaska’s key industries require distinct personnel needs in order to keep up with constantly evolving environments,” said Senator Murkowski. “If confirmed, I look forward to working with former Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer to ensure Alaska’s workers and communities have the support they need.”

Click here to watch Senator Murkowski’s full remarks.
The full transcript of Murkowski’s comments is below.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Senator Murkowski: Welcome to the committee, I enjoyed our conversation. We had a chance to talk a little bit about the Alaska workforce. I’m looking at an article that just came out, and it cites the Alaska State Department of Labor and Workforce Development, looking at Workforce statistics in 2023. We don’t have 2024’s numbers yet, but right now non-resident workers in our state make up 23.5% of the workforce. That’s a lot. It means we get folks that come to us from other states. When you have 82% of your communities that are not connected by road, you can’t move as a worker from one village to another village unless you’re willing to pay several hundred dollars for each leg of your airplane ticket to get you to another community for work, so we rely on out-of-state workers.
In the oil and gas industry 37.4% of the workers were non-residents. In the mining industry, non-residents accounted for 41.6%. The seafood processing sector, significantly one of our largest employment and economic drivers in the state, produces more than $5 billion in economic activity, so this is big for us. What is even bigger is that in 2023, 82.8% of the workers were non-resident. We process our seafood in small coastal communities. If they have a population at all, it is maybe 500 people. You cannot run a seafood processing industry when you don’t have the workers.
So, back to the comment that was made earlier about H-2Bs. This is significant for us. Senator Collins asked about your commitment to issue supplemental visas in a timely manner but also to the maximum extent allowable. You do have that discretion. You’ve indicated that you’re going to work to that. I’m going to ask you to look specifically to the seafood processing sector out of all the sectors that are out there. My friend from Virginia knows well- seafood is more truly seasonal than so many other sectors, but right now we are competing for these H-2Bs with other sectors like landscapers. Last I checked, you can do landscaping 365 days practically in most parts of the country. The seafood sector in Alaska- you’re looking at an industry during the summer, at least when it comes to Salmon, that is literally an 8 to 10-week season. We are the poster child for seasonal workers. I need to know that you will not only support the H-2B visa program but commit to working with me on legislation to exempt Seafood processors from the H-2B visa caps. This is something that we’ve been trying to work for years. Basically, we’ve been stalled out by big labor that is so concerned that we are not offering these jobs to people across the country. You can’t get an H-2B visa until you have demonstrated all the efforts that you have made to seek US workers and that none are coming to you. We had the conversation in my office. It’s important to state it here publicly how significant it is, and I need your assurance that you’re going to work with us and work with your partners within Homeland Security as well on this critical issue for us.
Chavez-DeRemer: Yes ma’am, I will commit to working with you specifically on this issue.
Senator Murkowski: Thank you, I appreciate that. There is a lot of conversation about apprenticeship, so I’m not going to revisit that. Although, I did just come from a meeting with the head of the Alaska Military Youth Academy who was talking about the benefits of going from that exceptional program to hand-in-glove with the Alaska Works Training Program. These young people can see the benefits right then and there. Maybe I want to be a welder, maybe I want to be a carpenter. You take them hand-in-hand. Last thing I’m going to raise is something in a conversation just yesterday with the head of the building trades. We’re talking about childcare because we can talk about a workforce, but people can’t get to the workforce if they can’t afford childcare. I would hope that you’re going to prioritize families in the workplace and support incentives for on-site childcare.
Chavez-DeRemer: Yes ma’am.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Schmitt Reintroduce the ENABLE Act, Empower Americans with Disabilities

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act. The ENABLE Act preserves the ability of people with disabilities and their families to save and invest through tax-free savings accounts while protecting eligibility to federal programs by making permanent key provisions related to Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts.
Sen. Tuberville also cosponsored the legislation last Congress.
“Every human being is created by God and has inherent dignity, including those with disabilities. After 40 years in the education sector, I have seen firsthand how important it is for teachers, parents, community members, and Congress to work together to ENABLE these people for success. This legislation provides crucial safeguards for people with disabilities to help them invest, save, and achieve independence. I appreciate Senator Schmitt’s leadership on this issue that I know is close to his heart and look forward to working with him to get this legislation across the finish line,” said Sen. Tuberville.
“I was proud to lead the introduction of the ENABLE Act in the 118th Congress, where this critical legislation passed the Senate. I entered public service to fight for people like my son Stephen. Stephen was born with a rare genetic disease, is on the autism spectrum, has epilepsy, and is non-verbal. I know firsthand how critical ABLE accounts are to individuals with disabilities and their families. ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save for their future and ease burdens on their families. It’s a common-sense solution that provides an easy fix for those who depend on ABLE Accounts, and I’m proud to have bipartisan, bicameral support for this important piece of legislation,” said Sen. Schmitt.
U.S. Senators Tuberville and Schmitt are joined by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in cosponsoring the legislation.
U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) led the effort in the House of Representatives.
Read full text of the legislation here.
BACKGROUND:
ABLE accounts—529A accounts—allow people with disabilities and their families to save and invest through tax-free savings accounts without losing eligibility for federal programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). There are three provisions related to these accounts in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA):
ABLE to Work: an individual with a disability who is employed can contribute an additional amount to his or her ABLE account. This additional contribution cannot be greater than either:
the prior year’s federal poverty level for a one-person household ($15,060 in 2024), or
the beneficiary’s yearly compensation.

ABLE Saver’s Credit: an individual with a disability who make qualified contributions to their ABLE account can qualify for a nonrefundable saver’s credit of up to $1,000.
529 to ABLE rollover: an individual with a disability may rollover from a 529 education savings account to an ABLE account that are less than or equal to the annual ABLE contribution limit tax and penalty free.
The ENABLE Act would make permanent the above provisions that are set to expire.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Deepfakes can ruin lives and livelihoods – would owning the ‘rights’ to our own faces and voices help?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graeme Austin, Chair of Private Law, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

Getty Images

Not that long ago, the term “deepfake” wasn’t in most people’s vocabularies. Now, it is not only commonplace, but is also the focus of intense legal scrutiny around the world.

Known in legal documents as “digital replicas”, deepfakes are created by artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate the visual and vocal appearance of real people, living or dead.

Unregulated, they can do a lot of damage, including financial fraud (already a problem in New Zealand), political disinformation, fake news, and the creation and dissemination of AI-generated pornography and child sexual abuse material.

For professional performers and entertainers, the proliferation and increasing sophistication of deepfake technology could demolish their ability to control and derive income from their images and voices.

And deepfakes might soon take away jobs: why employ a professional actor when a digital replica will do?

One possible solution to this involves giving individuals the ability to enforce intellectual property (IP) rights to their own image and voice. The United States is currently debating such a move, and New Zealand lawmakers should be watching closely.

Owning your own likeness

Remedies already being discussed in New Zealand include extending prohibitions in the Harmful Digital Communications Act to cover digital replicas that do not depict a victim’s actual body.

Using (or amending) the Crimes Act, the Fair Trading Act and the Electoral Act would also be helpful.

At the same time, there will be political pressure to ensure regulation does not stymie investment in AI technologies – a concern raised in a 2024 cabinet paper.

Legislation introduced to the US Congress last year – the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Bill – proposes a new federal intellectual property right that individual victims can use against creators and disseminators of deepfakes.

Known informally as the “No Fakes Bill”, the legislation has bipartisan and industry support, including from leading entertainment worker unions. The US Copyright Office examined the current state of US law and concluded that enforceable rights were “urgently needed”.

From the New Zealand perspective, the No Fakes Bill contains both helpful ideas and possible pitfalls. As we discuss in a forthcoming paper, its innovations include expanding IP protections to “everyday” individuals – not just celebrities.

All individuals would have the right to seek damages and injunctions against unlicensed digital replicas, whether they’re in video games, pornographic videos, TikTok posts or remakes of movies and television shows.

But these protections may prove illusory because the threshold for protection is so high. The digital replica must be “readily identifiable as the voice or visual likeness of an individual”, but it’s not clear how identifiable the individual victim of a deepfake needs to be.

Well known New Zealand actors such as Anna Paquin and Cliff Curtis would certainly qualify. But would a New Zealand version of the bill protect an everyday person, “readily identifiable” only to family, friends and workmates?

Can you license a digital replica?

Under the US bill, the new IP rights can be licensed. The bill does not ban deepfakes altogether, but gives individuals more control over the use of their likenesses. An actor could, for example, license an advertising company to make a digital replica to appear in a television commercial.

Licences must be in writing and signed, and the permitted uses must be specified. For living individuals, this can last only ten years.

So far, so good. But New Zealand policy analysts should look carefully at the scope of any licensing provisions. The proposed IP right is “licensable in whole or in part”. Depending on courts’ interpretation of “in whole”, individuals could unknowingly sign away all uses of their images and voice.

The No Fakes Bill is also silent on the reputational interests of individuals who license others to use their digital replicas.

Suppose a performing artist licensed their digital replica for use in AI-generated musical performances. They should not, for example, have to put up with being depicted singing a white supremacist anthem, or other unsanctioned uses that would impugn their dignity and standing.

Protectng parody and satire

On the other side of the ledger, the No Fakes Bill contains freedom of expression safeguards for good faith commentary, criticism, scholarship, satire and parody.

The bill also protects internet service providers (ISPs) from liability if they quickly remove “all instances” of infringing material once notified about it.

This is useful language that might be adopted in any New Zealand legislation. Also, the parody and satire defence would be an advance on New Zealand’s copyright law, which currently contains no equivalent exception.

But the US bill contains no measures empowering victims to require ISPs to block local subscribers’ access to online locations that peddle in deepfakes. Known as “site-blocking orders”, these injunctions are available in at least 50 countries, including Australia. But New Zealand and the US remain holdouts.

For individual victims of deepfakes circulating on foreign websites that are accessible in New Zealand, site-blocking orders could offer the only practical relief.

The No Fakes Bill is by no means a perfect or comprehensive solution to the deepfakes problem. Many different weapons will be needed in the legal and policy armoury – including obligations to disclose when digital replicas are used.

Even so, creating an IP right could be a useful addition to a suite of measures aimed at reducing the economic, reputational and emotional harms deepfakes can inflict.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Deepfakes can ruin lives and livelihoods – would owning the ‘rights’ to our own faces and voices help? – https://theconversation.com/deepfakes-can-ruin-lives-and-livelihoods-would-owning-the-rights-to-our-own-faces-and-voices-help-249929

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier stresses boosting consumption, expanding domestic demand

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Feb. 20 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang has emphasized boosting consumption and improving people’s livelihoods through stronger and more targeted measures, in a bid to strengthen the fundamental role of consumption in driving economic development.

Li made the remarks at a study session held by the State Council on Thursday.

The premier noted that consumption must be prioritized for expanding domestic demand and driving economic growth, urging more effective measures to promote consumption and improve the consumption environment.

More efforts should be made to facilitate service consumption, improve the supply of education, medical care, culture, sports, tourism, elderly care and household services, and accelerate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock consumption potential of AI terminal products, he said.

He urged to develop high-quality products and services in more segments to stimulate new consumer demand.

He also emphasized the need to relax market access in relevant industries, and boost high-quality product supply to meet emerging consumer demands.

Liu Yuanchun, president of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, gave a lecture at the session. Vice premiers Ding Xuexiang and He Lifeng, and State Councilor Shen Yiqin participated in discussions.

MIL OSI China News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Mullin Introduces Labor Secretary Nominee Lori Chavez-Deremer at Confirmation Hearing

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

ICYMI: Senator Mullin Introduces Labor Secretary Nominee Lori Chavez-Deremer at Confirmation Hearing

Washington, D.C. – At the request of President Trump, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced Lori Chavez-DeRemer at yesterday’s confirmation hearing for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor.

“President Trump assembled a historic coalition for the American people. Lori represents that coalition as she can speak to both businesses and labor,” said Senator Mullin. “I will fight to confirm every one of his nominees.”

Watch the senator’s full remarks here.

Highlights below:

“Regardless of what you might think about the President, understand that this is someone that everybody should represent and should respect. If you’re looking for a bipartisan, independent, thinker… You would think this is someone you’d be very happy with… She is directly, uniquely, positioned in the center.”

“One thing that both sides of the aisle agree on is supporting working class Americans that power our country’s economy.”

“No company can survive without employees and no employee is hired without a company. It takes both sides to be in the boat rowing together in the same direction to be successful.”

“I’m only moderately successful because I’ve been very fortunate to have employees that were willing to get in the boat with me and row in the same direction.”

“With Lori’s unique background as a small business owner, public servant, and through her relationship with union leaders, she has the ability to bridge the gap between businesses and workers.”

“Oklahoma is a proud right-to-work state and yet, we still support Lori.”

“But as both sides of the table continue to work together for hard working Americans… I don’t think we have to look any further than understanding Lori is the independent nonpartisan perspective who will always keep the work force top of mind.”

Senator Mullin Also Called Out the Hypocrisy from the Democrats, the So-Called Party of “Inclusion”

Watch the senator’s full remarks here.

“I just kind of wanted to point out some interesting things that’s going on. The Senator from New Hampshire was complaining about a contract that was awarded by the Biden administration, and somehow, you’re tying it to the Trump administration for Tesla.”

“You’re concerned about Mark and Jeff and Elon, it wasn’t too long ago, you guys were happy to take all their money. It’s just the party that’s supposed to be of inclusion. Now, all of a sudden, if you don’t agree with this, you’re the enemy.”

“Yet what we do is we spend all of our time complaining and making reckless accusations about something that is absolutely false. And when you guys don’t want to hear it, you guys just accuse everybody else of being a criminal and for some reason being compromised.”

“It’s ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. It’s the same thing we heard in 2017 and yet you guys are just recycling. You guys are doing nothing but trying to stir up your base by fear when it’s absolutely one hundred percent wrong and shouldn’t even exist.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hartford, Stamford Campuses Open ‘Innovate Labs’ Where Technology, Fun, and New Skills Connect

Source: US State of Connecticut

Freshman Barbara Hawke Lopez was the captain of her high school robotics team and enjoys coding and emerging technology.

When she discovered that Innovate Labs was opening a facility on the UConn Stamford campus, with hands-on learning opportunities in emerging technology, she was intrigued.

Today, Hawke Lopez is employed as a lab assistant there, teaching her peers how to experiment with new technology, and helping them develop their confidence in the automation of the future.

“When you come into the lab, there is almost always someone playing a game using virtual reality,’’ said Hawke Lopez, who is studying journalism and cognitive science. “Other students come in to 3D print everything from pop culture-inspired objects to fidget-spinner toys. There’s a good mix of activities.’’

“The lab is very new-user friendly and there are always two or three people there to help you if you get stuck,’’ she said. The lab, which opened in September 2024, is located in Room 310.
“People are excited when they discover it, and I think it is a good addition to our campus and the overall business environment. It is helping student develop confidence and career skills,’’ she said.

Hartford Campus Debuted Lab Last Week

But Stamford students aren’t the only ones with new experiences. Innovate Labs opened another facility in Hartford last week. This newest Lab can be found on the first floor of the Graduate Business Learning Center in Hartford, at 100 Constitution Plaza. All students, regardless of major, as well as faculty and staff are welcome to explore the Lab.

On the opening day, Feb. 10, student workers demonstrated 3D pens, VR headsets and circuitry that can track a user’s heart rate. The event drew students and staff from the GBLC, Storrs, and the nearby Hartford Times Building.

A festive balloon arch welcomed students and faculty to the first-floor center that includes stations featuring the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing and modeling, voice and smart technology, drones, robotic, and circuitry and sensors. Both the Stamford and Hartford Innovate Labs are modeled after the original lab located in the School of Business in Storrs.

Lucy Ledesma, a junior majoring in the dual-degree MEM program and a Lab Outreach Specialist in Storrs, traveled to Hartford to demonstrate the technology. “I think it’s great that students on other campuses are getting to have the experiences we have,’’ she said.

Innovate Labs Tech Manager, Sophia Hatzis, a sophomore majoring in sociology and mechanical engineering, said initially some students are reluctant to experiment.

“At first they might not know how to get started, but there is always someone there to walk them through it and build their confidence to try more advanced things,’’ she said.

Bringing Energy and Excitement to Campus

Innovate Labs is part of the Digital Frontiers Initiative (DFI) at the School of Business. The program bridges academia and industry through cutting-edge research, innovation, and partnerships. DFI operates under the umbrella of the Connecticut Information Technology Institute at UConn.

“Our goal is to create an opportunity for students to develop new skills that will foster the next generation of learners, leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators,’’ said OPIM professor Jon Moore, who is also the Executive Director of DFI. He created and oversees all three labs.

The original Innovate Lab opened in Storrs eight years ago, after some recent graduates said they would have liked more emerging technology skills as they entered the workforce.

“People can start where they are comfortable,’’ Moore said. “We encourage people to push themselves out of their comfort zone but also to acquire skills that match their career interests. Not only is it valuable but keeps students on campus and engaged but it brings energy and excitement to campus.’’

OPIM professor Wei Chen, the Academic Director of the DFI, agreed.

“The Innovate Labs are a vibrant space where students can explore emerging technologies and bring their ideas to life,’’ he said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for them to experiment, collaborate, and gain hands-on experience with the latest tools shaping the future.’’

Students Can Advance to Local Makerspaces

Another advantage of the regional Innovate Labs is that once students get comfortable with the technology there, they can expand their ideas at nearby makerspaces.

Stamford students have access to GE’s CoCreate, a 65,000-square-foot maker space, that welcomes everyone from chefs to designers to contractors or homeowners to use their equipment and explore the “community playground.’’

The Digital Frontiers Initiative is in conversation with GE CoCreate about joint workshops, events, and projects.

In Hartford, DFI is building a dynamic relationship with MakerSpace CT, which is just a short walk from both Hartford campuses. Students have an opportunity to earn three months of free membership to this space by participating in a one of Innovate Labs’ non-credit programs, Innovate2Create. This program is designed to help students turn their idea into a marketable prototype. The nine-week program includes guest speakers from MakerspaceCT, and will conclude with a pitch presentation there in the spring.

For UConn students who are interested, Innovate Labs offer employment opportunities, with students having the choice of working on the tech team (which oversees inventory and learning), the outreach team (which leads workshops, clubs, and classes), or the marketing team. Lab workers from all three campuses collaborate, and live-feed cameras allow them to share ideas, solve problems, or just say hello from across the state.

Moore is now working towards offering workshops for non-UConn students, particularly elementary, middle and high school students in the area.

If you would like to learn more about DFI, or take a guided tour of one of the Innovate Labs, please contact Katherine Lorange at Katherine.Lorange@uconn.edu.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: A Message from President Maric

Source: US State of Connecticut

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday, I appeared before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee to discuss the university’s budget and our request for state support in the next two fiscal years. Dr. Agwunobi appeared on behalf of UConn Health. We were joined by our Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Geoghegan, Provost Anne D’Alleva, and Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Nathan Fuerst.

You can find a copy of my written testimony and supporting background materials here and a copy of Dr. Agwunobi’s testimony and background materials here. Both were submitted to the full committee.

You can view our discussions with the committee here. Note that the video groups all higher education agencies together, so it begins with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, followed by UConn, followed by UConn Health. The UConn portions begin at 2:37:17.

A second public hearing was held by the Appropriations Committee on Wednesday evening, which can be seen here. It included students from UConn and other institutions of higher education in the state. The first UConn student speaker begins at 38:41.

The next step in the appropriations process is a budget workshop, which will be a more detailed session between university leaders and members of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee.

As always, we will share any updates or new information as it becomes available.

Radenka

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warner Files Amendments to Republican Budget Plan

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON – As the Senate prepares for an all-night vote-a-rama on the Republican reconciliation budget bill agenda that will cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy at the expense of Virginia families, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, filed 21 amendments to the GOP budget proposal to address the needs of working Americans and taking aim at the Trump administration’s lawlessness.
“As President Trump and Senate Republicans try to move a budget resolution clearing the way to cut taxes for the richest Americans at the expense of the programs working families depend on, it’s important to understand what we’re talking about here: the GOP plans to provide tax breaks for billionaires while slashing health care, education and public safety and doing nothing about the really big problems most Americans are facing, like the rising costs of housing and child care,” said Sen. Warner. “I hope some of my Republican friends will think twice about supporting a budget plan that cuts taxes for the richest and doubles down on the chaos of the Trump-Musk administration.”
Specifically, Warner’s amendments would:
Put senators on the record for raising costs, gutting programs American families rely on
Create a point of order against any reconciliation bill that would not decrease the cost of housing for American families. Text
Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing benefits to survivors of miners who died due to pneumoconiosis. Text
Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would increase monthly student loan costs for borrowers of Federal student loans. Text
Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to preserving funding and current staffing levels at the Department of Education. Text
Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing affordable health care for American families, which may include making permanent the extended and expanded advance premium tax credits. Text
Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would increase the cost of child care for United State families. Text
Create a point of order against any reconciliation legislation that would increase health care costs for children receiving Medicaid. Text
Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to prohibiting cuts to critical health programs, which may include preventing the institution of a Medicaid per capita cap policy. Text
Put senators on the record on combating Trump-Musk lawlessness and corruption
Establish a deficit-neutral fund relating to protecting the American people from the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, transnational organized crime, and terrorism by prohibiting the mass termination of critical employees in the intelligence community. Text
Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation if certain Federal civil service laws are being violated. Text
Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to ensuring that employees of the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and elements of the intelligence community are not subject to retaliation and firing due to political preferences of any Presidential administration. Text
Create a point of order against consideration of reconciliation legislation until the Congressional Budget Office certifies that health, education, research, law enforcement, and foreign aid funding authorized by Congress is not subject to programmatic funding delays, deferrals, or rescissions. Text
Create a point of order against considering funding legislation for the Office of the President while there is pending litigation alleging a violation of the Take Care Clause. Text
Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would rescind obligated or awarded amount made available under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Text
Create a point of order against considering reconciliation legislation during a period during which there is an ongoing violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974, as determined by the Comptroller General of the United States. Text
Create a point of order against consideration of spending or revenue legislation during any period during which there is an ongoing violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, as determined by the Comptroller General of the United States. Text
Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting duly-enacted appropriations from unconstitutional cancellation by the President. Text
Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation during any year in which an employee has been placed in administrative leave for more than a total of 10 work days. Text
Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation during any period in which there is litigation pending against the President or another Federal officer alleging a violation of certain provisions of title 5, United States Code. Text
Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting classified and sensitive information on programs and individuals of the United States from being accessed by DOGE employees. Text
Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to prohibiting the closure or relocation of Federal agencies without congressional authorization. Text

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: ChildFund – Don’t Abandon Ukrainian Children Now
Source: ChildFund New Zealand
“While the politicians talk, Ukrainian children enter their fourth year of no school and no normal childhood – longer if you include the interruptions of Covid,” says Josie Pagani CEO of ChildFund.

Thousands of children have relied on the help of New Zealanders and others around the world to make sure they can keep accessing online education, have safe places to play, or learn abroad as their families seek refuge in places like Moldova.

Many have never set foot in a classroom.

ChildFund will keep supporting these children, with the help of donations from the New Zealand public, and support from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“This is the generation who will have to rebuild Ukraine. They will be the builders, engineers, teachers, and leaders of the future. It’s not just that they deserve to be safe, to learn, to have a future like any other child. It’s also that they are literally the future of Ukraine,” says Josie Pagani.

Since 2022, ChildFund’s partners implementing the Ukraine Regional Refugee Response have:
Reached over 3,700 caregivers and children with psychosocial support and counselling services

Provided access to child friendly spaces, supporting access for 2,383 children to play activities and facilities

Provided child dedicated food bags to 8,237 children and caregivers

Provided access to additional education and training services for 204 children and young people

Provided referrals, assistive devices and systems strengthening for 88 children with disabilities and service providers.
Since Russia invaded, more than 4,000 schools and educational institutions in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed.

“We are asking New Zealanders to keep supporting these efforts. Ukrainian children need decent food, safe places to learn. They need to be able to play like other children, and get the counselling they so desperately need.”

“We don’t know how this war will end. But we do know these children will be tasked with rebuilding their country and their communities. They need our support more than ever.”
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
February 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: $29 million set aside for Queensland roads and rail crossings

Source: Australian Ministers 1

Roads and rail crossings across Queensland will receive important safety upgrades thanks to almost $29 million in new Albanese Government funding.

$14.6 million will go towards 50 high-priority improvements to railway level crossings across the state’s regional road network. Projects will increase safety at these critical junctures, with potential works including upgrades to boom gates, flashing lights, signage, sealing and more.

The Albanese Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.

A further $14.17 million will help fund the following four new projects under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP):

Almost $4.5 million to the Mareeba Shire Council for widening Leadingham Creek Road and upgrading the culvert at Sandy Creek in Dimbulah.
$5 million to theQueensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for a new heavy vehicle rest area on the Kennedy Highway (Cairns–Mareeba) at Koah.
Almost $3 million to the Moreton Bay Regional Council for the Caboolture River Road Safety Upgrades in Upper Caboolture & $1.7 million for the O’Mara Road Upgrade at Narangba.

The SLRIP is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to support the delivery of safer roads across Australia.

Investment for the level crossings falls under the Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF), which aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.

Further information on the information on the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is available here, and Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund here.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:

“The Albanese Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.

“We have increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to make sure we continue to invest in better, safer local roads across Queensland and Australia.

“We are committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety and in a way that reduces the burden on them, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

“Councils know their local road networks inside out, that’s why we’re backing four much needed roads projects thanks to the additional $14.17 million.

“But it’s not just roads, our state’s growing dependence on rail transport for freight is why we’re working with the State Government on improving rail crossing safety across Queensland.

“The $14.6 million worth of funding will support the delivery of low-cost treatments such as boom gates, signage, flashing lights and rumble strips, which aim to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional rail crossings.”

Funded projects – Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund:

Project / Railway crossing	Project location
Jambin Dakenba Road (ID6025)	Earlsfield
105 Callemondah Drive (ID6090)	Callemondah
105 Callemondah Drive (ID708)	Callemondah
Saville Road level crossing improvement works	Allenview
Booroondarra Road	Middlemount
Bulliwallah Rd Level Crossing Upgrade Project	Belyando
Tolmies Road	Blackwater
Tryphinia Road	Locality – Wallaroo
Stratford Rd Level Crossing Upgrade Project	Mt Cooloon
Mourindilla Road	Dingo
Robino Road Crossing Light Installation	Braemeadows
Camp Creek Road level crossing upgrade to active controls	Running Creek
Sarina upgrade	Sarina
Jambin Dakenba Road (ID6554)	Earlsfield
BSL Greatheads	Woongarra
Alma Street Crossing Light Installation	Halifax
BSL Managers House	Qunaba
BSL Ashfield	Ashfield
BSL Klotzs	Windermere
BSL Golcherts	Woongarra
BSL Bargara School	Qunaba
Yarrawonga Road	Blackwater
Innisfree Road	Emerald
533 Marian – Eton Road Ch 0.344km	Marion
824 OLC Upgrade project site 5	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
824 OLC Upgrade project site 6	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
Wilson St and Kennedy Development Rd intersection	Winton
88A Bowen Developmental Road (Bowen-Collinsville) Ch32.6km	Bowen
10G Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay) Ch142.28km	Mackay
10G Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay) Ch 144.307km	Mackay
614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 1	Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie
614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 2	Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie
614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 3	Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie
614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 4	Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie
614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 5	Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie
614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 6	Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie
614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 7	Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie
614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 8	Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie
824 OLC Upgrade project site 1	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
824 OLC Upgrade project site 2	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
824 OLC Upgrade project site 3	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
824 OLC Upgrade project site 4	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
824 OLC Upgrade project site 7	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
824 OLC Upgrade project site 8	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
824 OLC Upgrade project site 9	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
824 OLC Upgrade project site 10	Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside
Whitsunday Coast Airport access road (Lascelles Avenue)	Gunyarra
Alice Street Mitchell	Mitchell
Cunningham Street Dalby	Dalby
Nicolson Street Dalby	Dalby

MIL OSI News –

February 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Swipe, style, surgery: why dating apps are fuelling cosmetic procedures

Source: University of South Australia

21 February 2025

They’re the modern way to find love according to the 323 million people who use them worldwide, but dating apps are fuelling an obsession with cosmetic surgery that may not have a happy ending.

A new study by researchers at the University of South Australia has shed light on how dating app female users are far more likely to undergo cosmetic procedures and digitally alter their looks on screen than non-users.

The emphasis on appearance, particularly with the swipe-based apps, plays a role in influencing 20% of women to change their looks via dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections in particular.

UniSA Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) graduate, and provisional psychologist, Naomi Burkhardt, who led the study published in Computers in Human Behaviour, says that while the increasing popularity of dating apps has reduced the stigma of using them to find love, there is a downside.

“The visual nature of dating apps, which prioritise photo-based profiles, places significant pressure on users to present themselves in an idealised matter which is not genuine,” Burkhardt says.

The researchers surveyed 308 Australian women aged 18 to 72 and found that nearly half of them had used a dating app in the past two years and one in five reported undergoing at least one cosmetic procedure.

Women who used dating apps had significantly more positive attitudes towards cosmetic surgery compared to non-users and those who altered their appearances digitally were also more likely to consider cosmetic procedures.

Apart from the pressures to enhance physical appearance, dating apps could also be partly responsible for an increase in overall body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, anxiety and poor self-esteem among women.

Earlier studies have investigated links between social media use in general and an increased acceptance of cosmetic surgery, but there is little data looking at dating apps specifically.

UniSA co-author Lauren Conboy suggests several interventions to address the psychological impacts of dating apps, including incorporating features that promote authenticity.

“Introducing more personality-based matching algorithms could also be considered to reduce the emphasis on physical looks, and apps could offer built-in body image interventions such as self-compassion exercises to mitigate the pressures to alter one’s appearance.”

Online dating has become increasingly popular in recent years and the trend is expected to continue, with dating website eHarmony predicting that by 2040, more than 70% of relationships will begin online.

UniSA co-author Dr John Mingoia, an online lecturer in psychology, says that dating apps have the potential to create healthier environments, where users can connect without feeling the need to confirm to unrealistic beauty standards.

“Hopefully this research can guide future studies to develop interventions to improve the authenticity of dating app use as well as support practitioners to better identify the motivations for women wanting to change their appearance,” Dr Mingoia says.

Notes for editors

“Swipe, Style, Surgery: Exploring Dating App Use, Self-Presentation Style, and Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery” is authored by University of South Australia researchers Naomi Burkhardt, Dr John Mingoia and Lauren Conboy. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108568

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Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

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