NASA’s annual Student Launch challenge will bring middle school, high school, and college students from around the country together to launch high-powered rockets and payloads. On Saturday, May 3, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. CDT (or until the last rocket launches), student teams will convene for the agency’s 25th annual challenge at Bragg Farms in Toney, Alabama, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.
Live streaming will begin at 8:20 a.m. CDT on NASA Marshall YouTube. Media interested in covering Student Launch events should contact Taylor Goodwin at 938-210-2891. Winners will be announced June 9 during a virtual awards ceremony once all teams’ flight data has been verified. Seventy-one teams participated this year; 47 teams are expected to launch in-person. Teams not traveling to Alabama are allowed to conduct final test flights at a qualified launch field near them. Schedule of Events: Rocket Fair: Friday, May 2, 2025, 3-6 p.m. at the Von Braun Center East Hall.A free event for the public to view rockets and meet the student teams. Launch Day: Saturday, May 3, 2025, gates open at 7 a.m. and the event runs from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (or until last rocket launch) at Bragg Farms, in Toney, Alabama. This is a free public event with live rocket launches. Please be weather aware. Lawn chairs are recommended. Pets are not permitted. Back-up Launch Day: Sunday, May 4, 2025, is reserved as a back-up launch day in case of inclement weather. If needed, the event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (or until last rocket launches) at Bragg Farms.
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About the Competition Student Launch provides relevant, cost-effective research and development of rocket propulsion systems and reflects the goals of NASA’s Artemis Program, which will establish the first long-term presence on the Moon and pave the way for eventual Mars missions. Each year, the payload component changes to reflect current NASA missions. As Student Launch celebrates its 25th anniversary, the payload challenge will include “reports” from STEMnauts, non-living objects representing astronauts. The STEMnaut “crew” must relay real-time data to the student team’s mission control, just as the Artemis astronaut crew will do as they explore the lunar surface. Eligible teams compete for prizes and awards and are scored in nearly a dozen categories including safety, vehicle design, social media presence, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) engagement. Marshall’s Office of STEM Engagement hosts Student Launch to encourage students to pursue careers in STEM through real-world experiences. Student Launch is a part of the agency’s Artemis Student Challenges– a variety of activities exposing students to the knowledge and technology required to achieve the goals of the Artemis missions. In addition to the NASA Office of STEM Engagement’s Next Gen STEM project, NASA Space Operations Mission Directorate, Northrup Grumman, National Space Club Huntsville, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Association of Rocketry, Relativity Space and Bastion Technologies provide funding and leadership for the competition. For more information about Student Launch, please visit:https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-student-launch/ Taylor Goodwin NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama256-544-0034taylor.goodwin@nasa.gov
NASA needs your help identifying the shapes of thousands of galaxies in images taken by our James Webb Space Telescope with the Galaxy Zoo project. These classifications will help scientists answer questions about how the shapes of galaxies have changed over time, what caused these changes, and why. Thanks to the light collecting power of Webb, there are now over 500,000 images of galaxies on website of the Galaxy Zoo citizen science project—more images than scientists can classify by themselves. “This is a great opportunity to see images from the newest space telescope,” said volunteer Christine Macmillan from Aberdeen, Scotland. “Galaxies at the edge of our universe are being seen for the first time, just as they are starting to form. Just sign up and answer simple questions about the shape of the galaxy that you are seeing. Anyone can do it, ages 10 and up!” As we look at more distant objects in the universe, we see them as they were billions of years ago because light takes time to travel to us. With Webb, we can spot galaxies at greater distances than ever before. We’re seeing what some of the earliest galaxies ever detected look like, for the first time. The shapes of these galaxies tell us about how they were born, how and when they formed stars, and how they interacted with their neighbors. By looking at how more distant galaxies have different shapes than close galaxies, we can work out which processes were more common at different times in the universe’s history. At Galaxy Zoo, you’ll first examine an image from the Webb telescope. Then you will be asked several questions, such as ‘Is the galaxy round?’, or ‘Are there signs of spiral arms?’. If you’re quick, you may even be the first person to see the galaxies you’re asked to classify. “I’m amazed and honored to be one of the first people to actually see these images! What a privilege!” said volunteer Elisabeth Baeten from Leuven, Belgium. Galaxy Zoo is a citizen science project with a long history of scientific impact. Galaxy Zoo volunteers have been exploring deep space since July 2007, starting with a million galaxies from a telescope in New Mexico called the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and then, moving on to images from space telescopes like NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and ESA (European Space Agency)’s Euclid telescope. The project has revealed spectacular mergers, taught us about how the black holes at the center of galaxies affect their hosts, and provided insight into how features like spiral arms form and grow. Now, in addition to adding new data from Webb, the science team has incorporated an AI algorithm called ZooBot, which will sift through the images first and label the ‘easier ones’ where there are many examples that already exist in previous images from the Hubble Space Telescope. When ZooBot is not confident on the classification of a galaxy, perhaps due to complex or faint structures, it will show it to users on Galaxy Zoo to get their human classifications, which will then help ZooBot learn more. Working together, humans and AI can accurately classify limitless numbers of galaxies. The Galaxy Zoo science team acknowledges support from the International Space Sciences Institute (ISSI), who provided funding for the team to get together and work on Galaxy Zoo. Join the project now.
Sometimes an unexpected turn in a carefully planned career path leads to surprising opportunities for growth and exciting new experiences. For Jason Phillips, that turn steered toward NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Phillips joined the U.S. Air Force in 1994 and planned to serve for at least 20 years, but in 2010—while preparing for a third deployment after 14 years of service—he found himself facing a medical separation from the military. “In a very short amount of time I had to figure out next steps for a career and lifestyle that no longer involved being an active duty servicemember,” he said. Thanks to a special hiring authority obtained by Peterson Air Force Base’s Office of Procurement, Phillips was able to transition to the civil service and apply his experience as an Air Force contracting officer to a new role. Phillips returned home to Houston and shifted from a Defense Department job to NASA as a contract specialist, spending his first 10 years at Johnson supporting all aspects of the Center Operations Directorate. He was then tasked with the challenge of serving as a lead contracting officer within Johnson’s procurement office for the International Space Station Program. Phillips currently leads a team of highly skilled acquisition professionals who support a variety of contracts that sustain the International Space Station’s operations, maximize science conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory, and pave the way for a seamless transition to commercial low Earth orbit destinations. He oversees the team’s daily work, which includes strategic planning and acquisition of contracts valued at more than $21 billion. Specifically, the team handles NASA’s Cargo Resupply Services contracts, a cooperative agreement with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, and the Research, Engineering & Mission Integration Services-2 contract.
“I am responsible for providing high-quality procurement products, services, and support to ensure that executive and technical customer needs are met and exceeded while maintaining compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and guidelines,” he said. That work has included modifying the program’s original acquisition strategy to minimize delays, target cost savings, and emphasize critical infrastructure and services such as the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems aboard the space station. Phillips enjoys seeing the direct impact of his work. “This career field almost always allows me to see the fruits of my labor, whether I am procuring office supplies and equipment or managing construction projects,” he said, noting that the remodeling of Johnson’s building 20 was his first project at the center. He is also proud to have supported the career progression of fellow procurement professionals and technical staff. “It’s a nod to those who came before me and provided me with their leadership and technical knowledge of procurement.”
Phillips said that staying humble and accountable is key to finding mission-focused solutions that benefit everyone. He also cautioned against making assumptions. “The people around you are very willing to offer thoughts and insights into a solution to your problem,” he said. “There is so much knowledge to be gained by listening.” He encourages the Artemis Generation to seek opportunities to expand their technical knowledge and grow professionally. “Help yourself so that you may help others.”
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Kristina “Kris” Thayer, of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been appointed Director of The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer has been Director of the Director of the Integrated Risk Information System Division at the United States Environmental Protection Agency since 2019, where she has held multiple positions since 2017, including Director of the Integrated Risk Information System and Director of the Chemical and Pollution Assessment Division. She held multiple positions at the National Toxicology Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences from 2003 to 2017, including Deputy Director of the Division of Analysis, Director of the Office of Health Assessment and Translation, Director of the Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, Staff Scientist at the Center for the Evaluation of Risk to Human Reproduction, Deputy Director of the Office of Risk Assessment Research, and Staff Scientist in the Office of Liaison and Scientific Review. Thayer is a member of the Society of Toxicology. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri, Columbia and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, University Park. This position requires Senate confirmation, and compensation is $217,000. Thayer is a Democrat.
Jason D. Johnson, of Redlands, has been appointed Undersecretary of Operations at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Johnson has been Acting Undersecretary of Operations since 2024 at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, where he has held several positions since 2006, including Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations, Chief Deputy Regional Administrator, Parole Administrator I, Parole Agent III Supervisor, Parole Agent II Supervisor, and Parole Agent I. Johnson was a Probation Officer II at San Bernardino County Probation Department from 2001 to 2006. He is a member of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association, the Orange County Chiefs’ and Sherriffs’ Association, and the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. Johnson earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Redlands and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $239,796. Johnson is a Democrat.
Joshua Prudhel, of Ceres, has been appointed Warden of Sierra Conservation Center, where he has been serving as Acting Warden since 2024. Prudhel was Chief Deputy Administrator at California State Prison, Sacramento from 2022 to 2024. He was a Correctional Administrator at California State Prison, Corcoran in 2022. Prudhel was Acting Chief Deputy Administrator at Correctional Training Facility from 2021 to 2022. He was a Correctional Administration at California State Prison, Corcoran from 2020 to 2021. Prudhel was Captain at California Health Care Facility from 2016 to 2020, where he was previously a Correctional Lieutenant from 2014 to 2016. He was a Correctional Lieutenant at California State Prison, Corcoran from 2011 to 2014, where he was previously a Correctional Sergeant from 2008 to 2011. Prudhel was a Correctional Sergeant at Deuel Vocational Institution from 2007 to 2008, and at Correctional Training Facility from 2005 to 2007. He was a Correctional Officer at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center from 2003 to 2005, and at Richard A. Mcgee Correctional Training Center from 2002 to 2003. Prudhel is a member of the California Correctional Supervisors Organization. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $193,524. Prudhel is a Republican.
Megan Mekelburg, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Legislation at the California Natural Resources Agency. Mekelburg has been Deputy Appointments Secretary in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2024. She was Senior Associate at Environmental & Energy Consulting from 2023 to 2024. Mekelburg was Legislative Director in the Office of Senator Aisha Wahab in the California State Senate in 2023. She held multiple roles in the Office of Senator Josh Newman in the California State Senate from 2021 to 2023, including Legislative Director and Acting Chief of Staff. Mekelburg held multiple roles in the Office of Senator Henry Stern in the California State Senate from 2019 to 2021, including Legislative Aide and Executive Assistant. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $160,008. Mekelburg is a Democrat.
Matthew Sage, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed Commander of the State Threat Assessment Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Sage has been the Deputy Commander of Intel/Analysis at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services since 2023. He was an Account Executive at Echo Analytics Group from 2021 to 2022. He was a Supervisory Intelligence Specialist at the Department of the Army from 2015 to 2021. Sage was an Operations and Integrations Officer at Dyncorp International from 2012 to 2015. He was a Staff Officer at Sytera LLC. from 2011 to 2012. Sage was an Atmospherics Manager at AECOM/McNeill Technologies in 2011. He served as rank E-5 in the United States Army from 2006 to 2010. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $161,062. Sage is registered without party preference.
Davina Hurt, of Belmont, has been appointed to the California Water Commission. Hurt has been the California Climate Policy Director at Pacific Environment since 2025. She was an Attorney/Civic Advocate at Davina Hurt Esq. from 2005 to 2024. Hurt held multiple positions with the City of Belmont from 2015 to 2024, including Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Councilmember. She was a Campaign Manager at the Democratic Volunteer Center from 2014 to 2015. Hurt was a Securities Case Assistant at Heller Ehrman White and McAuliffe LLP from 2004 to 2005. She was a Senior Counsel and Civic Advocate at Tyson and Mendes LLP in 2004. Hurt was a Law Clerk at Bay Area Legal Aid from 2002 to 2004. She was a Law Clerk at the United States District Court for Northern District of California from 2002 to 2003. Hurt was a Summer Associate at Milberg, Weiss, Bershad, Hynes & Lerach LLP in 2002. She earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Santa Clara University School of Law and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in History and Political Science from Baylor University. This position requires Senate confirmation, and compensation is $100 per diem. Hurt is a Democrat.
Peter Stern, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board. Stern has been Chief Revenue Officer at Skedulo and an Advisor at Berkeley SkyDeck since 2025. He held several roles at Authorium from 2024 to 2025, including Advisor and Executive Vice President. He was the Co-Founder of VoiceBrain from 2021 to 2023. He was a Commissioner at California State Lottery Commission from 2019 to 2022. He held several positions at Inxeption from 2017 to 2021, including Executive Vice President of Business Operations and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. Stern was the Airport Commissioner at the San Francisco International Airport from 2010 to 2019. He was Chief Revenue Officer at Skedulo from 2015 to 2017. Stern was the Chief Revenue Officer at Autopilot from 2013 to 2015. Stern was the Vice President of Sales at Kenandy, Inc. from 2011 to 2013. He held numerous positions at Salesforce from 2007 to 2011, including Vice President of Enterprise Corporate Sales and Corporate Sales Manager. Stern was Regional Manager at Oracle from 2005 to 2007. He was an Account Executive at Macromedia from 2002 to 2004. Stern was an Account Executive at Oracle from 2000 to 2000. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Stern is registered without party preference.
Dyan Whyte, of Berkeley, has been appointed to the California State Mining and Geology Board. Whyte has been the Chief Financial Officer at Dataway US since 2019. She held multiple positions at the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region from 1988 to 1999, including Assistant Executive Officer and Senior Engineering Geologist. Whyte earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Geology from University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies and Geology from California State University, Sonoma. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Whyte is a Democrat.
Press Releases, Recent News
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Apr 29, 2025
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The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €35 million venture debt facility with Sidekick Health, a leading digital health and therapeutics company operating across Europe and the US.
The funding will accelerate Sidekick’s therapy development and AI-driven platform innovation across multiple chronic and specialty care areas.
The R&D-focused facility is backed by the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative and complemented by a €7M capital injection from existing and new investors to accelerate Sidekick’s commercial growth.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Sidekick Health — a global leader in integrated digital health and therapeutics — today announced the signing of a €35 million venture debt facility, backed by a dedicated life science venture debt window of the European Commission’s InvestEU programme. It provides Sidekick with dedicated capital to accelerate R&D activities, expand its digital therapeutics portfolio, enhance AI capabilities, and strengthen its data and platform infrastructure — delivering scalable, secure, and impactful solutions for patients, payers, and pharmaceutical partners worldwide. The agreement represents the EIB Group’s first venture debt transaction in Iceland, where Sidekick is headquartered.
In parallel, Sidekick closed an additional €7M growth-focused financing, reflecting strong investor confidence and providing additional capital to scale its commercial footprint and strategic partnerships.
At the signing ceremony today in Luxembourg, Tryggvi Thorgeirsson, MD, MPH, CEO and Co-Founder of Sidekick Health, commented:
“This strategic financing from the EIB enables us to double down on our mission to improve and save lives by digitizing care. It strengthens our ability to invest in R&D, therapy development, and AI, while focusing future equity on scaling our commercial impact. Together with the strong backing of our investors, our diversified funding strategy — now including non-dilutive venture debt — positions Sidekick to accelerate innovation, deepen our partnerships, and continue transforming healthcare at scale.”
Thomas Östros, Vice-President of the EIB, said:
“The EIB has a solid track record in financing European med-tech companies through its venture debt instrument. The competitiveness of these companies is very important for our EU strategic autonomy. This is already the fifth InvestEU project in Iceland, building on a long tradition of EU-guaranteed funding for Icelandic projects.”
Sidekick partners with leading pharmaceutical companies, health insurers, and healthcare providers to deliver AI-enhanced digital health and therapeutics solutions across chronic and specialty care, including oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic, women’s health, and inflammatory conditions. The company’s platform has demonstrated improved patient outcomes and supported cost reduction in collaboration with partners, helping drive the shift toward personalized, proactive care.
EU Ambassador to Iceland Clara Ganslandt added:
“It was only in January last year, 2024, that Iceland’s participation in InvestEU was formally launched but we now already have five InvestEU projects in Iceland. That is certainly worth celebrating. The EU is committed to fuelling research and innovation and making use of impactful investments – in a world of increased global competition, it is in our common interest for Iceland and the European Union to work together. For three decades, since 1994, Icelandic organisations have been remarkably active, valued and successful participants in EU programmes, and Sidekick Health will certainly make this financing agreement a success.”
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
InvestEU
The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable economy. It helps generate additional investments in line with EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal, the digital transition and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners who invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. This guarantee increases their risk-bearing capacity, thus mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.
Sidekick Health
Sidekick Health is a digital health innovation company offering a uniquely broad portfolio of digital health and therapeutic programs across oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic, women’s health, and inflammatory conditions. Our solutions engage and empower people to improve health outcomes and quality of life. Sidekick works with health insurers, including leading national US health plans, pharmaceutical companies, including half of the world’s top 10 life sciences companies, and develops fully regulated prescription digital therapeutics — prescribed by over 17,000 physicians — designed to improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical efficiency, and reduce the cost of care.
European Commission Press release Brussels, 30 Apr 2025 The Commission is investing €910 million under the 2024 edition of the European Defence Fund (EDF) to create a strong and innovative defence industry in Europe. These investments aim to close key capability gaps—like force mobility and drone defence—through innovation and collaboration across European science and industry.
Question for written answer E-001588/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Sergio Berlato (ECR)
In 2001, a study by the European Parliament’s Science and Technology Options Assessment (STOA) team, on health damage caused by electrosmog, recommended that scientists, governments, industry and the general public have access to decision-making processes and that an effective public information system be established with a view to preventing public mistrust and fear of new EMC technologies. A number of years later, on 31 May 2011, the World Health Organization reported in a press release that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had ‘[classified] radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B)’.
In recent years, the exponential growth in artificial electromagnetic sources, such as the use of electric public and private transport, the spread of 5G and Wi-Fi in every home and public area, has effectively increased and generated new ‘electromagnetic pollution’.
In the light of the above:
1.Does the Commission believe that it can harmonise EU legislation in the Member States using both its own parameters and up-to-date data, and with a focus on the cellular consequences for living beings to electromagnetic exposure?
2.Is the Commission considering assessing and informing the public of the impact of electromagnetic pollution on all ecosystems?
3.Lastly, does it believe that climate change and the green transition can be delivered by carrying out the requisite identification of parameters responsible for ‘biological damage’ and the severity thereof?
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates WAVES 2025 WAVES highlights India’s creative strengths on a global platform: PM
World Audio Visual And Entertainment Summit, WAVES, is not just an acronym, It is a wave of culture, creativity and universal connectivity: PM
India, with a billion-plus population, is also a land of a billion-plus stories: PM
This is the right time to Create In India, Create For The World: PM
Today when the world is looking for new ways of storytelling, India has a treasure of its stories dating back thousands of years, this treasure is timeless, thought-provoking and truly global: PM
This is the time of dawn of Orange Economy in India, Content, Creativity and Culture – these are the three pillars of Orange Economy: PM
Screen size may be getting smaller, but the scope is becoming infinite, Screen is getting micro but the message is becoming mega: PM
Today, India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music and live concerts: PM
To the creators of the world — dream big and tell your story, To investors — invest not just in platforms, but in people, To Indian youth — tell your one billion untold stories to the world: PM
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 1:42PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the WAVES 2025, India’s first-of-its-kind World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he greeted everyone on the occasion of Maharashtra day and Gujarat Statehood day being celebrated today. Acknowledging the presence of all international dignitaries, ambassadors, and leaders from the creative industry, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the gathering, emphasizing that over 100 countries’ artists, innovators, investors, and policymakers have come together to lay the foundation for a global ecosystem of talent and creativity. “WAVES is not merely an acronym but a wave representing culture, creativity, and universal connectivity”, he remarked, further underlining that the summit showcases the expansive world of films, music, gaming, animation, and storytelling, offering a global platform for artists and creators to connect and collaborate. The Prime Minister congratulated all participants on this historic occasion and extended his warm welcome to the distinguished guests from India and abroad.
Reflecting on India’s rich cinematic history at the WAVES Summit, Shri Modi noted that on May 3, 1913, India’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, was released, directed by the pioneering filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke. He recalled that Phalke’s birth anniversary was celebrated just a day earlier. He underscored the impact of Indian cinema over the past century, stating that it has successfully taken India’s cultural essence to every corner of the world. He highlighted the popularity of Raj Kapoor in Russia, the global recognition of Satyajit Ray at Cannes, and the Oscar-winning success of RRR, emphasizing how Indian filmmakers continue to shape global narratives. He also acknowledged the cinematic poetry of Guru Dutt, the social reflections of Ritwik Ghatak, the musical genius of A.R. Rahman, and the epic storytelling of S.S. Rajamouli, stating that each of these artists has brought Indian culture to life for millions worldwide. Shri Modi also remarked that Indian cinema legends were honored through commemorative postage stamps, paying tribute to their contributions to the industry.
Emphasising the importance of India’s creative capability and global collaboration, the Prime Minister remarked that over the years, he has engaged with professionals from gaming, music, filmmaking, and acting, discussing ideas and insights that deepened his understanding of the creative industries. He highlighted a unique initiative undertaken during Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, where singers from 150 countries came together to perform ‘Vaishnav Jan To’, a hymn written by Narsinh Mehta nearly 500-600 years ago. He stated that this global artistic effort created a significant impact, bringing the world together in harmony. He further noted that several individuals present at the summit had contributed to the Gandhi One Fifty initiative by creating short video messages, advancing Gandhi’s philosophies. He remarked that the collective strength of India’s creative world, combined with international collaboration, has already demonstrated its potential, and that vision has now materialized as WAVES.
Shri Modi praised the resounding success of the first edition of the WAVES Summit, stating that from its very first moment, the event has captured global attention and is “roaring with purpose.” He acknowledged the dedication and efforts of the summit’s Advisory Board, emphasizing their role in making WAVES a landmark event in the creative industry. He highlighted the large-scale Creators Challenge and Creatosphere initiative, which saw participation from approximately 100,000 creative professionals across 60 countries. He remarked that out of 32 challenges, 800 finalists have been selected, recognizing their talent and congratulating them on their achievement. He encouraged the finalists, stating that they now have the opportunity to make their mark on the global creative stage.
The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for the creative developments showcased at the Bharat Pavilion during the WAVES Summit. He remarked that significant innovation has been achieved, and he looked forward to witnessing these creations firsthand. The Prime Minister highlighted the WAVES Bazaar initiative, noting its potential to encourage new creators and connect them with emerging markets. He praised the concept of linking buyers and sellers in the art industry, stating that such initiatives strengthen the creative economy and provide fresh opportunities for artists.
Reflecting on the deep-rooted connection between creativity and human experience, stating that a child’s journey begins with the lullaby of a mother, their first introduction to sound and music, Shri Modi remarked that just as a mother weaves dreams for her child, creative professionals shape the dreams of an era. He underscored that the essence of WAVES lies in bringing together such visionary individuals who inspire and influence generations through their art.
Reaffirming his belief in collective efforts, stating that the dedication of artists, creators, and industry leaders will elevate WAVES to new heights in the coming years, Shri Modi urged his industry counterparts to continue the same level of support and handholding that made the first edition of the summit a success. He remarked that many exciting waves are yet to come and announced that WAVES Awards will be launched in the future, establishing themselves as the most prestigious honors in the world of art and creativity. He emphasized the need for sustained commitment, stating that the goal is to win the hearts of people across the world and inspire generations through creativity.
Highlighting India’s rapid economic progress, stating that the nation is on its way to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the Prime Minister remarked that India holds the number one position in global fintech adoption, is the second-largest mobile manufacturer, and has the third-largest startup ecosystem worldwide. He emphasized that India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation has only begun and has much more to offer. “India is not only home to a billion-plus population but also a billion-plus stories”, he added. Referencing the country’s rich artistic history, he recalled that two thousand years ago, Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra emphasized the power of art in shaping emotions and human experiences. He noted that centuries ago, Kalidasa’s Abhijnana-Shakuntalam introduced a new direction in classical drama. Prime Minister underscored the deep cultural roots of India, stating that every street has a story, every mountain carries a song, and every river hums a tune. He remarked that India’s six lakh villages each have their own folk traditions and unique storytelling styles, with communities preserving their histories through folklore. He highlighted the spiritual significance of Indian music, noting that whether it is bhajans, ghazals, classical compositions, or contemporary tunes, every melody carries a story, and every rhythm holds a soul.
Shri Modi underscored India’s deep-rooted artistic and spiritual heritage at the WAVES Summit, highlighting the concept of Naad Brahma, the divine sound. He remarked that Indian mythology has always expressed divinity through music and dance, citing Lord Shiva’s Damru as the first cosmic sound, Goddess Saraswati’s Veena as the rhythm of wisdom, Lord Krishna’s Flute as an eternal message of love, and Lord Vishnu’s Shankha as a call for positive energy. He emphasized that the mesmerizing cultural presentation at the summit also reflected this rich heritage. Declaring that “this is the right time,” Shri Modi reiterated India’s vision of Create in India, Create for the World, asserting that the country’s storytelling tradition offers an invaluable treasure spanning thousands of years. He highlighted that India’s stories are Timeless, Thought-Provoking, and Truly Global, encompassing not just cultural themes but also science, sports, courage, and bravery. He remarked that India’s storytelling landscape blends science with fiction, and heroism with innovation, forming a vast and diverse creative ecosystem. He called upon the WAVES platform to take on the responsibility of sharing India’s extraordinary stories with the world, bringing them to future generations through new and engaging formats.
Drawing parallels between the People’s Padma awards and the vision behind the WAVES Summit, stating that both initiatives aim to recognize and uplift talent from every corner of India, the Prime Minister remarked that while Padma Awards started a few years after independence, they truly transformed when India embraced the People’s Padma, recognizing individuals serving the nation from remote areas. This shift, he emphasized, turned the awards from a ceremony into a national celebration. Similarly, the Prime Minister stated that WAVES will serve as a global platform for India’s immense creative talent across films, music, animation, and gaming, ensuring that artists from every part of the country find recognition on an international stage.
Underscoring India’s tradition of embracing diverse ideas and cultures, referencing a Sanskrit phrase, Shri Modi emphasized that India’s civilizational openness has welcomed communities like Parsis and Jews, who have thrived in the country and become an integral part of its cultural fabric. He acknowledged the presence of ministers and representatives from various countries, noting that every nation has its own successes and contributions. He remarked that India’s strength lies in respecting and celebrating global artistic achievements, reinforcing the country’s commitment to creative collaboration. He emphasized that by creating content that reflects the accomplishments of different cultures and nations, WAVES can strengthen the vision of global connectivity and artistic exchange.
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to the global creative community, assuring them that engaging with India’s stories would reveal narratives deeply resonant with their own cultures. He emphasized that India’s rich storytelling tradition carries themes and emotions that transcend borders, creating a natural and meaningful connection. He remarked that international artists and creators who explore India’s stories will experience an organic bond with the nation’s heritage. He stated that this cultural synergy will make India’s vision of Create in India even more compelling and accessible to the world.
“This is the time of dawn of Orange Economy in India, Content, Creativity and Culture – the three pillars of Orange Economy”, exclaimed Shri Modi, remarking that Indian films have now reached audiences in over 100 countries, with global viewers increasingly seeking to understand Indian cinema beyond surface-level appreciation. He highlighted the growing trend of international audiences watching Indian content with subtitles, signaling deeper engagement with India’s stories. Shri Modi also noted that India’s OTT industry has witnessed tenfold growth in recent years, stating that while screen sizes may be shrinking, the scope of content is infinite, with micro screens delivering mega messages. He observed that Indian cuisine is becoming a global favorite and expressed confidence that Indian music will soon gain similar worldwide recognition.
Emphasizing the immense potential of India’s creative economy, stating that in the coming years, its contribution to the country’s GDP is set to increase significantly, the Prime Minister remarked, “India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, and music”. He noted the promising growth opportunities in the live concert industry and the vast potential in the global animation market, which currently stands at over $430 billion and is projected to double in the next decade. The Prime Minister highlighted that this presents a significant opportunity for India’s animation and graphics industry, urging stakeholders to leverage this expansion for greater international reach.
Calling upon India’s young creators to drive the nation’s Orange Economy forward, acknowledging that their passion and hard work are shaping a new wave of creativity, Shri Modi emphasized that whether they are musicians from Guwahati, podcasters from Kochi, game designers in Bengaluru, or filmmakers in Punjab, their contributions are fueling India’s growing creative sector. He assured that the government stands firmly behind creative professionals, supporting them through initiatives like Skill India, Startup Support, policies for the AVGC Industry, and global platforms like WAVES. He remarked that every effort is being made to build an environment where innovation and imagination are valued, fostering new dreams and empowering individuals to bring those dreams to life. Shri Modi highlighted that WAVES will serve as a major platform where Creativity meets Coding, Software blends with Storytelling, and Art merges with Augmented Reality. He urged young creators to make the most of this opportunity, dream big, and dedicate their efforts to realizing their visions.
The Prime Minister expressed his unwavering confidence in India’s content creators, highlighting that their free-flowing creativity is redefining the global creative landscape. He emphasized that the youthful spirit of India’s creators knows no barriers, boundaries, or hesitation, allowing innovation to thrive. He remarked that through his personal interactions with young creators, gamers, and digital artists, he has witnessed firsthand the energy and talent emerging from India’s creative ecosystem. He acknowledged that India’s massive young population is driving new creative dimensions, from reels, podcasts, and games to animation, stand-up, and AR-VR formats. The Prime Minister asserted that WAVES is a platform designed specifically for this generation—one that enables young minds to reimagine and redefine the creative revolution with their energy and efficiency.
Underscoring the importance of Creative Responsibility in a technology-driven 21st century, Shri Modi emphasised that as technology increasingly influences human lives, extra efforts are needed to preserve emotional sensitivity and cultural richness. He remarked that the creative world holds the power to foster human compassion and deepen societal consciousness. He asserted that the goal is not to create robots but to nurture individuals with heightened sensitivity, emotional depth, and intellectual richness—qualities that cannot stem from information overload or technological speed alone. Shri Modi stressed on the importance of art, music, dance, and storytelling, noting that these forms have kept human sensibilities alive for thousands of years. He urged creatives to reinforce these traditions and build a more compassionate future. He also highlighted the need to protect young generations from divisive and harmful ideologies, stating that WAVES can serve as a vital platform to uphold cultural integrity and instill positive values. He warned that neglecting this responsibility could have grave consequences for future generations.
Emphasising the transformative impact of technology on the creative world, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of global coordination to harness its full potential. He remarked that WAVES will serve as a bridge connecting Indian creators with global storytellers, animators with global visionaries, and transform gamers to global champions. He invited international investors and creators to embrace India as their content playground and explore the country’s vast creative ecosystem. Addressing global creators, the Prime Minister urged them to dream big and tell their story. He encouraged investors to invest not just in platforms, but in people, and called on Indian youth to share their one billion untold stories with the world. He concluded by extending his best wishes to all participants of the inaugural WAVES Summit.
The Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Ministers, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dr. L. Murugan were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
WAVES 2025 is a four-day summit with tagline “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries” is poised to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation by bringing together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world.
In line with Prime Minister’s vision of leveraging creativity, technology, and talent to shape a brighter future, WAVES will integrate films, OTT, gaming, comics, digital media, AI, AVGC-XR, broadcasting, and emerging tech, making it a comprehensive showcase of India’s media and entertainment prowess. WAVES aims to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029, expanding India’s footprint in the global entertainment economy.
At WAVES 2025, India is also hosting the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, with ministerial participation from 25 countries, marking a milestone in the country’s engagement with the global media and entertainment landscape. The Summit will also feature the WAVES Bazaar, a global e-marketplace with over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects. It aims to connect buyers and sellers locally and globally, ensuring wide-reaching networking and business opportunities.
Prime Minister visited the Creatosphere and interacted with creators, selected from the 32 Create in India Challenges launched nearly a year ago, which garnered over one lakh registrations. He will also visit the Bharat Pavilion.
WAVES 2025 will witness participation from over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. The summit will feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses spanning diverse sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, films, and digital media.
Today, India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music and live concerts. pic.twitter.com/ubo3q8tx7S
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LANZHOU, May 1 — Two major archaeological sites along the ancient Silk Road opened to the public in northwest China on Thursday, the first day of the May Day holiday, offering new choices for travelers keen to explore the exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations over a millennium ago.
One of these newly opened sites, the Tuyugou Grottoes, is located in the city of Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This complex, built around the fifth century, boasts 157 caves carved into cliffs, three temples and nine pagodas.
Five caves and a Buddhist temple at the grottoes have opened to the public, offering 300 visitor slots per day, said Liu Yi, a cultural relics preservation official of Turpan’s cultural heritage bureau.
Ten archaeological excavations since 2010 at the site have unearthed abundant artifacts, including Buddhist scriptures in multiple languages as well as documents like taxation records and loan contracts.
China has invested more than 77 million yuan (about 10.7 million U.S. dollars) in restoring and reinforcing these grottoes in recent years.
“The Tuyugou Grottoes are a vivid testimony to the cultural and religious exchanges in the Turpan Basin,” said Xia Lidong, associate researcher at the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
The ruins of Xuanquanzhi in the city of Dunhuang, Gansu Province, also opened to the public on Thursday.
Dating back some 2,000 years to the Western Han Dynasty, the site back then served as a comprehensive post station for mail and information deliveries, as well as the reception of messengers, officials and foreign guests. It is one of the Silk Road sites that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
Following excavations in the early 1990s, the site was accessible only to research teams. Thanks to investments totaling over 309 million yuan, China strengthened preservation of the site and developed tourism facilities.
“Through its remarkable efforts in cultural preservation, China has reminded the world that heritage is not static. It lives, breathes and teaches,” said Qaiser Nawab, chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development.
Addressing the needs of international tourists, the site’s guiding and interpretation services are available in multiple languages.
Samuel Fanning, a tourist and history lover from Canada, was attracted by Turpan’s ancient architecture.
“I planned to stay in Xinjiang for seven days, but it will end up being 12 days. I think this can speak to how enjoyable it is to visit here,” Fanning said, adding that he will also visit Dunhuang.
Qiu Jian, head of the Gansu provincial cultural heritage bureau, revealed that global interest in the ancient Silk Road is steadily rising.
“Through the gradual opening of more cultural heritage sites, we aim to present an overall and more diverse picture of the Silk Road culture to the public,” said Qiu.
Fifty years after the end of the Vietnam war, the long-term consequences of that conflict continue to affect many Vietnamese people’s daily lives. There are still thousands of unexploded mines and bombs strewn across the region in forests, rice fields and around villages.
The war (1955-75) pitted communist North Vietnam and its allies against South Vietnam and its ally, the US, and spilled into Laos and Cambodia. It was seen partly as a symbol of the cold war and a conflict between communist values and the west.
In 2019, the US Congress estimated that more than 20% of land in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia remained “contaminated” by unexploded ordnance (UXO). In 2023, in Vietnam alone, this was estimated to mean around 800,000 tonnes of bombs and mines remained. Since 1975, UXO accidents have caused more than 105,000 casualties, including more than 38,000 deaths of Vietnamese civilians.
But mine clearance and attempts to clean up the results of the toxic Agent Orange sprayed on the Vietnamese countryside during the war have been put on hold by Donald Trump’s government, as the administration dismantles US foreign aid (USAID).
In the last few weeks, funds for the clean-up of Agent Orange at Bien Hoa air base, close to Ho Chi Minh City, were frozen and then unfrozen. It remains unclear how, or whether, the process will be able to continue when many of the personnel involved have lost their jobs.
Meanwhile, a USAID project helping the victims of Agent Orange appears to have ended along with the agency that delivered it. And in January, the US state department announced it was suspending mine clearance in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for at least three months because of the cuts.
In another development that suggests the relationship between Vietnam and the US is fragile, senior US diplomats based in Vietnam have been told not to attend any commemorations marking the end of the Vietnam war in Hanoi.
What’s the backdrop?
During the conflict, the US military dropped millions of tonnes of ordnance on Vietnam as well as neighbouring Cambodia and Laos.
Even though Laos and Cambodia were not officially involved in the war, recent research has revealed that in the 1960s and 1970s, the Americans dropped more bombs on Cambodia than the allies did on their enemies during the second world war, and that Laos became the most bombed country per head of population in history.
CBS coverage of the Vietnam war.
As a result, every year hundreds of people across south-east Asia, many of them children, continue to be killed and maimed by these bombs and mines.
Agent Orange’s legacy
Agent Orange and other chemical defoliants used during the war are also still spreading their toxic legacy. US forces sprayed at least 70 million litres of these chemicals on the countryside during the war, to expose the enemy and destroy its food sources.
This process proved potentially catastrophic for anyone, including Americans, who was exposed to Agent Orange at the time – as well as their children, as it is linked to birth defects.
Today, millions of people — many of whom were not even alive during the conflict — continue to suffer from physical and mental conditions that can be directly linked to Agent Orange, despite the challenges of documenting cases.
And countless people who fought and died in the war remain missing. While close to 60,000 Americans were killed and the bodies of some 1,600 of them are still unaccounted for, hundreds of thousands — probably millions — of Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians died. Many of their remains have never been found.
This has led the International Commission on Missing Persons to suggest that about 200,000 Vietnamese people killed during the war are in “anonymous or unknown gravesites” across the country.
In recent years, the US and Vietnam governments have worked together to undo some of the damage of the war, as part of the American and Vietnamese diplomatic reconciliation process. This has included the state department in Washington providing millions of dollars for the clearance of unexploded ordnance.
The US government had also funded a multi-million dollar clean-up of areas on which Agent Orange was used, and supported treatment for those it affected.
In recent years, governments of both nations also worked on projects to find the remains of Americans and Vietnamese killed in the war. Members of the public and veterans have been part of this search.
US-Vietnamese ties have taken decades to build and involve many people at different levels of government in Hanoi and Washington. But Trump’s decision to halt funding for landmine removal as well as medical support in Vietnam will seriously endanger this work, and could leave hundreds of lives still at risk.
Andrew Priest 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.
The Trump administration’s cuts to funding for American universities and research have left many scientists reeling and very worried. At the National Institutes of Health, which has an annual budget of US$47 billion to support medical research both in the U.S. and around the world, nearly 800 grants have been terminated. The administration is considering cutting the overall budget of the NIH by 40%.
In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to three scientists, two in the U.S. and one in South Africa, about what it’s like to be a scientist whose funding has been cut by the Trump administration.
Sunghee Lee was in a meeting when she received an email to say that her $5 million, five-year grant from the NIH had been terminated. It was March 21, and Lee, a research professor at the University of Michigan, was stunned.
“ It was very short and opaque, which is very different than how NIH usually operates”, she said. Lee’s project, which started in 2024, looked at different risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease across racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. The termination email cited diversity, equity and inclusion studies, an early target of the Trump administration’s cuts to federal research funding, which it said no longer “effectuates agency priorities.”
Lee was confused. “ Our study looks at everybody,” she said. “So if looking at everybody is a DEI study, just about any data collection in this country should be classified as DEI studies and terminated.”
An arduous application process
A few weeks earlier, Brady West, a colleague of Lee’s at the University of Michigan, had received similar news. West’s access to a federal research data center, a secure room to access restricted personal data, was withdrawn. He was told that one of his NIH-funded projects, which looked at measuring health disparities between people of different sexual identities, was no longer in compliance with recent executive orders. “Fortunately for me,” he said, “I was nearing the end of this project.”
West explains that it can take up to two years for researchers to win a grant from a federal funding agency like the NIH. That money then supports a whole team of people, including researchers and administrators. All grant applications are reviewed by a panel of experts from the field who judge whether it’s novel, important research.
”A big misconception is that an administration chooses to fund these grants based on what they believe are important topics to research,“ West said. “That’s not the case.”
HIV vaccine research
The vast majority of NIH funding goes to institutions and researchers in the U.S., but a recent analysis by the journal Nature found 811 grants to international teams in more than 60 countries worth more than $340 million.
Glenda Gray is a professor at the infectious disease and oncology research institute at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and chief scientific officer at South Africa’s Medical Research Council. She’s at the forefront of research efforts to find a vaccine for HIV, work supported largely by grants from the NIH and aid from the United States Agency for International Development.
In January, a $46 million project funded by USAID on experimental HIV vaccines that Gray ran was terminated after the Trump administration dismantled the aid agency. Then in mid-April, she saw that funding for a clinical trial unit in Soweto involved in trials for HIV vaccines had been marked as “pending.” On top of that, four global research networks on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies that the Soweto unit was affiliated with were told by NIH that they could no longer spend any money in South Africa.
Gray says the level of funding, which was won in a competitive, global process, is “irreplacable” and will have drastic impact on HIV research.
“ Basically you lose the knowledge or the value of understanding HIV prevention, HIV vaccines or therapeutics. We have the infrastructure, we have the burden of disease, and we have the ability to answer these questions,” Gray said. “And so it’s going to take much longer to answer these questions than if you had South Africa there. Basically, we slow down HIV vaccine research … you slow down the process of knowledge generation.”
Listen to Sunghee Lee, Brady West and Glenda Gray talk about their experiences and what it means for their research on The Conversation Weekly podcast. It also includes an introduction with Alla Katsnelson, associate health editor at The Conversation in the U.S.
This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Gemma Ware and Katie Flood. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.
Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.
Brady Thomas West has received funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Science Foundation. Sunghee Lee has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Justice. Glenda Gray has received funding from USAID co-operative agreement for HIV vaccine research and US-NIH funding for HIV vaccines.
Experts from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute will host a special event to give shift workers the opportunity to learn more about the health impacts of a ‘disrupted body clock.’Experts from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute will host a special event to give shift workers the opportunity to learn more about the health impacts of a ‘disrupted body clock.’
Dr Brendan Gabriel and Professor Alexandra Johnstone recently collaborated with NHS Grampian Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Council on a “top tips” guide for shift workers – and are keen to spread the message to other sectors too, such as oil and gas.
Attendees will learn valuable tips and tricks to stay healthy and energised while working irregular hours and Dr Gabriel and Professor Johnstone will share insights on sleep patterns, nutrition, and stress management tailored to the unique challenges faced by shift workers.
Dr Gabriel said: “We wanted to put on this event to open up a conversation between researchers and the people at the heart of this issue: shift workers themselves. “Our research at the Rowett is focused on understanding how disrupted body clocks affect metabolism, diet, and long-term health, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned so far.
By hearing directly from those who work nights – across healthcare, energy, and other sectors – we can make sure our science is grounded in everyday reality.” Dr Brendan Gabriel
“But we also know that real-world experiences are just as important. By hearing directly from those who work nights — across healthcare, energy, and other sectors — we can make sure our science is grounded in everyday reality.”
Professor Johnstone added: “We know from our previous work that time of day of eating, or ‘chrono-nutrition’, is important for appetite control, but also that time of day for eating the largest meal of the day (either morning or evening) does not influence energy metabolism and shift workers can achieve a healthy weight in spite of different eating times.”
The event will take place on Thursday, May 22 at 2pm at the Rowett Institute. For more information and to book your place, visit https://abdn.site/ShiftWork
An online event will take place on Thursday 29 May from 2-3pm for anyone who can’t make the in person session. More details can be found here.
On Tuesday in Busan, Kang Do-Hyung, Korea’s Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, shared with his ocean and fisheries counterparts a statement that reflects the outcomes of the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting, which he chaired on 1 May 2025.
Under the theme “Navigating our Blue Future – Connection, Innovation, and Prosperity,” the meeting underscored the urgent need for stronger cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, promote sustainable ocean practices and support inclusive economic growth in the region.
The statement highlighted the critical role of regional collaboration in addressing marine pollution, disaster preparedness and the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture.
Ministers also emphasized the need for the development of the APEC Ocean Resilience Enhancement Roadmap, a framework aimed at enhancing disaster risk management and strengthening regional resilience.
Ministers recognized the growing threat of marine pollution, urging the timely implementation of the APEC Roadmap on Marine Debris and calling for innovative technological solutions to reduce pollution and safeguard marine biodiversity.
In the area of fisheries management, ministers reiterated the importance of science-based approaches to ensure the sustainability of ocean resources, food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
They called for increased efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and for the enhancement of capacity-building initiatives to support robust monitoring and enforcement across the region.
APEC ministers also committed to fostering collaboration on sustainable aquaculture development and small-scale fisheries, stressing the need for public-private partnerships and knowledge exchange to drive economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hiran Thabrew, Senior Lecturer in Child Psychiatry and Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. Someone may have social and communication differences, sensory issues and/or restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour or interests.
There has been increased awareness and an expanded definition of autism over the past couple of decades. Now around one in 40people are thought to be autistic.
Autistic people often have strengths such as focus, honesty and dedication. But due to a combination of genetic and autism-related factors, they also have higher rates of other health conditions.
Common mental health conditions include anxiety, depression, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders and intellectual developmental disorder.
Common physical health conditions include epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease.
The core features of autism can’t and don’t need to be altered. But a range of talking therapies and medications can help manage these other health conditions.
Commonly prescribed medications
The increased awareness of autism and availability of new medications has seen increasedrates of prescribing for autistic people and those with other chronic conditions over the past few decades. This is a trend we have seen internationally.
The most common medications for mental health conditions among autistic people are:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), for anxiety and depression
low-dose antipsychotic medications, such as risperidone and aripiprazole, for reducing stress-related irritability and aggression
stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) for ADHD
melatonin and other sleep medications.
The most common medications for physical health conditions among autistic people are:
painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, for pain and fever, especially in younger children. These are also the most commonly prescribed medication for non-autistic children
antibiotics, such as amoxycillin, for suspected or confirmed infections (autistic children tend to have more infections)
asthma and allergy medications, including salbutamol inhalers, loratadine and oral steroids (autistic people have similar rates of allergies to non-autistic people)
laxatives, such as lactulose, for constipation. Autistic people are at increased risk of constipation due to limited food preferences, rigid toilet habits, and difficulty recognising when they need to use the toilet.
Autistic people are prescribed a range of medications for physical and mental health conditions. CandyRetriever/Shutterstock
Multiple medications, or not enough
Prescribing multiple medications at the same time is known as polypharmacy. This has become more of an issue for autistic people in Aotearoa New Zealandand Australia.
One study found autistic children and young people from Aotearoa New Zealand received a mean (average) four medications in one year (versus 2.9 medications for non-autistic people). Some 57% were prescribed three or more medications at a time.
Medications may work as well for people with and without autism. However, autistic people are more likely to have side effects. This might be due to heightened sensory sensitivities and the way medications affect the nervous system.
Polypharmacy increases the risk of medication interactions. It is also likely to contribute to autistic people’s higher chance of dying early. A 2024 study confirms this occurs at double the rate of non-autistic people.
Possible reasons for polypharmacy include:
lack of agreement between doctors and clear guidelines for prescribing medication
greater likelihood of being treated during crises. For instance, behaviour that escalates to the point of personal or property damage and family burnout may require medication to allow a child to stay at home.
However, at times, autistic people may not receive appropriate medications. This may be because doctors do not have clear prescribing guidelines or vary in how they prescribe. It can also be because someone or their family are concerned about side effects.
We should aim to use the appropriate medication for the appropriate period of time for the growing number of people diagnosed with autism.
It’s essential prescribers have clearer prescribing guidance, aim for the lowest possible dose of medication, actively address polypharmacy and regularly monitor autistic people with a view to weaning medications as soon as possible.
Earlier identification and support for autistic children and their families would reduce the chance of crises and stress-related health conditions.
We need health services that can better meet the needs of autistic people. Flexible, tailored care should be provided in an environment that matches someone’s sensory needs. For instance, an environment should not be too bright or loud, or overstimulating. Ideally, this will have been designed with autistic people.
We also need an adequately resourced health system to provide autistic people with timely, appropriate, safe and equitable care.
Hiran Thabrew is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, paediatrician, autism researcher and New Zealand Chair for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He has never received any pharmaceutical company sponsorship for his clinical or research activities.
Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) took President Trump, Elon Musk and DOGE, and his Republican colleagues to task today for their brutal cuts to medical research that threaten to take away hope from millions of Americans. His remarks came during emotional questioning at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on biomedical research.
Senator Coons opened his remarks by speaking out against the drastic cuts DOGE, which he described as a “horde of locusts,” has made to medical research and clinical trials. DOGE has fired 2,500 researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and canceled over 800 grants for research on diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. They have also fired 3,500 members of staff at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
These cuts have not just stunted medical research in our country for decades to come. They have also taken away hope from Americans struggling with disease and the families whose lives and well-being depend on this research. During his remarks, Senator Coons talked about how he has felt this personally – whether through friends who have benefitted from clinical cancer trials, or through family and friends he has lost to the disease, including his father, father-in-law, and stepfather.
“Yes, clinical trials, doctor, sometimes doesn’t benefit the individual, but I gotta tell you: it sure as hell benefited [my friend] and his family. It gave him hope, and it kept him alive. And I don’t understand how a single member of this Congress can look you in the eyes as a mother and say we should cut these programs,” said Senator Coons during the hearing. “The FDA, the NIH, National Cancer Institutes, all in combination give hope to those facing the beast of cancer, the challenges of a new diagnosis, and the need for a path forward that’s positive.”
Senator Coons also highlighted the impacts cuts to medical research have had on his own state, highlighting a recent visit to the University of Delaware’s National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). During his visit, Senator Coons was told that DOGE had delayed, paused, or withheld $55 million in grant funding for research on diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
“If that’s happening in my little state, all across our country we are devastating the next generation of researchers,” Senator Coons continued. “We are harming our nation and giving China the opening of a lifetime to recruit the best and brightest from around the world. And Emily, we are taking away from families like yours – all over our nation – hope.”
A video and transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below.
WATCH HERE
Senator Coons: Thank you, Vice Chair Murray. Thank you for leading this hearing, and I want to thank each of the researchers who has dedicated your lives to science, to medicine, to progress. Thank you for your testimony today. Emily, thank you.
I am enraged and struggling with this hearing. Listening to you talk about the value of hope to you and your daughter with cancer, and the very measured and reasonable way in which we’ve all discussed what’s happened, makes me crazy. Because DOGE, in my view, is a horde of locusts who’ve been unleashed on the federal government, and they have torn up things that we have built over decades. Let me just briefly review: at NIH, 1200 probationary researchers were laid off and another 1300 fired. That’s 2500 dedicated researchers. At FDA, 3500 staff. At NIH, DOGE canceled 800 grants valued at over a billion – and we were told these grants focused on DEI when in fact they focused on diabetes, Alzheimer’s, mRNA and cancer.
My father died of cancer. My father-in-law died of cancer. My stepfather died of cancer. Your daughter, Charlie, is with us today because of the incredible dedicated research and the ground-breaking work of people we’ve talked so calmly about today. Dr. Sleckman, I have a personal friend – a combat veteran, a Marine Corps colonel – who came to me when he was diagnosed with stage four metastatic melanoma, as you just described, and whose life was saved by the research you described. I have a personal friend of decades, Nicky Sotiropoulis, who came to me when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. His son, close friends with my sons. His wife, close with my wife. He went to NIH month after month, year after year. Yes, clinical trials, doctor, sometimes doesn’t benefit the individual, but I gotta tell you: it sure as hell benefited Nick and his family. It gave him hope, and it kept him alive. And I don’t understand how a single member of this Congress can look you in the eyes as a mother and say we should cut these programs.
Sure, we can talk about overhead rates. Sure, we can talk about measured and thoughtful and reasonable ways to trim a little here, or cut a little there. But that’s not what’s happening. What’s happening is the wholescale abandonment of billions of dollars of research. I was just at the University of Delaware last week, at the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, and you know what I was told? That at the University of Delaware – the little University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware! – $55 million in health research – $55 million! – has been delayed, paused, or withheld. Research on HIV, Alzheimer’s and characterization of cancer cells. And if that’s happening in my little state, all across our country we are devastating the next generation of researchers. We are harming our nation and giving China the opening of a lifetime to recruit the best and brightest from around the world. And Emily, we are taking away from families like yours – all over our nation – hope.
Emily, can you tell me how important hope is for you and Charlie, how important is it that we keep investing in research?
Mrs. Emily Stenson: Thank you for the question. Hope gets you through the hardest days, and I know I explained in our story some of the hard days that we had, and hope is what kept my husband and I going and trying to save our daughter. There’s no value you can put on hope, and we need to be providing it to all of the families like ours.
Senator Coons: So yesterday, I caught up with a Delawarean who’s been living with ALS for years, and last weekend, a close friend of mine confided his recent diagnosis with ALS. Senator Murkowski and I worked to get signed into law a bill to invest in ALS research. Dr. Esham, if I could, how will the cuts to FDA impact your agency’s ability to characterize and bring new treatments – to provide hope to those living with this horrific disease?
Cartier Esham, Ph.D.: Thank you for that question, Senator, and I believe you’re probably aware that the Alliance did send letters to this committee expressing our concerns about the volume of approval department departures, and the potential impact on the ability of the FDA to be effective and continue be able to continue to evaluate the safety and accuracy of next-generation medical interventions. I will say, I will say, I did have the privilege of meeting with the commissioner on Monday and was happy to hear that he does not have any major plans for a major reorganization. And while they’re looking at efficiencies, potential consolidations and things like travel and IT and potential efficiencies that can be brought about by regulatory innovation, I was happy to hear that they are looking very hard in examining what functions need to be brought back to the agency to ensure that they are able to manage—you know, optimally manage their workload and continue to review and approve next-generation medicines. I think continued transparency and communications about this and engagement can be very important moving forward. We are certainly—the alliance will be certainly examining the proposed budget updates about staffing, including information about what positions are funded by user fees, and how we can work together to make sure that in total, the FDA has the resources it has to have to not just approve what’s before them now, but to continue to drive investment in the United States and next-generation medicine. If you don’t have a functioning FDA, that has a severe impact on the ability to raise funds for next-generation medicines.
Senator Coons: The FDA, the NIH, National Cancer Institutes, all in combination give hope to those facing the beast of cancer, the challenges of a new diagnosis, and the need for a path forward that’s positive. Thank you for what you do. Thank you, Madam Chair for this hearing.
The internet’s latest absurd obsession is: who would win in a no-rules fight between 100 average human men and one adult male gorilla?
This hypothetical and strange question has taken over Reddit, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Some argue that humans once hunted mammoths so, clearly, we would win. Others point out that a silverback gorilla can lift close to 1,000kg and could throw a grown man like a rag doll.
To be honest, it’s not really a question we need to answer – and yet, as usual on the internet, everyone has an opinion.
But, beyond the jokes and memes, this silly debate provides an opportunity to reflect on human evolution. What are the real strengths of our species? What have we sacrificed? And what can a gorilla, our majestic, powerful and endangered distant cousin, teach us about our own nature and evolution?
Gorillas and humans: two branches of the same evolutionary tree
Gorillas are one of our closest living relatives. Along with chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans, they belong to the great apes or Hominidae family. Chimpanzees share about 98.8% of their DNA with us, while gorillas come a close second, sharing around 98.4%.
The last common ancestor between humans and gorillas lived roughly 10 million years ago, and it is also the same ancestor for chimpanzees.
Since the evolutionary split, humans and gorillas have followed very different paths. Gorillas have adapted to dense forests and mountainous terrains, while humans have evolved to live in the open, but realistically to multiple and various environments.
Despite the substantial difference in ecological niches, humans and gorillas share many traits, such as opposable thumbs, facial expressions, complex social behaviours and emotional intelligence.
Mastering forest power
In the recent Dune saga, to win, Duke Leto Atreides wanted to develop “desert power”. Well, gorillas have mastered forest power.
And let’s be clear – in terms of raw power, the gorilla wins every time. An adult male silverback can weigh more than 160kg and lift about a tonne without going to the gym every day. Their upper-body strength is shocking. And that’s no evolutionary accident – it’s the result of intense competition between males, where dominance determines mating.
Additionally, gorillas are extremely tough and resilient, yet gentle and calm most of the time. Gorillas, like many primates, have a strong social intelligence. They use a variety of vocalisations, gestures and even chest drumming to communicate across distances.
They have shown the ability to use sign language, mourn their dead, and demonstrate empathy, attesting to sophisticated cognitive skills.
Trading muscles for minds
A fight between 100 men and one gorilla might lead to a lot of dead men, but we all know that men will come with weapons, strategies, drones, fire and other clever tricks.
Humans are not physically strong in comparison to many other mammals. Our strength as a species is our adaptability and our ability to collaborate in very large groups.
Our brains are, on average, three times larger proportionally than those of gorillas. This fantastic evolutionary adaptation has allowed us to develop abstract thinking and symbolic language, but most of all, to pass and build on complex knowledge across generations.
Humans’ evolutionary history has led to trading brute force for social, cultural and technological complexity, making us Earth’s most versatile and dangerous species.
So, who’s the winner?
In a one-on-one brawl, the gorilla can make “human-mash” with one hand. There is no contest when discussing brute force and bare hands.
But humans fight dirty. Judging by our evolutionary success, humans would likely lose many battles but ultimately win the fight. Mountain gorillas were not on the brink of extinction in the 1980s without our help.
Our species has spread across all continents, all terrains, and all climates. We have reshaped ecosystems, walked on the Moon, and developed advanced technologies. But gorillas are another kind of success rooted in harmony with their environment, physical grace, and quiet strength.
Perhaps the real takeaway message isn’t who wins in a fight, but to realise that two very different and yet very close cousins have walked two separate evolutionary roads, each in their own distinct way. And both are nature’s triumph and accomplishment.
Renaud Joannes-Boyau receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Leakey Foundation, National Geographic, and the European Research Council.
The internet’s latest absurd obsession is: who would win in a no-rules fight between 100 average human men and one adult male gorilla?
This hypothetical and strange question has taken over Reddit, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Some argue that humans once hunted mammoths so, clearly, we would win. Others point out that a silverback gorilla can lift close to 1,000kg and could throw a grown man like a rag doll.
To be honest, it’s not really a question we need to answer – and yet, as usual on the internet, everyone has an opinion.
But, beyond the jokes and memes, this silly debate provides an opportunity to reflect on human evolution. What are the real strengths of our species? What have we sacrificed? And what can a gorilla, our majestic, powerful and endangered distant cousin, teach us about our own nature and evolution?
Gorillas and humans: two branches of the same evolutionary tree
Gorillas are one of our closest living relatives. Along with chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans, they belong to the great apes or Hominidae family. Chimpanzees share about 98.8% of their DNA with us, while gorillas come a close second, sharing around 98.4%.
The last common ancestor between humans and gorillas lived roughly 10 million years ago, and it is also the same ancestor for chimpanzees.
Since the evolutionary split, humans and gorillas have followed very different paths. Gorillas have adapted to dense forests and mountainous terrains, while humans have evolved to live in the open, but realistically to multiple and various environments.
Despite the substantial difference in ecological niches, humans and gorillas share many traits, such as opposable thumbs, facial expressions, complex social behaviours and emotional intelligence.
Mastering forest power
In the recent Dune saga, to win, Duke Leto Atreides wanted to develop “desert power”. Well, gorillas have mastered forest power.
And let’s be clear – in terms of raw power, the gorilla wins every time. An adult male silverback can weigh more than 160kg and lift about a tonne without going to the gym every day. Their upper-body strength is shocking. And that’s no evolutionary accident – it’s the result of intense competition between males, where dominance determines mating.
Additionally, gorillas are extremely tough and resilient, yet gentle and calm most of the time. Gorillas, like many primates, have a strong social intelligence. They use a variety of vocalisations, gestures and even chest drumming to communicate across distances.
They have shown the ability to use sign language, mourn their dead, and demonstrate empathy, attesting to sophisticated cognitive skills.
Trading muscles for minds
A fight between 100 men and one gorilla might lead to a lot of dead men, but we all know that men will come with weapons, strategies, drones, fire and other clever tricks.
Humans are not physically strong in comparison to many other mammals. Our strength as a species is our adaptability and our ability to collaborate in very large groups.
Our brains are, on average, three times larger proportionally than those of gorillas. This fantastic evolutionary adaptation has allowed us to develop abstract thinking and symbolic language, but most of all, to pass and build on complex knowledge across generations.
Humans’ evolutionary history has led to trading brute force for social, cultural and technological complexity, making us Earth’s most versatile and dangerous species.
So, who’s the winner?
In a one-on-one brawl, the gorilla can make “human-mash” with one hand. There is no contest when discussing brute force and bare hands.
But humans fight dirty. Judging by our evolutionary success, humans would likely lose many battles but ultimately win the fight. Mountain gorillas were not on the brink of extinction in the 1980s without our help.
Our species has spread across all continents, all terrains, and all climates. We have reshaped ecosystems, walked on the Moon, and developed advanced technologies. But gorillas are another kind of success rooted in harmony with their environment, physical grace, and quiet strength.
Perhaps the real takeaway message isn’t who wins in a fight, but to realise that two very different and yet very close cousins have walked two separate evolutionary roads, each in their own distinct way. And both are nature’s triumph and accomplishment.
Renaud Joannes-Boyau receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Leakey Foundation, National Geographic, and the European Research Council.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
“For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent. These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children’s health and development. That era is coming to an end. We’re restoring gold-standard science, applying common sense, and beginning to earn back the public’s trust. And we’re doing it by working with industry to get these toxic dyes out of the foods our families eat every day. ” – Secretary Kennedy
—
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov
On behalf of the UN family, Secretary-General António Guterres today (29 Apr) extended “deepest condolences to the Catholic community and to so many others around the world grieving this tremendous loss.”
At a tribute ceremony at the General Assembly Hall, GA President Philémon Yang said, “to the faithful around the world, Pope Francis was more than the leader of the Catholic Church. He was a moral voice and a global conscience. With humility and courage, he championed the dignity of the marginalised, the poor and the voiceless.”
Yang said, Pope Francis “reminded us that the pursuit of common good must guide all our actions, whether in politics, economics or diplomacy” and had “urged all nations to rise above self-interest, and to act in solidarity with future generations.”
He said, “His Holiness never ceased to remind us that human dignity is a collective responsibility.”
Guterres recalled that as a young man, “Pope Francis found his calling in the slums of Buenos Aires, where his dedication to serving the poor earned him the title Bishop of the Slums.”
These early experiences, he said, “sharpened his conviction that faith must be an engine of action and change,” and “put that engine into overdrive as an unstoppable voice for social justice and equality.
The Secretary-General said Pope Francis “stood with conviction for innocents caught in war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza.”
He recalled that “every day without fail, precisely at 7:00 p.m., he would quietly call the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City. As someone at the Church said, ‘He would ask us how we were, what did we eat, did we have clean water, was anyone injured?’ It was never diplomatic or a matter of obligation. It was the questions a father asks to their son.”
The representative of the Holy See, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia told the General Assembly that “the best way we can commemorate Pope Francis today is to take that torch of hope and rediscover the spirit which 80 years ago created this organisation, so that together we can all work to end on a better world to the generations that will come after us.”
For his part, Argentine Ambassador Fabián Oddone said, “Pope Francis was a spiritual leader whose passing humanity is mourning. He was also a beacon who illuminated the human dignity of which he was such a staunch defender, particularly that human dignity that shone through the eyes of those most forgotten, marginalised unborn children who suffered as a result of the scourge of abortion. Older people, who were the victims of carelessness when euthanasia was placed on the table as an option. Women who suffer trafficking and exploitation or children put up for sale as a result of surrogacy and those who suffer the denials of their freedom and thought and religion rights so threatened for so many victims of bombs dropped or attacks conducted on religious grounds throughout the world.”
Pope Francis away on 21 April in Vatican City at the age of 88. The pontiff – born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina – was elected in March 2013. He was the first priest from the Americas region to lead the Catholic Church worldwide and a strong voice for social justice globally.
Volcanoes erupting underwater have a distinctive effect on the climate, according to research led by University of Auckland and Tongan scientists.
Research on Tonga’s devastating 2022 Hunga eruption has just been published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
“Submarine volcanism has previously been overlooked in global climate studies, because there is typically not much atmospheric sulphur dioxide released,” says Professor Shane Cronin, a co-lead author of the study with postdoctoral fellow Dr Jie Wu.
However, while sulphur dioxide can lead to significant climate effects, so too can water vapour.
At its peak Hunga’s eruption injected up to 3 billion tonnes of steam into the atmosphere in a single hour, with the water vapour reaching the stratosphere and even the mesosphere more than 57 km up, Cronin says.
“The eruption has been shown by several recently published studies to have cooled the Southern Hemisphere and cause a range of other atmospheric and climate impacts that we are still discovering,” he adds.
Hunga had the potential for a global impact from sulphur dioxide. The team estimates 20 million tonnes of it was released during the eruption, however, most of the sulphur went directly into seawater at depths between 300m and 1100m.
Cronin is at the School of Environment at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, while Wu is now based at the University of Otago.
University of Auckland and staff and students have been working with Tongan partners to understand the wider implications of submarine volcanism in the Southwestern Pacific in the aftermath of Hunga, the largest eruption witnessed in the modern era.
“We are striving to understand the broader hazards of submarine volcanism including tsunami and damage to shorelines and internet data cables as well as how these eruptions affect our environment and climate,” says Cronin.
The work is supported by an MBIE Endeavor Research Programme grant from 2024.
Vaping has, for the first time, been linked to a life-limiting and irreversible lung disease.
The groundbreaking study, published in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Journal, shows that e-cigarette use is strongly associated with increased new diagnoses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in New Zealand.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says this study confirms what we’ve long suspected – vaping isn’t just risky, it’s dangerous to your health.
“For years, we’ve been gaslighted into believing vaping is harmless – or at least ‘less harmful’ than cigarettes – meanwhile, we’ve watched teen vaping rates skyrocket.
“Now the science is catching up, and it’s not good news,” she says.
“Vaping is not harmless – it never has been – and this study shows it causes long-term irreversible lung damage.”
This study, which tracked 250,000 people over about three-and-a-half years, should be a significant wake-up call to the Government to tighten regulations even further, Ms Harding says.
“The vaping industry is using the same tactics Big Tobacco used decades ago – and it’s resulting in a new generation of teens addicted to nicotine who we now know are at risk of developing a life-long respiratory illness.”
Dr Stuart Jones, a respiratory physician and member of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, says that while there is now a clear link between vaping and COPD, the bigger issue is dual use (vaping and smoking).
“For the first time, we’ve got hard data showing that vaping alone can cause COPD – and if you’re vaping and smoking, you’re not reducing risk, you’re doubling down on it.
“Dual use is not a stepping stone to quitting – it’s a shortcut to the respiratory ward.”
E-cigarettes must be kept out of the hands of non-smokers, particularly young people, Dr Jones says.
“Vapes are not harmless devices – they are engineered nicotine delivery systems that inflame lung tissue and can leave lasting damage.
“If you smoke and vape, then the goal is to stop both. If you don’t smoke, then don’t vape. It’s that simple.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police National Missing Persons Coordination Centre, are embracing innovative technology to help solve long-standing missing persons cases.
Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) combines DNA testing with genealogy research to offer fresh hope for cases that have remained unsolved for years, particularly those of unidentified human remains.
The Northern Territory currently have 64 cases of unidentified human remains under investigation with the Cold Case Taskforce. FIGG technology presents a new frontier in forensic science and allows investigators to use genetic data to trace family connections through DNA. The use of genealogy databases is a game-changer, providing families of missing persons a much-needed opportunity to find closure.
What is Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG)?
FIGG is an emerging technique that combines the power of DNA analysis with genealogy research. By comparing genetic material from unidentified remains with databases of individuals’ DNA, investigators can trace family relationships and potentially identify those who have been missing for years, or in some cases, decades.
This process can be particularly effective for cases where traditional investigative methods have not yielded results. The ability to access and cross-reference large, publicly available DNA databases greatly enhances the likelihood of making connections that would otherwise be impossible.
How Can You Help?
Members of the public who have already submitted their DNA to consumer databases such as Ancestry.com can play a pivotal role in solving cold cases. By downloading your DNA results and uploading them to genealogy databases like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA, you could help solve a case that has left families without answers for years.
Instructions on how to upload DNA results to these databases can be found on their websites:
The key to achieving success with the use of this cutting-edge technology lies in the support of the community.
As FIGG continues to evolve, it holds promise for solving numerous unresolved missing persons cases across the Northern Territory and beyond. With 64 ongoing cases of unidentified human remains in the NT alone, this new method offers a renewed sense of optimism for those seeking answers.
The Northern Territory Police Force is encouraging members of the public to consider participating, helping to bring answers to families and giving long-term missing persons a chance at being identified.
For more information about how you can assist, please visit the websites linked above.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 1, 2025.
What’s the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shawna Mastro Campbell, Assistant Professor Clinical Psychology, Bond University Volurol/Shutterstock If you live with young children, there’s a good chance you’ve been on the receiving end of a child yelling, screaming, crying, throwing or hitting things. But how do parents know what is typical and age-related boundary
Is WA Health having final say over edits of Paramedics ‘censorship’? Yes. But it’s necessary Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jan Cattoni, Lecturer, Screen Production, CQUniversity Australia Australian reality TV debuted in 2006 with Bondi Rescue. The show featured a winning formula of sun, surf, heroes and danger. It sparked many similar programs featuring police, helicopter crews and paramedics. Paramedics (2018–), as the title suggests, follows Australian
Savvy athletes and new technology are flipping traditional sports marketing on its head Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Cairney, Professor and Head of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences; Director, The Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies, The University of Queensland Not so long ago, life was pretty simple for sports leagues and teams when it came to connecting with fans: the contests and
3 years on from the ‘integrity’ election, how is Australia tracking on corruption reforms? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Griffiths, Democracy Deputy Program Director, Grattan Institute Taras Vyshnya/Shutterstock At the last federal election, the then opposition leader Anthony Albanese pledged to “change the way politics operates in this country”. Integrity was a key issue in 2022, and Australians voted for a change of government and
Are side hustles really a way to escape the rat race, or just passion projects for a privileged few? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Farrugia, ARC Future Fellow, School of Education, Deakin University PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Is a “side hustle” really the only thing separating you from the life you desire? Listening to some influencers on social media could certainly have you thinking so. Side hustles encompass a range
Feuding mob families, mind control and a murder at the White House: what to watch in May Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexa Scarlata, Lecturer, Digital Communication, RMIT University Disney+/Prime/Netflix/Paramount+/The Conversation It’s May! Where did the year go? It must be all the amazing TV we’re watching that’s making the time whiz by. This month’s lineup of expert picks is packed with standout shows across all genres. Whether you’re
How does consciousness work? Duelling scientists tested two big theories but found no winner Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Bayne, Professor of Philosophy, Monash University cdd20 / Unsplash “Theories are like toothbrushes,” it’s sometimes said. “Everybody has their own and nobody wants to use anybody else’s.” It’s a joke, but when it comes to the study of consciousness – the question of how we have
Australians are warming to minority governments – but they still prefer majority rule Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Biddle, Professor of Economics and Public Policy, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University Minority governments have been part of Australia’s political history since Federation. In the country’s early decades, Prime Ministers Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin, Chris Watson, George Reid and Andrew Fisher
Donald Trump has cast a long shadow over the Australian election. Will it prove decisive? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University Donald Trump is everywhere, inescapable. His return to power in the United States was always going to have some impact on the Australian federal election. The question was how disruptive he would be.
Playing politics with AI: why NZ needs rules on the use of ‘fake’ images in election campaigns Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Isaacs, Lecturer, Anthropology, University of Waikato Laurence Dutton/Getty Images Seeing is no longer believing in the age of images and videos generated by artificial intelligence (AI), and this is having an impact on elections in New Zealand and elsewhere. Ahead of the 2025 local body elections,
When it comes to health information, who should you trust? 4 ways to spot a dodgy ‘expert’ Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University Surface/Unsplash When it comes to our health, we’re constantly being warned about being taken in by misinformation. Yet for most of us what we believe ultimately comes down to who we trust, including which “experts” we trust. The problem is
What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amal Elawady, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University A downburst blasts Bangkok, Thailand, in 2017. Natapat Ariyamongkol/iStock/Getty Images Plus From a distance, a downburst can look like a torrent of heavy rain. But at ground level, its behavior can be far more destructive.
Confirmed: Australian weapons sold to Israel, reveals Declassified Australia Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – SPECIAL REPORT: By Michelle Fahy The Australian counter-drone weapons system seen at a weapons demonstration in Israel recently is actually just one of a few that were sold by the Canberra-based company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and sent through its wholly-owned US subsidiary to Israel, Declassified
Amid Dutton’s ‘hate media’ and Trump’s despotism, press freedom is more vital than ever COMMENTARY: By Alexandra Wake Despite all the political machinations and hate towards the media coming from the president of the United States, I always thought the majority of Australian politicians supported the role of the press in safeguarding democracy. And I certainly did not expect Peter Dutton — amid an election campaign, one with citizens
Election Diary: post-election rate cut and phone call from Trump in the pipeline Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra It used to be de rigueur for the prime minister and opposition leader to turn up to the National Press Club in the final week of the election campaign. But now Liberal leaders are not so keen. Scott Morrison gave
Inaccurate 1News reporting on football violence breached broadcasting standards, rules BSA Broadcasting Standards Authority New Zealand’s Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) has upheld complaints about two 1News reports relating to violence around a football match in Amsterdam between local team Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv. The authority found an item on “antisemitic violence” surrounding the match, and another on heightened security in Paris the following week,
People’s mental health goes downhill after repeated climate disasters – it’s an issue of social equity Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ang Li, ARC DECRA and Senior Research Fellow, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Healthy Housing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne Across Australia, communities are grappling with climate disasters that are striking more frequently and with greater intensity. Bushfires, floods and
Older Australians are also hurting from the housing crisis. Where are the election policies to help them? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Cornell, Research Fellow, Flinders University shutterstock beeboys/Shutterstock It would be impossible at this stage in the election campaign to be unaware that housing is a critical, potentially vote-changing, issue. But the suite of policies being proposed by the major parties largely focus on young, first home
Inflation is easing, boosting the case for another interest rate cut in May Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Daria Nipot/Shutterstock Australia’s headline inflation rate held steady at a four-year low of 2.4% in the March quarter, according to official data, adding to the case for a cut in interest rates at
Is your child anxious about going on school camp? Here are 4 ways to prepare Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Micah Boerma, Researcher, School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland Nitinai Thabthong/Shutterstock One of the highlights of the school year is an overnight excursion or school camp. These can happen as early as Year 3. While many students are very excited about the chance to
A quad bike rollover which cost a Tararua farmhand his life could have been avoided if the farm manager had kept the bike in good working order, WorkSafe New Zealand says.
Worn brakes, uneven tyre pressure, and poor suspension were among the defects found on the bike that flipped at low speed and killed 31-year-old Ethen Payne at an Eketāhuna dairy farm in November 2022.
The bike was purchased second-hand and had no crush protection device installed. The farm manager and bike owner, Dane Hemphill, has now been sentenced for health and safety failures uncovered by a WorkSafe investigation. A victim impact statement read in court said Mr Payne’s mother has since died of a broken heart.
Uneven tyre pressure on the quad bike Ethen Payne was killed on.
“This tragedy should be the lightning rod the agriculture sector needs to up its game on quad bike safety,” says WorkSafe’s central regional manager, Nigel Formosa.
“First and foremost, WorkSafe strongly recommends installing a crush protection device on the back of a quad bike.”
Pre-start checks are important, primarily to check tyre pressure and brake function before setting off.
Regular servicing in line with the manufacturer’s recommendation is also a must. This may include oil changes and filter replacements. A checklist can be handy to document the frequency of servicing, what was looked at, and any fixes undertaken.
Any issues identified during pre-start checks or servicing should be addressed promptly to avoid further problems or potential hazards.
“We know life is busy for farmers, but there’s no excuse for letting your quad bike maintenance slide – especially when the consequences can be catastrophic. Ideally maintenance checks are done by a mechanic. If you are too busy to take your quad bikes in for a service, arrange for a mobile mechanic to come out to you. The cost is nothing compared to having a preventable death on your conscience,” says Nigel Formosa.
Agriculture was New Zealand’s deadliest industry in 2024, with 14 workers killed. Vehicles were the leading cause of death and injury on New Zealand farms, which is why WorkSafe’s new strategy targets about a quarter of our future inspectorate activity towards agriculture.
Businesses must manage their risks, and WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action.
Dane Hemphill was sentenced at Wellington District Court on 30 April 2025.
Reparations of $75,000 were ordered to be paid to the family.
Dane Hemphill was charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and 48(2)(b) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Being a PCBU, having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, including Ethen Donald Payne, while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking, namely using a Honda TRX420FM2 quadbike at Spring Grove Dairies farm, did fail to comply with that duty and that failure exposed the workers to a risk of death or serious injury.
The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $300,000.
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The Government is investing in Antarctic research to better understand changes on the icy continent and how they could affect New Zealand, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.
“What happens in Antarctica matters to us here in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.
“For example, as Antarctic ice melts, sea levels rise, which increases the risk of coastal erosion and flooding — threatening Kiwi homes and communities.”
First established through Budget 2017, the Antarctic Science Platform has been leading important research like modelling ice sheets to better predict sea-level rise. This information helps New Zealand prepare for and respond to future climate challenges.
In a second tranche of funding, the Government will invest another $49 million over the next seven years to keep this critical work going.
Dr Reti says it’s the Government’s largest investment in Antarctic research and will help New Zealand collaborate with international partners like the United States, Italy, and South Korea, who have research bases near Scott Base.
“As a founding Party to the Antarctic Treaty and one of only five gateways to the southernmost continent, New Zealand is committed to preserving and protecting Antarctica and the Southern Ocean for present and future generations,” says Dr Reti.
“What happens in Antarctica affects us all. This investment will help us better understand and prepare for climate change impacts, protect our communities, and support economic growth through stronger science and innovation.”
Notes for editors:
The Antarctic Science Platform’s objective is to conduct excellent science to understand Antarctica’s impact on the global earth system and how this might change in a +2˚ C (Paris agreement) world. It has four priorities:
Understanding the stability of the West Antarctic ice sheet
Understanding the impacts of change in the Antarctic atmosphere and Southern Ocean
Understanding threats to ecosystem dynamics in the Ross Sea
Understanding change in terrestrial and nearshore Antarctic environments, and the connections between them.
What are the critical signposts of catastrophic climate change and how can they be effectively observed to support timely mitigation?
What are the drivers and potential implications of unprecedented change in the Ross Sea and Southern Ocean?
What are the critical vulnerabilities of Antarctica’s ice sheets and glaciers, and what are the implications of likely increased melt?
Over the next seven years, the Antarctic Science Platform seeks to build on their previous work, but with a strategic shift based on extensive consultation with Antarctic researchers and stakeholders, to understand:
A growing threat of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens poses a critical public health threat – and drinking water plumbing systems serve as significant but overlooked reservoirs of these problematic microbes.
Despite international efforts to combat AMR, surveillance has primarily focused on clinical cases, while environmental reservoirs – such as drinking water plumbing systems – remain poorly understood.
A recent study by researchers from Flinders University and other leading institutions revealed alarming findings about bacterial persistence in Australian drinking water plumbing, and identified significant transmission risks in both hospital and residential environments.
“The presence of these antimicrobial resistant bacteria in residential and hospital plumbing systems highlights a pressing public health concern that requires immediate attention,” says Flinders University’s Professor Harriet Whiley.
Published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, the study assessed the prevalence of key AMR threats – being methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), plus carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa andAcinetobacter baumannii – in hospital and residential drinking water and biofilm samples across Australia.
Key findings showed:
73% of residential water and biofilm samples tested positive for at least one AMR pathogen, compared to 38% of hospital samples. 45% of residential drinking water plumbing fixtures had at least two of the targeted AMR pathogens, highlighting the risks in home environments. Drain biofilms were identified as a major reservoir for AMR bacteria, contributing to their persistence even after disinfection efforts. Carbapenem resistance genes were found in biofilm samples that tested negative for P. aeruginosa, suggesting biofilms may act as long-term reservoirs for AMR genes, which will allow resistance to spread even after the original bacteria have died. MRSA, typically associated with dry, high-touch surfaces such as bed rails and doorknobs, was detected in both water and biofilm samples. This indicates that AMR pathogens that are not traditionally considered waterborne may thrive in plumbing systems.
Antimicrobial resistance is among the most pressing 21st century global health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that by 2050, AMR infections could cause 10 million deaths a year, and would therefore surpass cancer as the leading cause of death worldwide.
Resistant infections already lead to prolonged hospital stays, higher medical costs and an increasing reliance on last-resort antibiotics, which are becoming less effective.
“Our research underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions to mitigate the risks posed by AMR pathogens in drinking water systems, especially in home healthcare settings,” said lead researcher Dr Claire Hayward.
This study calls for improved strategies to manage AMR risks in water infrastructure, particularly in environments housing vulnerable populations, such as hospitals and aged care facilities.
Strengthening water system hygiene, routine monitoring, and innovative biofilm control methods could play a crucial role in addressing this growing threat.
The research – “Drinking water plumbing systems are a hot spot for antimicrobial resistant pathogens”, by Claire Hayward, Kirstin Ross, Melissa Brown, Richard Bentham, Jason Hinds and Harriet Whiley – has been published in the Journal of Hospital Infection. For access to the full study, visit: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670125000593
Funding statement: This work was supported by the Impact Seed Funding for Early Career Researcher and Flinders Foundation grant 2021.
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee passed a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) that would help American businesses identify and avoid doing business with foreign entities linked to human rights abuses, particularly the use of forced labor in China.
“We must do everything we can to condemn and deter human rights abuses being committed by our adversaries, including China,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “This bipartisan bill would provide our businesses with important insight that can help them avoid business dealings with foreign entities that might be involved in these atrocities. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to see the bill pass the full Senate.”
The Combating CCP Labor Abuses Act – which Peters introduced with U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and John Curtis (R-UT) – would direct the Commerce Department to offer training and guidance to U.S. exporters that are, or are considering, exporting goods to businesses in the People’s Republic of China where forced labor and significant human rights abuses have occurred. The bill – which unanimously passed the Senate last Congress – would also require the Commerce Department to provide additional insight that might help U.S. exporters avoid doing business with foreign entities that are subject to the influence or control of nations such as the People’s Republic of China that may be implicated in forced labor or human rights violations.
The bipartisan legislation has earned the support of the Uyghur Human Rights Project and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
“Business complicity in the genocide of the Uyghurs has to be stopped,” said Omer Kanat, Uyghur Human Rights Project Executive Director. “The US government should act on its 2021 genocide finding, by ensuring small businesses have options. This bill is important for them to stop any kind of business with the companies involved in the ongoing slow-genocide policies in China – including hi-tech surveillance, textiles, EV batteries, and much more.”
The government of the People’s Republic of China has perpetrated egregious human rights abuses—including in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region—against Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups. The Chinese government’s actions have encompassed mass detention in internment camps, the use of forced labor, and other atrocities. This has led the U.S. State Department to determine that the People’s Republic of China, “under the direction and control” of the Chinese Communist Party, “has committed genocide against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang.”
The U.S. Department of Commerce provides valuable assistance to help U.S. businesses and exporters increase sales and tap into new markets, such as through export counseling provided by the U.S. Commercial Service. Peters’ bipartisan bill would build on existing human rights training for Department staff by ensuring its workforce is specifically informed about emerging trends and issues with respect to human rights abuses occurring around the world, such as the situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Cairney, Professor and Head of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences; Director, The Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies, The University of Queensland
Not so long ago, life was pretty simple for sports leagues and teams when it came to connecting with fans: the contests and athletes were the stars of the show, with the on-field action covered and celebrated by sports media accordingly.
Things are rapidly changing.
Sport used to primarily be about performance, competition and entertainment. Now, sport and the athletes who play it are often dynamic media platforms.
This paradigm shift is being driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), data mining, immersive technology and the creator economy. Each exposes anomalies in the old model and demands a new framework for how sport is consumed, valued and organised.
In today’s modern sporting landscape, many leagues, teams and even mega-events are fully functioning media companies.
Athletes are both product and producer.
They not only generate performance-based content (highlights, stats) but also personal narratives, political positions, or cultural influence.
They are creators and media entities in the full sense — with their own brands, platforms and followers.
Professional leagues and events must reckon with the power shift these actions imply.
There is extraordinary opportunity in leveraging athletes’ identities for deeper fan engagement. But there is also caution: narratives may not always align with league and team/owner agendas.
Consider some recent examples.
Former No. 1-ranked women’s tennis player Naomi Osaka used her platforms to create a brand that spans fashion, media and activism.
Her 2021 withdrawal from the French Open, which she announced on her own terms on social media, stemmed from her decision to skip post-match press conferences to protect her mental health.
Osaka’s move highlighted both the opportunity created by authentic, athlete-driven engagement and the challenge it posed to traditional tournament control.
Since joining the Dodgers, he has tightly curated his public image, favouring controlled, self-managed media content over traditional press access.
His control over access and messaging means the Dodgers and Major League Baseball can’t fully shape his story.
Ash Barty’s post-retirement career offers a compelling Australian parallel.
Since stepping away from tennis in 2022 while ranked No. 1, Barty has carefully balanced commercial endorsements, a memoir and media appearances.
Like Osaka and Ohtani, Barty’s example speaks to a new form of athlete agency: one where narrative control, emotional transparency and strategic silence all play a role in reshaping sport’s public conversation.
All these cases illustrate a shifting paradigm — where athletes are no longer just performers but powerful media outlets, often with more influence than the familiar institutions they represent.
The influence of AI
This opens important questions around ownership, intellectual property, image rights and the ethical stewardship of public platforms.
It also means if athletes, players and leagues are media companies, monetisation is a function — but not the sole purpose. Successful media ecosystems don’t just sell content, they also build belonging.
This means investing in and influencing community, culture and shared values — not just launching branded apps, paid streaming services, or spin-off content that extend the brand.
AI, in this context, becomes a community-builder, not just a recommendation engine. Its ability to support personalised experiences and micro-segmented fan journeys allows for mass intimacy: experiences that feel deeply individual yet can be scaled broadly.
With the help of data and machine learning, leagues and teams can now deliver mass customisation not just of products but of experiences and narratives — tailoring highlight reels, merchandise, content and even storylines for each fan. This shift enables a deeper, more emotional form of engagement.
The National Basketball Association (NBA)’s upgraded app and NBA ID platform bring this to life, using Microsoft Azure AI to serve fans personalised highlight reels, real-time stat overlays and exclusive content based on their favourite teams and players.
These “fan journeys of one” show how leagues can turn data into connection — building not just audiences but communities, powered by AI.
As to what the future may hold, some key questions in this space are:
How does AI reshape the power dynamics between leagues, athletes and fans?
What new business models will emerge when the fan is also a co-creator?
Can AI be used to foster social good through sport, not just drive engagement metrics?
This ongoing tension between “brand-dom” (controlled or innovative messaging) and “fandom” (grassroots, emotionally driven engagement) will continue to evolve as technology also evolves.
Sport’s future won’t just be something we watch — it will be shaped by fans, athletes and technology working together, and it will keep changing faster than ever.
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.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 30 — China’s national lawmakers on Wednesday voted to adopt the country’s first fundamental law dedicated to promoting the private sector, underscoring support for a key part of the world’s second-largest economy.
After over a year of legislative process, the private sector promotion law, passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, will take effect on May 20, 2025.
The law stipulates that the promotion of the sustainable, healthy and high-quality development of the private economy is a significant and long-term policy of China.
From ensuring fair market access and financing support to enhancing services and protection of original innovation, the 78-article law cements efforts to encourage, support and guide the growth of the private sector.
The law will provide a clearer and more solid legal guarantee for the private sector, said Li Shuguang, a professor at China University of Political Science and Law.
This marks China’s latest step in strengthening the sector — recognized by the law as a key component of the socialist market economy — amid efforts to tackle economic headwinds both at home and abroad.
Officials and analysts view the formation and adoption of the law as “highly timely and absolutely essential,” given the private sector’s significant role in the economy.
Boosting the private sector should feature prominently on the country’s economic policy agenda: Whether it is to stimulate domestic demand, expand the domestic market, or boost production and improve the quality of supply, private businesses will be a key participant and contributor, according to Anbound, an independent think tank in China.
Private enterprises have long been a key driving force behind China’s economic growth, contributing more than 60 percent of GDP and 80 percent of urban employment. By the end of March 2025, the country’s more-than-57-million registered private enterprises made up over 92 percent of all businesses in China.
From electric vehicle maker BYD to artificial intelligence innovator DeepSeek and robotics pioneer Unitree Robotics, private enterprises have also become key players in China’s push for innovation-driven growth.
Yet, industry insiders note that challenges remain — domestically, private businesses may face financing constraints and invisible market access barriers in some sectors; while abroad, they must navigate increasing impact from external shocks.
The law will transform policy support into legal guarantees, giving entrepreneurs greater reassurance and motivation to keep moving forward, said Qi Xiangdong, chairman of cybersecurity firm Qi-Anxin and vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.
“The rule of law is the best business environment,” Qi said.
In February, the country held a high-level symposium on private enterprises, which was widely viewed as a strong signal to boost the confidence and growth of the private sector.
A month later, at the “two sessions”, the country reiterated support for private enterprises, vowing to take effective moves to stimulate the vitality of all market entities.
To support the private sector, China has established a special bureau under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) dedicated to serving the sector’s development. Multiple provincial-level regions, including Guangdong, Shanxi, Qinghai and Zhejiang, have all set up such bureaus.
Efforts to level the playing field are also underway. Last week, the NDRC unveiled the new version of the market access negative list, which specifies fields that are off-limits to both domestic and overseas business entities, reducing the number of items on the list from 117 to 106.
Nan Yi, chairman of Wontai Group, said the law will support private firms’ entry into sectors such as infrastructure and energy, and provide a strong guarantee for their continuous investment in research and development.
“The enactment of this law will inject strong impetus into the sound development of the private economy,” Nan said.
A new USGS Data Release provides data associated with the 2020–2021 summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano.
Digital elevation models, orthomosaics, and GIS shapefiles of the 2020–2021 summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi – ScienceBase-Catalog
During the 2020–2021 summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi, staff at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) conducted 17 helicopter overflights of the eruption area between the dates of 21 December 2020 and 8 June 2021. Images captured during these flights were processed using the structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry technique to produce digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthomosaics of a lava lake filling Halemaʻumaʻu crater. This data release contains the DEMs and orthomosaics processed to achieve the highest possible accuracy and spatial resolution. A pre-eruption DEM and orthomosaic produced using overflight images from 8 April 2019 and 29 May 2020, used for spatial reference, are also included. Vector shapefiles are included for each eruption overflight identifying the eruption vents, the perimeter of the eruption deposits (combined vent area and lava lake surface), islands on the lava lake surface, and the mobile surface of the lava lake (where incandescent, flowing lava was observed).
Full reference:
Carr, B.B., Zoeller, M.H., DeSmither, L.G., Downs, D.T., Hamilton, C.W., Mulliken, K., Parcheta, C.E., and Patrick, M.R., 2025, Digital elevation models, orthomosaics, and GIS shapefiles of the 2020–2021 summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi: U.S. Geological Survey data release,
