Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, warned of a decade of low global growth without proper economic measures. Global debt ratios are nearing levels last seen in the 1820s, with a global growth estimate of 3.2% this year, down from the usual 4%. He emphasized the need to avoid trade wars, address rising debt levels, and consider fiscal measures to prevent recession.

Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including cardiac arrest, due to blood vessel and nerve damage. Dr. Kler emphasizes the importance of managing diabetes through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups to reduce cardiovascular complications. Precautions for diabetic patients include managing blood sugar levels, a healthy diet, regular exercise, medication adherence, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, lifestyle modifications, increasing muscle mass, and regular medical check-ups to prevent cardiac arrest. Dr. Sawhney stresses the significance of optimal blood glucose levels, exercise, managing additional risk factors, and collaborating with healthcare providers to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest. Prioritizing comprehensive diabetes management and a heart-healthy lifestyle can help diabetic patients safeguard their long-term well-being and reduce the risk of cardiac arrest.

Bluu Seafood in Hamburg aims to produce Europe's first tonne of lab-grown fish, offering a sustainable alternative to depleting sea resources. Singapore is a key market for cultivated fish due to its commitment to local food production. Lab-grown fish could help address the 28m-tonne seafood supply gap. Prices for lab-grown fish like salmon may be comparable to traditional options, with potential for wider acceptance pending consumer education.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Saudi Arabia to discuss Gaza ceasefire efforts and hostage release with regional partners. Talks between Israel and Hamas have stalled despite mediation by Qatar and Egypt. Proposed framework includes a six-week ceasefire and hostage release. Blinken aims for a two-state solution and normalization of Israel-Saudi relations. US officials stress the need for a ceasefire agreement before further regional progress.

Vietnamese tycoon Truong My Lan's fraud at Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) led to losses of US$27 billion. Lan bribed regulators to hide the fraud, resulting in SCB's bailout amounting to 6% of Vietnam's GDP. SCB's deposits fell by 80%, and non-performing loans now exceed 97% of its portfolio. The government injected US$24 billion to keep SCB solvent, impacting the economy and banking sector.

BYD predicts electric cars will replace petrol vehicles. A discount war saw prices drop by 10% on 50 models. Goldman Sachs warns of negative industry profitability if BYD lowers prices by 10,300 yuan per vehicle. China's EV market accounts for 60% of global sales. BYD, profitable, aims for overseas expansion. Xpeng's president expects price stabilization to drive long-term EV development.

Israeli communities near the Lebanese border brace for an imminent conflict with Hezbollah. Evacuations have displaced 60,000 people in northern Israel and 100,000 in Lebanon. Hostilities have resulted in casualties, with 16 Israeli soldiers and 11 civilians, and 71 Lebanese civilians and around 500 fighters killed. Lobby 1701 advocates for a buffer zone in Lebanon. Israelis fear the impact of a war on infrastructure and the economy.

US economy faces stagflation as GDP grows at 1.6%, below 2.5% estimates, while inflation rises to 2.8%. Analysts cautious, citing 1970s as a warning. JPMorgan CEO and others warn of potential slowdown in 2025 due to high rates. To hedge risks, consider underweighting equities and diversifying with fixed income and alternative investments. Bank of America disputes stagflation narrative, focusing on inventory and consumer spending resilience.

Chinese researchers developed an AI system to aid in early detection of oesophageal cancer, doubling detection rates compared to naked-eye assessments. The algorithm is used in hundreds of hospitals in China, highlighting lesions during endoscopies in real time. Oesophageal cancer is prevalent in Asia, with a high survival rate if detected early. The AI system was trained on 190,000 images and tested on over 3,000 patients, showing a detection rate of 1.8% compared to 0.9% in the control group.

Millions of Android users are at risk from the new "Brokewell" malware, posing a significant threat to the banking industry. The Trojan tricks users with fake Google Chrome updates, allowing attackers to access sensitive data, banking apps, and gain remote control of devices. The malware is actively developed and sold by a hacker named Baron Samedit Marais. Users are advised to be cautious when downloading updates and consider using antivirus apps for protection.

Global negotiations in Ottawa aim to establish a plastic pollution treaty. Microplastics, found in food, water, and air, pose health risks like heart disease and cancer. Dr. Trasande from NYU Langone Center is at the UN summit to address plastic hazards. The treaty will cover plastic production, use, and disposal. Microplastics are a significant concern, signaling a larger issue. Scientists are studying the link between microplastics and health problems.

A commercial blood product scandal in the NHS history involved infected donations from convicts and poor areas. The product, Koate, infected thousands with AIDS and hepatitis C, causing about 3,000 deaths. Bayer's subsidiary warned of virus contamination in the 1970s, yet the product was approved. The government failed to act promptly, leading to further infections. The inquiry will report next month.

TechRadar's Sustainability Week 2024 highlights apps promoting sustainable practices. Google Maps now prioritizes low-carbon routes. Too Good To Go saved 200 million meals from waste. Vinted encourages second-hand clothes shopping, preventing new purchases. Treeapp planted 4.2 million trees, offsetting 600,000 tonnes of CO2. NASA Earth Now educates on climate data. WhenToPlugIn advises on eco-friendly electricity usage. BlaBlaCar facilitates carpooling, saving 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 in 2022.

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found a 23% reduced risk of depression and 26% reduced risk of anxiety with physical activity. Low to moderate-intensity activities like gardening, golf, and walking showed strong associations. High-intensity exercise did not show the same benefits. Physical activity also reduced the risk of severe mental health conditions by 27%. Tailored exercise guidelines are crucial for effective mental health strategies.

Apple is in talks with OpenAI to incorporate its technology into iOS 18 for new iPhone features. Discussions have resumed after a previous pause, with Apple also considering a deal with Google for its Gemini chatbot. Apple had initial talks with OpenAI earlier this year.

The article discusses the ongoing issue of violence against women in Australia, with statistics showing a rise in incidents. Tens of thousands are expected to march in rallies this weekend. The number of women murdered has increased to almost one every four days in 2024. The author expresses frustration at the lack of change and calls for men to join the fight against toxic masculinity.

Apple and Google removed deepfake nude apps from their stores after 404 Media's report. Instagram hosted ads for similar apps generating fake nude images. Instances of AI-generated nudes, like those of Taylor Swift, have caused concern. Legislation in two dozen U.S. states aims to address sexually explicit AI content. U.S. senators introduced the DEFIANCE Act to allow victims to sue perpetrators of deepfake nudes.

A blood test can predict knee osteoarthritis up to 8 years before an X-ray. Researchers identified 6 bloodborne proteins that accurately predict the disease within 10 years, with an AUC of 77%. Early detection allows for preventive measures like exercise and weight management. This could lead to new treatments targeting these proteins. Osteoarthritis affects 32.5 million adults in the U.S. and is driven by inflammation. Clinical trials for new treatments may follow.

A UN official stated that clearing Gaza of rubble and unexploded bombs could take 14 years due to 37 million tons of debris. Egypt is working on a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict. The EU is providing an additional €68m in aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Protests and diplomatic efforts continue amid the ongoing crisis.

Avian flu H5N1 has spread to American cows, with 33 herds in 8 states affected. The virus was found in 1 in 5 commercially bought milk samples. The US CDC confirmed one human case, possibly from cow-to-human transmission. The fatality rate is 52%, and the US government is preparing with testing, treatment, and vaccines. The risk to the general population is low, but mutations could lead to human-to-human spread.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken met with Chinese officials in Beijing to address growing tensions. Discussions covered various contentious issues, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, trade, and human rights. Both sides emphasized the importance of communication to prevent misunderstandings. The U.S. recently signed a $95 billion foreign aid bill, including funds for Taiwan and Ukraine, which China views as provocative. Russia-China ties were also a key topic.

NASA's DSOC experiment on the Psyche spacecraft is revolutionizing deep space communication with laser-based optical technology. It transmitted data over 140 million miles, surpassing Earth-Sun distance by 1.5 times. This breakthrough paves the way for advanced deep space missions beyond traditional RF systems.

Recent torrential rains in East Africa caused floods and landslides, resulting in over 200 deaths and numerous injuries. Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi were severely affected, highlighting issues with poor infrastructure and drainage systems. Activists urge governments to prioritize infrastructure improvements to mitigate future disasters.

Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction has been overturned, shocking Hollywood. He was sentenced to 23 years in 2020, now facing imprisonment for a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles. Celebrities like Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan express disappointment, emphasizing the impact on survivors. The #MeToo movement founder, Tarana Burke, sees this as a call to action. Over 80 women accused Weinstein, sparking the movement in 2017.

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta are increasing investments in AI, with Meta raising spending predictions by up to $10 billion and Google planning to spend $12 billion per quarter on data centers. This surge in AI investment is driving up demand for energy and high-end computer chips. Nvidia's revenue is expected to reach $24 billion this quarter. Microsoft's revenue rose 17% to $61.9 billion, and Google's revenue increased by 15% to $80.5 billion.

Army engineers have started constructing a floating pier and causeway off Gaza's coast to aid in delivering up to two million meals daily. The project, ordered by President Biden, is on track for completion early next month. The facility aims to bypass Israeli restrictions on land convoys. Concerns about security have been raised, but the project is seen as a valuable addition to ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

Boeing's Starliner is set to launch astronauts to the International Space Station on May 6. The mission marks Starliner's second flight to the ISS after facing delays and over $1.5 billion in costs. NASA's Commercial Crew Program aims to increase astronaut transportation resources. The mission's loss-of-crew probability is 1-in-295, meeting NASA's safety standards. Successful completion will lead to regular missions under the CCP contract.

A study suggests a link between vitamin D and improved immunity to cancer by promoting specific gut bacteria growth. Mice on a vitamin D-rich diet showed better immune resistance to cancer. Data from 1.5 million people in Denmark indicated lower vitamin D levels correlated with higher cancer risk. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. The study was funded by Cancer Research UK, the UK Medical Research Council, and the Wellcome Trust.

The World Bank warns that Middle East tensions could push oil prices above $100 a barrel, reversing global inflation trends. Brent crude is at $87, with potential to reach $92 or higher. A major conflict could raise global inflation by nearly one percentage point. Commodity prices fell 40% from mid-2022 to mid-2023, impacting global inflation. Green technology investments are driving up key metal prices.

Devon Dixon, a licensed gun carrier and mother of three in Nashville, worries about school safety after a shooting that killed six, including 9-year-olds. Despite concerns, she questions the effectiveness of a bill allowing teachers to carry concealed weapons. The shooting at Covenant School has prompted parents to push lawmakers for action, reflecting widespread fears and calls for solutions in Tennessee.

The US Supreme Court will hear arguments on Trump's claim of presidential immunity on Thursday. The case involves his actions post-2020 election. Trump argues for broad immunity citing a Nixon-era ruling, while the Justice Department contends presidents don't have absolute immunity. The outcome may affect Trump's legal battles and his potential run in the upcoming presidential election. Trump will miss the hearing due to a trial in New York.

Anglo American received a takeover offer from BHP, causing its shares to rise by over 13%. BHP aims to become the world's largest copper producer and expand its coal and iron ore operations. The deal values Anglo at £25.08 per share, including Amplats and Kumba shares. Anglo reported an 11% increase in copper production. BHP plans to produce up to 1.91 million tonnes of copper in 2023-24.

Former President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani and chief of staff Mark Meadows are among 18 indicted in Arizona for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Arizona is the fourth state to charge individuals for submitting false documents claiming Trump won. Joe Biden won Arizona by over 10,000 votes. The US Supreme Court will hear arguments on Trump's attempt to avoid federal prosecution. Charges include conspiracy, fraud, and forgery.

A study found that fewer than 60 multinationals are responsible for over half of the world's plastic pollution, with five companies contributing a quarter. Researchers collected 1,870,000 plastic items across 84 countries, mostly single-use packaging. Only 9% of plastic is recycled. Companies like Coca-Cola and Nestlé have made pledges to reduce plastic waste, but experts argue voluntary measures are insufficient. Calls for a global treaty on plastic pollution are growing.

A New Jersey woman received a pig kidney and a heart pump in groundbreaking surgeries at NYU Langone Health. Lisa Pisano is the second person to get a pig kidney, showing promising results. The procedure aims to address the organ shortage crisis. The FDA granted emergency permission for the surgeries, which could pave the way for future xenotransplant trials. The success of Pisano and another patient will influence FDA decisions on such procedures.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is increasing globally. By 2050, half the population may need corrective lenses, up from 23% in 2000. In the U.S., annual spending on myopia-related expenses could reach US$7.2 billion. Factors contributing to this epidemic include increased near work activities and reduced time spent outdoors. Spending time outside and limiting near work can help prevent myopia progression.

The US approved £49bn in military aid for Ukraine, with President Biden set to sign the bill immediately. The UK pledged £500m in military supplies. The US Senate also approved a £76bn foreign aid package including support for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Military aid can start being delivered within days. A former British army officer cautioned that aid may not enable Ukraine to regain the offensive against Russia.

The Senate passed a bill requiring the sale of TikTok by ByteDance due to national security concerns over Chinese ties. The law gives 270 days for the sale, extendable to a year. Legal challenges and resistance from Beijing are expected, with uncertainty over potential buyers due to the high price tag. President Biden is likely to sign the bill into law soon.

Columbia University's president, Nemat Shafik, faced intense scrutiny over antisemitism on campus. Pro-Palestinian student demonstrators occupied the lawn, adding to the crisis. Shafik set up a command center near the White House to address the situation. The ensuing 24 hours of deliberations led to a campus crisis over free speech and safety, reminiscent of 1968, impacting campuses nationwide during a challenging academic year.

On April 23, the sun emitted four solar flares simultaneously, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. These "super-sympathetic" eruptions involved three sunspots and one magnetic filament, potentially leading to Earth-directed coronal mass ejections. If these impact Earth, they could disrupt power grids, communication networks, satellites, and pose radiation risks to astronauts. The event hints at nearing solar maximum or entering the decay phase of the solar cycle.

Malaria cases rose to 249 million in 2022, with Africa bearing 94% of cases and 95% of deaths. The RTS,S vaccine, targeting children under 5, prevented 30% from severe malaria. Rollout began in Cameroon in 2024. The R21/Matrix M vaccine, with 75% efficacy, is cost-effective and easier to produce. WHO approved it in 2023, and it's set to roll out in Africa from May 2024.

China unveiled Vidu, a Sora-level text-to-video large model, at the 2024 Zhongguancun Forum. Developed by Shengshu Technology and Tsinghua University, Vidu can create 16-second, 1080p videos in one click. It's China's first video model with extended duration and dynamic capabilities, close to Sora's level. Vidu can understand and generate Chinese elements like pandas and dragons. Its core architecture was initiated in September 2022.

A recent study highlights a link between Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) and 32 health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and mental health problems. UPFs are heavily processed foods with added sugars and unhealthy fats. Consuming UPFs can increase the risk of heart disease by 50%, type 2 diabetes by 12%, and obesity by 40-66%. UPFs also correlate with a 21% higher risk of overall mortality and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.

Google Chrome introduces Enhanced Safe Browsing for desktop users, enhancing security by scanning websites for potential threats and checking for leaked email addresses and passwords. Users activating this feature are 35% less likely to fall victim to phishing attempts. To enable, go to Chrome settings, select Security, and choose "Enhanced protection." This feature is not yet available for iPhone and iPad users.

University of Minnesota researchers developed a robot using machine learning to automate microinjection in genetic research. The robot manipulates genetics in multicellular organisms like fruit flies and zebrafish embryos, saving time and costs. The technology, featured in GENETICS, was co-led by graduate students and aims for commercialization. This advancement enables large-scale genetic experiments and has potential applications in cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization.

In 2017, Lina Khan criticized Amazon's monopoly power. By 2023, Amazon's revenue share from sellers rose to 45%. Khan's lawsuit aims to break up Amazon, accusing it of anti-competitive practices. Dana Mattioli's book, "The Everything War," details Amazon's dominance and alleged abuses. The case highlights concerns about Amazon's influence on sellers and consumer welfare. The outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain.

A study of 3,047 US counties with 315 million residents found air pollution is linked to stress and depression, increasing the risk of premature cardiovascular deaths in under-65s. Counties with high PM2.5 levels were 10% more likely to report poor mental health days. In counties with high pollution levels, poor mental health was associated with a three-fold increase in premature cardiovascular mortality. Public health strategies are needed urgently.

Experts warn of a looming neurotechnology revolution with transformative potential for human health. Breakthroughs like Neuralink's brain implants offer hope for paralyzed and deaf individuals. UNESCO is drafting an ethical framework for this emerging field, aiming for global agreement by next year. Concerns include data protection, ethical use, and potential societal divides. Wearable technology is seen as a more immediate profit avenue. Apple's brain data-gathering Airpods patent raises privacy and ethical questions.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced Labor's $2.3 billion commitment to combat violence against women. The Australian Law Reform Commission will review the justice system's response to sexual violence. Dreyfus emphasized the need for identified actions to address domestic violence. Rallies across Australia were held against male violence, following the deaths of 26 women in the first 114 days of the year. Dreyfus ruled out a federal royal commission on domestic violence.

The ICJ will rule on Nicaragua's claim against Germany for breaching the Genocide Convention by supplying weapons to Israel for the Gaza war on April 30 at 3:00 pm. Nicaragua demands emergency measures to stop Germany's aid to Israel. The conflict resulted in about 1,170 deaths in Israel and at least 34,356 deaths in Gaza, mostly women and children. Israel aimed to destroy Hamas after an initial attack by Hamas.

The World Meteorological Organisation's 2023 report highlights Asia's rapid warming since 1960, with 2023 being the warmest year globally. Over 2,000 deaths and 9 million affected by extreme climate events in Asia, with more than 80% related to storms and floods. Heatwaves caused fatalities, with India experiencing severe heat waves. Floods, landslides, and storms also impacted the region, emphasizing the need for improved early-warning systems.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed flexible nerve cuffs using soft robotics and flexible electronics. These cuffs can wrap around nerve fibers without causing damage, requiring only tiny voltages to change shape. The cuffs could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions like epilepsy and chronic pain. The devices are minimally invasive and could potentially be used in humans in the near future.

Argentine startup Limay Biosciences developed a new dengue test providing results in 1-2 hours, using CRISPR-Cas biotechnology. Costing around $2,000, it's significantly cheaper than existing options. With 315,942 dengue cases reported in Argentina in 2024, the test aims to address testing bottlenecks. Clinical trials start next week, with potential wider availability by 2025. Dengue's spread is influenced by climate change and social factors.

The price of olive oil has surged due to drought in Spain, with a 71% increase in the last year. Chef Kirsten Bacon suggests alternatives like sunflower oil ($0.65/100ml), coconut oil ($1.20/100ml), canola oil ($0.56/100ml), rice bran oil ($0.70/100ml), and sesame oil ($2-3/100ml). Australia's olive harvest is affected, with a good harvest not expected until 2025. International prices may decrease after Europe's harvest season.

A groundbreaking genetic study on PTSD identified 95 genetic hotspots, 80 previously unknown, potentially leading to new therapies. PTSD affects 10% of the general population and 20-30% of high-risk groups. The study included over 1 million people, with 58,000 of non-European descent. It found 43 potential treatment target genes and identified proteins indicating PTSD susceptibility. The research aims to include more diverse populations, like those in Africa.

Neuroscientists warn that alcohol consumption and chronic stress can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's affects 5.8 million Americans and is linked to abnormal protein buildup in the brain. Research suggests a synergistic effect of alcohol and stress on cognitive decline. Recommendations include limiting alcohol intake, managing stress, and adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce Alzheimer's risk. Experts advise moderation and seeking medical advice if necessary.

New York City's congestion pricing program starts on June 30, with passenger cars paying $15/day to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. Trucks face fees of $24 or $36. Taxi fares increase by $1.25, and Uber/Lyft fares rise by $2.50. Legal and political challenges persist, with opponents like Gov. Murphy of New Jersey and unions fighting against the plan. Discounts and exemptions are available through an application portal.

Microsoft introduces Phi-3-Mini, the first in a series of small language models. Phi-3 models are cost-effective and outperform larger models in various benchmarks. Phi-3-Mini has 3.8 billion parameters compared to ChatGPT's trillion. It was trained on a dataset of 3.3 trillion tokens. These models may enable local use on devices like smartphones. The affordability of Phi-3 models could democratize AI access for small businesses.

The European Parliament passed new laws to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in the EU. The legislation focuses on large cash payments, crypto firms, and football clubs. It establishes a single rulebook for all 27 EU nations and creates an anti-money laundering authority in Frankfurt. The laws mandate enhanced due diligence and reporting of suspicious activities by entities like banks and crypto asset managers.

Google's CEO Sundar Pichai announced during the Q1 2024 earnings call that Google's generative AI has served "billions of queries" and aims to expand query types further. AI overviews have increased Search usage and user satisfaction. Pichai emphasized the positive impact on user experience and expressed confidence in managing costs and monetization. Google continues to evolve its Search Generative Experience in 2024.

Breakthroughs in ageing science are changing perceptions of old age, with life expectancy increasing. Geroscience focuses on targeting ageing biology, with experiments showing promising results in extending lifespan and health. Trials with drugs like rapamycin and metformin aim to delay chronic diseases. The Dog Aging Project is testing rapamycin on pets. Exercise remains crucial for health. The FDA's approval of ageing as a treatable condition is a key challenge.

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission reached low-Earth orbit in 13 minutes in February 2024. It took over 20 years for scientists to develop PACE's instruments, including the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) and Hyper Angular Rainbow Polarimeter (HARP). NASA's Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) supported the development of over 1,100 new technologies for Earth observation, crucial for PACE's success. HARP2, a key instrument, offers global aerosol views with minimal energy consumption.

Modern web browsers' advanced capabilities, like the File System Access API, can be exploited by hackers to deploy ransomware. Chrome and Edge are vulnerable, comprising 70% of browsers. No reported incidents yet. Ransomware attacks are increasing, costing over $1.1 billion in 2023. Researchers at Florida International University developed RøB, the first browser-based ransomware, and proposed defense strategies. Users should be cautious when uploading files online to prevent potential cyber threats.

Nio and Xpeng are introducing lower-priced electric cars in China's market, with Nio's upcoming SUV priced below Tesla's Model Y starting at 249,900 yuan. This move shifts focus from premium to mass market, competing with BYD and Volkswagen. China's new energy car market sees over 40% of new passenger cars as electric or hybrid. Nio plans to launch its new brand, Onvo, in mid-May.

Global leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, gather to address defeating meningitis by 2030 at a WHO and French government co-hosted meeting. Nigeria's success with a new vaccine targeting five strains is highlighted. The roadmap aims to prevent 3 million cases and 900,000 deaths by 2030, saving $4-10 billion. The plan focuses on prevention, treatment, and support for those affected. Key partners include Gavi, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and UNICEF.