Are you tired of forcing down those bitter, peppery mustard greens while trying to be healthy? Well, worry no more! North Carolina's Pairwise, a gene-editing startup, is rolling out a new version of these leafy greens that promises to be less bitter and more delicious than ever before. Say goodbye to those contorted faces at the dinner table!
Mustard greens have always been a nutrient-packed powerhouse, but their intense flavor has deterred many from eating them raw. Usually, people resort to cooking them to make them palatable. But Pairwise's scientists put on their superhero capes and used the DNA-editing tool Crispr to save the day! By removing the gene responsible for the greens' pungency, they transformed the salad game for good.
Pairwise aims to make healthy foods more enjoyable and convenient, and they believe their revamped mustard greens will be a hit with shoppers. So, watch out, iceberg and butter lettuce, there's a new salad hero in town!
Tom Adams, the charismatic cofounder and CEO of Pairwise, claims they've created "a new category of salad" that's sure to excite taste buds. Initially, you'll find these greens at selected restaurants and outlets in certain areas, but don't worry, they'll soon be stocking up grocery stores in the Pacific Northwest.
But what's this Crispr magic? Crispr is like a fancy DNA magician that scientists started using in 2012. It holds the promise of producing all sorts of favorable traits in plants, from higher yields to pest resistance. While it hasn't yet solved world hunger (bummer!), it does bring a new level of variety to our plates.
But Pairwise isn't stopping at just mustard greens. They're on a mission to improve fruits too! Crispr is busy developing seedless blackberries and pitless cherries, making them more appealing and practical for our busy, nutrition-conscious lives.
What's fascinating about this new gene-edited greens revolution is that technically, it's not a genetically modified organism (GMO). While GMOs involve adding genes from different species (like some mad scientist experiment), Crispr works by gently tweaking an organism's own genes. Think of it as a gentle nudge, not a total DNA makeover.
And the best part? Gene-edited foods like these mustard greens don't have to carry the "GMO" label, avoiding the baggage and drama that comes with it. This could be a game-changer, considering that many folks still have mixed feelings about GMOs, with some seeing them as worse for health than non-GMO options (oh, the drama!).
Of course, not everyone is convinced that mustard greens' newfound charm will save the day. Critics argue that people won't suddenly start munching on greens just because they're less bitter. But hey, at least it's a step in the right direction, right?
So, get ready for a tastier salad experience coming your way! As gene-editing technology keeps evolving, who knows what other veggies and fruits will get a delicious makeover next? It's like a culinary adventure where science meets taste buds! Whether you're a fan of these new greens or a skeptic, one thing's for sure: the food revolution has only just begun.
Author Reema Patel, known for her debut novel "Such Big Dreams," offers a selection of seven books that vividly capture the essence of Bombay, now known as Mumbai. The city, with its intricate charm and dynamic energy, has been a rich backdrop in numerous literary works, spanning fiction and non-fiction genres.
Suketu Mehta's nonfiction work, "Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found," provides a whirlwind exploration of Bombay, delving into the lives of diverse inhabitants, from bar dancers to politicians. The book offers social commentary on power, pleasure, corruption, and labor, portraying Bombay as a symbol of the Indian dream for many migrants.
"Narcopolis" by Jeet Thayil takes readers on a haunting journey through Bombay's opium culture, spanning from the 1970s to the recent past. The novel, presented in vignettes, explores the lives of characters like opium addicts, a eunuch named Dimple, and a poet-slash-artist, offering a glimpse into the city's seedy underbelly.
Aravind Adiga's "Last Man in Tower" unfolds a tale of ruthless urban development in Bombay, as a developer seeks to replace an old apartment building with a luxury high-rise tower. The novel exposes the harsh reality that virtually everything in Bombay is for sale, reflecting the continuous market's diversity and the city's complexities.
Set in the 1990s, Amrita Mahale's "Milk Teeth" delves into the changing dynamics of Bombay through the lens of two childhood friends. The narrative explores nostalgia, urbanization, and the quest for freedom in a city characterized by diverse communities.
Sonia Faleiro's non-fiction work, "Beautiful Thing: Inside the Secret World of Bombay’s Dance Bars," presents the life of Leela, an ambitious bar dancer. Faleiro navigates Leela's world, portraying the paradoxes of glamour and squalor, pleasure and pain, as she strives for a better life.
Katherine Boo's "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" offers a non-fiction account of life in Annawadi, a sprawling slum near the international airport. Boo sheds light on the challenges and complexities of poverty, avoiding romanticization or patronization.
Vikram Chandra's epic saga, "Sacred Games," unfolds the cat-and-mouse game between a police officer and a larger-than-life gangster in Bombay's gritty underworld. The novel, with its vibrant Bambaiya slang, serves as both a lesson on Indian post-colonial history and a love letter to the city.
Reema Patel, the author of "Such Big Dreams," introduces readers to a curated list of books that offer diverse perspectives on Bombay. Patel's personal connection to the city, reflected in her debut novel, adds a unique dimension to her recommendations.
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In a recent episode of CBS' 60 Minutes, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, expressed his anticipation of AI's widespread impact on virtually every industry and product. Google has become deeply invested in the AI space, competing with other tech giants like Microsoft in the race to dominate consumer AI.
Pichai foresees AI playing a significant role in various sectors, including healthcare, where radiologists might collaborate daily with AI assistants to prioritize critical cases or detect overlooked details. Similarly, AI could aid students in their learning, helping them understand complex subjects like math or history.
Despite the potential benefits, Pichai acknowledged that AI might also disrupt certain job roles, particularly those of "knowledge workers" such as writers, accountants, architects, and software engineers. Furthermore, AI's influence on disinformation and "fake news" is a concerning aspect that needs careful consideration.
The Google CEO believes that AI's impact on society can be positively influenced if we start addressing its implications early on. Google has been working on AI guidelines since 2018, aiming to reduce potential harm by gradually releasing AI products, allowing time for society and Google's engineers to adapt and enhance their understanding of the technology.
Pichai emphasized the importance of involving not only engineers but also social scientists, ethicists, and philosophers in the development of AI. He stressed that the decision-making process should be thoughtful and not solely left to companies like Google.
As AI continues to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, it is crucial for society to remain vigilant, having meaningful discussions about its implications and working together to harness its potential for the greater good.
In Mulberry, Tennessee, a picturesque wedding venue with a beautiful white mansion, manicured landscaping, and a sprawling green lawn is battling a peculiar and pesky problem — whiskey fungus. This mysterious mold, named for its appetite for ethanol, has become a nuisance for property owners like Patrick Long, whose community attributes the fungus's spread to the recent boom in whiskey consumption.
The fungus feeds on the ethanol that evaporates into the air from aging whiskey barrels stored in warehouses nearby. Jack Daniel's, one of the top-selling whiskey brands in the U.S., has at least 90 warehouses in the region. As the whiskey matures, ethanol emissions increase, creating an ideal environment for the whiskey fungus to thrive.
Whiskey fungus might seem harmless at first glance, appearing soft and powdery, but its microscopic superglue-like adhesion makes it challenging to remove. It clings to surfaces such as roofs, windows, and even stainless steel, causing havoc for property owners who constantly have to power wash to keep the fungus at bay. Unfortunately, the effects of the cleanings are only temporary, as the fungus tends to return within a few months.
Despite its tenacious grip, whiskey fungus is not known to harm humans, as its spores are not airborne. University of Toronto mycologist James Scott, who named the fungus Baudoinia compniacensis, pointed out the limited research on the topic. Whiskey fungus remains an understudied phenomenon, and any new information about it is considered valuable.
The exact means of whiskey fungus propagation remain unclear, but scientists have observed snails leaving tiny trails in fungus-prone areas. Snails seem to have a fondness for this particular fungus and may contribute to its spread.
While whiskey fungus can be found worldwide, the black crusty appearance is predominantly associated with distilleries and bakeries. To address the issue, Jack Daniel's could potentially reduce its ethanol emissions, but implementing air-filtration systems would come at a significant cost, which the company seems hesitant to undertake.
For Patrick Long and his wedding venue business, the fungus has caused considerable damage. It coats everything in its vicinity, affecting the lush greenery that is essential for a picture-perfect backdrop during weddings. Unlike structures that can be power washed, the plants and trees face a more challenging situation, leaving property owners with few options to combat the relentless whiskey fungus.
As the demand for whiskey continues to grow, the issue of whiskey fungus poses a unique challenge for distilleries like Jack Daniel's and communities like Mulberry, Tennessee, where property owners are left grappling with the consequences of this enigmatic mold.
Michael Jordan's decision to sell his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for a staggering $3 billion is undoubtedly a smart business move, considering he originally purchased the team for just $275 million back in 2010. However, it is a bittersweet moment, as it highlights a concerning trend: there is currently not a single majority owner who is Black in the most popular and lucrative professional sports leagues in America.
The sale will see Jordan retaining a minority stake and maintaining some presence with the franchise, but it means he will no longer be the face of the Hornets, joining other Black celebrities who hold minority ownership stakes in teams.
In recent years, we've witnessed the sale of teams like the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Commanders in the NFL, as well as the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns in the NBA—all acquired by non-Black individuals. Major League Baseball also saw the New York Mets being bought by a wealthy white buyer, Steve Cohen.
The issue here is not that white people are buying teams; rather, it's the lack of Black ownership due to socioeconomic factors and systemic racism. Black athletes dominate the NBA and NFL, yet they seldom have the opportunity to transition to team ownership.
LeBron James, who has owned a team in his financial portfolio, expressed his desire to bring a team to Las Vegas, emphasizing the need for Black ownership in sports. Magic Johnson, a minority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Commanders, echoed the sentiment, but pointed out that change needs to start with existing team owners acknowledging the value of Black ownership.
The sale of the Hornets is the seventh-most expensive sale price ever for a sports franchise, indicating that Jordan chose a prime time to sell. However, the value of this decision depends on individual perspectives and priorities.
The New York Times published an article, "Michael Jordan was an activist after all," shedding light on the charitable endeavors Jordan has undertaken behind closed doors, particularly benefiting Black athletes. Still, Jordan's past comment, "Republicans buy sneakers, too," in response to the 1990 U.S. Senate race between Jesse Helms and Harvey Gantt, has drawn criticism from the Black community.
While Jordan has every right to do as he pleases with the Charlotte Hornets, history may perceive his decision to sell as a missed opportunity for progress in a time when sports desperately needs Black ownership representation. Activism requires being active, and some may see this move as a step back from that role for Jordan.
In conclusion, Michael Jordan's decision to sell his majority stake in the Hornets comes with mixed emotions. It's a smart business move, but it also shines a light on the lack of Black majority owners in professional sports, a void that many believe needs to be filled for progress to be made.
In the early 1980s, Maine was a place where gays and lesbians faced discrimination without any legal protection. It was a time when the murder of a young gay man, Charlie Howard, sent shockwaves through the community and ignited a movement for civil rights. But amid these challenges, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of "Our Paper," a pioneering LGBT newspaper founded in 1983.
At a time when the LGBTQ+ acronym was not widely recognized, "Our Paper" aimed to bring together a community that often felt like outsiders. Many individuals were still in the closet, fearing the consequences of being open about their sexual orientation, such as losing their jobs or homes. The newspaper provided a crucial connection for these individuals, offering information and acting as a forum for expressing their outrage in the aftermath of Charlie Howard's murder.
The early founders of "Our Paper" faced significant obstacles. After only two issues, the paper was refused publication by The Kennebec Journal due to what they deemed "tasteless content," particularly information on AIDS risk-reduction. The newspaper also faced a temporary ban from the Portland Public Library for printing a "safe-sex test" with objectionable material.
Yet, despite these challenges, "Our Paper" persisted. It chronicled the struggle for state civil rights legislation, including the addition of "sexual orientation" to the Maine Human Rights Act. The paper reported on significant events like the firing of Rev. Barry Wood from Saint Luke’s Cathedral for performing a commitment ceremony for two women. It also exposed instances of discrimination, such as an inn on Mount Desert Island refusing to rent a room to two women who wanted to share a bed and frequent assaults against gay men at Denny's Restaurant.
One of the driving forces behind "Our Paper" was the unfolding AIDS crisis, which was claiming many lives without effective treatments. The newspaper fought to provide essential health information during this crisis, even facing attempts to prevent distribution and printing of such material.
Fred Berger, one of the early founders, highlighted the newspaper's impact in shaping public perception of AIDS. An interview with an AIDS patient published in "Our Paper" helped bring the issue out of the closet, and the paper was ahead of its time in addressing the personal impact of the crisis on the community.
Today, as we look back almost 40 years later, we can see how "Our Paper" played a pivotal role in Maine's journey toward progress and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. From fighting discrimination to shedding light on the AIDS crisis, this upstart newspaper left a lasting legacy, paving the way for increased acceptance, same-sex marriage, and a clearer understanding of transgender issues.
Apple has unveiled a significant multibillion-dollar deal with Broadcom, a prominent U.S. technology and advanced manufacturing company. The partnership focuses on the development of 5G radio frequency components, particularly FBAR filters, and cutting-edge wireless connectivity components. Broadcom will manufacture the FBAR filters in various key American hubs, including Fort Collins, Colorado, where the company has a major facility.
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the commitment to leveraging American ingenuity and creativity in manufacturing. Apple's existing collaboration with Broadcom in Fort Collins has already contributed to supporting over 1,100 jobs, with the new deal expected to further enable investment in critical automation projects and upskilling for technicians and engineers.
The broader impact of Apple's partnerships extends across the nation, supporting over 2.7 million jobs through direct employment, iOS app development, and spending with a vast network of U.S. suppliers and manufacturers spanning all 50 states and various sectors.
The focus on 5G technology is a pivotal aspect of Apple's strategy, with substantial investments directed toward its development in the United States. These investments align with Apple's commitment made in 2021 to inject $430 billion into the U.S. economy over five years. The company is currently on track to meet this target through direct spending with American suppliers, investments in data centers, capital expenditures, and other domestic expenditures.
Since the introduction of 5G technology to Apple devices in 2020, the company has played a crucial role in expanding and expediting 5G adoption nationwide. This expansion has driven innovation and job growth among companies supporting 5G innovation and infrastructure. The global reach of 5G coverage and performance continues to grow, providing users worldwide with faster connectivity as they transition to 5G-capable products.
Rare earth elements are essential components of many renewable energy and carbon-neutral technologies, including wind turbines, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. The United States' only rare earth mine, Mountain Pass, located in California, has seen several phases of operation and closure since its discovery in the 1940s. It was once the world's top source for rare earth elements, but by the late 1980s, China became a dominant player in the rare earth market and offered lower prices. A series of toxic waste spills at Mountain Pass further impacted production, leading to a halt in 2002.
However, with the rise of the green-tech revolution in the 21st century, the demand for rare earth elements increased, prompting the revival of Mountain Pass mine. Mining rare earth elements comes with environmental challenges, as they tend to be scattered in the Earth's crust at low concentrations. Mining involves digging vast open pits, which can contaminate the environment and disrupt ecosystems. The processing of raw ore into usable forms requires large amounts of water, potentially toxic chemicals, and produces voluminous waste.
To address the environmental impact, researchers are exploring ways to reduce the footprint of rare earth mining. These efforts include reducing waste during ore processing, improving the efficiency of element separation, recycling rare earths from old electronics, and recovering them from coal waste. Collaboration with the mining industry is crucial to implement these changes effectively.
In addition to the environmental concerns related to mining and processing, there are also concerns about the potential impact of radioactivity on human health. While there is limited epidemiological evidence on the impact of rare earth mining on human and environmental health, experts emphasize the need for science-based decision-making and accurate information dissemination.
To reduce the need for new mining and processing, recycling existing rare earth materials is advocated as a complementary approach. However, recycling alone may not be sufficient to meet the increasing demand for rare earth elements in the future. A combination of responsible mining practices, efficient use of mined resources, and recycling will be essential to ensure a sustainable supply of rare earth elements for renewable energy technologies.
The World Vegetable Center (W.V.C.) in Taiwan holds the largest public collection of vegetable germplasm, including a remarkable variety of chili peppers. As environmental shifts, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, threaten the world's supply of fruits and vegetables, the preservation of chili pepper varieties becomes crucial.
In the late 1990s, Susan Lin, a plant researcher at the W.V.C., attempted to cross-pollinate chili peppers to create a strain resistant to anthracnose, a devastating fungal infection. After years of experimentation, they managed to breed a cayenne-like pepper with resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew. However, the experiment also revealed that the resilience of crops can be a moving target, as pathogens can mutate and overcome previously resistant traits.
Chili peppers are a significant part of global cuisine, and the majority of the peppers we consume today were bred from just five species. As climate change intensifies, diseases like anthracnose are expected to spread, putting the world's pepper production at risk. The W.V.C.'s efforts to breed resilient varieties are essential for combating these challenges.
The W.V.C. serves as a global hub for research and breeding of vegetables, particularly peppers, that are resistant to climate change, pests, and diseases. With its strategic location in Asia, the center is well-positioned to cater to its primary clientele in India, where over half a million farmers grow peppers and tomatoes developed by the center.
Taiwan's lack of chili pepper culture has the unexpected benefit of protecting the experimental crops from pathogens endemic in other regions. This isolated environment allows researchers to study peppers without facing the same intense disease pressure.
The quest for resilient chili peppers, however, is an ongoing challenge, as new diseases and environmental shifts require continuous adaptation. The importance of genetic improvement in breeding disease-resistant varieties becomes evident, as it is the most economical and sustainable intervention for farmers. The center has been working on developing chili peppers resistant to anthracnose, which has already shown promise in several Asian countries.
Despite the challenges, nature also surprises researchers. In 1999, Susan Lin stumbled upon a unique and resilient chili pepper in the fields. Known as "Susan's Joy," this pepper has since been grown worldwide for its tall growth, abundant fruit production, and disease resistance.
As chili peppers face increasing threats from environmental changes and diseases, the work of the W.V.C. is essential in preserving and breeding resilient varieties that can ensure the continued supply of this important food source for global populations.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, the top-down RPG on Steam and Good Old Games set in the iconic Warhammer 40K universe, has taken players by storm with its grand scale and freedom of choice. Developed by Owlcat Games, the game offers a unique opportunity to explore a full star system and exercise free will, making it a standout title among Warhammer enthusiasts.
The game's demo, provided by Owlcat Games, kicks off with character creation, where players can immerse themselves in the vastness of choices available. From selecting augments, home world, origin story, and specialties, players can shape their character according to their preferences. Whether they wish to be a noblewoman skilled with rifles, a dangerous psyker, a veteran of the Imperium's long war, or a filthy criminal, the options are extensive. However, some players have expressed disappointment at the limited customization options in the demo, with all available portraits featuring white characters. The developers, in response, have assured players that the final version will offer much more variety in character customization, including diverse portraits.
The story of Rogue Trader proves captivating from the get-go. Rogue Traders, who have been part of Warhammer 40,000 since its inception, serve as privateers in the service of the Imperium of Man. These voidship sailors roam the galaxy, trading and exploring on a longer leash than their peers. In the demo, players find themselves in a cutthroat world of politics as they vie for the coveted title of Rogue Trader. Betrayal, cat-and-mouse campaigns, and power struggles become the norm in this dark and dangerous universe.
One of the game's strengths lies in its ability to allow players to immediately start role-playing. The in-game codex aids in understanding the 40K-specific terms without disrupting the dialogue, making it easier for players to define their characters.
Rogue Trader offers intriguing subversions of the typical RPG formula. In a grimdark future of war, the usual helpful hero behavior is seen as servile and pathetic. Players must navigate the delicate balance of keeping their dangerous allies happy while finding alternative solutions to challenges. The freedom to explore various paths and engage in branching dialogue trees makes for an immersive experience.
The game also delves into places not typically covered in the main 40K narrative, like the Drukhari city of Commorragh. This adds fresh and exciting elements to the setting, allowing players to explore dangerous and alien environments with the freedom of an RPG.
The turn-based combat on a grid, akin to games like Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Wasteland 3, complements Warhammer 40K's blood-soaked and bizarre combat traditions. With allies like nuns wielding flamer guns, ferocious Space Wolves, and the technology of the Adeptus Mechanicus, battles are both challenging and exhilarating.
While the beta version did encounter a few snags and limitations, the developers assure players that more content and campaigns will be added post-release. The potential for a truly immersive and diverse experience in the Warhammer 40,000 universe has players eagerly awaiting the final release of Rogue Trader.