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Obama’s Techno-Optimism Shifts as Democrats Navigate Changing Tech Landscape

Former President Barack Obama is set to make a return to the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention, addressing a party that has undergone significant changes in its relationship with technology since his departure from office.

Once hailed as the internet president for his innovative use of social media and online platforms during his campaigns, Obama’s ties to the digital realm have evolved alongside the rapid advancements in technology. His initial embrace of Big Tech is now viewed through a more critical lens by many within the Democratic Party, who see social media companies as potential threats to democracy and mental health.

The shift in the party’s stance on tech is evident as President Joe Biden’s administration takes a more pessimistic approach to Big Tech, focusing on concerns around safety, discrimination, and antitrust issues. However, as Vice President Kamala Harris assumes a more prominent role within the party, there are indications of a potential pivot back towards a more balanced view of technology.

With new technological frontiers like artificial intelligence, space exploration, and quantum computing on the horizon, Democrats are faced with a new set of challenges and opportunities in shaping their tech policy. Obama’s speech at the convention serves as a reminder of a time when Democrats were seen as the party of progress and innovation, offering a contrast to the policies of former President Donald Trump.

As the party navigates its evolving relationship with Silicon Valley and the tech industry, Harris’s connections to the Bay Area and her more nuanced approach towards tech regulation could signal a shift in the party’s tech policy. While a return to the techno-optimism of the Obama era may be unlikely, Democrats are presented with an opportunity to reevaluate their stance on technology and its role in shaping the future of the country.

Tech Evolution: From Obama’s Optimism to Harris’s Vision

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Former President Barack Obama is set to make a return to the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention, addressing a party that has undergone significant changes in its relationship with technology since his departure from office.

Once hailed as the internet president for his innovative use of social media and online platforms during his campaigns, Obama’s ties to the digital realm have evolved alongside the rapid advancements in technology. His initial embrace of Big Tech is now viewed through a more critical lens by many within the Democratic Party, who see social media companies as potential threats to democracy and mental health.

The shift in the party’s stance on tech is evident as President Joe Biden’s administration takes a more pessimistic approach to Big Tech, focusing on concerns around safety, discrimination, and antitrust issues. However, as Vice President Kamala Harris assumes a more prominent role within the party, there are indications of a potential pivot back towards a more balanced view of technology.

With new technological frontiers like artificial intelligence, space exploration, and quantum computing on the horizon, Democrats are faced with a new set of challenges and opportunities in shaping their tech policy. Obama’s speech at the convention serves as a reminder of a time when Democrats were seen as the party of progress and innovation, offering a contrast to the policies of former President Donald Trump.

As the party navigates its evolving relationship with Silicon Valley and the tech industry, Harris’s connections to the Bay Area and her more nuanced approach towards tech regulation could signal a shift in the party’s tech policy. While a return to the techno-optimism of the Obama era may be unlikely, Democrats are presented with an opportunity to reevaluate their stance on technology and its role in shaping the future of the country.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals TNXP Shares Fall 14.61% After Q2 Earnings Report

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp (NASDAQ:TNXP) shares experienced a significant pullback, closing 14.61% lower at 38 cents, following a remarkable 60% surge on Monday in response to the company’s second-quarter earnings report.

The company recently launched a Phase 2 trial of TNX-1300, designed to treat acute cocaine intoxication by rapidly breaking down cocaine in the body. The study, with support from NIDA and designated as FDA Breakthrough Therapy, aims to evaluate TNX-1300’s safety and efficacy in 60 patients across six U.S. emergency departments, primarily focusing on reducing systolic blood pressure within 60 minutes post-treatment.

Regarding earnings, Tonix Pharmaceuticals reported a GAAP EPS loss of $19.28, lower than the anticipated $3.27 loss, with sales of $2.208 million, missing the expected $3.500 million. The company made progress on its TNX-801 vaccine candidate, aiming to prevent mpox and smallpox, showcasing promising preclinical data protection against lethal mpox infection.

The World Health Organization’s recent declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency underscores the significance of thwarting its spread, validating the importance of TNX-801. The company’s manufacturing facility is equipped to produce TNX-801 swiftly in response to any national or international emergencies.

Investors contemplating whether to sell TNXP stock should consider their investment strategy and risk tolerance. Swing traders might capitalize on gains by selling, while long-term investors may hold onto the stock for potential growth. Market dynamics, indicated by an RSI of 36.33, suggest neutral conditions for Tonix Pharmaceuticals.

With a 52-week high at $32.32 and a low of 37 cents, TNXP’s performance remains volatile. Investors should conduct thorough analysis and consider various perspectives before making decisions amid fluctuating market conditions. Staying informed and utilizing tools like Benzinga PRO for comprehensive insights is crucial for navigating the dynamic landscape of pharmaceutical investments.

The Future of Good Jobs: Why College Degrees are Essential through 2031

Despite recent debates on the value of a college education, a recent report suggests that the importance of a four-year degree is on the rise. The study, titled The Future of Good Jobs: Projections through 2031, conducted by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), paints an optimistic outlook for job availability as the economy transitions into the Artificial Intelligence era. The report highlights that a higher percentage of high-quality jobs will require individuals with a college education, capable of managing new technologies.

CEW director Jeff Strohl stated, We are amidst a significant economic transition that brings both opportunities and uncertainties. The silver lining is that we anticipate a substantial increase in good jobs by 2031, driven by enhanced productivity through new technologies and stronger growth in high-skill/high-wage occupations.

By 2031, the report predicts that two-thirds of the nation’s good jobs, defined as positions paying at least $43,000 for younger employees and $55,000 for more experienced professionals, with a median income of $85,000, will be held by college graduates. Additionally, another 19% of these good jobs will require middle skills, such as associate degrees and trades certification.

The report suggests that the majority of good jobs in 2031 will be in managerial and professional office occupations, with 84% of these roles necessitating a bachelor’s degree. Professions such as education, healthcare, technical fields, and computer sciences will also be significant sources of good jobs for individuals on the bachelor’s degree path.

Catherine Morris, report co-author and senior writer/editor at CEW, emphasized, Despite the growing skepticism surrounding the value of a college education, our findings reaffirm that a bachelor’s degree will remain the primary route to securing a good job in 2031.

The article also mentions the advocacy efforts of organizations like CFES Brilliant Pathways, which supports disadvantaged high school students in pursuing college degrees. CFES President and Co-CEO Rick Dalton highlighted, The reality is that well-paying and rewarding jobs still require a college education, and this trend is expected to intensify in the coming decade.

AI’s transformative impact on the workforce will be explored at CFES’s upcoming conference in Burlington, Vt., on Nov. 18-19. Titled The College & Career AI Revolution: Get Ready Now, the event will feature speakers discussing the future of work, AI’s influence on job opportunities, and the unique human qualities that machines cannot replicate.

For a detailed overview of the Georgetown report on future job projections and promising occupations across educational pathways, visit https://cew.georgetown.edu/goodjobsprojections2031. To register for the conference on the College & Career AI Revolution, visit https://brilliantpathways.org/our-program/national-conference.

Pioneering Research Uncovers Vital Biomarker for Orbital Inflammation

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A recent study has shed light on the role of HLF (Human lactoferrin) in idiopathic orbital inflammation, a condition characterized by the infiltration of lymphoid tissue with a complex and poorly understood etiology. The study utilized bioinformatics and machine learning techniques to analyze multi-omic datasets, identifying HLF as a potential biomarker for NSOI. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed significant immune pathway enrichment linked to HLF, highlighting its association with immunological processes.

NSOI, previously known as nonspecific orbital inflammation, is a benign inflammatory pathology localized within the orbital region. While systemic corticosteroids are the standard treatment, recurrence rates are high, necessitating a deeper understanding of the molecular pathways underlying NSOI for improved therapeutic interventions.

HLF is an 80-kDa glycoprotein with antimicrobial properties found in various mucosal secretions. Its role in modulating iron homeostasis and impact on immunological progression make it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in retinal inflammatory diseases and other pathological conditions.

The immune microenvironment plays a crucial role in NSOI, and recent research has focused on understanding the immunosuppressive mechanisms that contribute to disease progression. By leveraging high-throughput technology and bioinformatics tools, researchers can screen for biomarkers and therapeutic targets to develop innovative treatment approaches.

Overall, the study sheds new light on the intricate relationship between HLF and NSOI, offering valuable insights into potential biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring of this challenging condition. The use of advanced analytical methodologies and multi-omic datasets has enabled a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying NSOI, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions.

New AI Method Predicts Proteins’ Functional Movements: Study

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Scientists at Rice University and their colleagues in China have developed a new method that combines information about protein energy landscapes with deep-learning techniques to predict protein movements. This advancement is crucial for understanding how proteins change shape when they function in living systems, a key aspect of comprehending their workings.

Proteins are essential molecules in living organisms that perform various functions, and understanding their structural movements is vital for designing new drugs and studying disease mechanisms. While existing AI tools like AlphaFold2 can predict static protein structures, predicting how proteins move has remained a challenge due to limited direct experimental data.

The new method focuses on energetic frustration, which indicates conflicts in protein parts that proteins have evolved to minimize. By teaching AlphaFold2 to recognize these frustrated regions, the researchers were able to accurately predict alternative protein structures and pathways for protein motions. This approach not only enhances the accuracy of predicting protein movements but also explains why AI tools may overpredict structural integrity.

The study underscores the importance of integrating AI technologies with biophysical insights to advance practical applications in areas such as drug design and enzyme engineering. By combining physical knowledge of protein energy landscapes with AI, researchers can achieve more precise predictions of protein motions, offering a deeper understanding of protein functions and mechanisms.

Overall, this research presents a significant step towards improving the prediction of protein movements, highlighting the potential of combining AI technologies with biophysical approaches in the post-AlphaFold era. The study was supported by various research grants and collaborations, emphasizing the global effort to enhance our understanding of protein dynamics and functionalities.

New Study Combines Energy Landscapes and AI to Predict Protein Movements

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Researchers have found a new way to teach artificial intelligence (AI) about the frustrations involved in protein folding, ultimately aiding in our understanding of how proteins function within living systems. While AI technology has advanced in predicting static protein structures, deciphering how proteins move remains a challenge due to limited experimental data on protein motions.

In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists from Rice University and China combined information on protein energy landscapes with deep-learning techniques to predict these movements effectively. By focusing on energetic frustration, a concept where proteins evolve to minimize conflicts between their components, the researchers enhanced AlphaFold2 (AF2) to predict protein motions accurately.

Peter Wolynes, co-author of the study, highlighted the significance of their method in generating alternative protein structures and pathways based on energetic frustration features. The researchers successfully applied this method to analyze the protein adenylate kinase and predicted functional movements in other proteins with shape variations.

Understanding the three-dimensional structures and motions of proteins is vital for drug design and comprehending their functions. By integrating physical knowledge of energy landscapes with AI, the study not only predicts protein movements but also explains the tendency of AI to overpredict structural integrity.

The incorporation of the energy landscape theory, coupled with AI, proves instrumental in accurately predicting protein structures and pathways essential for protein functional movements. By identifying and addressing frustrated regions within proteins, the researchers taught the AI to ignore these regions in its predictions, leading to more precise outcomes.

This research underscores the importance of combining AI technology with biophysical insights for practical applications in drug design, enzyme engineering, and disease mechanism understanding. The findings emphasize the value of not disregarding physics-based methods in the post-AlphaFold era, heralding a new era of AI integration in protein research for diverse applications.

Meta’s Data Use Changes Accepted by UK Regulator

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The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially approved Meta’s revised data usage commitments regarding its advertising services. This decision by the watchdog comes after Meta’s pledge in May to restrict the utilization of advertisers’ data, aiming to create a more equitable competitive landscape.

Initially, Meta allowed advertisers the option to opt out of having their data utilized to enhance Facebook Marketplace. However, the updated proposal takes it a step further by ensuring that advertisers’ data will not be leveraged to improve the eCommerce platform in any way, without necessitating an opt-in or opt-out process. The CMA highlighted that these enhancements surpass the original commitments and provide assurance that advertisers will not be put at a disadvantage.

According to the CMA, the adjustments proposed by Meta exceed the initial promises and guarantee that advertisers will not face any detrimental effects. Consequently, the CMA has accepted the proposed changes.

The CMA initiated an investigation into Meta in 2021, with a focus on the company’s practices in online classified ads and online dating, particularly pertaining to data collection and usage. This scrutiny aligns with broader regulatory concerns surrounding major tech firms potentially exploiting their market dominance to unfairly control specific sectors.

Condé Nast Strikes Lucrative Deal with OpenAI for Content Expansion

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Condé Nast has entered into a multi-year agreement with OpenAI to protect its intellectual property rights and ensure fair compensation for its content. CEO Roger Lynch revealed this partnership on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of proper attribution and revenue generation for Condé Nast.

The collaboration aims to extend the reach of Condé Nast’s content, allowing the media company to safeguard its journalism and creative endeavors amidst evolving digital landscapes. Lynch highlighted the challenges faced by news and digital media industries in monetizing content, particularly with the dominance of tech giants in the online space.

OpenAI’s commitment to supporting journalism was underscored by Lynch, who expressed confidence in the partnership’s ability to provide a source of revenue for Condé Nast. The undisclosed terms of the agreement align with similar deals OpenAI has struck with other publishers like News Corp., demonstrating a potential shift in the industry’s dynamics.

While the financial details remain private, sources suggest that the News Corp. deal with OpenAI amounts to $250 million. This significant investment signals OpenAI’s dedication to fostering sustainable relationships with media outlets and contributing to the preservation of quality journalism.

In a landscape where traditional revenue streams have been disrupted by digital platforms, partnerships like the one between Condé Nast and OpenAI offer a glimmer of hope for content creators. As the media industry continues to adapt to changing business models, collaborations that prioritize proper compensation and attribution for intellectual property will play a crucial role in shaping its future.

Apheros Secures $1.85m Funding for Green Data Center Cooling Solution

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Female-led Swiss Deep Tech start-up Apheros has announced securing $1.85M in funding to tackle the pressing issue of cooling down energy-intensive data centers. With the global demand for digital infrastructure rising due to the increased usage of AI, machine learning, and supercomputing, the energy consumption of data centers is also skyrocketing.

By 2030, it is estimated that six percent of the global energy consumption will be dedicated to cooling data centers. To combat this, Apheros is introducing its innovative metal foam technology, which offers a more cost- and energy-efficient solution compared to traditional cooling methods.

The recent pre-seed funding round, led by venture capital firm Founderful, will accelerate the development and deployment of Apheros’ metal foam-based cooling solutions. The unique foam structures created by Apheros with open porosity and high surface area provide exceptional heat transfer and flow properties, surpassing traditional solutions by a significant margin.

Founded in August 2023 as an ETH Zurich spin-off, Apheros is led by a team with experience in innovation, business development, and tech transfer. The company’s CEO, Julia Carpenter, and CTO, Gaëlle Andreatta, are driving the mission to help customers achieve superior thermal performance, increase energy efficiency, and contribute to a greener future.

Apheros’ metal foam technology targets the thermal management market, focusing on liquid cooling for applications such as High Performance Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Centers. The company aims to redefine sustainable, high-performance liquid cooling and set new industry standards for energy-efficient solutions.

The funding secured by Apheros will enable the company to expand production, intensify research and development efforts, and bring state-of-the-art cooling solutions to a broader market. With the support of Founderful and their revolutionary metal foam technology, Apheros is poised to make a significant impact on the industry by reducing energy consumption and addressing the challenges posed by inefficient cooling systems in data centers.