SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " fact " 2,725 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Cropland, manufacturing facilities: See 27 latest commercial, business sales ($151 to $13.7M)
See a list of property sales in Onondaga County other than residential homes.
Beth Macy, the Bestselling Author of “Dopesick,” is Running for Congress. Is She the Liberal JD Vance?
She’s written movingly about hollowed-out factory towns — just like another writer-turned-pol.
Lloyds Shelves Invoice Financing as Small Businesses Shift Away
British bank Lloyds is reportedly ending its small-business-focused invoice financing program. The factoring program will close by the year’s end, the
Will TGL build off the momentum of debut season?
The first TGL season had drama, surprises and stars, but is it here to stay or will the curiosity factor fade for fans?
Ariel Roblin: Why the major sports events coming in 2026 should motivate your New Year's resolutions
When it comes to New Year's resolutions, one of the most important factors of our success is how we are motivated to keep pursuing them throughout the year.
Russian Business Leaders Ask Putin to Ease Wave of Nationalizations
Russian business leaders have appealed to President Vladimir Putin to rein in a wave of state asset seizures that has affected factories, ports and major corporations worth more than 4 trillion rubles ($43 billion), the Kommersant business daily reported.
I'm a 14-year-old founder whose YC application went viral. There are pros and cons to starting a company young.
14-year-old Alby Churven founded Clovr. He told Business Insider his age gave him a "wow factor" but limits his "legitimacy."
55 Facts That Blew Our Minds in 2025
We’ll never look at potatoes the same way again.
Blue Earth business doing a major expansion
BLUE EARTH— The local area received some good news ahead of the holiday season when Winnebago Manufacturing shared information that they plan on expanding their plant and workforce in the coming year. “One of the reasons for the expansion is that two of our largest customers are growing significantly,” office manager Janet Hassing said. “They […]
PC Makers Are Fighting for Memory Capacity as Reports Warn That Postponing Product Launches Might Be the Only Option Left
Despite holding the capital, PC manufacturers are struggling to secure a sufficient memory supply, leaving them with limited options.
Factory boss gives workers $240 million in bonuses after $1.7B sale of family company
'Acquiring Fibrebond’s innovative and customer-focused business is a game-changing move.'
Asus could produce DDR5 RAM to ease memory shortage and keep laptop prices reasonable
With DDR5 RAM prices out of control, Asus may have a strategy that will benefit laptop buyers and gamers. A new report suggests that it will begin manufacturing DRAM as soon as 2026. Even with this development, Asus would struggle to open factories without the help of Samsung, Micron, or SK Hynix.
Artist for top games gives 3 tips for landing illustration gigs
Ana Fedina made the art for Critical Role's "The Armory of Heroes," a guide to artifacts and weapons from the crew's "Dungeons & Dragons" stream.
26 Totally Bonkers Language Facts We Learned In 2025 That Feel Made Up
And now I'm obsessed with the word "napkin"
How orange juice could help support heart health
Drinking orange juice can help support health by reducing inflammation and hypertension, among other factors, a recent study suggests.
This new 3D chip could break AI’s biggest bottleneck
Researchers have created a new kind of 3D computer chip that stacks memory and computing elements vertically, dramatically speeding up how data moves inside the chip. Unlike traditional flat designs, this approach avoids the traffic jams that limit today’s AI hardware. The prototype already beats comparable chips by several times, with future versions expected to go much further. Just as important, it was manufactured entirely in a U.S. foundry, showing the technology is ready for real-world production.
Galaxy Z TriFold is probably durable enough, hinge gives way after 150,000 folds in torture test [Video]
Samsung’s brand new Galaxy Z TriFold form factor has arrived and, of course, one of the big questions around it...
US health agency to negotiate prices for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said on Tuesday it will negotiate drug prices with manufacturers of GLP-1 medications, in an attempt to expand access to the weight-loss treatments.
Love’s factoring business gets bigger, buying trio of companies
Love’s is adding to its factoring business with the acquisition of three companies.
Love’s factoring business gets bigger, buying trio of companies
Love’s is adding to its factoring business with the acquisition of three companies. The post Love’s factoring business gets bigger, buying trio of companies appeared first on FreightWaves.
Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected
Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report is anything to go by. According to The Information, the outer display on the book-style device will measure just 5.3 inches – that's smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the iPhone mini, a line Apple discontinued in 2022 due to poor sales. The report has led some people to wonder why Apple would settle on such a compact form factor.
Modernize permitting to meet our energy needs
By Gabe Evans and Heather Reams Energy needs across the country are growing, particularly as domestic AI and advanced manufacturing increase. To meet this demand, we need every electron possible, but our current permitting system disincentivizes innovation and new project development. As two leaders in the energy space, we know the United States is more […]
LG Display Announce a New 27" 4K OLED Panel with RGB-Stripe Layout
Share this contentOLED panel manufacturer, LG Display today announced some further details of one of their new panels which was teased a couple of days ago in a promotional video....[click link for more]
East Moline manufacturer to move business to Iowa to support growing demand, leaders say
This move represents the company’s commitment to growth, innovation and community partnership, company leaders said.
iPhone Fold and future Galaxy foldable may end up copying the original Pixel Fold
According to a new report, Google's original Pixel Fold form factor will be copied by the iPhone Fold and a future Galaxy foldable.
Stanley Black & Decker to sell aerospace manufacturing business for $1.8B
The unit provides fasteners, fittings and other engineered components for the aerospace and defense industries.
Stanley Black & Decker Announces Agreement to Sell Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing Business to Howmet Aerospace for $1.8 Billion
/PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing...
Stanley Black & Decker Announces Agreement to Sell Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing Business to Howmet Aerospace for $1.8 Billion
Stanley Black & Decker(NYSE: SWK) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing ("CAM") business to Howmet Aerospace for $1.8 billion in cash. CAM provides critical fasteners, fittings, and other engineered components for the aerospace and defense industries.
Foldable phone makers have solved every issue except one
In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold proved that manufacturers have solved all the major issues with foldable phones except one last thing.
Why Republicans Can’t Agree on Health Care
Lost amid the political implications of allowing certain Obamacare subsidies to expire is the fact that this is Year 17, and counting, of Republicans failing to agree among themselves on health care policy.
Health literacy
WHO fact sheet on health literacy, including key facts, overview, existing inequalities, the importance and social benefits of health literacy, and WHO's response.
Samsung’s True iPhone Fold Competitor Dubbed ‘Wide Fold’ Is Reportedly In Development, Will Feature A ‘Passport’ Type Form Factor, Launch Aimed For Fall 2026
A true iPhone Fold competitor from Samsung could be in the works, with the latest report stating that the device will have a wider aspect ratio
Fact-checking Trump’s plaques for past presidents at the White House 'Walk of Fame'
In a break from tradition, President Donald Trump decorated a White House walkway with bronze plaques for each U.S. president. In an even sharper break with tradition, the plaques were written in a style echoing Trump’s Truth Social posts, with misleading or false descriptions of recent Democratic presidents.
Inside the Dubai chocolate boom and the factories racing to keep up
We visited the creator of Dubai chocolate and its first industrial operation and traced how the supply chain is racing to meet soaring demand.
Tesla is recruiting factory workers and sales staff to operate its 'Robotaxi' service
Posters that appeared at Tesla's California factories and a review of LinkedIn profiles show how the automaker is scaling its ride-hailing service.
A Lifestyle Rx For Keeping Your Brain Young
By Carole Tanzer Miller HealthDay ReporterSUNDAY, Dec. 21, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Think the good thoughts. Manage stress. Get your Zzzzzs. And build a strong social support system. New research shows that these factors — all of which are within your control — are powerful anti-aging tools. "You can ...
Why is Venus so bright?
The "morning star" is bright because of several factors, including having an atmosphere filled with sulfuric acid.
Iraq's political future in limbo as factions vie for power
Political factions in Iraq have been maneuvering since the parliamentary election more than a month ago to form alliances that will shape the next government
Hardware Store Marauder’s Map Is Clarkian Magic
The “Marauder’s Map” is a magical artifact from the Harry Potter franchise. That sort of magic isn’t real, but as Arthur C. Clarke famously pointed out, it doesn’t nee…
ModRetro announces version of Chromatic retro handheld made from materials used in military drones
ModRetro recently unveiled a new version of their Chromatic retro handheld partially made with the same materials used in military drones made by Anduril, a weapons manufacturer. The CEO of ModRetro, Palmer Luckey, also owns Anduril. The new console has caused quite a stir in the retro community because of its ties to weapons manufacturing.
The 15-inch Surface Laptop 7 with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD is 30% discounted — a rare deal as memory prices keep climbing
One of the best laptops we've ever rated for its sublime performance, battery life, and perfect form factor is 30% off for Amazon's Super Saturday sale.
Men’s brains may age faster than women’s, suggests major new study | BBC Science Focus Magazine
Brain ageing is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, yet women are more at risk of Alzheimer's than men.
You can buy your Xbox Ally an official pair of anti-drift joysticks
Gulikit-manufactured, Asus-approved.
Colorado’s business competitiveness shows cracks as investment drifts out of state
Business experts say 2025 was a mixed bag for Colorado’s business climate. Rankings from business leader surveys, state and federal organizations and news sites paint a murky picture for the region’s competitiveness as economic factors...
Economic anxiety has Texas manufacturers and retailers on edge
The latest tranche of Texas Business Outlook Surveys from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas was released the last week in November. The outlook self-described ...
Wonders, Whiffs, and Wild Facts: Science for the Incurably Curious
Learn the science behind sweat, body odor, scalp hair, cold plunges, and even drunken animals in this collection of Just Curious stories.
Red wine and your health: Facts and myths
Do the nutrients in red wine offer health benefits that outweigh alcohol’s health risks? A dietitian shares what to know.
Science Lab: Why NFL players refuse to tank
Welcome to "The Science Lab", a place where football facts and in-depth analysis always triumph over feelings.
What Can U.S. Employers Do About Rising Healthcare Costs?
U.S. employers are grappling with surging healthcare costs as healthcare prices and service volumes rise. Provider consolidation, high drug prices, labor shortages, and growing chronic disease are fueling the cost increases. Employer have largely responded by shifting expenses to workers. Their track record in pursuing aggressive options—including collective purchasing, tiered plans, value-based care, and advocating for changes in government policies—is poor. The big question is whether they have the will to become more aggressive in pursuing remedies. The outlook is not promising. The reasons include the complexity of the problem, employee resistance to some solutions, and the fact that most employers just don’t have sufficient “skin in the game” to take on the disruption and risk that would be required to bend the healthcare cost curve significantly or sustainably.
Factorial and Cartesian Growth Corporation III (Nasdaq: CGCT) Announce Business Combination Agreement to Accelerate Commercialization of Solid-State Battery Technology
Factorial Inc. (“Factorial”), a leader in solid-state battery technology, and Cartesian Growth Corporation III (“Cartesian III”), a special purpose acquisiti...
Letters to the Editor: Members of Congress should look at their own healthcare plans before cutting ours
'What is so hypocritical and unfair about the Republicans’ desire to slash health programs that serve most Americans is the fact that American citizens provide most of the money for the generous health benefits of Congress,' writes an L.A. Times reader.
Fact-checking Trump's speech and centrist Republicans' health care revolt: Morning Rundown
Plus, HHS terminates millions in funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Fact-checking Trump: Economy, wages, immigration and more
The president made a wide variety of claims Wednesday night. Some were true, some were misleading, and others were false.
100 Years Ago, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Changed Black
The fact that the meeting was even happening was enough to produce an air of subversive excitement. One hundred years ago on August 25, 1925, Black sleeping car porters, hoping to form a union at the
Inside GM’s $242M push to rebuild America’s skilled trades workforce
General Motors is investing $242 million in a skilled trades apprenticeship program, training 600 new journeypersons yearly through hands-on experience.
'Fallout' is bleak but funny science fission : Pop Culture Happy Hour
Fallout is based on a hugely successful video game series known for blending a sardonic, very dark comedic sensibility, and violence. The series is set in the game's post-apocalyptic world – an America divided into factions wrestling for control of an irradiated wasteland. When the hopeful Lucy (Ella Purnell) steps out of the comfortable life she's known in an underground vault, the world she's confronted with is harsh, brutal, merciless – and kinda funny. Fallout just returned for a second season on Prime Video, so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the show.
Baltimore Ravens Week 15 Rookie Report
Here’s how the Ravens’ rookies factored into their Week 15 win over the Bengals.
Larian's Last Engine Held Baldur’s Gate 3 Back
In fact, Act III was split up because the engine couldn’t stream well enough for a contiguous city.
Household air pollution
WHO fact sheet on indoor air pollution: includes key facts, definition, impact on health, impact on health equity, WHO response.
How to Head Off a Head Cold or Recover More Quickly
Fact checking zinc, vitamin C and Airborne.
German Business Activity Misses Forecasts on Industry Weakness
German private-sector activity grew at a weaker pace than anticipated in December as manufacturing unexpectedly recorded its worst performance in 10 months.
SANMINA CORPORATION ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF ENERGY BUSINESS WITH NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACTORY IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
/PRNewswire/ -- Sanmina Corporation ("Sanmina") (NASDAQ: SANM), today announced a major expansion of its Energy business with a new state-of-the-art factory in...
All 1,600 Kentucky battery plant employees laid off as Ford pivots away from EV business
All 1,600 employees of the brand new electric vehicle battery plant in Kentucky will be laid off before Ford converts it to manufacture batteries for data centers and other utilities.
Access Health CT experiencing delays on final enrollment deadline day
Connecticut residents rushing to sign up for health insurance before tonight’s deadline are experiencing delays on the Access Health CT website and phone lines due to heavy traffic on the final day of enrollment.
East Coast manufacturer to move HQ to Cincinnati area, create 230 jobs
SencorpWhite is moving its headquarters from Massachusetts to Hamilton, Ohio, creating 230 jobs averaging $90,000 annually over seven years.
OPB’s First Look: Women’s sports could be an economic win for Portland
How the WNBA and NWSL could factor into the city's post-pandemic economy. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
AI's Political Persuasiveness Is Dangerously Good: Parmy Olson
Scientists found that the latest AI models are getting better at persuading people, but at the expense of the truth, using a debating tactic known as Gish galloping. Researchers tested 19 language models on nearly 80,000 participants and found that when chatbots were prompted to overwhelm users with information, their factual accuracy declined. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Parmy Olson discusses the impact of AI and the power of Persuasion on The Pulse. (Source: Bloomberg)
Here is What to Know Beyond Why AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC) is a Trending Stock
AMC Entertainment (AMC) has received quite a bit of attention from Zacks.com users lately. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of the facts that can impact the stock's prospects.
What Buddy the Elf Can Teach Us About Global Health Security
You might not expect a man in yellow tights eating syrupy spaghetti to teach you about global health security—but Elf offers surprisingly helpful lessons to understand the importance of addressing biological threats before they become global pandemics.
MedX Health 2025 YEAR REVIEW
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, December 15, 2025--MedX Health Corp. (TSXV: MDX) ("MedX" or the "Company") is a data-driven health analytics business underpinned by proprietary intellectual property and regulated medical technologies. MedX’s platform generates and analyses high-fidelity skin health data using patented imaging, Teledermatology, and Photobiomodulation systems, creating a growing, defensible data asset and IP moat. MedX operates as an ISO 13485–certified medical device manufacturer and maint
Japan business mood hits 4-year high
TOKYO >> Big Japanese manufacturers’ business sentiment hit a four-year high in the three months to December, a closely watched survey showed on Monday, reinforcing market expectations the central bank will raise interest rates this week.
AI Is Getting Dangerously Good at Political Persuasion
For a while last year, scientists offered a glimmer of hope that artificial intelligence would make a positive contribution to democracy. They showed that chatbots could address conspiracy theories racing across social media, challenging misinformation around beliefs in issues such as chemtrails and the flat Earth with a stream of reasonable facts in conversation. But two new studies suggest a disturbing flipside: The latest AI models are getting even better at persuading people at the expense o
Grok gets the facts wrong about Bondi Beach shooting
Grok, the chatbot built by Elon Musk’s xAI and popularized on his social media platform X, appears to have repeatedly spread misinformation about today’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia.
You Might Soon See 8GB Laptops Everywhere, as Manufacturers Are Likely to Make High-RAM Configurations Unaffordable
Memory shortages are anticipated to pose constraints on laptop manufacturers, as a new report states that 8GB memory will become common.
Will concert tickets ever be accessible in Canada?
Most people are familiar with the pains associated with buying tickets for high-profile events: Face value tickets are expensive — if they’re even available, and tickets often sell out fast, only to pop up on resale sites, where they’re sold for exorbitant prices. But there are ways to push back, experts say, especially as people voice increasing dissatisfaction.
Teen’s video a ‘Breakthrough’ in science communication
Seventeen-year-old Grace Lee from Chula Vista is gaining national attention as a finalist in the global Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual competition that invites students to create original videos explaining complex scientific ideas in creative and engaging ways. Founded in 2015, the contest encourages young people to break down advanced scientific theories using imagination and storytelling— “Steven Spielberg meets Albert Einstein,” as organizers describe it. Lee’s submission centers on the principle of least time in physics, a concept that explains why light always travels the path that takes the least amount of time. To bring the idea to life, she used intricate origami characters and stop-motion animation, along with simple at-home experiments, she said. “The fact that light always travels via the path that takes the least amount of time sounds simple at first, but nature is full of surprises,” she said. “This principle is actually very profound and underlies many different fields in physics that seem completely unrelated, from optics to Newton’s laws to Einstein’s theory of relativity.” Also, origami has long been one of her passions and integrating it into her project felt natural. She often makes origami gifts for friends and teaches origami in her school clubs. “A single 10-second scene would take hours to craft,” she said, noting the mixture of stop-motion and post-production editing required to animate expressions and movement. To ensure the science remained accurate and accessible, she spent time reading books and online resources, writing a script, creating a storyboard, and filming and editing repeatedly until the visuals worked.The experiments were among the biggest challenges. To demonstrate water waves, she used everyday household items — “a spatula and an electric toothbrush to vibrate the waves, glass in a baking pan for different depths, and an iPhone flashlight so the waves would be visible.” She also put careful thought into explaining the principle through analogies, including a gingerbread man and a fox. “Analogies and visuals are incredibly important,” she said. “Visual demonstrations allow viewers to see how the science actually works.” Beyond the competition, Lee is deeply involved in science leadership and advocacy. She serves as International President of miRcore, the world’s largest student computational biology organization, with 136 chapters across five countries. She leads a 20-member executive board, organizes outreach connecting schools worldwide, and has helped run workshops at locations including Scripps Research Institute and the University of Michigan. “I used to be intimidated,” she said, but she gradually grew her skills and confidence. “Now I am no longer afraid to use my voice and enthusiasm to bring out the best in others.” Her research experience includes two peer-reviewed papers on asthma and vaping. Misconceptions around vaping, she said, show why clear science communication matters. “Our research shows that there is long-term harm to your lungs on the cellular level that isn’t obvious unless you come down with an illness like the flu,” she said. Lee also founded Full Hearts at Eastlake High School, transforming the small club into one of the school’s largest, with hands-on service projects in partnership with local nonprofits. She continues mentoring younger students to sustain the mission. If she wins the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Grace hopes the $100,000 science lab prize for her school will expand opportunities for students who have limited access to equipment and hands-on science outside the classroom.
Report: Small business optimism up, but worries percolate
An increase in business owners expecting more sales was the biggest factor in the increased Optimism Index.
SCV’s top cop speaks with business community
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Capt. Brandon Barclay, the SCV’s de facto “chief of police,” shared a message with the business community Thursday, touting another month of reduction in overall crime numbers […]
The fact-checking mandate evolves from politics to personal security
"Online scams, phishing attempts, and fraudulent schemes have grown in both volume and sophistication, creating a new front in the war on falsehoods."
Science Lab: How the Cowboys Can Make the Playoffs
Welcome to "The Science Lab", a place where football facts and in-depth analysis always triumph over feelings.
One Critical Factor Predicts Longevity Better Than Diet or Exercise, Study Says
It's vital for almost every aspect of our well-being.
The EPA website got the basics of climate science right. Until last week.
The Trump administration purged 80 pages of facts about climate change — including that it's caused by humans.
Tiny tracker following monarch butterflies during California migration
When this monarch butterfly hits the sky it won't be traveling alone. In fact, an energetic team of researchers will be following along with a revolutionary technology that's already unlocking secrets that could help the entire species survive.
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
CBA Shares Stories, Insights, and More From Member Banks Supporting Small Businesses
Last month, the Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) celebrated Small Business Saturday with a countdown sharing the important work our member banks do to support Main Streets across America. This blog provides a look back on small business stories, insights, and more from our members. From jewelers and manufacturers to home…
Thursday’s health vote: GOP factions to watch
Senate Republicans are finally set to vote on a GOP health care plan Thursday — the same day that the Senate will vote on Democrats' proposal to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies by three years.
Fact check: Trump denies saying something he said on camera five days ago
President Donald Trump on Monday falsely denied making a comment he had made on camera just five days prior. Then he launched a personal attack against the reporter who had accurately repeated his previous remark.
Youth Mental Health Improved When Schools Reopened, Study Finds
With the end of school shutdowns, children’s mental health appointments fell sharply, though other factors may have contributed.
Lidl-Trek partners with Gatorade® to fuel team with science-backed hydration
The home of Trek Factory Racing, and all the Trek programs. Whether its road, XC, enduro, downhill, freeride, cyclocross or triathlon, you’ll find a Trek athlete, racing for the win.
MIA ranked one of the best U.S. airports for business travelers
Business travel platform Booking.com for Business has named Miami International Airport its third-best U.S. airport for business travelers, after analyzing the world's 50 busiest airports based on key factors that impact business travelers. Most notably, the study highlighted that, “Car-for-hire availability, paired with MIA’s impressive inf...
Could AI replace seasonal workers?
AI automation could replace 20%-30% of seasonal workers in retail returns processing, as companies adopt advanced systems that improve speed and accuracy.
Wonder and discovery coalesce at Vatican Observatory exhibition
Wonder Bound, the product of a collaboration between Johns Hopkins University, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and the Vatican Observatory, brings images from the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes to a historic venue
Driven by GLP-1s, prescription drug spending explodes at major health insurers
Some insurers have spent more on drugs in nine months this year than they did in all of 2024. Cost of weight loss drugs a major factor, STAT analysis finds.
'Spurs were at it'
As I walked the High Road from Seven Sisters station to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, I passed more than one group of Spurs fans anticipating a goalless draw against Brentford. In fact, one cluster of supporters (including a chap wearing a creatively named "Van de Ben" shirt) were seriously debating whether they would take such a scoreline before a ball was kicked. Spurs were at it.
West Coast health experts reject RFK Jr. panel, say hepatitis B vaccines at birth should continue
“The West Coast Health Alliance grounds its decisions in facts, data and expert consensus,” Gov. Tina Kotek said.
‘Choosing Pennsylvania’: Officials offer details on plan for agri-business in Muncy
New Jersey-based agri-business manufacturer has purchased a Muncy facility and anticipates 69 new full-time jobs with possible expansion of its staff to eventually create hundreds of jobs once the plant begins operation in a year. Officials with Farmplast LLC of Parsippany, Wednesday joined state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Brent Vernon, senior Project, and Account Management […]
Science journal retracts widely cited study that claimed Roundup is safe
The Trump administration, meanwhile, aims to shield its manufacturer from lawsuits.
Michael Returns In New GTA Online Mansions Update
The next GTA Online update, A Safehouse in the Hills, has finally gotten its release date confirmed by Rockstar Games. The company fully revealed on Friday that they'd be releasing yet another winter DLC as expected next week. The new update was first teased by Rockstar last week but details aside from the fact we'll be able to buy mansions have been fairly limited. Now we know Michael is back and more.
KFF Health Tracking Poll: Knowledge and Views of Medication Abortion
This KFF Health Tracking Poll finds that many, including women of reproductive age, remain unfamiliar with key facts about mifepristone. Fewer than half of all adults say they believe abortion pills are safe now, compared to over half of all adults two years ago. This poll explores awareness and perception of the recent FDA review of the medication, and support for policies aimed at restricting it.