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Researchers in California and Washington state have recently enacted bans on octopus farming, reflecting growing concerns about the welfare of cephalopods, a class of highly intelligent marine invertebrates. This follows increasing evidence of their cognitive abilities, which may be comparable to those of vertebrates. The common octopus, for instance, possesses around 500 million neurons, with significant learning capabilities demonstrated through behavioral tests. Critics argue against octopus farming due to potential environmental impacts and ethical considerations, urging that these creatures deserve humane treatment akin to that afforded to other animals. As scientists continue to explore cephalopod intelligence, calls for regulations governing their care are gaining traction, with guidelines emerging in the EU and potential actions considered by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The discourse surrounding cephalopod welfare marks a new frontier in animal rights, prompting deeper reflections on intelligence and moral consideration across species. 
Published: Dec 27 2024, 8 pmeznews.inIn a harrowing account, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recounted his near-miss during an Israeli airstrike on Yemen's Sanaa International Airport, which occurred as he was negotiating the release of UN personnel. Following the strike, which he described as alarmingly close, Tedros expressed uncertainty about his survival, noting the chaos as people fled and the deafening explosions that left his ears ringing. He and his colleagues were stranded for an hour, exposed to potential further attacks, as debris littered the area. The strikes, which resulted in casualties including three deaths at the airport, were part of Israel's response to Houthi missile attacks aimed at Israel. Tedros emphasized the need for protection of civilian infrastructure and called for global cooperation to address escalating conflicts, expressing concern over the increasingly dangerous state of the world.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 1 pmeznews.inPrince William has recounted a humorous moment from his early relationship with Princess Kate, revealing that he once gifted her a pair of binoculars, a decision he now admits was misguided. Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, the Prince of Wales, 42, recalled that while the gift did not go as planned, it has become a source of light-hearted teasing between the couple. The royal family is known for exchanging quirky gifts, with Prince Harry sharing in his memoir that he received a fish-shaped pen from Princess Margaret, and previously gifting Queen Elizabeth II a cheeky shower cap. This Christmas, the royal family gathered at Sandringham Estate, with William expecting 45 guests, including his three children. The holiday is particularly significant as King Charles III is undergoing cancer treatment and Princess Kate has recently completed preventive chemotherapy, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not invited to the celebrations.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 11 ameznews.inThe American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched at Israel from Yemen by Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. This marked the first activation of THAAD since its deployment in Israel in October 2023, following a previous missile attack by Iran. Footage surfaced showing an American soldier celebrating the interception, while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the event without specifying the system used. THAAD, designed to neutralize short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles using kinetic energy, includes truck-mounted launchers and advanced radar capable of detecting threats from up to 3,000 kilometers away. This incident was part of a series of escalating attacks, with the Houthis claiming to have targeted Ben Gurion Airport. In retaliation, Israeli forces struck Houthi positions in Yemen, reflecting the ongoing tensions linked to the Gaza conflict that began in October 2023.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 11 ameznews.inOutgoing US President Joe Biden has paid tribute to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. Describing Singh as a "true statesman" and "dedicated public servant," Biden highlighted his pivotal role in fostering US-India relations, particularly through the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and the establishment of the Quad alliance. Biden noted that the deep cooperation between the two nations today is a testament to Singh's "strategic vision and political courage." He reminisced about their meetings, emphasizing the significance of the US-India partnership in shaping a future of dignity and potential for both countries. Biden extended condolences to Singh's family, including former First Lady Gursharan Kaur, as the nation prepares to conduct Singh's last rites with full state honors in Delhi, attended by prominent political figures, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 9 ameznews.inA recent investigation by _Fox Business_ has revealed that several major US fast food chains do not serve "real whole eggs" in their breakfast offerings, despite customer expectations. The report highlights that chains like Starbucks, Dunkin', Subway, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King use egg products that contain various additives, such as water and modified starch, instead of whole eggs. While some companies, like Subway and Chick-fil-A, are working towards using cage-free eggs, they still rely on processed egg mixtures. In contrast, five prominent chains—McDonald's, Taco Bell, Panera, Wendy's, and Whataburger—do serve 100% whole eggs in their breakfast items. The findings underscore the differences in egg sourcing practices among fast food restaurants, with many opting for convenience and safety in using pasteurized egg products over genuine whole eggs.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 10 ameznews.inSupporters of US President-elect Donald Trump are experiencing a rift over immigration policies, sparked by the appointment of Indian-origin venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan to lead AI policy in the incoming administration. While tech mogul Elon Musk and newly appointed co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy advocate for merit-based immigration reforms, emphasizing the need for top global talent to maintain America's technological edge, hardline Trump supporters view these views as a betrayal of their populist ideals. Critics like far-right commentator Laura Loomer have condemned Krishnan's stance on green card reforms, accusing him of prioritizing foreign workers over Americans. This discord is further complicated by Trump's fluctuating immigration rhetoric, which has included both restrictive measures during his first term and recent suggestions of a more lenient approach for skilled immigrants. Amidst this turmoil, figures like Nikki Haley have called for a focus on American talent, heightening tensions within the MAGA camp.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 10 ameznews.inSuchir Balaji, a former employee of OpenAI, raised concerns about the company's copyright practices before his tragic death in December 2023. In an October interview with The New York Times, Balaji expressed disillusionment over OpenAI's shift from its nonprofit origins to a profit-driven model, particularly regarding its use of internet-sourced data to train AI models. His mother, Poornima Ramarao, recounted Balaji's impressive early achievements and his growing unease with the company's direction, culminating in his resignation in August. Following his public criticisms, Ramarao feared for her son's safety, especially after he celebrated his 26th birthday just days before his death. While authorities ruled his passing a suicide, the family remains skeptical and is pursuing a private autopsy and further investigation, with Ramarao stating, “It doesn’t look like a normal situation.”
Published: Dec 28 2024, 10 ameznews.inBodycam footage released on Friday reveals a disturbing incident at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York, where correctional officers were seen beating a handcuffed inmate, Robert Brooks, 43, who died the following day. Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault, had only arrived at the facility hours before the December 9 assault. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is investigating the case, made the footage public, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to order the dismissal of 13 officers and a prison nurse involved in the incident. Hochul expressed her outrage over Brooks' "senseless killing." The footage shows officers striking Brooks multiple times, with preliminary medical findings suggesting asphyxia due to neck compression as the cause of death, linked to the officers’ actions. The union representing prison workers has described the footage as "incomprehensible."
Published: Dec 28 2024, 10 ameznews.inAn Israeli military operation on Friday has rendered the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last major health facility in northern Gaza, inoperable, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The raid reportedly caused significant damage, destroying key departments, while around 60 health workers and 25 critically ill patients, including those on ventilators, remain trapped inside. Israel's military justified the operation by claiming the hospital was being used as a stronghold by Hamas militants, a charge the group vehemently denies. The WHO expressed deep concern for the patients' safety and reiterated calls for a ceasefire, highlighting the systematic dismantling of Gaza's health system as a "death sentence" for thousands in need of care. Witnesses reported that many residents were forced to evacuate to nearby facilities amid ongoing violence, with the situation at the hospital described as "appalling" by the WHO.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 7 ameznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that several wounded North Korean soldiers died after being captured by Ukrainian forces, accusing Russia of sending them into battle with insufficient protection. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as Ukraine and its allies allege that North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to support Russian military efforts. In his address, Zelensky noted that North Korea has suffered nearly 3,000 casualties since joining the fight, a figure corroborated by South Korea's intelligence service. The White House echoed these concerns, stating that North Korean soldiers are being viewed as expendable by their commanders. Meanwhile, military ties between North Korea and Russia have strengthened, with a recent defense pact taking effect. South Korea's military is reportedly preparing for further North Korean troop deployments and supplying artillery to Russia, amid rising tensions and concerns over potential arms support to Ukraine.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 7 am
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