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When the Apollo 13 spacecraft embarked on its lunar landing mission on April 11, 1970, the concept of a digital twin was yet to be conceived. Three days into the journey, the mission took an unexpected turn when a routine stirring of the oxygen tanks on board led to a catastrophic explosion. After running some diagnostic tests, the NASA team discovered that an oxygen tank explosion had critically damaged an engine. Worse, the damaged spacecraft was venting precious oxygen into space, spelling likely doom for the astronauts onboard — Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert. The spacecraft was over 200,000 miles from Earth, well beyond the reach of any terrestrial or physical intervention. The diagnosis and repair of the damage would have to be accomplished solely with what the crew had on board. NASA had fifteen simulators used for training and mission planning. While rudimentary compared to NASA's latest simulators built by Boeing , they could be connected by up to 10 digital computers and the setup was the cutting edge of technology in 1970. It also had command module pilot Ken Mattingly , who had been replaced on the mission due to exposure to rubella. Mattingly, the backup crew, and hundreds of NASA engineers took to the simulators to replicate the conditions aboard. Running several hypothetical missions, many of which resulted in fatalities for the simulated crew, the team managed to bring Apollo 13 back to Earth safely. It wouldn't be until 2005 that what NASA accomplished with the simulators received a name — the digital twin (DT) concept. In the early 2000s, Dr. Michael Grieves, a research scientist and expert in product development, coined a term for what NASA did with its simulators, but with added technology. Using a virtual twin of a product would mirror the actual product in all respects. A digital twin of physical reality could be invaluable in predicting, troubleshooting, or solving problems without the cost or risk of altering a process or product. The exponential growth of computing power, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the 21st century has exploded the digital twin concept. The IoT enables the transfer of data between the physical counterpart and the digital twin in real-time, has significantly enhanced the functionality of digital twins. Creating an exactingly accurate virtual simulation has become commonplace. A home computer simulates the performance characteristics of advanced aircraft or automobiles. Pilots train in simulators that mimic real-world situations without risk to life or limb. NASA can control physical systems aboard distant craft. A global shipping operation can determine the impact of a change to its logistical chain without risking doing so in the real world. A virtual twin goes beyond simulation by incorporating the IoT to transfer data between the physical counterpart of the digital twin in real-time. A true digital twin must meet three criteria – perfectly represent a physical system, share data instantaneously as well as constantly, and behave realistically. This concept is on the verge of revolutionizing healthcare, with potential applications ranging from patient monitoring and personalized treatment to drug development and surgical simulations. To say the digital world has changed since Dr. Grieves helped popularize the digital twin terminology in 2005 would be an understatement. Technology that was unimaginable during the Apollo 13 crisis has helped industries, universities, and think tanks evolve the digital twin concept. The first iteration of the concept during the Apollo 13 crisis would be considered a static twin model, which is an exact digital copy of a physical system. The systems employed by NASA replicated the conditions on board Apollo without the ability to physically alter or share information with the craft. A shadow digital twin can exchange data in real time and apply the information to update the model. This requires a connection between the virtual and physical twin — not possible in 1970 but commonplace now, thanks to the advent of communication technology. The ultimate goal is an intelligent virtual twin. An intelligent virtual twin can not only synthesize and share data like a shadow twin but also use artificial intelligence to learn, reason, predict, and communicate with the physical twin, including receiving updated information from the physical twin. Virtual twins can be understood through the lens of simulation, but the reality is that an intelligent virtual twin is magnitudes more sophisticated. It creates a link between a physical reality and a virtual world that can predict problems and apply solutions. The term conjures thoughts of an identical twin living somewhere in the virtual world as a canary-in-the-coal-mine avatar. Introduce a change in the virtual twin, such as virtual illness and a course (or several courses) of treatment, observe the outcome, and use that information to take the best possible route in treating the physical form. Of course, creating a digital twin of something as complex as a biological structure is no simple task. Vast quantities of data must be gathered and utilized to make an identical virtual twin. Fortunately (or perhaps not, depending on your viewpoint), that data has become more and more accessible in recent years. The IoT has the means to gather and share enormous amounts of data, much of which can be used to create a digital twin. However, it's not just collecting biometric, demographic, and lifestyle data. An effective digital twin incorporates disease registries in addition to genomics (genome mapping), biomics (the study and extraction of large sets of biological data), proteomics (study of interactions and structure of proteins), and metabolomics (study of metabolites) to gain a greater understanding of the health issue at hand. The growing power of computing and the rising efficacy of artificial intelligence have opened the gates for virtual twinning wider than could have been imagined just a few years ago. By collecting, synthesizing, and monitoring an individual's vital, genetic, lifestyle, and physiological information them using a virtual twin to apply machine learning, predictive mathematical models, and artificial intelligence, a doctor could, in a sense, predict the future. One of the most enticing facets of applying digital twins to healthcare is the detection of health risks before they emerge. Imagine a world where a doctor could identify and develop a successful treatment for breast cancer well before any signs or symptoms present. The technology could save or extend millions of lives. Diagnostic technology and methods already do this to some degree. When developing a treatment, most doctors and surgeons generate an exhaustive patient history, including past habits, vital statistics, and family history. A digital twin would maximize this process. A patient forewarned by an intelligent digital twin model could take unprecedented ownership of his or her health. Best practices for remaining healthy, such as the vagaries of clean eating and plentiful exercise, could be laser-focused to maximize positive outcomes. A virtual twin may discover a patient's genetic predisposition to form kidney stones, allowing the physical patient to avoid the cause before the first agonizing occurrence. While digital twinning has been used across industries for years, it is still relatively young in healthcare. What, after all, is more complex than the human body and its myriad systems? Aided by the rise of AI and increasingly available health information, doctors and scientists have scored some successes in the healthcare field. In 2019, a team at Johns Hopkins University published a proof-of-concept study authored by Natalia Trayanova, a professor of biomedical engineering. The report detailed how her team created virtual twins of the upper chambers of the hearts of 10 patients suffering atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). Using information derived from the virtual twin, the team predicted where surgeons would need to destroy diseased heart tissue without exposing the patient to expensive or dangerous procedures. Another success comes from the Cleveland Clinic, which used the virtual twin model to study the impact of the environment on health. Using health records, environmental characteristics, and publicly available data to model neighborhoods and inform insurance and medical companies on how to alleviate health issues in those communities best. The purview of digital twinning in healthcare is extensive. It could shift everything from drug delivery to personalized care to insurance premiums and everything in between. However, it is not all smooth sailing for digital twins, as experts say that institutional support is required to push the science forward. The concept of digital twin models for use in healthcare has enormous potential but also faces great challenges. As Karen Willcox told the National Academies , "Digital twins have great promise in bringing value across areas of science and technology, including engineering, the natural world, and medicine. Our report makes clear that there is a real opportunity here to bring together domains and disciplines in new, valuable ways, but to achieve that value requires investment in interdisciplinary foundations." Creating digital twins relies on the sharing of data and enormous computational power, both of which are sometimes unavailable to researchers. Proponents have implored federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Departments of Defense and Energy, to create interagency channels to promote the research required to maximize the effectiveness of digital twin technology. Along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the NIH and NSF have awarded $6 million to develop digital twins for healthcare and biomedical research. It's a paltry sum compared to the $285 million offered by the Biden administration to further digital twin technology in the manufacture of semiconductors. The adopters and adapters of virtual twin technology in healthcare face several challenges, including technical limitations, the quality of available data, and ethical concerns. Incorporating a new and revolutionary concept like virtual twinning across the entire healthcare field will require a monumental, concerted effort. Combining computation, artificial intelligence, mathematical models, and medicine into a neat package accessible and applicable across medical disciplines will require enormous investment and a highly sophisticated technical infrastructure. Furthermore, while the harvesting of data via smartphones, wearable sensor technology such as the Peloton heart rate band or the Facebit face mask , and other means has become commonplace, the quality of that data, primarily gathered through private concerns, could be faulty. It also raises ethical concerns. In addition, the cost of creating a virtual twin could create a disparity between those who can access the technology because of socio-economic status and those who cannot — a conversation that has been swirling around the American healthcare community for some time. Another hot-button issue highlights concerns over a person's personal data privacy. If private companies gather information about every aspect of a person's physical being, right down to home life and genome information, could that data be applied unethically? Could insurance companies deny coverage based on a digital twin's predicted ailments? The car industry is already collecting driving data for insurance companies . A logistics operation or automobile's digital twin is far more impersonal than a living, breathing human being distilled into data. The advent of digital twin technology has improved systems for decades, but its application to healthcare has enormous potential and some sticky ethical and moral questions. As scientists and researchers forge onward, one thing seems clear — digital twins are here to stay. Forbes reports, "By 2025, 25% of Healthcare Delivery Organizations will include formalized digital twin initiatives within their digital transformation strategy." This number seems unlikely to shrink anytime soon. With digital twinning in healthcare in its infancy, only time will tell the benefits it might reap in the healthcare industry. Preventive diagnoses are only the tip of the iceberg. Decades past, a trio of astronauts floated helplessly in orbit, running out of oxygen and facing slim odds of a trip home. By replicating and simulating conditions aboard the craft, a team at NASA used one of the earliest examples of the digital twin concept to save their lives. It appears that this was only the beginning.Hoverfly Technologies now leads both the VHA-L and VHA-H programs with their trailblazing Sentry and Spectre Tethered Drones SANFORD, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 25, 2024 / After completing rigorous validation and environmental testing, Hoverfly Technologies is proud to announce its award of the U.S. Army Variable Height Antenna - Heavy (VHA-H) program with their Spectre Tethered Unmanned Aerial System (TeUAS). This monumental achievement will see Hoverfly's Spectre TeUAS deployed across critical operations as an integral part of the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN), underscoring the TeUAS's exceptional payload compatibility, versatile multi-mission capabilities, and unparalleled reliability. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Got Money Goals for the New Year? Stay on Track With These TipsCreative Diagnostics Announces Bacterial DNA Residue Assay Kits (qPCR) for Biological Research 11-25-2024 08:06 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: ABNewswire Creative Diagnostics has announced the launch of its new Bacterial DNA Residue Assay Kits (qPCR) for researchers. Creative Diagnostics, a reagent supplier and developer focused on biologics quality control, has announced the launch of its new Bacterial DNA Residue Assay Kits [ https://qbd.creative-diagnostics.com/products/bacterial-dna-residue-assay-kits-qpcr-2792.html ] (qPCR) for researchers to detect and quantify trace amounts of bacterial DNA contamination in a wide range of biopharmaceutical products, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality. Bacterial DNA residue assay kits (qPCR) are essential for maintaining the highest levels of product integrity and compliance in the biopharmaceutical industry. As an expert in bioprocess impurity analysis, Creative Diagnostics offers a range of Bacterial DNA Residue (qPCR) assay kits for the detection of trace levels of bacterial DNA contamination in biopharmaceutical products. By effectively monitoring for bacterial DNA contamination, these assay kits prevent potential adverse effects and ensure that the final product is safe for human use. These kits use advanced quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology with high sensitivity and specificity to reliably identify and quantify bacterial DNA residues. This is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of biologics, vaccines and other pharmaceuticals. In addition, each kit comes with pre-optimized reagents and comprehensive instructions for seamless integration into existing laboratory protocols. The rapid and accurate results provided by these kits help manufacturers meet stringent regulatory standards and maintain strict quality control throughout the manufacturing process. For example, the E. coli DNA Residue Assay Kit (Cat. No. DDNA-021) uses PCR fluorescent probe technology to quantitatively detect residual E. coli DNA in samples. This kit provides rapid, highly specific and reliable detection with a minimum detection limit of fg levels. It contains a quantitative E. coli DNA reference standard and is used in conjunction with Creative Diagnostics Host Cell DNA Prep Kit to accurately determine the amount of residual E. coli DNA in biological samples. The routine testing method for mycobacteria, the culture method, is time-consuming and does not meet the testing requirements of short-life biological products. To address this limitation, the ResDetFast Trademark Mycobacterium DNA Assay Kit (Cat. No. DDNAF-002), a quantitative fluorescence PCR-based assay designed with primers and probes, targets conserved Mycobacterium sequences for rapid and qualitative detection of Mycobacterium DNA in various biological products, including intermediates, semi-finished and finished products. When used in conjunction with Creative Diagnostics Nucleic Acid Extraction or Purification Kit, this kit can detect Mycobacterium DNA at the 10 CFU level in as little as 1.5 hours. Creative Diagnostics is committed to providing innovative solutions that support the biopharmaceutical industry. By utilizing these advanced kits, biopharmaceutical manufacturers can proactively monitor and control bacterial contamination, safeguarding the integrity of their products and protecting public health. For more information on Bacterial DNA Residue Assay Kits (qPCR) or project-specific Host Cell DNA Assay Kit development services, please visit https://qbd.creative-diagnostics.com/products/bacterial-dna-residue-assay-kits-qpcr-2792.html . About Creative Diagnostics Creative Diagnostics is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative tools and reagents for bioprocess impurity analysis. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to support researchers in the quality control of biologics and provides biopharmaceutical quality, purity and safety assays, analytical methods and applications for the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries. Media Contact Company Name: Creative Diagnostics Contact Person: Thomas Schmitt Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=creative-diagnostics-announces-bacterial-dna-residue-assay-kits-qpcr-for-biological-research ] State: New York Country: United States Website: https://qbd.creative-diagnostics.com/ This release was published on openPR.

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FIUGGI, Italy (AP) — Foreign ministers from the world’s leading industrialized nations expressed cautious optimism Monday about possible progress on a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The top diplomats met for the final time before a new U.S. administration takes office with wars raging in the Mideast and Ukraine. “Knock on wood,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened the Group of Seven meeting outside Rome. “We are perhaps close to a ceasefire in Lebanon," he said. "Let's hope it's true and that there's no backing down at the last-minute.” A ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon was foremost on the agenda of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, outside Rome, that gathered ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the last G7 encounter of the Biden administration. For the first time, the G7 ministers were joined by their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, the so-called “Arab Quintet,” as well as the Secretary General of the Arab League. “Everyone favors a ceasefire in both scenarios,” Tajani told reporters, adding that Italy had offered to take on an even greater peacekeeping role in Lebanon to oversee any ceasefire deal. As the ministers arrived in Italy, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Mike Herzog, told Israeli Army Radio on Monday a ceasefire deal to end fighting between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah could be reached “within days.” Several Arab ministers reiterated calls for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza during a G7-affiliated conference in Rome. “We need a ceasefire, a permanent ceasefire. That will stop the killings and stop the destruction and restore a sense of normalcy to life,” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told the conference. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, for his part, reaffirmed that Cairo would host a minister-level conference next Monday on mobilizing international aid for Gaza. The so-called “Quintet” has been working with the U.S. to finalize a “day after” plan for Gaza. There is some urgency to make progress before the Trump administration takes over in January. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pursue a policy that strongly favors Israel over the aspirations of the Palestinians. Tajani added another item to the G7 agenda last week after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief. Italy is a founding member of the court and hosted the 1998 Rome conference that gave birth to it. But Italy’s right-wing government has been a strong supporter of Israel after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, while also providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. The Italian government has taken a cautious line, reaffirming its support and respect for the court but expressing concern that the warrants were politically motivated. The United States, Israel's closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Tajani acknowledged consensus hadn't been reached among the G7 members but hoped for agreement to have a unified position. He noted that all sides need Netanyahu to make any deal. “We can also not agree with how his government has led the reaction after the massacre of Oct. 7, but now we have to deal with Netanyahu to arrive at peace in Lebanon, peace in Palestine,” Tajani said. Nathalie Tocci, director of the Rome-based Institute for International Affairs think tank, warned that inserting the ICC warrant into the G7 agenda was risky, since the U.S. is the lone member that is not a signatory to the court and yet tends to dictate the G7 line. “If Italy and the other (five G7) signatories of the ICC are unable to maintain the line on international law, they will not only erode it anyway but will be acting against our interests,” Tocci wrote in La Stampa daily this weekend, recalling Italy’s recourse to international law in demanding protection for Italian U.N. peacekeepers who have come under fire in southern Lebanon. The other major talking point of the G7 meeting is Ukraine , and tensions have only heightened since Russia attacked Ukraine last week with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the strike was retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. The G7 has been at the forefront of providing military and economic support for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and G7 members are particularly concerned about how a Trump administration will change the U.S. approach. Trump has criticized the billions of dollars that the Biden administration has poured into Ukraine and has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. “It’s hugely important that this G7, that all colleagues across the G7 continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it lasts,” British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said as he arrived. He announced new sanctions on vessels of Russia's “shadow fleet” of ships that are evading sanctions to export Russian oil. “And we are confident that Ukraine can have the funds and the military equipment and kit to get through 2025,” Lammy said. The G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, the second of the Italian presidency after ministers gathered in Capri in April , is being held in the medieval town of Fiuggi southeast of Rome, best known for its thermal spas. On Monday, which coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ministers were attending the inauguration of a red bench meant to symbolize Italy’s focus on fighting gender-based violence. Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people marched in Rome to protest gender-based violence , which in Italy so far this year has claimed the lives of 99 women, according to a report last week by the Eures think tank.Magnetic "metasheet" material moves objects like a conveyor beltWith a new year ahead and the holiday fanfare behind, this is a great time to set money goals, especially if you recently spent a lot on gifts and travel and want to get your finances in shape. You’d be in good company, too — according to a January 2024 survey from the Pew Research Center, of the 30% of Americans who made at least one New Year’s resolution, 61% had a goal that was money-related. Right now, you may be highly motivated to solve every single one of your money issues in the next few months, but daily life is guaranteed to get in the way. Your financial to-do list, once so full of promise, can eventually get stuffed in the back of a drawer while you manage more pressing matters. The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions go unfulfilled. So how can you improve your odds of success? It comes down to accepting that you won’t have the time or energy to complete every task to perfection. Creating a system where you can prioritize, plan ahead and hold yourself accountable can help. Many start by setting a goal to trim frivolous costs, which can certainly be helpful, but there are other ways to make a big difference. Taylor Schult — a certified financial planner and founder of Define Financial, an advisory firm in San Diego — recommends starting with a few overlooked financial tasks. Freezing your credit is a quick, easy way to guard yourself against identity theft. It’s free to do, and you can temporarily lift the freeze when you’re applying for a loan or credit card. Schulte also suggests looking into umbrella insurance , which offers additional coverage beyond what your auto, homeowners and other insurance policies provide. This coverage can spare you from massive out-of-pocket costs in the event you get sued. Basic estate planning, including creating a will, is another thing to put high on your list. Putting off this task can create a major headache for your loved ones if something happens to you unexpectedly. “I know it’s a pain point and it’s often kicked down the road,” Schulte says. Paying attention to your spending is always important, but don’t neglect taking steps to protect your money, yourself and your loved ones. So many money goals are born out of social pressure. You “should” want to save up to own a home, even if you’re happily renting. You “should” sacrifice short-term needs and wants to stash away as much as possible for retirement, even though it leaves you feeling deprived. But money goals should be tied to the things that matter most to you. If they aren’t, you’ll quickly lose interest. “If you don’t know what goals to choose, go back to your values and have them guide the goals you set,” says Eric Roberge, a certified financial planner and founder of Beyond Your Hammock, a financial advisory firm in Boston. You can combine goal-setting with a little planning, so expenses are less likely to creep up on you throughout the year. Think about what expected costs will be coming up in the next six to 12 months, like recurring bills, vacations, anticipated home or car repairs, and other expenses. This approach allows you to set money aside each month to put toward planned costs, as well as longer-term goals. Forgetting your goals can be far too easy, so to make something stick, write it down . It can be as simple as a handwritten list you keep on the fridge, or online calendar reminders that will nudge you every so often. For time-sensitive goals, set deadlines. One tactic is to make multiple lists based on what you need to complete within the next week, month or three months. As time passes and you check off items, you can update the list. Enlist others’ help, too. Weekly or monthly household money meetings are useful if you’re completing financial tasks as a group. Or share your goals with a trusted friend or family member who can serve as an accountability partner. Looping in loved ones can help keep you on track. “We don’t mind letting ourselves down,” Schulte says. “But we hate to let other people down.” It’s easy to get stuck in decision-making mode when trying to pick a high-yield savings account, credit card or possible investments, but eventually, you need to make a good-enough choice . Taking action now can have more of a positive effect on your life than waiting until you’ve painstakingly considered each option. Roberge says that though he’d prefer to optimize every financial decision, he doesn’t because if he did, he wouldn’t get things done. “Everything in moderation is one of the things that I live by,” he says. “Going to extremes in any one thing, at the detriment of other things that are important, doesn’t work long-term.” More From NerdWallet Sara Rathner writes for NerdWallet. Email: srathner@nerdwallet.com . Twitter: @sarakrathner. The article Got Money Goals for the New Year? Stay on Track With These Tips originally appeared on NerdWallet.The Henry County Community Foundation (HCCF) board of directors has awarded $ 152,778 to organizations serving Henry County residents. The purpose of these grants is to assist local nonprofits in promoting and supporting social services, arts and culture, health and recreation, civic affairs, and the educational needs of Henry County residents. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. 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I'm a working mom of two messy toddlers, a shedding dog and a husband who sometimes tracks in some dirt. I also like to have a clean house. My Dyson V15 cordless vacuum cleaner helps me clean up life's messes faster, better and more conveniently than before. Some commenters on Reddit seem to think you shouldn't buy a practical gift like a vacuum cleaner for your loved one. I disagree. Before the Dyson V15 was awarded a CNET Editors' Choice Award , before it out-suctioned its stick vacuum competitors in CNET's laboratory testing , and before it made CNET's best cordless vacuums list , the Dyson V15 was just a gift-wrapped box under my decorated tree at holiday time. That was two years ago, and it's still my favorite gift. CNET’s most recent survey found three out of 10 adults plan to start holiday shopping early this year. This strategy will work well for vacuum shoppers because the usual price tag for the Dyson V15 ranges from $700 to $750. Right now, you can find it on sale for Black Friday for $600. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This is only two days worth of dog hair my Dyson can suction up on its highest suction setting from a 500 square foot section of carpet. Why I love my Dyson V15 vacuum My Dyson V15 works great for quick clean-ups or deep cleans. Because it's cordless, I appreciate not having to constantly plug and then unplug it when cleaning the upstairs and downstairs in my home. It doesn't take up storage space because the charging docking station is mounted in our garage. It's no surprise to me that the Dyson V15 outperformed most of its competitors during CNET's lab testing. It is now rated as having the best suction performance for a cordless vacuum. It cleans my car too My kids' and pets' messes aren't contained to my house so I love how the Dyson easily converts to handheld mode, which comes in handy for suctioning up loose toddler snacks from car seats and car floors. The crevice attachment can reach those in-between spaces in my car and couch cushions. The Dyson V15 converts into a handheld for easy car cleanup. Washable HEPA filter I love the washable HEPA cloth filter too. No more running out of replacement filters. Simply wash it and let it dry . I also bought a backup replacement filter to use so I don't have to wait for the original filter to dry before using my beloved Dyson on another mess. I love how easy it is to clean my Dyson HEPA filter. I have two replacement filters on deck in case one is still wet from washing it. A high-performing vacuum with one flaw My one complaint is its battery life when using it on its best suction setting: boost mode. Dyson's boost mode works well picking up my dog's pet hair, but it drains the battery quickly. To clean two stories in boost mode, it needs to recharge, which can take a few hours. In the middle setting -- auto mode -- I can clean the upstairs and downstairs of my 2,000-square-foot home on a single charge, and it works well on hard floors and pretty good on carpet. Auto mode is fine for in-between cleanings, but boost mode works best for a deep carpet clean. Dyson's three power modes are Eco, Auto. Medium and Boost are designed for different tasks. The battery's overall run time will vary based on power mode selection. I find Boost mode to work best on pet hair, but will drain the battery quickly. I found that if I use Dyson's boost mode on the downstairs floor and then put the Dyson back on the charger, it will recharge enough to finish the upstairs while I mop the downstairs hard floor. Will the Dyson V15 be on sale on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? These devices frequently go on sale during the holiday shopping season, so you should keep an eye out this year for major savings. Plus, check back here frequently as we continue rounding up the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals available right now.A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming next week. LAYOFFS UPDATE The Labor Department issues its weekly tally of new unemployment benefit claims on Thursday. The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady two weeks ago to a seasonally adjusted 219,000. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered a proxy for layoffs. Initial jobless benefit claims, weekly, seasonally adjusted: Nov. 15: 215,000 Nov. 22: 215,000 Nov. 29: 225,000 Dec. 6: 242,000 Dec. 13: 220,000 Dec. 20: 219,000 Source: FactSet KICKING OFF 2025 Also Thursday, U.S. financial markets re-open for the first trading day of 2025. U.S. stocks could be hard pressed to duplicate 2024’s gains, especially the S&P 500, which was pushed to 57 all-time highs by a growing economy and a trio of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Big Tech, bitcoin and gold also look like big winners. MORTGAGE RATES Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac on Thursday delivers its weekly snapshot of average U.S. home loan rates. Last week, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 6.85%. Elevated mortgage rates and rising home prices have sidelined many would-be homebuyers and put home sales on track for their worst year since 1995. Average rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, weekly: Nov. 21: 6.84 Nov. 27: 6.81 Dec. 5: 6.69 Dec. 12: 6.60 Dec. 19: 6.72 Dec. 26: 6.85 Source: Freddie Mac