
TECHNOLOGY It's time for the holidays, which means robust family conversations and seemingly never-ending courses of food. But for the more tech-savvy among us, the journey home could also mean we'll be called on to provide a backlog of tech support to parents, grandparents and other family members. And with generative AI being used to supercharge some major cyber scams this year, it's also a good time to teach and not just fix. Here are some tips on how to manage your tech encounters this holiday season: Set devices up for automatic updates Whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS or Android, simply keeping your operating system and apps up-to-date will help protect your family's computers and devices against a surprising number of security threats, such as malware, viruses and exploits. Most operating systems, especially those for mobile devices and their app stores, typically have auto-updates turned on by default. Be sure to double-check the device to make sure it has enough storage space to carry out the update. Keeping apps updated may also reduce the number of "Why isn't this app working?" type of questions from your relatives. Freeing up storage space Chances are someone in your family is going to have a completely full mobile device. So full, in fact, that they can no longer update their phone or tablet without having to purge something first. There are many approaches to freeing up space. Here are a few you can easily take without having to triage data or apps. ■ Use the cloud to back up media: iPhone users can free up space occupied by songs and pictures by storing them on iCloud. Android users can use the Google Photos app to back up and store their photos on their user space. ■ Clear browsing data: Each major browser has an option to clear its data cache — cookies, search and download histories, autofill forms, site settings, sign-in data and so on. Over time, these bits take up a significant amount of storage space on mobile devices and home computers. So cleaning caches out periodically helps free up space and, in some cases, improves system performance. What's my password? According to some admittedly unscientific studies, the average person has hundreds of passwords. That's a lot to remember. So as you help your relatives reset some of theirs, you may be tempted to recycle some to keep things simple for them. But that's one of the bad password habits that cybersecurity experts warn against. Instead, try introducing your forgetful family member to a password manager. They're useful tools for simplifying and keeping track of logins. And if you want to impress a more tech-savvy cousin or auntie, you could suggest switching to a more secure digital authentication method: passkeys. Educate your loved ones about the latest scams As scammers find new ways to steal money and personal information, you and your family should be more vigilant about who to trust. Artificial intelligence and other technologies are giving bad actors craftier tools to work with online. A quick way to remember what to do when you think you're getting scammed is to think about the three S's, said Alissa Abdullah, also known as Dr. Jay, Mastercard's deputy chief security officer "Stay suspicious, stop for a second (and think about it) and stay protected," she said. Simply being aware of typical scams can help, experts say. Robocalls frequently target vulnerable individuals like seniors, people with disabilities and people with debt. So-called romance scams target lonely and isolated individuals. Quiz scams target those who spend a lot of time on social media. How fast is their WiFi? Home internet speeds are getting faster, so you want to make sure your family members are getting a highspeed connection if they've paid for one. Run a broadband speed test on your home network if they're still rocking an aging modem and router. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Qatar tribune TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, concluded the second day of its Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics (PMFG 2024) Summit on Wednesday. PMFG 2024 continued to deliver impactful discussions, uniting global experts to explore groundbreaking ideas in precision medicine and genomics. The summit featured dynamic sessions and a high-profile panel addressing the opportunities and challenges of building a robust biomedical innovation economy in Qatar. A highlight of day two was the panel powered by Doha Debates, which explored the theme ‘Shaping the Future: Exploring the Boundaries of Human Advancement’. Moderated by Al Jazeera’s Dareen Abu Ghaida, the discussion tackled the ethical and philosophical implications of advancing genomics and biotechnology. Panelists included Jamie Metzl (Entrepreneur and Sci-Fi Novelist), Dr Sarah Chan (The University of Edinburgh, UK), and Dr Arash Rafii (Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar). Dr Sarah Chan, Center for Biomedicine, Self and Society, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, UK, said: “Genomic medicine offers unparalleled opportunities to revolutionize healthcare, but achieving genomic justice requires addressing inequalities embedded in our systems. By better understanding genome and its benefits for the long run, we can move toward personalized treatments tailored to individual needs, no matter how unique. This transformative shift must be supported by a fairer, more innovative approach to developing cures for the genomic era, ensuring that the benefits of these advancements are accessible to all.” The second panel session chaired by Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, which convened thought leaders from academia, healthcare, and policymaking, focused on positioning Qatar as a global biomedical hub. Panelists included Dr Francis Yeoh (National University of Singapore), Dr. Mohamed Adel Ghanem (Qatar Investment Authority), Dr. Slim Slama (World Innovation Summit for Health), Dr. Gordan Sanghera (Oxford Nanopore Technologies), and Dr. Peter Owotoki (Vitafluence.AI). Dr Francis Yeoh, Professorial Fellow and Chairman, Innovation & Entrepreneurship – National University of Singapore and Advisor to the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, said: “To build a successful biomedical ecosystem, there are six key components: strong government policies supporting innovation and business, access to cutting-edge healthcare markets, a growing pool of skilled talent, available funding through venture capital and government grants, robust support services like legal aid, startups, and accelerators, and a culture that embraces innovation. Qatar has all of these essential elements in place – positioning it to become a leading biomedical hub.” Dr Mohamed Adel Ghanem, Head of Healthcare at Qatar Investment Authority, said: “This event highlights Qatar’s progress and its ambition to lead in biomedical innovation. With advanced facilities like those at Sidra Medicine and access to comprehensive patient datasets, Qatar is well positioned to attract global partners and accelerate impactful solutions. Focusing on local health needs and creating a supportive regulatory environment gives the country a competitive edge to address global healthcare challenges.” Dr Slim Slama, CEO at the World Innovation Summit for Health, said: “Qatar is a small yet remarkably agile nation with a clear vision for public health, technology, and investment. In a short time, it has made significant contributions to global health dialogue and innovation. It’s essential to ensure these discussions are inclusive and address the unique needs of regions like ours, where challenges range from infectious diseases to chronic conditions.” The final day of PMFG 2024 (Thursday) promises sessions on custom-made therapies, innovative clinical trials, and dialogue in gene therapy. Keynote speakers include Dr. Hakon Hakonarson (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Dr. Chantal Mathieu (European Association for the Study of Diabetes), and Dr James Wilson (Gemma Biotherapeutics), who will explore actionable insights in genomics and rare disease treatments. PMFG 2024 is held under the patronage of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) and the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health, with Qatar Precision Health Institute as a strategic partner, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a knowledge partner, Qatar National Bank as the Official Diamond Patronage and Sponsor, and Msheireb Museums as a community partner. Copy 05/12/2024 10Elgin memorial service being planned for Risé Jones, founder/exec director of Hamilton Wings
Published 5:37 pm Friday, December 13, 2024 By Data Skrive Best bets are available for when the Washington Commanders (8-5) visit the New Orleans Saints (5-8) at Caesars Superdome on Sunday, December 15, 2024. BetMGM is one of the most trusted Sportsbooks in the nation. Start with as little as $1 and place your bets today . Don’t miss a touchdown this NFL season. Catch every score with NFL RedZone on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Sign up today and watch seven hours of commercial-free football from every NFL game every Sunday. Think you know who will win the game? Sign up at BetMGM and place your bet today. Want to bet on this game’s spread? Head to BetMGM and place your wager today. Want to bet on the over/under in this matchup? Make your wager at BetMGM . Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .
Thunder vs. Warriors Prediction, Pick, Odds, NBA Parlay for Wednesday, Nov. 27 - The Action NetworkDETROIT — China will soon see a massive expansion of electric vehicle battery swapping, as global battery maker CATL said Wednesday it is investing heavily in stations there next year. Battery swapping is not new — but it's had a challenging journey. Adoption of electric vehicles has varied in regions across the globe over the past several years, and that doesn't always bode well for building new infrastructure. While the technology could do well in China, it's uncertain whether it could work in other countries. What is battery swapping? Battery swapping allows EV drivers to pull into a station on a low battery and receive a swapped, fully-charged battery within minutes. An EV has to be equipped with the right technology to receive a swap — and not many models around the world currently have it. Automakers have to buy into the idea, and EV adoption among consumers also has to grow, so that investing in new infrastructure seems worthwhile. Consumers also have to be comfortable not owning their battery. Why could it work in China? China is much further along in adopting EVs than other countries. Not only is it the world's largest auto market, but in July, the country hit a milestone with 50% of new sales electric — and it accounts for most of this year's global EV sales. China supports EV growth through government subsidies and mandates. So it makes more sense for companies to invest in unique EV infrastructure there because that's more likely to be needed. What other attempts at battery swapping have occurred? The most notable example might be Israeli startup Better Place, which tried its hand at swapping in 2007. But the company shut down a few years later after investing a lot of money and coming up against roadblocks with logistics. EV adoption was especially low at the time. Could it work in the United States? Europe? Startup Ample, for example, has a modular battery swapping station that it says can complete a swap in 5 minutes. That’s important as charging time remains a point of concern for prospective EV buyers. Even the fastest fast chargers could take at least 15 minutes for a decent charge. But in the U.S., pure EVs only accounted for 8% of new vehicle sales as of November. Meanwhile Nio, a rival Chinese EV brand, has about 60 swap stations in northern Europe, and the EV adoption is higher there than the U.S., but the same challenges remain. Different automakers put different batteries in their various EV models, so a station would need all of those available if the industry didn't agree to a standardized battery, and not all of those models are out yet in volume. This is something that really needs scale. Swapping could help with EV cost — currently a barrier to adoption for many — because a driver wouldn’t necessarily own the most expensive part of an EV: the battery. Greg Less, director of the University of Michigan Battery Lab, said with proper framing and education, people might like the idea of battery swapping. To him, it's not unlike buying a propane-fueled grill and purchasing a refilled tank every so often. But it would require a rethinking of car ownership. "Where I could see it working is if we went entirely away from vehicle ownership and we went to a use-on-demand model," Less added. “I don’t think we’re there yet.” What vehicle uses might be best for swapping? Battery swapping might make most sense for ride-sharing or other fleet vehicles. Drivers of buses, taxis, Uber or Lyft vehicles want to spend as much time on the road as possible, transporting customers and making money. If battery swapping can shorten the time needed to charge EVs, that makes driving one less disruptive to their business. ___ Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate solutions reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn . Reach her at ast.john@ap.org .
Albania's prime minister has announced the government intends to block access to TikTok for one year after the killing of a schoolboy last month raised fears about the influence of social media on children. Speaking on Saturday Edi Rama declared the proposed ban would start in January. TikTok said it is seeking urgent clarifications from the Albanian government about the proposed ban. The social media platform told the BBC it had found no evidence the person who allegedly stabbed the 14-year-old boy, or the victim himself, had TikTok accounts. During a meeting in Albania's capital Tirana with teachers, parents and psychologists Rama branded TikTok as "the thug of the neighbourhood". "We are going to close it for a year and we are going to start rolling out programs that will serve the education of students and help parents follow their children's journey," Rama said. The blocking of TikTok comes less than a month after the 14-year-old student was killed and another injured in a fight near a school in southern Tirana which had its roots in a confrontation on social media. The killing sparked a debate in Albania among parents, psychologists and educational institutions about the impact of social networks on young people. "In China, TikTok promotes how students can take courses, how to protect nature, how to keep traditions, but on the TikTok outside China we see only scum and mud. Why do we need this?", Rama said. TikTok is already banned in India, which was one of the app's largest markets before it was outlawed in June 2020. It is also blocked in Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan and Somalia. TikTok is also fighting against a law passed by the US Congress which would ban the app from 19 January unless it is sold by ByteDance - its Chinese parent company. T he US Supreme Court has agreed to hear last-minute legal arguments from TikTok as to why it should not be banned or sold with a hearing scheduled for 10 January - just days before the 19 January deadline imposed by Congress. The US government is taking action against the app because of what it says are its links to the Chinese state - links which TikTok and ByteDance have denied. Several European countries including France, Germany and Belgium have enforced restrictions on social media use for children. In November Australia passed the world's strictest measures by voting to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media. That particular ban will take at least a year to implement. UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC that a similar ban for under-16s is "on the table" but added that he wanted to see more evidence first.10-man Barcelona concedes two late goals in draw at Celta Vigo
Long Island Lutheran boys basketball's Mingo brothers lead way in win over Sierra Canyon at UBS Arena
Stock market today: Wall Street slips at the end of a bumpy week