Aging Cells to Bitcoin Adoption: A Week of Groundbreaking Developments in Science, Society, and Technology
Brief:
🔶 Scientists Discover Breakthrough in Cell Aging and Boosting Immune System
🔶 Nirvana Sued by Baby on Iconic Album Cover for 'Commercial Child Pornography
🔶 El Salvador Becomes the First Nation to Adopt Bitcoin as Legal Tender
🔶 OnlyFans' reversal: a victory for sex workers and the power of collective action.
🔶 Kanye West's Donda Stem Player: Music Listening with Personalized Control
🔶 Australia Passes Bill Allowing Authorities to Disrupt Online Communications
🔶 3LAU Raises $16M for Blockchain-based Music Rights Marketplace
🔶 Researchers Transfer Human Protein to Boost Agricultural Yields by 50%
🔶 Spotify Opens Podcast Subscriptions to All US Creators
Australia Passes Bill Allowing Authorities to Disrupt Online Communications in the Name of Crime Prevention
In a move that has raised concerns about civil liberties, Australia has passed the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2021, granting the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission broad new powers to disrupt data and online communications in the name of preventing serious crimes. The bill introduces data disruption and network activity warrants that allow authorities to modify, copy, or delete data in order to prevent crimes, as well as account takeover warrants that allow authorities to take over a person's online account for the purposes of gathering evidence. While supporters argue that the bill is necessary to combat online crime, critics warn that it risks eroding privacy and civil liberties, and could lead to overreach by law enforcement.
Israeli Scientists Discover Breakthrough in Reversing Cell Aging and Boosting Immune System, Potentially Paving the Way for Longer, Healthier Lives
Israeli scientists from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have discovered a method to reverse the aging process of the immune system in order to combat severe cases of COVID-19 and other diseases. They found that the accumulation of memory B cells in the body suppresses the production of new B cells, causing the immune system to become weaker over time. The researchers identified specific hormonal signals produced by old B cells that suppress the production of new B cells in the bone marrow. The findings, which were published in the medical journal Blood, pave the way for future research to develop drugs or treatments that inhibit these hormones and stimulate the bone marrow to produce new B cells, rejuvenating the immune system.
Nevermind the Controversy: Nirvana Sued by Baby on Iconic Album Cover for 'Commercial Child Pornography
Nirvana's iconic album "Nevermind" is at the center of a legal battle that raises questions about exploitation, consent, and the commercialization of art. Spencer Elden, the baby featured on the album cover, is now suing Nirvana's estate, photographer Kirk Weddle, art director Robert Fisher, and others, alleging that they engaged in "commercial child pornography" by featuring him on the cover. The lawsuit seeks damages of all profits and unjust enrichment from the album, which has sold over 10 million copies in the US alone. Elden claims that he suffered extreme emotional distress and was forced to engage in commercial sexual acts while under the age of 18, allegations that the defendants deny. The lawsuit also highlights the creative process behind the album cover, revealing tensions between the band's desire to shock and provoke and Elden's right to privacy and dignity. As this legal drama unfolds, it raises broader questions about the ethical and legal boundaries of artistic expression, especially when it involves vulnerable and marginalized individuals.
OnlyFans' reversal: a victory for sex workers and the power of collective action.
After weeks of backlash and fear of losing their livelihood, sex workers on OnlyFans have won a significant victory. The content subscription platform announced Wednesday that they are suspending their plans to ban sexually explicit content from their site. The move came in response to immense pressure from the sex work community, who rely on OnlyFans as a source of income and a safe space to share their work. In a tweet, OnlyFans acknowledged the importance of inclusion and pledged to support their diverse creator community. While this reversal is a momentous win for sex workers, it underscores the power imbalance and vulnerability of those working in the gig economy. The fight for labor rights and dignity for all workers is far from over.
Spotify Opens Podcast Subscriptions to All US Creators
Spotify has announced that Podcast Subscriptions will now be available to all US podcasters, expanding the revenue models available to creators. Initially tested with over 100 podcasts, the program allows creators to offer paid subscriber-only content using Spotify's podcast creation platform, Anchor. In a bid to maximize creator revenue, the subscription model offers 20 pricing points and an industry-best revenue percentage. Additionally, creators will receive 100% of subscription revenue until 2023, with a 5% fee implemented thereafter. In a bid to empower creators to own their relationships with listeners, contact information for subscribers will also be made available. The program will expand internationally from September 15th.
Unlocking the Value of Music: 3LAU Raises $16M for Blockchain-based Music Rights Marketplace
3LAU, the DJ, producer, and crypto enthusiast, has raised $16 million in seed funding for his latest venture, Royal. The blockchain-based platform for investing in music rights enables music fans to support and share in the success of their favorite artists. Users can buy limited-edition, autographed digital assets similar to NFTs that represent music rights and collect royalty payments accordingly. In contrast to traditional music rights sales, creators who sell rights on Royal set a resale royalty, giving them a percentage each time someone re-sells those rights in the future. Royal will slowly roll out with music by independent artists who can prove they own all the rights to their work, and for now, it will only sell master recording rights. However, the platform will eventually open up to all artists.
Kanye West's Donda Stem Player: Revolutionizing Music Listening with Personalized Control
In a world where the digital age has revolutionized the music industry, Kanye West has unveiled a gadget that is set to change the game once again. The Donda Stem Player, priced at a modest $200, is a small device that allows users to manipulate various aspects of a track, from the vocals to the drums, bass and samples, enabling them to customize the listening experience to their personal preferences. With its launch timed to coincide with the release of West's much-anticipated album 'Donda', the device promises to offer a level of interactivity and creative control that is unparalleled in the music industry. This latest innovation from the iconic rapper is a testament to his vision for the future of music, where technology and creativity combine to create an immersive and personalized listening experience.
El Salvador Becomes the First Nation to Adopt Bitcoin as Legal Tender, Ushering in a New Era of Cryptocurrency Adoption
In a groundbreaking move, El Salvador is gearing up to become the world's first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, and has begun installing 200 Bitcoin ATMs across the country to facilitate transactions. The government's digital wallet, Chivo, will allow Salvadorans to convert the cryptocurrency into U.S. dollars and withdraw it in cash without any commission fees. President Nayib Bukele claims this move will save Salvadorans a staggering $400 million per year in fees for receiving remittances from abroad. The government has also created a $150 million fund to back Bitcoin to U.S. dollar conversions. As the world watches with bated breath, El Salvador's bold decision to embrace the cryptocurrency could signal a paradigm shift in the global financial landscape.
"Supersizing Crops: Researchers Transfer Human Protein to Boost Agricultural Yields by 50%"
Researchers from China and the US have found that transplanting a human protein called FTO, which is known for promoting growth, into crops may produce larger and more bountiful plants, potentially boosting agricultural yields by up to 50%. The protein was added to the genomes of rice crops, allowing the plants' protein machinery to churn out the human molecule. In the greenhouse, the genetically modified crops produced three times more rice than untweaked plants, while the same genetic modification upsized the tubers of potato plants, and made plants more resistant to droughts. However, experts have called for caution as more research needs to be done to ensure the gains are replicable.