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Earth Intelligence

13 Dec 2024 — 5 min read

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A recent study in the journal Gut has identified a potential link between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and colorectal cancer. These foods, which include fast food, sugary beverages, and packaged snacks, are typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives, with minimal natural ingredients. Researchers found that certain inflammation-causing lipids often present in UPFs appeared at abnormally high levels in colorectal tumors. This suggests that consuming these foods could contribute to tumor development by causing chronic inflammation in the gut. The study’s lead researcher pointed out that diet plays a key role in the presence of these harmful lipids, stressing the importance of healthier food choices to reduce cancer risk.

Economics & Markets:

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Politics:

As of today, December 13, 2024, South Korea is in a political crisis as the National Assembly prepares to vote on impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol. This comes after he briefly imposed martial law earlier this month, which caused public backlash and was quickly canceled.
Some members of his own party are now supporting the impeachment. If the vote passes, President Yoon’s powers will be suspended, and the prime minister will take over temporarily while the court decides if the impeachment is legal. The situation has also led to major resignations, including the defense minister, adding to the tension ahead of tomorrow’s vote.

Environment & Weather:

Today, December 13, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has weakened to a Category 3 storm. It is currently located about 1,210 km northwest of Mauritius and moving westward at 20 km/h. The storm is expected to affect northern Madagascar, Mayotte, and the Comoros Islands with heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas in the coming days. These areas, particularly Madagascar, are no strangers to cyclones, as they frequently experience significant storms during the Indian Ocean cyclone season, often leading to severe flooding, damage to infrastructure, and loss of life.

Madagascar has a long history of devastating cyclones, including Cyclone Idai in 2019, which caused widespread destruction in the region. Cyclones in this part of the world often form in the southwest Indian Ocean and gain strength before moving toward land, bringing destructive winds and torrential rains. As Cyclone Chido approaches, residents of these regions are bracing for potential impacts, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in this cyclone-prone area.

Space:

Yesterday, December 12, 2024, at 2:17 AM local time, China launched the High-Speed Laser Diamond Constellation Test System 0 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Using a Long March 2D rocket, the mission sent five satellites into low Earth orbit to test high-speed laser communication technology. This technology is designed to improve how satellites send and receive data. The rocket’s upper stage allowed the satellites to be placed precisely in orbit. This launch is an important step for China in developing advanced satellite communication systems.
Today, December 13, 2024, four important rocket launches are taking place, each with unique missions. The first is SpaceX’s Starlink Group 11-2, launching at 2:28 PM PST from California. It will send a group of Starlink satellites into orbit to expand SpaceX’s global internet network, providing better internet access worldwide. At 7:45 PM EST, Rocket Lab will launch its Stonehenge mission from Virginia. This suborbital flight will test hypersonic technology for the U.S. Department of Defense, supporting future defense systems.
Later, at 8:04 PM EST, SpaceX will launch the GPS-3 10 mission from Florida. This mission will add a new GPS satellite to the U.S. military’s network, improving navigation accuracy and security. Finally, Japan’s Space One will launch Flight 2 at 9:00 PM JST from Space Port Kii, deploying small satellites to support commercial and research projects. These launches showcase how space technology is being used for global communication, navigation, defense, and innovation, with contributions from both private companies and governments.

Science & Technology:

Yesterday, December 12, 2024, OpenAI announced new updates to ChatGPT, including real-time video and screen-sharing features. These upgrades allow users to interact with ChatGPT visually, using their device’s camera to get live assistance. For example, users can show ChatGPT what they’re doing, like following a recipe or assembling furniture, and get step-by-step guidance in real time. Beyond everyday tasks, these features open up advanced possibilities. Professionals could use screen sharing to troubleshoot technical issues, collaborate on coding projects, or review documents with ChatGPT’s help.

Educators and students can use video to enhance remote learning by demonstrating experiments or solving problems visually. Designers might share their screens for real-time feedback on creative projects, while businesses could integrate these tools for customer support or remote team collaboration. These updates are part of OpenAI’s effort to make ChatGPT more interactive and versatile, supporting both casual and professional users in more dynamic and practical ways.

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