This article first appeared in The Checkup,MIT Technology Reviewsweekly biotech newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Thursday, and read articles like this first,sign up here.Later today, around 10 minutes after this email lands in your inbox, Ill be holding my four-year-old daughter tight as she receives her booster dose of the MMR vaccine. This shot should protect her from a trio of nasty infectionsinfections that can lead to meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss. I feel lucky to be offered it.This year marks the 50-year anniversary of an ambitious global childhood vaccination program. The Expanded Programme on Immunization was launched by the World Health Organization in 1974 with the goal of getting lifesaving vaccines to all the children on the planet.Vaccines are estimated to have averted 154 million deaths since the launch of the EPI. That number includes 146 million children under the age of five. Vaccination efforts are estimated to have reduced infant mortality by 40%, and to have contributed an extra 10 billion years of healthy life among the global population.Childhood vaccination is a success story. But concerns around vaccines endure. Especially, it seems, among the individuals Donald Trump has picked as his choices to lead US health agencies from January. This week, lets take a look at their claims, and where the evidence really stands on childhood vaccines.WHO, along with health agencies around the world, recommends a suite of vaccinations for babies and young children. Some, such as the BCG vaccine, which offers some protection against tuberculosis, are recommended from birth. Others, like the vaccines for pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, which are often administered in a single shot, are introduced at eight weeks. Other vaccinations and booster doses follow.The idea is to protect babies as soon as possible, says Kaja Abbas of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in the UK and Nagasaki University in Japan. The full vaccine schedule will depend on what infections pose the greatest risks and will vary by country. In the US, the recommended schedule is determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and individual states can opt to set vaccine mandates or allow various exemptions.Some scientists are concerned about how these rules might change in January, when Donald Trump makes his return to the White House. Trump has already listed his picks for top government officials, including those meant to lead the countrys health agencies. These individuals must be confirmed by the Senate before they can assume these roles, but it appears that Trump intends to surround himself with vaccine skeptics.For starters, Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, who has long been a prominent anti-vaxxer, has a track record of spreading false information about vaccines.In 2005, he published an error-laden article in Salon and Rolling Stone linking thimerosalan antifungal preservative that was previously used in vaccines but phased out in the US by 2001to neurological disorders in children. (That article was eventually deleted in 2011. I regret we didnt move on this more quickly, as evidence continued to emerge debunking the vaccines and autism link, wrote Joan Walsh, Salons editor at large at the time.)Kennedy hasnt let up since. In 2015, he made outrageous comments about childhood vaccinations at a screening of a film that linked thimerosal to autism. They get the shot, that night they have a fever of a hundred and three, they go to sleep, and three months later their brain is gone, Kennedy said, as reported by the Sacramento Bee. This is a holocaust, what this is doing to our country.Aaron Siri, the lawyer who has been helping Kennedy pick health officials for the upcoming Trump administration, has petitioned the government to pause the distribution of multiple vaccines and to revoke approval of the polio vaccine entirely. And Dave Weldon, Trumps pick to direct the CDC, also has a history of vaccine skepticism. He has championed the disproven link between thimerosal and autism.These arguments arent new. The MMR vaccine in particular has been subject to debate, controversy, and conspiracy theories for decades. All the way back in 1998, a British doctor, Andrew Wakefield, published a paper suggesting a link between the vaccine and autism in children.The study has since been debunkedmultiple times overand Wakefield was found to have unethically subjected children to invasive and unnecessary procedures. The paper was retracted 12 years after it was published, and the UKs General Medical Council found Wakefield guilty of serious professional misconduct. He was struck off the medical register and is no longer allowed to practice medicine in the UK. (He continues to peddle false information, though, and directed the 2016 film Vaxxed, which Weldon appeared in.)So its remarkable that his study still seems to be affecting public opinion. A recent Pew Research Center survey suggests that four in 10 US adults worry that not all vaccines are necessary, and while most Americans think the benefits outweigh any risks, some are still concerned about side effects. Views among Republicans in particular seem to have shifted over the years. In 2019, 82% supported school-based vaccine requirements. That figure dropped to 70% in 2023.The problem is that we need more than 70% of children to be vaccinated to reach herd immunitythe level needed to protect communities. For a super-contagious infection like measles, 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated, according to WHO. If [coverage drops to] 80%, we should expect outbreaks, says Abbas.And thats exactly what is happening. In 2023, only 83% of children got their first dose of a measles vaccine through routine health services. Nearly 35 million children are thought to have either partial protection from the disease or none at all. And over the last five years, there have been measles outbreaks in 103 countries.Polio vaccinesthe ones whose approval Siri sought to revokehave also played a vital role in protecting children, in this case from a devastating infection that can cause paralysis. People were so afraid of polio in the 30s, 40s, and 50s here in the United States, says William Moss, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland. When the trial results of [the first] vaccine were announced in the United States, people were dancing in the streets.That vaccine was licensed in the US in 1955. By 1994, polio was considered eliminated in North and South America. Today, wild forms of the virus have been eradicated in all but two countries.But the polio vaccine story is not straightforward. There are two types of polio vaccine: an injected type that includes a dead form of the virus, and an oral version that includes live virus. This virus can be shed in feces, and in places with poor sanitation, it can spread. It can also undergo genetic changes to create a form of the virus that can cause paralysis. Although this is rare, it does happenand today there are more cases of vaccine-derived polio than wild-type polio.It is worth noting that since 2000, more than 10 billion doses of the oral polio vaccine have been administered to almost 3 billion children. It is estimated that more than 13 million cases of polio have been prevented through these efforts. But there have been just under 760 cases of vaccine-derived polio.We could prevent these cases by switching to the injected vaccine, which wealthy countries have already done. But thats not easy in countries with fewer resources and those trying to reach children in remote rural areas or war zones.Even the MMR vaccine is not entirely risk-free. Some people will experience minor side effects, and severe allergic reactions, while rare, can occur. And neither vaccine offers 100% protection against disease. No vaccine does. Even if you vaccinate 100% [of the population], I dont think well be able to attain herd immunity for polio, says Abbas. Its important to acknowledge these limitations.While there are some small risks, though, they are far outweighed by the millions of lives being saved. [People] often underestimate the risk of the disease and overestimate the risk of the vaccine, says Moss.In some ways, vaccines have become a victim of their own success. Most of todays parents fortunately have never seen the tragedy caused by vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles encephalitis, congenital rubella syndrome, and individuals crippled by polio, says Kimberly Thompson, president of Kid Risk, a nonprofit that conducts research on health risks to children. With some individuals benefiting from the propagation of scary messages about vaccines and the proliferation of social media providing reinforcement, its no surprise that fears may endure.But most Americans recognize the benefits of vaccines and choose to get their children immunized, she adds. Now, that is a sentiment I can relate to.Now read the rest of The CheckupRead more from MIT Technology Reviews archiveA couple of years ago, the polio virus was detected in wastewater in London, where I live. I immediately got my daughter (who was only one year old then!) vaccinated.Measles outbreaks continue to spring up in places where vaccination rates drop. Researchers hope that searching for traces of the virus in wastewater could help them develop early warning systems.Last year, the researchers whose work paved the way for the development of mRNA vaccines were awarded the Nobel Prize. Now, scientists are hoping to use the same technology to treat and vaccinate against a host of diseases.Most vaccines work by priming the immune system to respond to a pathogen. Scientists are also working on inverse vaccines that teach the immune system to stand down. They might help treat autoimmune disorders.From around the webA person in the US is the first in the country to have become severely ill after being infected with the bird flu virus, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared on December 18. The case was confirmed on December 13. The person was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks in Louisiana. (CDC)Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, declared a state of emergency as the bird flu virus moved from the Central Valley to Southern California dairy herds. Since August, 645 herds have been reported to be infected with the virus. (LA Times)Pharmacy benefit managers control access to prescription drugs for most Americans. These middlemen were paid billions of dollars by drug companies to allow the free flow of opioids during the USs deadly addiction epidemic, an investigation has revealed. (New York Times)Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic have emerged as blockbuster medicines over the past couple of years. Were learning that they may have benefits beyond weight loss. Might they also protect organ function or treat kidney disease? (Nature Medicine)Doctors and scientists have been attempting head transplants on animals for decades. Can they do it in people? Watch this delightful cartoon to learn more about the early head transplant attempts. (Aeon)

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereChristmas is right around the corner, and that means the sunny beaches of Los Santos have turned into a winter battleground of snowballs and cars sliding on ice. Not only that, but it also means the return of Rockstars nefarious spoof of The Grinch for Grand Theft Auto. Yes, The Gooch is back, and GTA Online players can find The Gooch to unlock its rare outfit as part of Rockstars 2024 winter update. Of course, as part of the Christmas festivity, players can also find the Happy Holidays hauler Christmas truck to raid of free gifts. If you havent already acquired the snowman outfit, then the snowman locations remain the same as last year. Again, if you havent already, players can also aspire to unlock the Yeti outfit. While all of the above are activities to participate in as part of Rockstars GTA Online 2024 winterfest, players will want to be on the lookout for The Gooch as hes ready to batter and mug. How to find The Gooch in GTA Online 2024 Similar to previous years, you will only be able to find The Gooch in GTA Online 2024 by spending at least 48-minutes real-time in a play session with at least more than two players. In addition to the above requirement, you will also need to have money and snacks on your person as The Gooch will find you rather than you finding him. Assuming you have money, snacks, and spend 48-minutes real-time in-game, Rockstars version of The Grinch will spawn randomly. You will know it is coming as the Christmas mugger will emerge from a cloud of green smoke. They will then knock you over to rob you of money and snacks possessed on your person. When it has stolen from you, The Gooch will appear as a red-dot on your mini-map for your to chase and pursuit. You need to kill The Gooch through whichever means car, guns, knives, or bat to the skull and this will return your stolen money and snacks. Not only will you retrieve your money and snacks, but the thief that couldnt steal Christmas will also leave behind a gift for you to claim. This gift to unwrap includes The Gooch mask as well as the full outfit. Its a great rare costume to unlock, but you only have until the sun rises and the snow disappears to get. For more GTA 6, Take-Two has explainedwhy the game is not launching on PC. Also check out Rockstars administrator post on the GTAForums for more details about this years winter update. Grand Theft Auto OnlinePlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox OneGenre(s):Action, Shooter9VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Though its designed to sit low to the ground like your standard man-made campfire, this sleek West Elm fire pit is one step ahead. Simply push the button to light a flame in the lava rock bed and delicately rest any drinks youre indulging on the substantial surrounding lip. Its great for small, casual gatherings with family, neighbors, or friends and made with an industrial weather-resistant sealant against rain or snow. An additional polyester cover gives it some extra weatherproofing, too.Nerissa Concrete Round Fire Pit TablePottery BarnNerissa Concrete Round Fire Pit TableSpecsDimensions:14" x 38"Materials:Concrete, steel, lava rocksWeight:225 poundsFuel type:PropaneHere's another round fire pit style that comes with two different fuel type compatibilities (propane or natural gas), depending on your preferences. The flames spark up from genuine lava rocks, creating a luxe vibe. The neutral colors its available in allow it to serve as a functional addition to your backyard that wont be an eyesore but will still get plenty of use during cozy late wine night chats in the summer or winter. Theres also a lid available (purchased separately) that allows you to convert the fire pit into a table.BioLite Smokeless Wood and Charcoal Fire PitBioLiteBioLite Smokeless Outdoor Wood and Charcoal Burning Fire PitSpecsDimensions:15.8" x 27" x 13"Materials:SteelWeight:19.8 poundsFuel type:Wood or charcoalIf you're a sucker for newfangled technology, youll love the BioLite FirePit, which lets you adjust the fire the old-fashioned way, of course, or use the accompanying Bluetooth app to control the size of the flamescool, right? It also comes with a rechargeable battery that can run for up to 30 hours and can work on other devices if you take it on the go with you. The foldable legs also make transportation much easier. It's even big enough to moonlight as a hibachi-style BBQ grill (a separate grill grate is included) when camping.AllModern Rashid Concrete Outdoor Fire PitWayfairRashid Concrete Propane Outdoor Fire Pit TableSpecsDimensions:12" x 42"Materials:Concrete, stainless steel, lava rocksWeight:100 poundsFuel type:PropaneFans of clean, crisp lines and simple aesthetics will obsess over this fire pit table with lava rocks and glass fire beads from AllModern. Its low profile makes for a great centerpiece for your gathering space, and its hidden compartment allows you to store your fuel so it wont be an eyesore. Its also easy to useall you have to do is push a button to ignite the fire.How We Chose These Fire PitsSelecting the best fire pits for this list was a process rooted in a combination of glowing customer reviews, expert opinions, and tried-and-true functionality. The top fire pit picks stood out for their durability, heat efficiency, ease of use, and value, making them reliable centerpieces for any outdoor space. Whether its for cozy nights, entertaining guests, or roasting marshmallows, these fire pits consistently delivered on their promises and came highly recommended by real users.We also understand that aesthetics play a key role in creating the perfect ambiance. Thats why we included a curated selection of design-forward options for those who prioritize style as much as substance. These runner-ups push the boundaries of traditional fire-pit design, offering sleek materials, sculptural shapes, and unique finishes. While they may not be the top performers in every functional category, they excel at making a statement.

At the height of the pandemic, gazing longingly at listings on Zillow was its own form of therapy. Moving wasnt top of mind for the founder of glassware and textile brand Upstate, Kalen Kaminskishe had a loft and studio in New Yorks Chinatown already rented, but scrolling through pages of houses around the Berkshires became a compelling hobby, as she puts it.Ryan James Giese and Kalen Kaminski outside their home. Dirt biking is our favorite mode of transportation in the summer because it can go on the roads and in the woods, Kaminski says.The day the 200-year-old schoolhouse on the Konkapot River popped up online, Kaminski scheduled an appointment for her and her boyfriend, commercial artist Ryan James Giese, to meet with a broker. The airy inner sanctum that housed classes of students until the 80s was unlike any of the pedestrian, low-ceilinged homes the broker had offered otherwise. We walked in and right away we were like, This is our place, Kaminski recalls.The country sunlight itself, which Kaminski describes as having a special, mercurial warm green and shadowy ambient quality that changes from season to season, felt different than the light in the city. There was also a peculiar triangle slab stone table in the bathroom that Kaminski says was, weirdly, a selling point for her.Around 90 days later, they closed on the house. People we consulted with who are more real estate savvy said, A 200-year-old schoolhouse? Dont buy that. The value wont go up, Kaminski recalls. But we didnt listen.While the two front doors designating entrances for boys and girls are no longer there, the original stone stairs leading up to the house still remain.

Apple is reportedly in talks with ByteDance and Tencent to integrate their AI models with Apple Intelligence in China, so it can expand the feature set to the lucrative market.Apple Intelligence has a long way to go before launching in ChinaApple is slowly rolling out Apple Intelligence to iPhone, iPad, and Mac, by gradually introducing it into new markets. However, to do so in China, it's seeking assistance from other companies.Apple is said to be in discussions with Tencent and ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, about Apple Intelligence. Reuters reports on Thursday that Apple wants to use AI models from the two companies to flesh out the version of Apple Intelligence offered to users in China. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

While Apple is accusing Meta of trying to use EU laws to abuse privacy, Meta is saying Apple is worse. This is just the latest chapter in a long-running fight between the tech giants.Left: Apple CEO Tim Cook. Right: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg images credit: Apple and MetaThe latest spat between Apple and Meta, the owner of Facebook, is... pretty much the same as every exchange before. Apple accuses Meta about its privacy record and Meta doesn't exactly deny it, but has a good go at deflecting the attention back.This time, it's that Apple is questioning the EU's mandate about cooperating with rival firms, by pointing out that Meta has been really trying it on lately. Meta responds by commenting that Apple would say that, wouldn't they? Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Indonesia's president has agreed to a $1 billion deal with Apple that if approved, will build two factories that will ultimately produce 20% of the world's AirTag supply.iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus still banned in IndonesiaSources familiar with the matter claim that Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto gave his approval to the deal, after apparently getting a brief over the weekend. Also according to the sources, Prabowo is seeking more investments from Apple in the future.Apple has reportedly picked the island of Batam to build the AirTag factory. It is expected to initially employ 1000 workers, and the location will provide tax and import benefits to Apple. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Project Stress Index (PSI) composite closed November 2024 at 119.8, rising 14.7% from a revised October reading of 104.5.Sharp increases in on-hold (29.4%) and abandonment (31.9%) activity drove the month-over-month increase. The month's reading is a new high for the PSI following its August 2024 low of 87.9. Conditions are20% above the average 2021 level, and the composite remains more than 5% below the level from the start of the year.ConstructionConnect's Chief Economist Michael Guckes noted: "Since the Federal Reserve began adjusting theFederal Funds Ratelower in mid-September, the PSI has made multiple drastic monthly moves, ranging from a 14% decline to a 17.6% increase."Related on Archinect:November's construction input prices remain flat"The election of President-elect Trump has brought with it many ideas and plans that could substantially shift the business landscape and impact both existing and prospective commercial real estate owners and developers.""Until re...

Following our previous look at an opening for aPreservation Architect at Architectural Preservation Studio, DPC, we are using this weeks edition of ourJob Highlights seriesto explore an open role on Archinect Jobs for aChairperson of Graduate Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design at The Pratt Institute School of Architecture.The role, based in New York, calls for a dynamic and visionary leader with outstanding communication, listening, and organizational skills who will build upon the strengths of the existing programs to serve as Chairperson for the Graduate Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design (GA/LA/UD) department. The successful candidate will provide academic, curricular, and administrative leadership, as well as work with faculty to establish a vision for the department and each program. Among the required qualifications is a professional degree in architecture and at least five years of college-level teaching experience.Related on A...

In this week'scurated employer highlightfromArchinect Jobs, we are featuring five architecture and design firms with current openings inNew York City, LosAngeles, San Francisco/Mill Valley,California.For even more opportunities, visit theArchinect job boardand explore our active community ofjob seekers,firms, andschools.WORKachas an opening for a Senior Architect with ten-plus years of experience in New York City. Applicants should have prior experience as a project leader and be proficient with Revit,AutoCAD, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite. One should becapable of leading the creation, development and management of BIM related efforts. Additionally, the firm is seeking proactive and self-motivated individuals who possess a strong attention to detail.Miami Collage Garage by WORKac. Photo: Miguel de Guzman (ImagenSubliminal)Architecture and design practiceFrida Escobedo Studiois hiring for a Senior Architect inNew York City.UPDATE: This position has now been fi...