• Marvel Rivals stats reveal the games most popular characters, and who everyone hates
    www.videogamer.com
    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 here Contents hide Marvel Rivals is the new popular hero-shooter on the market, and this time it stars a gallery of the greatest superheroes of all time. Theres Spider-Man, theres Thor, theres Iron Man, and theres Captain America. While these are some of the most beloved characters in comics and the MCU, they are not the most or least popular Marvel Rivals heroes for Normal or Ranked matches according to stats. Right now we are currently in pre-season waiting for Season 1 to begin in the new year. Come Season 1, NetEase are introducing a permanent solution to issues with mouse acceleration. The developer is also looking to add cross-progression, but they claim platform-specific rules are holding them back. In 2025, the game will also add a fresh assortment of heroes and villains to the roster already revealed through leaks. While we look forward to more additional characters next year, right now the game has a huge roster assembling Earths mightiest heroes. Players can keep up to date with the most and least popular heroes in Marvel Rivals, and the results may be surprising. Marvel Rivals most and least popular heroes for Normal matchesRivals Codex is a source that shares the current meta for Marvel Rivals. According to prominent leaker, Miller Ross, the data is real and pulled directly from the client. It is constantly changing, so the meta for Normal and Ranked will look different from day-to-day depending on how much things change. As of December 23rd, the five most popular heroes for Normal are Jeff The Land Shark, Cloak & Dagger, Luna Snow, Mantis, and Venom. While Jeff The Land Shark is the most popular pick, Mantis is the most dominant as she has the highest AVG KDA at 7.91, and she also has the highest win percentage at 59%. The five least popular heroes for Normal are Storm, Black Widow, Namor, Wolverine, and Black Panther. You can see the full meta for Normal matches below:Image credit: Rivals CodexMost and least popular heroes for Ranked matches For Ranked matches, the meta looks a lot different. Luna Snow is the most popular hero for Ranked, and she is followed by Cloak & Dagger, Mantis, Hela, and Doctor Strange. Again, Mantis has the best AVG KDA at 8.48, and she also has one of the highest win percentages at 58.4%. Perhaps the most hated heroes in Marvel Rivals are Storm, Black Widow, and Wolverine as they are part of the five least picked characters for both Normal and Ranked. For Ranked, this time they are accompanied by Squirrel Girl and Bruce Banner. You can see the full meta for Ranked matches below: Image credit: Rivals CodexRight now, it appears that Mantis is the best performing hero in the game even though she is not quite the most popular. She has the best AVG KDA across Normal and Ranked, and she also has one of the highest win percentages across both modes. It will be interesting to see how the meta evolves come the new year and addition of fresh playable characters. Some characters will pretty much become obsolete, meanwhile, others will continue to prevail and dominate. For more Marvel Rivals, check out our guide toerror codes and how to fix them. We also have a guide forhow to farm XP quickly, we have atier list ranking the best meta characters, and we have all theDecember 2024 codes.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share
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  • Black Ops 2 alpha showcases unreleased Zombies experience
    www.videogamer.com
    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 here Contents hide Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is widely considered to be the very best entry in Activisions storied shooter series. Thanks to its engaging multiplayer and mind-bending campaign set in the near future, Treyarchs second Black Ops title holds a special place in the hearts of fans who prefer simplistic gameplay mechanics and excellent weapon balance. 12 years after the game was released, a fan has uncovered a Black Ops 2 alpha build containing an unreleased Zombies DLC and a fully-functioning Origins experience. The mode contains every single map from the first and second Black Ops games.Black Ops 2 alpha features incredible Zombies DLCUncovered by X user JuggerV2, the alpha contains all four maps from Call of Dutys original Zombies mode along with Kino der Toten, Ascension, Five, Moon, and Origins maps which released throughout the Black Ops 2 cycle. To highlight the vast scale of the unreleased mode, the user uploaded an hour-long video complete with gameplay.As expected, the discovery of a Black Ops 2 alpha complete with the most popular maps has led to some fans wondering why the DLC never made it to a public release. We couldve had remakes on the most peak engine, says one Zombies fan. Others say they always had a feeling the globe was meant to feature even more content than the four DLCs that launched throughout 2013.Its unclear as to why Treyarch decided to withhold the fifth Zombies DLC and why its taken over a decade for a Black Ops 2 alpha to uncover it. Either way, its a shame that the best Call of Duty game never received even more content to extend its lifespan further. The demand for nostalgiaCall of Duty has often relied on developers taking players on a trip down memory lane. Whether its remastering old games or adding fan-favourite maps from previous releases, nostalgia always attracts players back onto the battlefield. In 2025, Activision plans on capitalising on nostalgia once more with the Verdansk map returning in the first few months of the year. Black Ops 6 Zombies is the best mode of Treyarchs 2024 release with an engaging storyline and a round-based formula that keeps players coming back for more. The latest rumours suggest the next Zombies map is set in the same dig site as the Origins map from Black Ops 2. Theres every chance theres some kind of connection between the original story and the latest chapter of the Dark Aether.For the time being, the next Black Ops 6 map might be the closest players get to anything from the Black Ops 2 alpha releasing anytime soon.For more CoD intel, check out the best Saug loadout along with the best controller settings to keep you shooting straight.Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share
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  • 10 Best Office Chairs on Amazon in 2024, From Steelcase to Branch
    www.architecturaldigest.com
    For those who want comfort but find themselves on a tight budget, heres a supportive, under-$75 option thatll arrive in just two days. A breathable mesh design means you wont get sweaty while plowing through spreadsheets or fighting digital enemies, and the 15-minute assembly process isnt bad either.Best Office Chair for Big and Tall People: SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office ChairSIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office ChairSpecsWeight Capacity:330 poundsPoints of Adjustability:ThreeFabric Options:MeshFeatures:Adjustable headrest, lumbar supportSihoo's popular ergonomic mesh office chair combines affordability and quality. You'll get a padded headrest, adjustable lumbar support, and a contoured cushionall with a lifetime warranty. Reviewers say this is an especially great pick for big and tall folks, since you can adjust the seat and headrest heights a great deal and the seat itself is roomy.Best Stylish Office Chair: Branch Verve ChairBranch Verve ChairSpecsWeight Capacity:275 poundsPoints of Adjustability:SixFabric Options:knit polyesterFeatures:V-shaped suspended back, 3D knit mesh for breathabilityBranch makes high-quality, comfortable office chairs at middle-of-the-road price points. An adjustable lumbar rest and a contoured backrest will help keep you feeling fresh, even if youre stuck at your desk for hours. Not only does this chair swivel, it tilts, is height adjustable, and you can tweak the seat depth.Best Vegan Leather Office Chair: Branch Daily ChairBranch Daily ChairSpecsWeight Capacity:225 poundsPoints of Adjustability:FourFabric Options:Mesh or vegan leatherFeatures:Made with predominantly recycled materials and comes in lots of colorsThe Daily Chair is a Goldilocks office chair that has everything you need (adjustable height and armrests, plush cushions, and easy-to-maneuver wheels) and nothing you don't. It offers plenty of spinal and lumbar support for long hours perched at your desk, plus comes in pleasing hues like mahogany and sky blue besides your standard neutral gray and black.Best Splurge Office Chair: Steelcase Gesture Office ChairSteelcase Gesture Office ChairSpecsWeight Capacity:400 poundsPoints of Adjustability:ThreeFabric Options:Fabric, with separate casters available for carpets or hardwoodsFeatures:Contoured back, 360-degree arm movement, easy-rolling wheelsThe Steelcase Gesture may be quite expensive for an office chair$1,600 is no small chunk of changebut if youre looking to splurge on one of the most comfortable chairs youll ever sit in, its absolutely worth the price. The Gesture strikes the perfect balance between plush and firm, providing back support for long days at your desk alongside a thick, comfortable seat that holds up to years of punishment. There are three recline positions to let you fine-tune your position throughout the day, and the intuitive adjustment mechanisms make it easy to move things around without any fuss.Best Weight-Activated Office Chair: Steelcase Series 1 Office ChairSteelcase Series 1 Office ChairSpecsWeight Capacity:300 poundsPoints of Adjustability:ThreeFabric Options:FabricFeatures:Flexible edges, no-tool assembly, weight-activated adjustmentsThe Steelcase Series 1 uses your body weight to automatically adjust back and lumbar support when you sit down, meaning you dont have to fuss with buttons or levers to get the right fit, something we have found to be tricky with cheaper chairs. The Series 1 is also wildly customizable, with the option to add a headrest, your choice of carpet or hard-wood wheels, and seemingly endless color options (such as neon orange and lemon yellow) for the maximalist home office. No matter what type of space youre working with, theres a Series 1 we think will work for you.The Ultimate Ergonomic Office Chair: Herman Miller Embody Ergonomic Office ChairHerman Miller Embody Ergonomic Office ChairSpecsWeight Capacity:300 PoundsPoints of Adjustability:FourFabric Options:Tight and smooth Rhythm fabric or dimpled Balance fabricFeatures:Backfit adjustment to match your spines curve, material conforms to your body shape
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  • No Rest for the Wicked dev may have been quiet for a little too long, but it will back with a vengeance in January
    www.vg247.com
    Some RestNo Rest for the Wicked dev may have been quiet for a little too long, but it will back with a vengeance in JanuaryWe're finally getting some major No Rest for the Wicked news in the new year, to kick-start 2025 with a bang.Image credit: Moon Studios News by Sherif Saed Contributing Editor Published on Dec. 23, 2024 No Rest for the Wicked has been one of 2024s most interesting releases. Though it got snubbed in many end-of-year awards, it remains an incredible title with an eclectic (and clever) mix of genres.While developer Moon Studios was pretty quick to release patches post-launch, things have since slowed down considerably. The developer also stopped communiucating as regularly as it did after launch, and with news of its publishing label, Private Division, shutting down, many started to worry about the fate of Moon Studios and the game.We shouldnt have to worry anymore, though, because the developer just delivered some much-awaited news.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. In a post celebrating the studios achievements in 2024 and looking forward to 2025, No Rest for the Wickeds Moon Studios recapped many of the major patches the game received since the start of the early access journey in April. The post also recognises that communication sort of tapered off towards the end of the year.The developer confirmed that work continues on The Breach, and the games next major updates. The even better news is that we wont have to wait too much longer to learn about what's coming next to the action RPG.We know weve been quiet - a lot has been happening for us at Moon Studios during this year, and we will finally be able to share all about it very soon! the twitter post reads.After the break, Moon Studios will be back with an announcement in January, and the developer promised to communicate with players more frequently and consistently. 2025 could be the year No Rest for the Wicked really catches the mainstream eye with its anticipated co-op feature, new story content, and all the many expected expansions to the game.
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  • Don't Expect Any More Miniature Consoles From Sega
    www.nintendolife.com
    It's a shame - the mini console was my favourite retro-gaming fad of recent years. A selection of amazing classic games on a very easy-to-plug-in HDMI box, with a cute interface and everything? And them being completely separate to the current leading platforms (you don't need an Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch to play 'em) makes it so much more standalone and fun. It's like its own little world of nothing but retro goodness. They were super duper cool.They were really fun to collect too. I currently have the NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Mega Drive II, PC-Engine, PlayStation, and Commodore 64 mini consoles. As well as the limited-edition Shonen Jump Famicom mini console, which is interesting to me because it has the original Dragon Quest on it, password saves and everything.I would have literally bought as many of these mini consoles as Sega was willing to produce, especially if they made a Saturn Mini with rare games like Panzer Dragoon Saga on it.But I suppose the fad has died down now hasn't it? It's a shame Nintendo never made an N64 or GBA mini and instead plonked the games on a higher subscription tier. Not ideal for me who prefers to own games more tangibly.
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  • Pavel Durov says Telegram is now profitable
    techcrunch.com
    Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Monday that the company is now profitable. Durov said the chat apps total revenue surpassed $1 billion in 2024.The company, which launched its premium subscription service in 2022, now has 12 million paid users. Durov also said that the app is finishing the year with more than $500 million in cash reserves, without counting its crypto assets. The Telegram CEO said that the company has repaid a significant amount of its debt bonds this fall. Over the past four years, Telegram has issued about $2 billion in debt. We repaid a meaningful share of it this Fall, taking advantage of favorable prices for the Telegram bonds. But theres a lot of work ahead, Durov said in a post on X. Earlier this year, in an interview with the Financial Times, Durov said that the company will hit profitability next year with an aim to go public in the future. Apart from crossing the mark of 950 million monthly active users, Telegram also released Business features, started ad revenue sharing, let creators earn money through paid content on channels, and launched a mini app store this year.Durov himself had an eventful year as the Telegram founder was arrested in France over a lack of moderation practices and unwillingness to cooperate with authorities on topics like drug trafficking, money laundering, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM).After the arrest, Telegram doubled down on its efforts related to removing illegal content on the platform. Earlier this month, the company said it removed 15.4 million groups and channels in 2024 that spread harmful content using AI.
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  • WhatsApp scores historic victory against NSO Group in long-running spyware hacking case
    techcrunch.com
    A U.S. judge had ruled that Israeli spyware maker NSO Group breached hacking laws by using WhatsApp to stealthily infect devices with its Pegasus spyware.In a historic ruling on Friday, a Northern California federal judge held NSO Group liable for targeting the devices of 1,400 WhatsApp users, violating state and federal hacking laws as well as WhatsApps terms of service, which prohibit the use of the messaging platform for malicious purposes.The ruling comes five years after Meta-owned WhatsApp sued NSO Group, alleging the spyware outfit had exploited an audio-calling vulnerability in the messaging platform to install its Pegasus spyware on unsuspecting users devices. WhatsApp said that more than 100 human rights defenders, journalists, and other members of civil society were targeted by the malware, along with government officials and diplomats.In her ruling, Judge Phyllis Hamilton said NSO did not dispute that it must have reverse-engineered and/or decompiled the WhatsApp software in order to install its Pegasus spyware on devices, but raised questions about whether it had done so before agreeing to WhatsApps terms of service.However, the judge said that common sense dictates that [NSO] must have first gained access to WhatsApp and said NSO had offered no plausible explanation for how it could have done so without agreeing to the terms of service.Hamilton also said NSO had repeatedly failed to produce relevant discovery, including the Pegasus source code, despite a court order requiring that it be turned over. She said NSO also refused to produce internal communications, including communications about WhatsApp vulnerabilities.NSOs lack of compliance with discovery orders raises serious concerns about their transparency and willingness to cooperate with the judicial process, the judge said.In a statement given to TechCrunch, Meta spokesperson Emily Westcott said WhatsApp welcomes Fridays ruling.NSO can no longer avoid accountability for their unlawful attacks on WhatsApp, journalists, human rights activists, and civil society, she said. With this ruling, spyware companies should be on notice that their illegal actions will not be tolerated. Were proud to have stood up against NSO and thankful to the many organizations that were supportive of this case. WhatsApp will never stop working to protect peoples private communication.Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, described the ruling as a huge win for privacy in a post on X.NSO spokesperson Gil Lainer declined to comment. NSO had previously argued that Pegasus helps law enforcement and intelligence agencies fight crime and protect national security.The landmark case will now proceed to a trial in March 2025, where a jury will decide on the damages NSO Group should pay WhatsApp.
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  • Scammers exploited moms fears to steal her entire life's savings
    www.foxnews.com
    Tech Scammers exploited moms fears to steal her entire life's savings How to protect you and your loved ones from sophisticated scams Published December 23, 2024 6:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': How scammers exploited mom's fears to steal her life's savings Rising elder scams: How to recognize them and protect yourself and your loved ones. Tech expert Kurt Knutsson helps you outsmart the scammers. Imagine receiving a call that would change your life forever, one filled with urgency, authority and deception so convincing that even the most cautious could fall prey. Barb Gs story is one that no family should ever have to endure. She emailed us saying that her elderly mother, a former bookkeeper and a sharp, independent woman, fell victim to an elaborate scam that drained her life savings and exploited her trust."My 82-year-old mother was not only scammed out of her entire life savings, but after they drained her accounts, they then pretended to be the FBI. They told her she had been scammed, and they needed to protect her. They said they would be sending a car to pick her up in 20 minutes."The emotional toll of such elder fraud scams is immeasurable, leaving victims and their families grappling with feelings of betrayal, fear and helplessness. Here's how this particular scam unfolded and what you can do to protect yourself. A woman scrolling on her cellphone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How the scam played outThis was no ordinary scam. It involved manipulation, intimidation and psychological tactics so sophisticated that her mother was driven three and a half hours to a Bitcoin machine and coerced into maxing out her credit cards. As Barb further recounted, "After that, they dropped her at a hotel...told her not to call anyone or go out of the hotel for three days. They had someone watching the hotel to protect her."Even after her family rescued her, the scammers struck again. This time, they convinced her to hand over another $20,000, preying on the faint hope that she might still receive the promised $1 million. Barbs words echo a sentiment many families share:"Even when someone KNOWS they have been scammed, theres still a part of them that thinks the whole thing just might be real." A woman on her cellphone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The growing threat of elder scamsStories like Barbs are becoming alarmingly common. Scammers target older adults for several reasons: They often have accumulated savings, they may be less familiar with modern technology, and they are more likely to trust strangers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, seniors lose billions of dollars annually to fraud. The psychological toll is equally devastating, leaving victims ashamed, isolated and fearful. A woman navigating her cellphone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Common tactics scammers useScammers employ a variety of deceptive strategies to exploit unsuspecting victims. Here are some of the most common tactics they use:Impersonation scams: Posing as government officials, law enforcement or family membersPrize and lottery scams: Convincing victims they won a prize that requires upfront paymentTech support scams: Offeringfake tech help to gain remote access to devicesRomance scams: Building trust over time to exploit emotional vulnerabilityEmergency scams: Pretending a loved one is in danger and needs immediate financial help Illustration of a tech scam (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Tips to protect yourself and your loved onesRecognizing the red flags is essential to avoid falling victim to scams. Here are some important red flags to be aware of.Unsolicited calls or emails: Be wary of anyone asking for personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive information in this manner.Urgent requests for payment: Scammers often demand immediate action to avoid scrutiny. Take a moment to verify the request through official channels before responding.Unfamiliar contact information: Be cautious if the contact information provided does not match the official contact details of the company or organization.Untraceable payment methods: Requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers are major warning signs. Reputable companies will not ask for these types of payments.Too-good-to-be-true offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Research and verify any claims before proceeding. Illustration of a tech scam (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)8 ways to protect yourself from being scammedProtecting yourself and your loved ones from scams requires vigilance and awareness. Here are eight effective ways to safeguard against scammers:1) Verify before you act: Always verify the identity of the person or organization contacting you. Use official contact information to reach out directly and confirm the legitimacy of the request.2) Limit personal information sharing: Avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone, email or online unless you are certain of the recipient's identity and legitimacy.3) Invest in personal data removal services: Consider using a service that specializes in removing your personal information from the internet to reduce your exposure to potential scammers.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.4) Monitor financial accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual or unauthorized transactions. Promptly report any suspicious activity.5) Enable security features: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and consider using apassword manager to generate and store complex passwords. Also, enabletwo-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.6) Be skeptical of unsolicited requests: Treat unexpected requests for money or personal information with caution. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.7) Use strong antivirus software: Ensure your devices are protected with strong antivirus software that can detect and block malicious activities. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.8) Report suspected scams: If you suspect you've encountered a scam, report it to your local authorities, the Federal Trade Commission and any relevant financial institutions.Kurt's key takeawaysScams are getting sneakier, but you're smarter. Trust your gut and remember: If something feels off, it probably is. Don't let the fear of scams isolate you or your loved ones. Instead, follow these tips so you can outsmart the scammers and keep your hard-earned money where it belongs: in your pockets. Remember, it's not about paranoia; it's about being prepared. So, next time you get that urgent call or too-good-to-be-true offer, take a deep breath and ask yourself: "What would Barb's mom do differently now?"Do you think the government, businesses or both should take greater responsibility in preventing elder scams and what specific actions should they take? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
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  • Big data and Google BigQuery improve cancer drug development by detecting bacteria
    www.computerweekly.com
    Developing new drugs is risky and expensive. Creating a new drug and bringing it to clinical trials can cost billions of pounds, with no guarantees of success. And sometimes a drug can fail to meet expectations during a clinical trial in one part of the world, even though it was effective in another.One reason is the bacteria in the human body. Each person has a slightly different mix of bacteria in their bodies, and these bacteria are now known to play an important role in how well a medicine works or even if it works at all.Understanding that relationship is all the more important in cancer treatment, where bacteria in the tumour risk blocking potentially life-saving treatments.The relationship between drugs and treatments is extremely complex and hard to predict. But with a new drug, or asset, costing as much as $2.6bn to develop, being able to model that relationship is hugely important to both pharmaceutical researchers and clinicians.BioCortex is a specialist research company, set up to use advanced data science techniques to analyse the relationship between bacteria and drug candidates, with an initial focus on oncology and, in particular, antibody-drug conjugates.By better understanding how bacteria interfere with medicines, BioCorteX, and the drugs researchers it works with, aim to increase the success rate of drugs going through clinical trials. This should lead to shorter drug development cycles and more effective treatments for patients.One of the reasons we founded the company was the frustration that, when you look after people as a clinician, you spot that people respond very, very differently to treatments, and often its difficult to understand why, says BioCorteX co-founder Nik Sharma. We saw an opportunity for a stepwise change in how we think about drugs and pharmaceuticals. Bacteria, which are really integral to human health, actually underact with pharmaceuticals. We think that is one of the core reasons why drugs may work in an individual, but at a larger scale may fail.In clinical trials, a drug might be successful in one geography or population group but fail in another due to different bacteria in the human body.Better understanding that relationship, with the vast number of variables involved both the human bodys bacteria and the number of drugs being tested is, though, a vast mathematical challenge. The amount of bacteria that we have is phenomenal, says Sharma. The amount of pharmaceutical [treatments] is obviously large. The complexity is huge.Sharma and Mo Alomari, a Rolls-Royce engineerThis offered a way to look at bacteria and drug interaction, and Sharma andTo do this, the firm built one of the largest knowledge graphs in biology. Modelling the interaction between bacteria and a drug candidate involves 15 to 16 billion connections.This was beyond the reach of any commercial off-the-shelf database or analytics tool. So, BioCorteX builds its own, using Googles BigQuery. There is no software out there that can handle the knowledge graph of that size that weve been able to find, and weve looked at all commercial offerings out there, says Sharma.What weve done is build our knowledge graph using BigQuery, and thats what really allowed us to scale and, importantly, work economically, and issue new versions of our knowledge graph and merge those data two or three times a day.The knowledge graph has some three billion notes and 16 billion edges, all stored on BigQuery.On the graph databases, there are a number of them out there, says Alomari. Not one of them is able to handle the billions of nodes. So, basically, we came up with a bespoke solution built on top of BigQuery, where we added the layer on top that basically treats BigQuery as a graph database.If a scientist wants to run new data through the system, BioCorteX can do this several times a day at minimal cost. It takes approximately 20 minutes, says Sharma.BioCorteX takes data from pharmaceutical companies and runs it through the knowledge graph to identify possible bacterial interference in a drug, and how it might impact its effectiveness in a larger number of patients.The bacteria makes some drugs for some individuals incompatible, whereas theyre compatible for others, says Sharma. We can determine that interaction. We can determine what is compatible at scale. So, the product is really the ability to be able to look at those assets fast forward.The process is quicker, and of course cheaper, than a clinical trial. Nor is the BioCorteXs analysis limited to new drugs.What were also able to do is look at assets that havent been successful, says Sharma. You would have seen that a number of studies fail. Those drugs are often whats called out licensed, so another company will take them on and see whether they can develop them. Were able to look at those assets and see whether they failed because of the hidden interaction between the bacteria, the tumour and the drug.Read more about Google CloudWe survey the key cloud storage offers available from GCP, which include Cloud Storage, Persistent Disk and Filestore, with a range of service levels and app-specific options.Partnership with Europes biggest retailer will offer client-side encryption and ensure data doesnt leave Germany.This type of modelling is becoming more important as the development of medicines becomes more international. By using vast amounts of data, BioCorteX can run scenarios to model, say, a phase one study in Australia and then the differences between a phase two study in the US and Europe.Nor is BioCorteXs technology limited to cancer treatment. Although the current focus is on oncology, and bacteria, the approach is already being used to study viruses and fungi. The engines are applicable across different verticals; weve done some work in consumer health, says Sharma.What were able to do is provide further insights, he says. This isnt a choice. A pharmaceutical company or a drug company doesnt have a choice of whether this interaction is occurring its happening.So, they can either choose to understand it, or they can do what theyre doing now with a 96% failure rate. In the future, we hope we can offer the right drug, first time, for all.
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  • Beyond Technology: How Human-Centric Cybersecurity Can Transform Security Effectiveness
    www.forbes.com
    To understand the significance of these approaches, it is essential to recognize the unique value each brings to modern cybersecurity.
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