AP News reports that Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan are shifting their philanthropic focus towards Biohub, their science organization, with a major emphasis on utilizing artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific breakthroughs. This shift involves developing AI-based virtual cell models to understand human biology, study inflammation, and harness the immune system for disease detection and treatment. The couple, who have pledged a significant portion of their wealth to these endeavors, are directing resources towards Biohub, aiming to double their investment over the next decade. Biohub will now serve as their primary philanthropic focus, with a goal of creating open-source virtual cell systems to accelerate scientific advancements.
Read More
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to lawmakers that approximately 4,700 North Korean soldiers—including 600 deaths—have been killed or wounded fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian forces. This figure, revealed in a closed-door briefing, represents a significant increase from previous estimates. The NIS stated that injured soldiers were repatriated between January and March, while deceased soldiers were cremated in Russia before the return of their remains. The high casualty count follows North Korea’s admission of troop deployment to assist Russia in the Kursk region, an action seemingly under a 2024 defense treaty.
Read More
A criminal investigation in Ukraine is underway, targeting alleged desertion and abuse of power within the 155th Mechanised Brigade, a unit partly trained by France. Hundreds of soldiers reportedly deserted, with allegations of poor management and a commander’s replacement shortly before combat deployment. The investigation, encompassing articles 426-1 and 408 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, is ongoing. Claims of desertion during both training in France and before combat deployment have been made public.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker