Breakthrough As Scientists Make Animal Cells Photosynthesize

Science and Health

In a world first that challenges what we thought we knew about biology, scientists have successfully engineered animal cells that can photosynthesize. The breakthrough promises to revolutionize medical research and scale up the production of lab-grown meat.Photosynthesis is a biochemical process that plants, algae and certain bacteria use to turn light energy from the sun into food. The process—which occurs in special cellular structures called chloroplasts—uses up water and carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, as well as sugars that can be used by the plant.”All living organisms on the Earth, including humans, are able to live thanks to photosynthesis,” Sachihiro Matsunaga, Professor at the Laboratory of Integrated Biology at the University of Tokyo who led the research, told Newsweek. “Animal cells consume oxygen, eat and break down sugars, and emit carbon dioxide. This reaction is completely opposite to photosynthesis.”Scientists have been trying to make photosynthesis happen in animals since the 1970s.

An image shows chloroplasts (magenta colored) successfully incorporated into animal cells for the first time. In a world first scientists have successfully engineered animal cells that can photosynthesize.
An image shows chloroplasts (magenta colored) successfully incorporated into animal cells for the first time. In a world first scientists have successfully engineered animal cells that can photosynthesize.
R. Aoki, Y. Inui, Y. Okabe et al. 2024/ Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Series B
“If we can get even part of photosynthesis to occur in animal cells, we can reduce the amount of oxygen consumed, reduce the amount of sugar eaten, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” Matsunaga said.However, inserting these chloroplasts into animal cells is a lot easier said that done.”Animal cells recognize chloroplasts as foreign and immediately destroy them, so chloroplasts did not work even when put into animal cells,” Matsunaga said. “As a result, after about 10 years, everyone stopped doing research. It became ‘common knowledge’ in the biological field that chloroplasts by themselves do not function in animal cells.”Aside from being seem as “alien” material, the chloroplasts themselves struggle to function in the environment of an animal cell.”Almost all algae and plant species photosynthesize under 30 degrees Celsius,” Matsunaga said. “Most animal cells are cultured at 37 degrees Celsius.”Therefore, the researchers had to search for chloroplasts that would be able to function I the warm environment of an animal cell.”The success of this study is attributed to the isolation of chloroplasts from schyzon, which grows in a volcanic hot spring in Italy at 42 degrees Celsius and has chloroplast activity even at 37 degrees Celsius,” Matsunaga said.”Planimals”Some animals have managed to harness the power of photosynthesis for themselves. The “leaf sheep” sea slug, for example, is able to absorb the chloroplasts from the green algae on which it feeds. This not only allows the leaf sheep to photosynthesize, but it also turns them bright green, channeling the appearance of an underwater artichoke.

Photo of a leaf sheep, known scientifically as Costasiella kuroshimae. These sea slugs are able to absorb the chloroplasts in the algae they feed on, allowing them to photosynthesize.
Photo of a leaf sheep, known scientifically as Costasiella kuroshimae. These sea slugs are able to absorb the chloroplasts in the algae they feed on, allowing them to photosynthesize.
Kittisak Songprakob/Getty
The next step was to stop the animal cells from rejecting the chloroplasts as “foreign” material.”When chloroplasts are forcibly introduced into animal cells, they are recognized as foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses and are quickly degraded,” Matsunaga said. “[However, our] chloroplasts were fed to animal cells as food, rather than forcing them into animal cells.”Chloroplasts eaten as food could be maintained in the animal cell for at least two days, during which time the initial reaction of photosynthesis could be detected. This is the first time in the world that we have been able to detect the initial reaction of photosynthesis in animal cells. We were able to overturn common sense in biology.”Not only that, the animal cells that contained chloroplasts showed an increased growth rate, suggesting the chloroplasts were providing an alternative source of food for their hosts.”I was surprised because we were able to do something that no one had been able to do for 50 years and that all biological researchers had given up on,” Matsunaga said.So, does this mean we will all be able to start photosynthesizing? Well, we’re not quite there yet.”Since our technology is adapted to cultured animal cells, the shortest path is to consider it useful for the development of [mini model organs for medical research] and artificial meat,” Matsunaga said. “When cells become multilayered, the interior of the cell mass [don’t get enough oxygen,] cell division stops, and size increase is not possible. However, if light can be delivered to the interior of the cell mass, oxygen can be supplied by the captured chloroplasts, the [low oxygen] condition inside the cell mass can be improved, and cell division can resume.”In the future, this process may also show promise in medical settings, for example if patients need more oxygen delivered to certain organs.”If the goal of the therapy is to share oxygen near the blood vessels of the heart in order to improve heart disease, it would be sufficient to implant an LED light source near the heart,” Matsunaga said.Before that can happen, however, the team will need to keep the chloroplasts working for longer than just two days, as was the case in this experiment.”In the future, we will improve our technique so that chloroplasts can carry out photosynthesis in animal cells for as long as possible,” Matsunaga said.Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about cellular engineering? Let us know via [email protected], R., Inui, Y., Okabe, Y., Sato, M., Takeda-Kamiya, N., Toyooka, K., Sawada, K., Morita, H., Genot, B., Maruyama, S., Tomo, T., Sonoike, K., & Matsunaga, S. (2024). Incorporation of photosynthetically active algal chloroplasts in cultured mammalian cells towards photosynthesis in animals. Proceedings of the Japan Academy Series B.https://doi.org/10.2183/pjab.100.035

South Korea Warns of Russian Tech Transfers for North Korean Troops

Technology

South Korea issued strong condemnation on Monday over reports that North Korea has deployed troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.Alongside the EU, the nation expressed deep concerns that Russia might compensate North Korea with transfers of sensitive technology, potentially advancing Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile capabilities.North Korea’s deployment of troops, confirmed by both the U.S. and NATO, risks widening the nearly three-year-long conflict in Ukraine, and has sparked security concerns in South Korea and beyond.The move has heightened anxieties over potential rewards that Russia might offer North Korea in exchange, including sensitive military technology that could bolster Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile capabilities.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, at meeting at the Foreign Ministry, in Seoul, Nov, 2024. South Korea condemned reports that North Korea has deployed troops to support Russia in Ukraine.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, at meeting at the Foreign Ministry, in Seoul, Nov, 2024. South Korea condemned reports that North Korea has deployed troops to support Russia in Ukraine.
Chung Sung-Jun/AP
Are South Korea and the EU Working Together?Following discussions in Seoul, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell released a joint statement condemning North Korea’s troop deployment in the “strongest possible terms.”The statement also expressed deep concerns about the possibility of Russia supplying North Korea with materials and technology that could advance Pyongyang’s military ambitions.”We are also deeply concerned about the possibility for any transfer of nuclear- or ballistic missile-related technology to the DPRK, which would jeopardize the international non-proliferation efforts and threaten peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across the globe,” the statement said.DPRK stands for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea’s official name.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, shakes hands with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. South Korea expressed deep concerns that Russia might transfer of sensitive technology to North Korea.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, shakes hands with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. South Korea expressed deep concerns that Russia might transfer of sensitive technology to North Korea.
Chung Sung-Jun/AP
Is It Legal for Russia and North Korea to Fight Together Against Ukraine?Cho and Borrell labeled North Korea’s troop deployment a “flagrant” breach of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, urging both North Korea and Russia to promptly withdraw these forces from Russian territory.Earlier on Monday, Borrell held discussions with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, where both agreed to collaborate with the international community to curb security cooperation between Russia and North Korea, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry.North Korea and Russia have not officially confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops. However, both nations assert that their military cooperation adheres to international laws.The U.S. government reports that approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia near Ukraine’s border, preparing to join the conflict in the coming days.What Does Ukraine Say About North Korea Helping Russia?Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged allies to move beyond passive observation and take proactive measures, before these North Korean troops engage on the battlefield.Intelligence assessments from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine estimate that North Korea has deployed approximately 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia.Should these forces engage in combat against Ukrainian troops, it would signify North Korea’s first involvement in a major conflict since the Korean War ended in 1953.Why Is North Korea Helping Russia?North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has leveraged the Russia-Ukraine conflict to deepen defense and economic ties with Russia, countering intensified U.S.-led pressure on his advancing nuclear program.The United States, South Korea, and other nations accuse North Korea of supplying artillery shells, missiles, and other conventional arms to Russia.In addition to concerns over possible weapons technology transfers from Russia, South Korean officials worry that Moscow could extend a defense commitment to North Korea should conflict arise on the Korean Peninsula.The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia presents further risks, as these forces could gain valuable combat experience and receive Russian assistance in modernizing North Korea’s outdated conventional weapon systems.This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

A beginners guide to fall movies

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The changing seasons bring about a lot of things: the holidays, cold weather, an (eventual, keep pushing) academic rest and many other wonderful things. Chief among them, though, is that crisp, cold air coming in through the window as you watch a cozy fall flick under a blanket with a warm drink in hand. Though a straightforward guide to some, we at the Arts & Life section wanted to come together to create a guide to ensure that everyone who wants to gets to have that cozy fall viewing experience.
“Dead Poets Society”

“Dead Poets Society” is a thought provoking, cozy and nostalgic film that is perfect to watch in late fall. Starring Robin Williams as Mr. Keating, the film follows a group of private academy students all learning who they are in the world and as a people, aided by the advice of their eccentric English teacher. For those with a soft spot for the dark academia aesthetic, “Dead Poets Society” is an essential watch to add to your collection. This movie is incredibly inspirational and has a tendency to resonate with the hearts and minds of viewers, young and old alike. 
Directed by Peter Weir, this brilliant coming-of-age movie embraces deeper themes of mental health, suicide, alienation and family issues that are still just as relevant almost 40 years later. This film revolves around the concept of great expectations, exploring ideas of caving in to family pressures and the phenomenon of gifted-kid-burnout-syndrome, which is a shared experience among many students today. 
“Over the Garden Wall”

Where to begin with “Over the Garden Wall”? This Emmy-winning miniseries by Patrick McHale is a jarring, unique masterpiece of cinema crammed into just under two hours worth of episodes. With some of the most beautiful background art that can be seen on television, “Over the Garden Wall” follows stepbrothers Wirt and Greg on their adventure through The Unknown, a purgatory of sorts as they straddle the line between life and death. 
The journey the boys take is meant to mirror Dante’s “Inferno” as a modern retelling, with each 11 minute episode drawing them deeper into another layer of hell. Throughout the show’s short runtime, the children are pursued by a creature known as The Beast, a dark and shadowy monster representing Satan himself. The quirky and fun animation contrasts with the eerie autumnal aesthetic and story of the show, making it a rich and delightful piece that can be watched and rewatched every time the autumn leaves begin to fall.
“Knives Out”

“Knives Out” is an amazing film that focuses on the comedic struggles of the rich. While the film itself may not be focused on the season, its atmosphere is heavily strengthened and emboldened by the fall weather and setting, helping to give the acting a lived-in world. This film follows the mysterious suicide of a rich writer and the quirky investigator hired to uncover the truth. Things come to a head when the writer’s family discovers he left his millions to his kind nurse, who is in way over her head.
Directed by Rian Johnson and starring a stacked cast of pedigree actors like Chris Evans, Ana De Armas, Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer, Jamie Lee Curtis and so many more, this Sherlock-like comedy/mystery will keep you laughing and guessing all the way till the end. There is so much to love from this film, with sharp writing, a well-developed ensemble cast and a perfect soundtrack all helping to create a perfect combination of zany comedy and subversive mystery.
“Fantastic Mr. Fox”

This animated Wes Anderson is another situation where the season is never outwardly focused on but adds heavily to the world-building and emotional atmosphere of the film’s events. “Fantastic Mr. Fox” follows the story of Mr. and Mrs. Fox, who decide to give up their days of stealing and living on the edge for a stable family and home, even if it is not all they think it is cracked up to be. 
Another film with a stacked cast, this time with the likes of George Clooney, Bill Murray and Meryl Streep, all delivering some of the best voice acting performances of their careers. They are further strengthened by some classic Anderson movie regulars like Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzmann. This stop-motion film is filled with amazing set and character designs, fantastic writing and a fun, family friendly plot, making it a great watch for all ages. 
“Bottle Rocket”

Here is another Wes Anderson film, this time it’s his debut, “Bottle Rocket.” The film is a simple, unserious and just downright pleasant watch. All of the performances are hilarious and engaging, and the film is not concerned with what would become Anderson’s sterile, precise and intentional directorial eye. Because of this, the film feels more improvisational, more cozy and simply like an easier watch. 
It may seem strange not to mention the plot, but once one has seen “Bottle Rocket,” they will understand this movie feels more like joking around with friends than it does following a story. If ever in need of a comfort movie, Owen and Luke Wilson in “Bottle Rocket” will not disappoint.
“About Time”

It probably seems hard to believe a time travel film could be one of the most emotionally poignant romance films ever made, but that is exactly what “About Time” is. Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson star in a film where the paternal line of Tim, portrayed by Gleeson, can go backward in time, allowing them to relive and retry moments in their lives. 
This is not all encompassing, though, and what follows is a gripping emotional story that grapples with the inherent risk we all run making decisions every day, and how little power we have to change things once they are set. With its crushingly beautiful depictions of all kinds of love, both familial and romantic, “About Time” will probably bring tears to most viewers’ eyes. “About Time” manages to live in viewers’ minds far longer than they expected it to when turning on a time travel romance.
“Coraline”

Many shared a similar experience when first watching “Coraline.” The PG-rated movie lulled our younger selves into doubting our parents and believing that this movie would be a walk in the park. Despite being marketed to younger audiences and often grouped with films like “Paranorman” or “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Coraline” has an uncanny, unsettling atmosphere that sets it apart. 
The story follows a young girl who discovers a parallel world that seems perfect,until its dark secrets unfold. With gorgeous and meticulous stop-motion, a haunting story and a relentless flurry of tension “Coraline” is a perfect pick for fall, offering a mix of nostalgia, mystery and a lingering sense of unease.
“Magnolia”

Magnolia is one of those films that stays with you long after you have watched it. Set over the course of a single day in Los Angeles, the movie follows a series of interconnected characters, each dealing with their own personal crises. Despite this massive scope, “Magnolia” offers a personal glimpse into characters which creates a deep and rich world for the viewer to sit back and watch. What makes “Magnolia” stand out is its mix of raw emotion, surreal moments and themes of fate and redemption.
The film’s haunting score and unforgettable performances feel like the perfect match for the shifting mood of the season. If you are in the mood for something intense and beautifully chaotic, this Paul Thomas-Anderson magnum opus is it.
“Edward Scissorhands”

“Edward Scissorhands” is one of those household names that if you do not quite know the origin of, you can kind of figure it out yourself. He has scissors for hands! No surprises there, but one thing that may surprise you about this movie is how lovely it is. “Edward Scissorhands” is practically bursting at the seams with the wackiness of director Tim Burton, depicting a dystopian daydream with a heartwarming message: It is okay to be weird. 
Johnny Depp stars as the titular Edward, discovered in his spooky castle just outside a cookie-cutter neighborhood by a suburban mom who takes him in. The suburb is shocked by the arrival of this pale and mysterious character, and they soon discover his talents for anything sharp-tool related. The acting is antiquated but timeless, the writing is corny but charming and it all comes together to form a classic fairy tale of friendship. Make sure to check out “Edward Scissorhands,” and enjoy the rewatch if you already have!
“Silver Linings Playbook”

Nothing says fall like mental illness in Philadelphia. “Silver Linings Playbook” is a wonderfully unique romantic comedy starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DeNiro. This hilarious movie follows Pat Solatano, portrayed by Cooper, a man with bipolar disorder fresh out of the mental hospital who moves back in with his parents to rebuild his life. Lawrence stars opposite Cooper as Tiffany, whose strange and dramatic tendencies indicate borderline personality disorder. 
As one might probably guess, the movie is an on the nose look at the day-to-day interactions of people with mental disorders: and it is hilarious. Developed from Matthew Quick’s New York Times bestseller of the same name, “Silver Linings Playbook” is a perfect fall movie from the top down. Each character is so loveable, even when at their lowest. Pat and Tiffany are perfectly written, and Cooper and Lawrence are immaculately cast. There is a reason why this movie is considered such a classic. There is something about it that just convinces you that you would be best friends with the two main characters in real life. There is no question that “Silver Linings Playbook” is a solid movie night selection, and we truly hope you enjoy it!

Atomic Scientists Descend on Illinois to Reset Doomsday Clock

Science and Health

Every year members of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists come to Chicago to update and set the “Doomsday Clock” that is at the Keller Center at the University of Chicago.No this is not something where it takes all of these scientists to “fall back” the Doomsday Clock. These scientists arrive to discuss the state of the globe and the threats to it.Originally the Doomsday Clock was erected in 1947 as a warning to the public regarding the proliferation of nuclear weapons around the world. Since then the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists have also included global threats like the changing climate, viruses bio-engineered viruses and now A.I. too.Google mapsGoogle mapsloading…A.I. has become a particularly fascinating development because it can affect all of the other dangers too.The Doomsday clock has been steady since 2021 at 11:58:30. That’s ninety seconds to doomsday (or midnight on the clock).The unveiling of an adjustment, if there is one or if it says the same happens every January.  The next potential alteration will happen Tuesday January 28th 2025.The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists welcome the public’s input. Whether you believe it should be moved closer to doomsday, or further away from doomsday. Just include why you believe it should be adjusted or not.KEEP READING: 15 Natural Ways to Improve Your SleepLOOK: 50 Beloved Retail Chains That No Longer ExistStacker takes a look at 50 major retail chains that no longer exist and the reasons for their demise.  Gallery Credit: Madison Troyer

The ‘midlife crisis’ is too simple a story, scientists say

Science and Health

The notion of a midlife crisis is dead. Or maybe it was always bunk. Now some scientists want a postmortem for the theory.

The idea that happiness in the Western world plummets around midlife before rebounding has been around since the mid-1960s. In the late 1980s, after crunching data from well-being surveys around the globe, social scientists framed the phenomenon as quantifiable and global.

But a growing body of evidence now supports the theory’s demise. Most recently, researchers found several variants of how happiness unfolds among nonindustrialized communities in Asia, Latin America and Africa — places often neglected in the scientific literature (SN: 3/19/24).

Tech Moves: Qualtrics taps Microsoft vet as CFO; F5 names innovation chief

Technology

Rachita Sundar, chief financial officer for Qualtrics. (Qualtrics Photo)

— Qualtrics appointed Microsoft veteran Rachita Sundar as its chief financial officer and member of the executive leadership team.

Sundar comes to Qualtrics from HubSpot, where she was senior vice president of finance. Previous to that role she was at Microsoft for 13 years, rising to the position of senior finance director of Microsoft U.S.

Sundar will be based in Seattle.

“Throughout my career I’ve sought to join organizations driving significant technological shifts, and I strongly believe experience management and Qualtrics are at the next frontier of this,” Sundar said in a statement.

Qualtrics, an “experience management” company with co-headquarters in Seattle and Provo, Utah, helps companies collect and analyze data through surveys and other technologies to make customer and employee decisions.

Qualtrics went public in 2021 but became a private company again last year. It laid off more than 1,000 employees in October 2023.

Kunal Anand, F5’s chief innovation officer. (F5 Photo)

— Kunal Anand of F5 is changing roles, moving from chief technology officer to chief innovation officer. He’ll lead the company’s product organization, according to comments from F5 CEO François Locoh-Donou on a recent earnings call.

“Kunal brings deep domain expertise and technical knowledge across cloud, security, networking, SaaS and AI, his entrepreneurial mindset will be a tremendous asset as we execute the next phase of our portfolio road map,” Locoh-Donou said on the call.

Anand joined the Seattle-based application security and delivery company in April. His prior position was leading the technical and security teams at Imperva for more than five years.

F5 plans to hire a new CTO, a company spokesperson confirmed.

The company’s stock was up more than 10% last week after reporting its fourth fiscal quarter earnings. Revenue was $747 million, up 6% year-over-year, and GAAP net income was $165 million, up more than 8% year-over-year.

F5 recently confirmed layoffs spread across several teams that impacted less than 2% of the company’s global workforce.

The company also last week named Cooper Werner as its new CFO.

— Chris Capossela, Microsoft’s former chief marketing officer, joined the board of directors for the telecom company Lumen Technologies. 

Capossela spent more than 30 years at Microsoft. He oversaw marketing for consumer and commercial businesses, and led digital direct sales and retail partner sales for the company’s products. He now serves on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards.

“Nearly every large business is thinking about how AI can drive its strategies and whether they have the infrastructure to support AI,” Capossela said in a statement. “As they consider their networking needs, Lumen is becoming top of mind as a company to bet on.”

Lumen’s CEO Kate Johnson was previously Microsoft’s U.S. president. The company was formed by the merger of CenturyLink and Level 3 Communications, and rebranded as Lumen in 2020. Lumen, based in Louisiana, owns the naming rights for Seattle’s pro football stadium.

— Former top executives at sustainable trucking company First Mode have launched Sol Zero Group, a Seattle venture described as a think tank supporting companies that “solve important problems using systems thinking and human creativity.”

Chris Voorhees, First Mode’s co-founder and former CEO, and Rae Adams, former chief revenue officer, are the founders and managing partners for Sol Zero. The two also previously worked at Planetary Resources, an asteroid mining company that was acquired in 2018.

“I have been so very fortunate to have experienced firsthand the truly miraculous things that can happen when you combine good people with good problems,” Voorhees said on LinkedIn this past summer. “That journey continues today, and I can’t wait to share with you all the new stories that come from this next chapter!”

Bjork Del Riego is Sol Zero’s chief of staff, and was formerly a senior executive assistant for First Mode.

Two other former First Mode leaders, Clara Sekowski and Conor Duggan, are the founders and CEOs of two Sol Zero companies. Sekowski, former director of strategic R&D at First Mode, is now leading Special Teams, a startup offering “design and build” solutions for customers. Duggan, First Mode’s former director of government affairs, is running Civic Charge, a consultancy tackling the intersection of government, business, technology and community.

Melanie Roberts, executive director of the Washington State Academy of Sciences. (WSAS Photo)

— Melanie Roberts has joined the Washington State Academy of Sciences as executive director. She was previously a senior advisor and director of state and regional affairs for the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

“We have great confidence that under Melanie’s leadership WSAS will continue to grow and help decision makers consider how to integrate science and technology for the benefit of Washington State citizens, governments and businesses,” WSAS President Allison Campbell said in a statement.

Roberts earned a Ph.D. in neurobiology and behavior from the University of Washington, but pivoted to policy through an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) science and technology policy fellowship.

Rick Katz, chief financial officer for Valant. (LinkedIn Photo)

— Seattle’s Valant hired Rick Katz as chief financial officer. Valant is an electronic health records and billing company serving behavioral health providers.

Katz’ duties will include overseeing corporate initiatives including mergers and acquisitions and other investment opportunities. He was most recently CFO at Opensignal and has more than 25 years of experience in finance and corporate development.

In December 2023, Atlanta-based private equity firm Resurgens Technology Partners bought Valant for an unknown sum.

— Graham & Walker, a Seattle-based firm investing in women-founded tech companies in North America, welcomed Eric Ries to its board of advisors. Ries wrote the best-selling book “The Lean Startup” and is the founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange.

Ries is credited with creating the lean startup methodology and “is one of those rare Silicon Valley insiders who works tirelessly to make our industry more inclusive, future-focused and self-aware,” said Graham & Walker on LinkedIn.

— Michael Olson is now chief operating officer for Tala, a Santa Monica, Calif., fintech startup. Olson previously held leadership roles at Linktree, Twitch, LinkedIn and Microsoft. He will oversee global operations and be based in Portland, Ore.

Expedia chairman Barry Diller on potential deal with Uber and Washington Post’s ‘blunder’

Technology

Expedia chairman Barry Diller. (GeekWire File Photo)

Expedia chairman Barry Diller told CNBC on Monday that a rumored acquisition of Uber is “just not going to happen.”

A report from the Financial Times last month revealed that Uber had explored a potential bid for Seattle-based travel giant Expedia Group. Uber approached advisers in recent months about a deal and its interest was at a very early stage, according to the report.

Diller said an Uber-Expedia tie-up would make sense as “an industrial combination” but was adamant Monday that a deal isn’t getting done.

The rumored deal was notable in part because Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi was Expedia Group’s CEO from 2005 to 2017, and remains on the board. 

Asked if Expedia will merge or get acquired by another entity, Diller said he didn’t think so.

“Expedia is now beginning a period, I think, of real growth,” said Diller, the media mogul who is also chairman of IAC. He said the company has “now got a great leader who is doing every right thing,” likely alluding to CEO Ariane Gorin, who started in her new role earlier this year.

“If ever there’s a wrong time for Expedia to actually exchange its shares, it is now,” Diller said.

He added: “I don’t think Expedia should be sold. And I have enough voting shares that … I could stop something from being done.”

Expedia reported $3.6 billion in revenue for the second quarter, up 6% year-over-year. Its market capitalization is around $20 billion and its stock is up more than 40% over the past 12 months.

Expedia reports third quarter earnings on Thursday.

Diller was also asked about Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his decision to end The Washington Post’s tradition of endorsing candidates for president and reportedly spiking an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Diller, who said he knows Bezos “very well,” called the decision “absolutely principled” but said it was timed poorly.

“They made a blunder,” he said. “It should have happened months before.”

Bezos, who owns the newspaper, was under intense backlash following the announcement, which came just 11 days before the election between Harris and former President Donald Trump.

In a column in the Post published last week, Bezos said he wished the decision to not endorse any candidate had been made sooner, “in a moment further from the election and the emotions around it.” And he said the timing of a recent meeting between Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp and Trump was scheduled without Bezos’ knowledge.

“If Trump prevails, it will reform the Democratic party and I think that would be extraordinarily healthy. And on the other side, it would send him to the dust heap of history, which is what I would prefer,” says Barry Diller, IAC and Expedia Chairman. pic.twitter.com/v0yCoO3UCx— Squawk Box (@SquawkCNBC) November 4, 2024

Matt Gaetz Blames ‘Barbie’ Movie for Distracting Men from Voting

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz said Monday that men were being distracted from voting, just like in the 2023 Barbie movie, as more women have reportedly voted early.The Congressman, whose wife, Ginger Gaetz, was among those calling for a boycott of the box office hit over its “woke” message, shared a GIF of Margot Robbie as the titular character in reaction to a plea for more men to vote in the next 24 hours.”The core plot of the Barbie movie was distracting men so they wouldn’t vote,” Gaetz said on X, formerly Twitter. “Don’t make the Barbie movie come true.”

Left: U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Right: Margot Robbie accepts the award…
Left: U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Right: Margot Robbie accepts the award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement for “Barbie” at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
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Alex Wong/Rich Polk/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images
Over 38 million U.S. voters had cast their votes already, as of Nov. 2, either by mail-in ballot or through early voting. Over 54 percent of those early voters were women, the University of Florida’s Election Lab said.A concern for the GOP appears to be that more women are set to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, while men are more likely to vote for former President Donald Trump.Analysis of polls by Newsweek showed that, on average, Harris has the support of 52 percent of female voters and 43 percent of male voters. Meanwhile, 53 percent of male voters back Trump compared to 44 percent of female voters.Gaetz’s assertion on social media that there was an effort in the movie to distract men from voting was affirmed by his office, with a spokesperson telling Newsweek that the post “speaks for itself.”The movie depicts the Barbies in top jobs and leadership roles, while the Kens often spend their days playing at the beach. In a rebellion, the men take over and brainwash the women into becoming more submissive partners, but once Robbie’s Barbie returns from the human world, the women take charge and then seek to work toward equal rights for Barbies and Kens.Notably, Gaetz attended the Barbie premiere at the British embassy in Washington, D.C., along with his wife, who later criticized the film.The struggle to engage voters is nothing new, but both campaigns have made a concerted effort in recent weeks to get undecided voters, or those who assume their state is safe for either party, to participate.Trump has appeared on podcasts aimed at younger male voters, including Joe Rogan’s popular show, while also bringing in figures such as Elon Musk and Hulk Hogan onto the stage with him at rallies, in an effort to appeal to male voters. That voting group, however, tends to not vote at the rates other demographics do.Harris’ stance on reproductive health, including defending the right to an abortion, has seen her support from women surge, while the campaign has also focused its messaging on this issue toward men and fathers in recent weeks.At a rally in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Oct. 26, former First Lady Michelle Obama pleaded with men to think of their girlfriends, wives, mothers, daughters or sisters when voting, as she gave examples of the dire situations that women had found themselves in since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.Campaign ads have also focused on the topic, pointed toward male voters, while Trump has sought to appeal to women by saying he will be their “protector” if he returns to the White House.Election Day is tomorrow. Follow Newsweek’s live blog for the latest updates.