LOADINGERROR LOADING What happened at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to many of the nation’s courts and judges, was an insurrection by the very definition of the word. So why, at the end of a yearslong probe, did special counsel Jack Smith ultimately forgo charging Donald Trump with inciting one? The answer…
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By ELLYN LAPOINTE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 18:03 EST, 14 January 2025 | Updated: 18:18 EST, 14 January 2025
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Georgia Today: Willis investigation reopened; New tariffs for Savannah; Run the Jewels book author | Georgia Public Broadcasting
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With the turn of the calendar from December to January, many individuals across the United States find themselves grappling with the aftereffects of the holiday cheer—most prominently, a noticeable increase in their body weight. Research points out that, on average, Americans in their midlife and older years gain between one to one and a half pounds during the stretch of festivities from November through January. While such modest weight gain may not seem alarming at first glance, it is essential to recognize that even slight accumulations of fat can adversely affect long-term health. This incremental weight gain, often regarded as inconsequential, can build up over the years, leading to serious health concerns that permeate into later stages of life. In an intriguing twist, new research highlights a significant distinction between the holiday weight fluctuations observed in older adults compared to those of college students. Unlike their older counterparts, college students experience similar weight changes during the holiday season, but the composition of that weight is notably different. They are more likely to gain muscle rather than fat, signaling a variety of underlying physiological mechanisms at play during this pivotal life stage. The exploration of these differences was initiated by obesity researcher Martin Binks, who serves as the professor and chair of George Mason University’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. Dr. Binks expressed his surprise at these findings, acknowledging that they raise several critical questions regarding how life transition periods influence body composition and health. He emphasizes that understanding the context surrounding weight gain during holiday seasons is essential for delineating the varying impacts on health across different life stages. While older adults grapple with metabolic slowdowns and lifestyle factors that encourage fat accumulation, younger adults, especially those in college, tend to engage in more physically demanding activities that promote muscle gain. The conclusions drawn from this study could have wide-ranging implications for strategies aimed at tackling obesity. As college students experience a unique combination of academic stress, social events, and physical activity, identifying what drives their metabolic responses during the holiday period may provide new insights for addressing weight management during critical transition periods. The general trend of weight gain among older adults exacerbates the ongoing epidemics of obesity and related health issues, making it imperative to investigate potential protective factors present in the younger population. Dr. Binks, whose expertise spans over two decades in the realm of metabolic disease, has guided numerous patients in addressing weight challenges and enhancing quality of life. His commitment to mentorship and education is reflected in the recent publication, which emerged from research conducted by undergraduate students under the supervision of graduate peers and Binks himself. This collaborative approach underlines the significance of nurturing academic inquiries in impactful health-related subjects, ultimately aligning with the broader vision of enhancing nutritional understanding and practices. The pivotal study, entitled “Holiday Weight Change in a US College Student Sample: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study,” was recently published in the esteemed journal, Obesity Science & Practice. The January 2025 publication features additional contributions from an array of researchers across various prestigious universities such as Texas Tech University, the University of Cincinnati, Princeton University, and the University of Oregon. This collaborative effort demonstrates the vital role that academic partnerships play in advancing our collective understanding of public health issues. With each holiday season presenting unique dietary and social challenges, the distinction between how different age groups respond to these challenges poses essential considerations. The nuanced understanding of weight changes drawn from Binks’ research emphasizes the need for intervention strategies that cater to diverse demographics. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach to weight management, it is critical to differentiate the underlying mechanisms at play. Moreover, the findings may also shape future research initiatives designed to delve deeper into the biological and psychological aspects influencing weight gain and composition during and after the holiday season. The potential health implications of effective interventions that harness the distinct advantages of youth may inspire new methodologies in combating obesity and fostering healthier lifestyle habits among older adults. As Dr. Binks looks to the future, he is passionate about advancing studies that could further elucidate these intriguing differences in weight management across age groups. Understanding the variables that contribute to the dual pathways of muscle and fat gain during holidays can yield rich data that may inform public health recommendations, educational campaigns, and even clinical practices. Embracing this holistic understanding of weight dynamics during holiday periods will ultimately contribute to more effective long-term health outcomes. Furthermore, the interplay between social environments, dietary behaviors, and physical activities instigated by holiday festivities deserves deeper scrutiny. Recognizing that stress and celebration can provoke different responses in various individuals suggests a need to adopt a more personalized approach to nutritional acceptance and management. In conclusion, the divergence in weight gain patterns between college students and older adults during the holiday season offers a fascinating glimpse into the importance of life stages in shaping health outcomes. With continuous advancements in research, we can hope to uncover actionable insights that promote healthier living across age demographics, mitigating the risks associated with unwanted fat accumulation and chronic health conditions. Subject of Research: The differences in holiday weight gain between college students and older adults.Article Title: Holiday Weight Change in a US College Student Sample: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.News Publication Date: January 8, 2025.Web References: DOI linkReferences: NoneImage Credits: None Keywords: Weight gain, Obesity, Nutrition, Public health, College students, Metabolic disorders.
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The University of Virginia (UVA) is on the verge of a breakthrough in materials science with a pioneering electromagnetic levitation (EML) system. Supported by a prestigious Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) grant, this state-of-the-art technology is poised to revolutionize research into ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs). Designed to operate under extreme conditions, this innovative system will allow scientists to examine UHTCs in both solid and molten states, opening up new frontiers in aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.
At the heart of this research is a challenge that has historically plagued scientists studying UHTCs: chemical contamination. Traditional methodologies often struggle to eliminate this risk, which can significantly complicate the analysis of materials at extreme temperatures. The new EML system, with its container-less design, is a game changer. By merging induction and laser heating techniques, it eliminates direct contact between the materials being studied and any containment vessel. This allows for unprecedented accuracy in experiments, facilitating the study of materials without contamination at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius.
The design of the EML system is ingeniously versatile. It can simulate a wide range of environmental conditions, from high-pressure atmospheres to a vacuum, providing researchers with the flexibility needed to better understand the properties of materials under extreme circumstances. By characterizing vital properties like melting points, thermal expansion, and surface tension, the EML system serves as an essential tool for the development of materials that can withstand the rigors of hypersonic flight, high-temperature manufacturing, and other critical applications.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research initiative is its unique position within the United States. Currently, there are no advanced electromagnetic levitation systems operational in U.S. research institutions, giving the UVA project a distinct advantage. While research facilities in Germany and Japan have demonstrated the feasibility of electromagnetic levitation for materials studies, they lack the capabilities that UVA’s EML system offers, particularly in achieving complete melting of UHTCs with the aid of supplemental laser heating. This unmatched capacity empowers UVA researchers to obtain high-precision data that were previously inaccessible, paving the way for breakthroughs in materials research and development.
Principal investigator Elizabeth Opila, the Rolls Royce Commonwealth Professor of Engineering and chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UVA, emphasizes the magnitude of this endeavor. She notes that the EML system signifies a crucial evolution in the study and engineering of materials ready for extreme environments. Opila remarks that this technology not only promises advancements in materials science but also plays a fundamental role in educating the next generation of scientists skilled in critical applications. The integration of such cutting-edge technology will equip emerging researchers with the necessary skills to address the complex challenges faced in materials engineering today.
Besides its significant scientific contributions, the EML system is designed to foster a well-rounded educational experience. Its modular architecture allows for future innovations, which will enable it to connect with other advanced facilities, such as the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. This integration will facilitate groundbreaking research opportunities, such as in situ X-ray diffraction and high-temperature oxidation studies—areas of critical importance to the aerospace and energy sectors. Such advancements could help mitigate the challenges associated with extreme temperature materials, ultimately leading to more robust aerospace technologies.
With hands-on training opportunities included in the project’s scope, graduate students and researchers will benefit immensely from the EML system. The experience gained through utilizing this landmark technology will also be invaluable for driving future innovations in materials science. As Opila eloquently stated, “This is more than just a novel piece of equipment. It’s a platform for discovery and education that will shape the future of materials science.”
Opila brings a wealth of experience to the project, having previously served as a research scientist at NASA Glenn Research Center. Her insights and expertise, particularly regarding high-temperature materials, have propelled numerous projects funded by the Department of Defense. With her leadership, the EML system is poised to make substantial contributions to the field of materials engineering and beyond.
The impressive $318,190 DURIP grant that funds the EML system is awarded by the Army Research Office, designating it as a pivotal investment in the future of advanced materials research. The funding will cover the acquisition of essential instruments, including radio frequency power supplies, a high-vacuum to atmospheric pressure chamber, non-contact temperature measurement technologies, and high-speed imaging equipment. This foundational phase of the project will include initial levitation and heating tests, setting the stage for future enhancements that will allow for high-pressure environments.
The emergence of this transformative technology marks a turning point in scientific pursuit. The in-depth exploration of UHTCs using the UVA EML system not only promises to unravel the complexities of these extraordinary materials, but also signifies a new era in the understanding of high-temperature behavior that has immense implications for various industrial applications. In this evolving landscape of scientific research, UVA is poised to lead the charge, ushering in a new wave of materials innovation.
As the project unfolds, the potential outcomes align with critical advancements in fields such as aerospace, where materials that can endure severe thermal and mechanical stresses become increasingly vital. The EML system facilitates a deeper understanding of how materials respond under extreme conditions, enabling the design of systems that are safer, more efficient, and capable of performing at unprecedented levels. This endeavor ultimately reflects a broader commitment to advancing material sciences and engineering, a realm that will continue to shape our technological future.
In conclusion, the engineering prowess and ambitious vision behind UVA’s electromagnetic levitation system represent a monumental stride in the realm of materials research. By harnessing cutting-edge technology to investigate ultra-high-temperature ceramics, UVA hopes to formulate innovative materials capable of withstanding the extreme conditions demanded by future technologies. The implications of this research extend beyond the university, potentially reshaping industries and enhancing the way materials are designed and utilized in the future.
Subject of Research: Electromagnetic levitation for ultra-high-temperature ceramicsArticle Title: University of Virginia’s Revolutionary Electromagnetic Levitation System: Advancing Research on Ultra-High-Temperature CeramicsNews Publication Date: October 2023Web References:References:Image Credits: University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Electromagnetic levitation, ultra-high-temperature ceramics, materials science, research innovation, University of Virginia, aerospace technologies
During a contentious Senate pre-nomination hearing today, Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s pick to become the next Defense secretary, outlined his vision for rebuilding the military while facing tough questions from lawmakers seeking details on how his plans would meet both immediate and long-term defense needs.In his opening statement to lawmakers on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth explained that if confirmed his priorities include “revitalizing the defense industrial base, reforming the acquisition process to avoid the ‘Valley of Death,’ modernizing the nuclear triad, ensuring the Pentagon passes an audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies.”
The slim Republican majority in the Senate means Hegseth can afford to lose support from no more than three Senators to secure confirmation, assuming Democrats and independents unite against him.
Innovation in Tech, Acquisition Process
Hegseth explained to lawmakers that competition is the key to addressing delays in defense projects, offering it as a solution to accelerate progress and innovation. He explained that the “status quo” has been ineffective to optimize military readiness and that the Department of Defense (DoD) must “simplify and streamline its bureaucracy to better respond to innovation.”
Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., questioned Hegseth about how he would address projects that encountered delays or challenges, particularly concerning the nuclear triad military strategy and the effectiveness of U.S. defense systems.
In response, Hegseth advocated for utilizing “emergency powers,” such as the Defense Production Act, which would compel the private sector to increase nuclear production. He also expressed a desire to embrace emerging Silicon Valley technology, and financing to strengthen the United States’ nuclear capabilities.
Additionally, Hegseth highlighted that the ideas in committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker’s (R-Miss.) Fostering Reform and Government Efficiency in Defense (FORGED) Act “are the kinds of ideas that need to be pursued.”
The bill, introduced last month by Sen. Wicker, outlines how DoD must restructure its budget to enable an agile funding process that will transition technologies more rapidly into production.
Although Hegseth did not address specific policy ideas for artificial intelligence (AI) during today’s hearing, he advocated for AI adoption in various national security initiatives in his responses to the Senate Armed Services Committee’s advanced policy questions submitted ahead of his testimony.
“[AI] is a powerful set of capabilities that we must use as we know our adversaries, particularly China, have invested in such capabilities. [AI] in the U.S. commercial sector is the most advanced in the world and we should take advantage of that as a basis for DoD’s specific needs,” he wrote.
In response to how the DoD should leverage the DIB, Hegseth wrote that the DoD “has only partially leveraged the potential of our defense industrial base and defense innovation base to cost-effectively deliver capabilities at the speed of relevance.”
Military Readiness, Financial Management
Additionally, Hegseth’s plans also include addressing the ongoing challenge of recruiting, retention, and readiness within the ranks, which has been a persistent issue for the department.
He explained his plans to “restore the warrior ethos to the Pentagon and throughout [the] fighting force,” and to “reestablish trust in [the] military, addressing the ongoing recruiting crisis, retention crisis and readiness crisis.”
However, some Democratic lawmakers raised concerns, questioning how Hegseth, with limited management experience, would effectively lead an organization with a nearly $900 billion annual budget, 1.3 million active-duty service members, and nearly one million DoD civilian workers.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., was among those who questioned Hegseth’s management experience, citing deficits of up to $137,000 and five-figure debts at veteran organizations he had previously led.
“That isn’t the kind of fiscal management we want at the Department of Defense. That’s an organization of $850 billion. Not $10 or $15 million, which was the case at those two organizations. It has command responsibility for 3.4 million Americans. The highest number you managed in those organizations was maybe 50 people,” Sen. Blumenthal said.
(KWTX) -There have been widespread cases of H5N1 bird flu (Avian Influenza) in wild birds, poultry, and dairy cows. In the U.S. there has been several recent cases of bird flu in humans. We are talking with Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, the founding director of the Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases at Boston University, about what scientists are learning about bird flu and what kind of future impacts it could have on humans.[embedded content]Copyright 2022 KWTX. All rights reserved.
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Welcome to Today in Books, our daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more.
100 Books to Look For in 2025
It’s always a good day when the folks at The Millions drop their winter books preview, and this year’s is no exception. Among the 100 most anticipated books of winter 2025 are, yes, many titles that have appeared all over most-anticipated lists this season (Death of the Author, We Do Not Part, Stag Dance), but they’re accompanied by under-the-radar selections that are virtually guaranteed to introduce you to forthcoming releases you haven’t heard of yet. Among the new additions to my TBR are an investigation into Spotify’s origins and influence on music, an essay collection about Y2K, and a dystopian story set in Texas in 2038 described as “a mash-up of Olivia Butler, Ray Bradbury, and John Steinbeck.” Sold.
Grady Hendrix Keeps It Weird
The life-as-performance-art is one of my favorite flavors of author profile, so I ate up Travis M. Andrew’s new profile of Grady Hendrix with a spoon. Described by his manager as “the P.T. Barnum of the horror world,” Hendrix seems to keep it as weird and zany in real life as he does on the page. Fresh off my first experience reading his work—Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, out today, is a hell of a ride—I don’t care whether the schtick is authentic or put on, but I’m inclined to think the former. Either way, I’m never going to turn down a reporter’s tale of running around with an author for a few days and trying to figure out what makes them tick.
Now Playing
TV and film fans have likely noticed that this season is light on new releases (the impacts of the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes have a long tail), but there are still plenty book-to-screen adaptations to keep an eye on. Me? I’ll be biting my nails until Taika Waititi’s Klara and the Sun adaptation gets a release date and some early reviews.
The Best New Books Out This Week
Today is the first big new release day of the season—Feb 4, Feb 21, and March 11 are the next ones that’ll bust your TBR—and Erica Ezeifedi is here to help you narrow down the options with a look at the best new books of the week. I’ve already vouched for Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, and I’d hasten to add Aflame by Pico Iyer. Whatever your current reading vibe, there’s something new for you this week.
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