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Thursday, 5:06 AM

April 24, 2025

Good morning news friend! Step into the moment with stories that reflect today and shape tomorrow. 📰🌟

Click here to read the poll results and comments from our previous edition. People gave their opinions about the World Economic Forum, the Chinese restrictions on rare earth minerals and more!

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U.S. Birthrates Near Record Lows

In 2024, U.S. birthrates remained low, with 3.62 million births, a less than 1% increase from 2023 and 16% below the 2007 peak.

The fertility rate is approximately 1.63 births per woman, below the replacement rate. Teenage births fell to a record low, while births among women aged 30-34 rose.

Hispanic mothers accounted for 27% of births. Experts attribute the decline to economic uncertainties and high childcare costs, leading many to delay starting families.

Policy proposals include financial incentives and educational initiatives, but sociologists warn that these measures may not effectively reverse the trend.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, NYTimes, NBC, AXIOS, UPI.

DeepSeek Data Breach

South Korea's data protection authority announced a breach involving DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, which transferred user data without consent during its January 2025 launch.

Downloads of the app were suspended in February after the company acknowledged privacy law violations, including unauthorized sharing of user prompts with Beijing Volcano Engine Technology.

DeepSeek's privacy policy lacked mandatory Korean information and failed to verify users' ages. Following recommendations, the company must destroy transferred content and establish a legal data transfer framework.

Sources: Reuters, TradingView, Chosun, TheHindu.

Ukraine Peace Talks Tumble

Discussions to end the Ukraine war have stalled, with President Trump blaming Ukrainian President Zelensky for rejecting a U.S. peace proposal.

A planned meeting in London collapsed, and the U.S. offered terms allowing Russia to keep Crimea and most captured territory in exchange for U.S. recognition and Ukraine abandoning NATO ambitions.

Ukrainian officials criticized the proposal as overly favorable to Russia.

Zelensky called for a ceasefire before negotiations, but U.S. officials may withdraw support if no agreement is reached, complicating prospects for peace.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, AP News, BBC, NBC, Reuters.

Tariff Reductions on the Table

The Trump administration is considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports by over half, with potential rates between 50% and 65%.

Tariffs on non-strategic goods may drop to 35%, while those on vital items could remain at 100%. Stock markets reacted positively, with the S&P 500 rising 1.67%.

Current tariffs have led to a 30% cancellation rate of U.S.-bound shipments from China. Treasury Secretary Bessent deemed the current tariffs "unsustainable."

Meanwhile, 12 U.S. states have filed lawsuits against the tariffs.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, Reuters, FinancialTimes, CBS.

Wastewater Treatment Ineffective in Eliminating Microplastics

A study revealed that wastewater treatment plants fail to completely eliminate microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles harmful to human health and ecosystems.

Microplastics can carry pollutants like Bisphenols and PFAS, posing risks through everyday activities. The effectiveness of treatment varies by technology, complicating measurement and detection.

Researchers emphasize the need for standardized testing methods and public awareness to encourage eco-friendly choices.

Sources: SciTechDaily, TheEngineer, TUN.

Cancer Immunotherapy Discovery

USC researchers developed the EchoBack CAR T-cell, an innovative immune cell that combats cancer using focused ultrasound, enhancing its tumor attack for five days—five times longer than traditional CAR T-cells.

Activated by a 10-minute ultrasound pulse, these cells target solid tumors with minimal damage to healthy tissue, potentially requiring treatments only every two weeks.

Lab tests on mice showed improved tumor destruction and reduced exhaustion rates compared to standard CAR T-cells.

This modular technology may also treat other solid tumors, offering new hope for patients facing difficult cancers.

Sources: SciTechDaily, USC, TheBrighterSide.

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Did you know we also write in-depth deep dives? They are long, packed with insights, and have received rave reviews. If you’re up for a detailed, action-packed read, check them out:

• How Trade Wars are Reshaping the US Treasury Market

• The End of the Easy-Money Era

• The Longevity Race

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️