Doomsday

Tuesday, November 5th, 2024

World Events and Politics — The U.S. Presidential Election, Today 

Financial Times

On the eve of the U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris embarked on a whirlwind tour of key battleground states. During a rally in North Carolina, Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico unless the country halted what he described as an “onslaught of criminals” crossing the southern border. Meanwhile, Harris campaigned in Pennsylvania, a state that The Economist's forecast model indicates has a 34% chance of being pivotal in determining the election outcome.

Science and Technology — How a Breakthrough Gene-Editing Tool Will Help the World Cope With Climate Change 

MIT Technology Review

Last month, the Innovation Genomics Institute (IGI), founded by Jennifer Doudna, hosted the Climate & Agriculture Summit at UC Berkeley, focusing on how genome editing can combat climate change challenges. Doudna discussed the advancements made since her landmark paper on CRISPR technology was published 12 years ago, which demonstrated the ability to edit DNA with precision. The first approved medical treatment utilizing this technology, a gene therapy for sickle-cell disease, has begun reaching patients. Additionally, CRISPR-edited foods are gradually appearing in grocery stores, with innovations aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change. For instance, cattle bred for shorter coats can better tolerate heat, and crops like corn are being developed to withstand severe weather events.

Despite the promise of CRISPR technology in agriculture, significant hurdles remain in its development and commercialization. The USDA has relaxed regulations around genetically modified foods, allowing many CRISPR modifications to bypass stringent oversight. However, challenges persist regarding the safety and efficacy of these edits. Doudna emphasized that while CRISPR offers a more targeted approach compared to traditional genetic modification methods, it still requires careful evaluation to ensure plant health and food safety. Research is ongoing to create drought-resistant rice and reduce methane emissions from cattle through microbial alterations. Nonetheless, issues such as regulatory barriers and intellectual property disputes continue to complicate the advancement of CRISPR applications in agriculture.

Business and Finance — Dollar Weakens Ahead of Election 

The dollar has weakened following a period of strengthening leading up to the U.S. election. Its recent rise may have indicated that markets were preparing for a potential second term for Trump. Some traders speculated that the Republican nominee's policies would drive inflation, resulting in higher interest rates and a stronger dollar. However, the current decline in the dollar suggests that many investors are now favoring Kamala Harris instead.

CNBC 

Palantir Technologies raised its full-year revenue forecast after exceeding Wall Street expectations, reporting a 30% year-over-year revenue growth to $726 million for the third quarter. The company, which recently joined the S&P 500 index, saw its shares surge by 13% in after-hours trading following the announcement. CEO Alex Karp attributed this growth to increasing demand for artificial intelligence solutions, particularly from U.S. government clients. For the fourth quarter, Palantir anticipates revenue between $767 million and $771 million, surpassing analyst expectations. The firm also adjusted its 2024 revenue outlook to between $2.805 billion and $2.809 billion, indicating a projected growth rate of 26% for the year.

Reuters

The ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert have been shut down due to a strike by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514, which began on Monday after negotiations failed to yield an agreement before a cooling-off period expired. This labor action comes shortly after a strike at the Port of Montreal, and it significantly impacts trade, as these ports handle about 20% of U.S. trade, with an estimated $800 million in daily cargo flows. The strike follows the expiration of the ILWU Local 514 contract in March 2023, with a substantial majority of members voting in favor of the strike in September. The shutdown is expected to disrupt supply chains, particularly for perishable goods and chemicals critical for various industries. Additionally, ongoing negotiations have stalled over issues including automation and wage increases, with federal mediators involved in efforts to reach a resolution.

Health and Wellness — What is a Healthy Heart Rate? 

A healthy resting heart rate for adults typically ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm), with athletes often having rates as low as 40 to 60 bpm due to their increased cardiovascular efficiency. Factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health can influence individual heart rates. A lower resting heart rate generally indicates better cardiovascular fitness and efficient heart function, while consistently high rates may signal stress, anxiety, or underlying health issues. Monitoring heart rate can be a useful tool for assessing fitness levels and overall health, and any significant deviations from the norm should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Smoothie Bar — Kale Smoothie 

This kale smoothie is an energizing way to start your day! 

Love and Lemons 

Song Recommendation — My Heart Will Go On by Celion Dion 

Quote of the Day 

“A woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets.” — The Titanic (1997) 

My heart will go on and on… enjoy your Tuesday and Americano!