£10 million programme to use AI and state-of-the-art analytics to fight cancer

The Cancer Data-Driven Detection programme will be led by Antonis Antoniou, Professor of Cancer Risk Prediction at the University of Cambridge. It is funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.The programme aims to access and link data from different sources - including health records, genomics, family history, demographics, and behavioural data - to develop statistical models…

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Are You Being a Nice Jerk?

Topics Column Our expert columnists offer opinion and analysis on important issues facing modern businesses and managers. More in this series subscribe-icon Subscribe Share Carolyn Geason-Beissel/MIT SMR | Getty Images Let me ask you some questions to get this discussion started. In the past week or two at work, did you see anyone: Tell someone that their thoughts or feelings are stupid? Insult others in public meetings to humiliate or…

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The Key Information Hiding Behind ‘Consensus’ Target Stock Prices‌

Investors use estimates of a stock’s future price, set by finance industry analysts, as one tool to assess the asset’s value in coming months and decide whether to buy or sell. At first blush, very high “consensus” analyst target prices—that is, the average of financial analysts’ individual target prices—may look appealing to investors and tempt them to buy.‌ But hidden in the widely available numbers is a cautionary tale, according…

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Antibiotics, vaccinations and anti-inflammatory medication linked to reduced risk of dementia

The study, led by researchers from the universities of Cambridge and Exeter, identified several drugs already licensed and in use that have the potential to be repurposed to treat dementia.Dementia is a leading cause of death in the UK and can lead to profound distress in the individual and among those caring for them. It has been estimated to have a worldwide economic cost in excess of US$1 trillion dollars.…

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Crypto’s Compliance Conundrum

A fundamental shift is occurring in digital asset markets, evident in the relentless rise of bitcoin and crypto ETFs as well as the proliferation of meme coins, most recently $TRUMP, backed by the new US President himself. The appointment of Paul Atkins, known for favouring market-driven solutions over heavy-handed enforcement, as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has fuelled optimism that crypto can finally balance innovation with regulation.But…

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Blueprint to close the women’s health gap: How to improve lives and economies for all

Closing the women’s health gap: A $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and economies, published in 2024 by the World Economic Forum (the Forum) in collaboration with the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI), reported that the women’s health gap correlates with women living in poor health for 25 percent more of their lives than men do. Closing the women’s health gap could yield 75 million disability-adjusted life years annually—the equivalent of…

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  • Reading time:67 mins read
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China Actually Thanks Trump

China will not actively provoke Trump 2.0, but if Trump 2.0 continues to use trade wars, technology wars, or other containment strategies to counter China, China will definitely retaliate with more experienced and precise countermeasures. The ultimate result will remain the same: China will become stronger, writes Wang Wen, Executive Dean and Professor of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies (RDCY), Renmin University of China. Trump’s return is not a bad…

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America’s China Strategy Is Incomplete

Growing the U.S. economy is at the top of President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda, and tackling the many challenges in the U.S.-Chinese trade and investment relationship will be central to realizing this objective. Much of Trump’s rhetoric has focused on the use of tariffs: tariffs to rebalance the bilateral trade deficit, tariffs to incentivize U.S. multinational firms to reshore their supply chains and reduce their reliance on Chinese manufacturing, and tariffs…

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Side Chats During Online Meetings: A Minefield for Leaders

Carolyn Geason-Beissel/MIT SMR | Getty Images “One conversation in the room, please.” We’ve all heard, or said, something like this during in-person meetings. Hushing side discussions helps reinforce the best parts of face-to-face meetings: the opportunity to be attentive, be aware of eye contact and body language, and focus everyone on a single topic. “One conversation” reminders work for in-person gatherings, but virtual meetings bring a new set of challenges.…

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Buy then Build: Be an Entrepreneur Without the Start-Up

Start-ups: innovation-driven venturesThe traditional start-up model typically emphasises disruptive innovation and rapid scaling, often requiring significant technological advantage and financial capital in its initial phases. It appeals to founders driven by a mission to revolutionise industries and solve problems in the market. To succeed, founders must not only develop a compelling solution but also convince investors – and eventually customers. Creativity, innovation and product-market fit are crucial. Start-ups are inherently high-risk ventures. They…

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  • Reading time:4 mins read
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When separating businesses, people are the key to unleashing value

Separations have become a widely adopted strategy for creating value, but their popularity does not mean these complex transactions are always effective. For instance, spin-offs—one of the main types of corporate separations, alongside divestitures and carveouts—have hit record numbers in recent years, but these deals are not guaranteed to create value for both the remaining and new businesses. Through our decades of research and experience supporting organizations in a range of…

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Luis de Guindos, Frank Elderson: Why prudent projections are the backbone of sound stress testing

20 January 2025By Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, and Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECBStress tests are of crucial importance to assess banks’ resilience under adverse economic conditions. In previous stress tests, however, some banks submitted overly optimistic projections. Despite thorough quality assurance by supervisors, this behaviour makes it more likely that the risks some…

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‘Russia and India: Views on Security in Eurasia and Bilateral Relations’. The Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club and the Vivekananda International Foundation

The Russian-Indian Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club, organized in partnership with the Vivekananda International Foundation, will be held in Moscow from January 27, 2025 at 16/1 Tsvetnoy Boulevard in Moscow. The Vivekananda International Foundation and the Valdai Discussion Club are long-standing partners. The Memorandum of Understanding signed at the 20th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Club in 2023 brought expert cooperation between the two countries to a new level…

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Asia’s emerging business corridors: New highways to growth

With global business corridors subject to geopolitical shifts and structural realignment, Asia’s companies stand at a new crossroads—where old formulas for success are stalling, and new highways to growth are emerging. Long-established global trade and investment patterns are reconfiguring in response to geopolitical tensions, a “just in case” rather than a “just in time” mindset, and increasing sophistication in Asia’s skills and capabilities. Companies operating in Asia—local, regional, and multinational—have…

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Can Artificial Intelligence be Dangerous?

Navigating the Risks of Artificial Intelligence: A Strategic Approach Businesses feel compelled to experiment with AI because of the perceived benefits it offers in terms of efficiency, innovation, customer experience, and competitive advantage. They are told that by integrating AI into their operations, they can unlock new opportunities, streamline processes, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Nevertheless, businesses may be sceptical about adopting AI for several reasons.…

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FCA Approach to AI

The FCA’s Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) update [1] shows the FCA’s approach to ensure safe and responsible use of AI within UK financial markets. Firms which operate in the financial services sector and use AI in their business should evaluate and understand the FCA’s approach and guidelines to avoid negative consequences. Here are some of the key points from the FCA’s update and the implications for your business. AI Regulation There…

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Improving refinery margins through value chain optimization

Over the past two years, interest in value chain optimization (VCO) has grown as downstream refining businesses come up against volatile market conditions, an emergence of “pure play” portfolios, and technological change. However, many organizations do not take a holistic approach when assessing their value chain; instead they look at each process in a piecemeal fashion, adding cost and inefficiency. VCO, also known in refining organizations as supply chain planning…

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  • Reading time:12 mins read
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Talking about the hard stuff: Where are we in the energy transition?

The world is faced with a dual imperative in the energy transition: the energy system has to be decarbonized, but much more energy is going to be needed in the future. In this episode, Janet Bush, executive editor at McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), talks to McKinsey experts Chris Bradley and Vishal Agarwal about the hurdles that need to be cleared, particularly in Asia, to achieve decarbonization.An edited transcript of the…

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  • Reading time:22 mins read
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NLRB GC Issues Memo on Harmonizing NLRA and EEO Laws

Quick Hits The NLRB GC issued a memorandum addressing potential employer concerns about complying with EEO laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in the workplace and the NLRA’s protections for employees engaging in concerted activity. The memorandum emphasizes the GC’s view that the NLRA and EEO laws are complementary and “both can and should be given full effect.” The memorandum was issued just days before a changeover in the presidential administration,…

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Europe in the intelligent age: From ideas to action

Technology is increasingly shaping the prosperity and sovereignty of nations. The development of disruptive technologies such as AI, along with geopolitical events, is creating new arenas of competition, centered on investment in the innovation, production, and adoption of advanced technologies. However, large European corporations invested €700 billion a year—or €3,000 per capita—less than their US counterparts between 2015 and 2022, particularly in technology, as returns on invested capital (ROIC) for…

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A pop-up pub where everybody knows your name

Could a student-run pub add a new dimension to campus social life? A group of Stanford students tested this idea with a pop-up pub last month, and the result was a resounding “yes.” The Rough Draught Pub – which was run by students and supported by staff and the Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) – hosted over 550 people over two nights. Attendees said the pub, which was held at…

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Future Proofing Beauty: Digital Transformation

  Maximising value through digital transformation in beauty companies. Innovation is the key to sustained growth in the beauty industry. As consumer expectations evolve and market environments become more dynamic, the ability to innovate quickly and effectively has never been more crucial. At Skarbek, we understand the need for companies to enhance their innovation capabilities, which is why we have developed the Innovation Fitness Index (IFI), a comprehensive diagnostic tool…

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DOL Clarifies That Managers and Supervisors Can’t Wear Two Hats When It Comes to Tips

Quick Hits On January 14, 2025, the DOL issued an opinion letter reiterating that managers and supervisors cannot keep tips unless they “solely and directly” provide service to the customer, regardless of whether a tip credit is taken. The DOL clarified that even if a manager or supervisor works an entire shift in a nonsupervisory role, they cannot participate in a tip pool, as the primary duty test is based…

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Daniel Yergin on energy and the new world order

Daniel Yergin explained the state of the world in his 1990 Pulitzer Prize–winning book, The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power. He did it again in 1998 with Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy and in 2011 with The Quest: Energy, Security, and the Remaking of the Modern World. His most recent book, The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations, detailed how…

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What is SaaS?

Against a backdrop of light blue, three fluffy white clouds release a robust rain of blue pixels. Software as a service (SaaS) refers to cloud-based software programs delivered to users over the internet. You probably use SaaS products even if you don’t realize it; in fact, much of our online lives are supported by SaaS. Google Workspace tools—including Gmail, Google Docs, and more—are SaaS products, as are Microsoft Outlook, Slack, Zoom,…

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Maryland’s FAMLI Program, Part I: An Overview of The Law

Quick Hits Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program provides most Maryland employees with up to twelve weeks of paid leave, with some eligible for an additional twelve weeks, starting July 1, 2026, funded by contributions from both employers and employees beginning July 1, 2025. The Maryland Department of Labor has released two sets of proposed regulations for the FAMLI program. Under the FAMLI program, employees in Maryland will…

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Why CEOs Are Reaching Out to the New President

This commentary originally appeared in Time. With Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos joining the CEO of TikTok as guests of President-elect Donald Trump at Monday’s Inauguration, many have noticed how differently some tech titans are greeting the second Trump presidency. This follows the many CEOs racing to Mar-a-Lago to dine with Trump, contributing to a narrative that has emerged that “corporate America is going MAGA,” and that “Trump’s…

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Ten tests for nature strategy

In 2025, corporate action on nature has evolved from what was often seen as an environmental obligation into a strategic necessity. Taking action is not just about preserving our natural resources—it is a key element of business strategy. Nature plays a critical role as a foundation for the global economy, with more than half the world’s GDP dependent on nature. In this way, nature degradation—including biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and…

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  • Reading time:24 mins read
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Learners with disabilities benefit from more complex reading instruction

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) such as autism and Down syndrome are often left behind when it comes to literacy instruction – casualties of the misperception that at best, they could only read by learning to recognize common words by sight. But researchers are finding that students with IDD, like their peers without disabilities, can benefit from a more complex approach, including phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. “I always…

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COP29 and the World Ocean: Will We Come to a Single Economic and Environmental Strategy?

COP29 did not bring the global community closer to a single economic and environmental strategy in the development of the resources of the World Ocean, although the “blue economy” has claimed this role. This is primarily due to the fact that divergent economic interests still prevail over the idea of ​​​​unification in the name of combating global environmental threats, and this balance is unlikely to change over the short or…

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Three Nonnegotiable Leadership Skills for 2025

Topics Column Our expert columnists offer opinion and analysis on important issues facing modern businesses and managers. More in this series subscribe-icon Subscribe Share Carolyn Geason-Beissel/MIT SMR | Getty Images In the early days of the Industrial Revolution, factory floors used to spontaneously catch fire. Many industrial operations generated enough sawdust during the working day to make the whole place flammable at the slightest spark. Why does this matter now?…

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Six Essential Tips for Avoiding the Unlawful Influence of Government Actions

In honor of the release of the 6th Edition of the Government Contracts Compliance Handbook, we are sharing six essential tips to help government contractors recognize and prevent the unlawful influence of government actions. Contractors working in the federal marketplace face unique challenges, from avoiding improper gifts to ensuring compliance with lobbying restrictions. Missteps can lead to severe legal and reputational consequences. These tips, drawn from our book, provide actionable…

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New York City Publishes Updated FAQs for Earned Safe and Sick Time Act

Quick Hits On September 26, 2024, New York City released updated FAQs for the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) to address the October 2023 amended rules and the January 2024 law allowing private rights of action for ESSTA violations. The updated FAQs clarify and provide guidance regarding the amended rules, processes, and procedures in pursuing a private right of action, while also leaving some questions unanswered. The updated…

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Unfinished business: A decade of data on women in Canadian corporate leadership

The number of women on TSX-listed issuers’ boards of directors has increased steadily from 11 per cent to 29 per cent in the last ten years. However, Canadian public companies have yet to collectively cross the widely touted target of having 30 per cent of women on boards. Considering recent data from the Canadian Securities Administrators, we look at why the glass ceiling is noticeably thicker for some women and…

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Wellcome Discovery Award of £5m to fund pioneering research to combat deadly diarrhoea

Current meta-genomic epidemiology can be expensive, time consuming, and complex. As we set up our international hubs, we hope to train a new generation of scientists equipped with knowledge of genomic surveillance that will have impact beyond the lifetime of the grant.Professor Sam Sheppard, Ineos Oxford InstituteDiarrhoeal disease is responsible for killing around 444,000 children every year, mainly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Worryingly, antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective…

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Thriving workplaces: How employers can improve productivity and change lives

As the world grapples with rapid technological advancements, demographic shifts, and evolving work paradigms, it is vital to invest in employee health. Why prioritize workforce health? Investing in employee health can substantially increase economic returns. Research by the McKinsey Health Institute in collaboration with the World Economic Forum indicates that enhanced employee health and well-being could generate up to $11.7 trillion in global economic value. Organizations that prioritize health often…

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  • Reading time:58 mins read
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Scientists reveal structure of 74 exocomet belts orbiting nearby stars

The crystal-clear images show light being emitted from these millimetre-sized pebbles within the belts that orbit 74 nearby stars of a wide variety of ages – from those that are just emerging to those in more mature systems like our own Solar System.The REASONS (REsolved ALMA and SMA Observations of Nearby Stars) study, led by Trinity College Dublin and involving researchers from the University of Cambridge, is a milestone in…

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Diplomatic Pause: Reasons for and Consequences of the Termination of Gas Transit through Ukraine

On January 16, 2025, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion dedicated to the situation on the EU gas market after the termination of transit through Ukraine. Anton Bespalov, the moderator of the discussion, noted that over the past three years, the situation on the gas market has undergone tectonic changes. At one point, Western public opinion was frightened by the weaponisation of Russian energy supplies to Europe, but today…

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Brits still associate working-class accents with criminal behaviour – study warns of bias in the criminal justice system

Research led by the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, raises serious concerns about bias in the UK criminal justice system due to negative stereotyping of accents.These stereotypes, the researchers argue, can affect all parts of the system from arrest to sentencing, and undermine not only suspects and defendants, but also the testimony of witnesses. The study is particularly concerned about accented speakers being incorrectly selected from…

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Rewiring technology to better serve customers and the business

While consumer habits and technologies have changed rapidly, the technology function within organizations has tended to be slower to adapt. That realization—and the desire to create experiences that its customers expect—inspired Verizon Consumer and Business Group (Verizon Consumer Group) to make sweeping changes to its technology organization, from a focus on supporting channels and platforms to supporting complete customer journeys. This shift required a broad set of architectural and operational…

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