Science for humanity

The WHO European Region announced on 14 December 2023 that the EU region is witnessing an unprecedented surge in measles cases. In just the first ten months of 2023, over 30,000 cases were reported - a shocking increase from the 941 cases in all of 2022. This alarming rise is not showing signs of slowing down, and experts are calling for immediate action to curb further spread. Hospitalizations and deaths on the rise: Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge of WHO Europe pointed out the severity of the situation, noting nearly 21,000 hospitalizations and 5 deaths due to measles. This disease, once under control, is now posing a significant threat, especially to children. With 2 in 5 cases affecting children aged 1 to 4, and a notable number in adults over 20, the need for widespread vaccination is more urgent than ever. The role of COVID-19 and vaccination gaps: The resurgence of measles is largely linked to declining vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions to immunization p

Resilience is very important - reflections over the paper entitled "From homeless to Ph.D.: How I found my way into research" I read this very interesting article in the Science journal. I meant to share a summary and personal impressions about it. The article talks about the journey of Emma Xu, who overcame significant challenges to pursue a career in academic research. Growing up in China, Emma's parents did not have the opportunity to have a higher education. Later, after immigrating to Texas with her mother and American stepfather, Emma faced language barriers, poverty, and domestic abuse. Despite these hardships, including homelessness and working part-time jobs, Emma discovered a passion for physics and research. Her perseverance and desire to learn led her to a Ph.D. program, where she found confidence and academic success, underscoring the value of resilience and hard work over childhood advantages. This story is a profound illustration of the transfor

At the end of every year Bill Gates, makes his summary of the year and his projection for the following year. I wrote here my personal summary and impressions of Gates 2024 letter . Bill Gates’ notes for 2024 dwell on personal achievements and the significant progress in technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), and their capacity to shape the coming years. He shares personal events like the joy of becoming a grandparent, urging him to think deeply about the legacy that will be left for the new generation. Gates underscores the transformative impact of AI across various sectors, including education, mental health, and public health, and its utility in streamlining drug development processes to tackle global disparities / social injustices. Gates remains steadfast in his belief that innovation drives progress, sharing stories of success such as the reduction of child mortality rates through advancements in medical science. He conveys enthusiasm for the work being done to

On 8 December 2023, the Nobel Laureate for economics Prof. Claudia Goldin gave her speech in Stockholm. The Nobel prize was given to her "for having advanced our understanding of women’s labour market outcomes". I write here my impressions about her wonderful speech and I add the link for her speech video at the end of my text. Overall, the speech presents a profound exploration of the evolution of women's roles in the labor market, underscoring the remarkable journey from limited participation to a dominant presence in higher education and various professional fields. It paints a picture of societal progress that mirrors the principle of striving toward the betterment of the world through the empowerment of all its inhabitants, highlighting the importance of equality and the utilization of the full potential of every individual for the advancement of civilization. Her approach encapsulates a profound recognition of the evolving economic landscape, where the s