Recent advances in DNA research have provided scientists new insights into human behavior, disease, aging and evolution. From DNA fingerprinting and DNA microarray technology (a tool used to determine whether an individual’s DNA contains gene mutations) to gene therapy and cloning, these advancements are opening doors to enormous opportunities to improve the lives of humans, as well as presenting profound ethical issues that society will need to address.
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It’s a myth that the summer break is an anachronism of our agrarian roots. In fact, the summer break, created by 19th century reformers to standardize the school calendar, is rooted in pre-air conditioned urban schools, which made the summer months the most sensible period for taking a break. What is a not a myth, however, is the “summer slide” in academics … and studies show this.
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Many investors are attracted to thematic investing because it allows them to invest in strongly held convictions about the future (e.g., artificial intelligence) or according to their values (e.g., decarbonization). In a March 2021 survey, investors reported holding 28% of their portfolios in thematic instruments or strategies, with that share expected to grow to 35% in the 18 months following.
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Inflation is a tax that hurts all income earners. For lower income workers, higher costs mean very difficult tradeoffs that have an impact on everyday living. For higher income earners, it may have less of an impact of their standard of living, but higher expenses can erode the ability to save sufficiently for future goals, like retirement. There are a number of ways individuals and families can respond to rising prices and mitigate their harmful impact.
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China took a different path in response to the global outbreak of COVID-19, pursuing a policy of zero tolerance for COVID infections, which meant meeting any signs of virus infection with lockdowns and isolation to prevent its spread. While the approach seemed to work well early on, China has been undergoing rolling lockdowns throughout the country, including port cities. The economic impact has been significant.
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