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Mexican president doxes New York Times correspondent during a press conference

During a press briefing on Thursday, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador disclosed the contact details of The New York Times Mexico bureau. Notably, Mexico is positioned 153rd among 179 nations in the Press Freedom Index for 2023, as assessed by Reporters Without Borders.

Known for his strong stance against various media outlets, both local and international, López Obrador presented the bureau's contact information on a prominent display. His daily, extensive press conferences frequently serve as platforms where he critiques political opponents and evaluates the media's coverage from his perspective.

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Google cut a deal with Reddit for AI training data

Google has entered into a partnership with Reddit, obtaining access to AI training data, as announced in a recent update from Reddit. This collaboration introduces an enhanced method for Google to train its models, utilizing Reddit's data API to tap into the platform's extensive content in real-time.

Through this partnership, Google will be able to access and structure a vast array of content from Reddit efficiently, enabling the tech giant to enhance and diversify how Reddit's content is featured across Google's various services.

Reddit's CEO, Steve Huffman, in a conversation with The Verge regarding changes to Reddit's API and the reaction it prompted, mentioned that the strategy behind API utilization is geared towards offsetting costs. Furthermore, he highlighted that data licensing presents a burgeoning business avenue, indicating Reddit's openness to similar profit-oriented deals in the future.

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Snaking toward a universal antivenom

Researchers at Scripps Research have created a groundbreaking antibody capable of neutralizing the potent toxins present in the venoms of diverse snake species across Africa, Asia, and Australia. This significant advancement, detailed in the February 21, 2024, issue of Science Translational Medicine, demonstrates the antibody's effectiveness in safeguarding mice against the venom of snakes such as black mambas and king cobras.

In this innovative study, scientists synthesized venom toxins in the lab to evaluate billions of distinct human antibodies, ultimately identifying one that impedes the toxins. This discovery paves the way for the development of a universal antivenom, offering potential protection against venoms from all snake species.

Senior investigator Joseph Jardine, PhD, an assistant professor of immunology and microbiology at Scripps Research, highlighted the antibody's potential impact. He noted, "This antibody targets a primary toxin prevalent in many snake species responsible for numerous annual fatalities." The development holds significant promise, especially for individuals in lower-income nations, where snakebite incidents and fatalities are most prevalent.

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