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This is my third time honoring what I see as the year's most important scientific and technological advances. In 2022, my theme was the principle of "twin ideas," when similar inventions emerge around the same time. Just as Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray both arguably conceived of the modern telephone in 1876 (and, by some accounts, on the same day!), the U.S. saw a cluster of achievements in generative AI, cancer treatment, and vaccinology. In 2023, my theme was the long road of progress. My top breakthrough was Casgevy, a gene-editing therapy for patients with sickle-cell anemia. The therapy built on decades of research on CRISPR, an immune defense system borrowed from the world of bacteria. View: 2024 in photos: Wrapping up the year This year, my theme is the subtler power of incremental improvement, which has also been a motif of technological progress. Although nothing invented in 2024 rivals the gosh-wow debut of ChatGPT or the discovery of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, this year witnessed several advancements across medicine, space technology, and AI that extend our knowledge in consequential ways. An Ingenious Defense Against HIV Around the world, 40 million people live with HIV, and an estimated 630,000 people die of AIDS-related illness every year. The disease has no cure. But whereas patients in rich developed countries have access to medicine that keeps the virus at bay, many people in poor countries, where the disease is more widespread, do not. This year, scientists at the pharmaceutical company Gilead announced that a new injectable drug seems to provide exceptional protection from HIV for six months. In one clinical trial of South African and Ugandan girls and young women, the shot, which is called lenacapavir, reduced HIV infections by 100 percent in the intervention group. Another trial of people across several continents reported an efficacy rate of 96 percent. Clinical-trial results don't get much more successful than that. This... Derek Thompson

Lately, when I find myself feeling a little too calm about things, I’ve taken to reading the Reddit subreddit r/singularity to help swing my equilibrium back to its natural state of intense panic. This is a place where activity has flourished in recent months, as community members feverishly discuss the day’s ever-increasing developments in artificial intelligence and casually argue about the date they expect computers to officially exceed all human control. “AGI by the end of 2025” predicted a top ranking post on the subreddit this week, referencing the stage of singularity when “artificial general intelligence” – the point at which computers can perform any intellectual task that a human can – is reached. The excitement was caused by OpenAI’s announcement that its o3 system can now reason through maths, science and computer programming problems, which are three things I definitely can’t do. We had the chance to give computers less control, and instead we gave them more. Credit: iStock It got me thinking: we should have just let the Y2K bug win, hey? There we were, exactly 25 years ago, gifted with a date glitch that would’ve sent us warmly back to the 1900s, when life was simple and butter was churned in the backyard. But instead we panicked, worried that nuclear plants would melt down, planes would fall out of the sky, ATMs would erase all our savings, and like Bill Pullman in Independence Day we chose to fight. Now, 25 years on and with robot overlords breathing down our necks, it feels like a fork-in-the-road moment where we Robert Frosted the wrong way. We had the chance to give computers less control, and instead we gave them more. Dummy move! Perhaps because I’d just turned legal drinking age, or perhaps because I was watching Buffy religiously instead of following the news, I don’t remember feeling too concerned about the Y2K bug. What did I care if computers thought it was 1900 instead of 2000? Life across those 100 years wasn’t that different. In 1999, I still walked everywhere; I still did school exams in pencil; I still developed 35mm film negatives for my day job like Thomas Edison in his laboratory. Computers might’ve been around, but they weren’t such a part of our lives as they are now. I’d go whole days without touching one sometimes, except to play Grim Fandango . We were so close, as this archival shot from the film Time Bomb Y2K shows. Not to get all John Lennon, but imagine there were no computers. I wouldn’t miss them. I’d be sitting by a river bank right now, writing this column in salmon blood with my index finger. We’d all be so close to nature we could taste it, like the kid from Into the Wild . Maybe we’d die eating berries, but we’d live eating berries, too. If computers had died in 1999, we wouldn’t have social media either, the worst experiment in humankind since lobotomies. Instead we’d just have polite conversation with whoever was in our vicinity and/or crushing loneliness, both preferable options. If Y2K had happened, industry would be thriving too. No computers means no factory closures means no Donald Trump, it’s a simple equation. And not just manual industries, but creative ones too. If computers had died, music might still be a viable artistic career. I know this because in 1999 it would take me four days to download one Talib Kweli song, whereas today I just skimmed through his full life’s work during a toilet break. No one should have such carefree access to an artist’s entire life work, especially during a bowel movement. It’s not right. Maps. Street directories. The Yellow Pages. Privacy. Look at all the things we lost because, 25 years ago, we chose to save computers instead. A worthwhile exchange? I don’t know, maps were fun to fold. You can’t fold a GPS, you can just yell at its ignorant directions. “But what about the hospitals?” you’re probably saying. “Hospitals need computers.” Yes, I’m sure computers have saved more lives than the cast of Bondi Rescue , and the result is overpopulation. To paraphrase Paris Hilton, sometimes you just have to leave the party. The people of 1900, aprons splattered in freshly churned butter, understood this. As you can see, the Y2K bug got an unnecessarily bad rap in 1999. The good news is that we have another chance to get it right in 2038, when at 03:14:08 UTC on 19 January 2038, computer systems running on Unix time will suddenly revert to 20:45:52 on Friday, 13 December 1901. It’s called the Year 2038 Problem , which isn’t as catchy as Y2K, but it’ll do. Butter churning, here I come. To read more from Spectrum , visit our page here . Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter .No. 1 South Carolina experiences rare sting of loss

Coldplay donate drum skin to homeless charity in Brighton

The Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation became the third of four communities that have agreed that they are “willing” to host Canada’s first permanent nuclear waste storage facility. Members of Wabigoon Lake, near Ignace in Northern Ontario, voted in favour of “moving forward in the process” to host over six million radioactive used nuclear fuel bundles in an underground storage facility. They join the Town of Ignace and the Municipality of South Bruce that narrowly declared itself a “willing host” in a 51 per cent to 49 per cent community referendum late last month. That only leaves the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, near Southampton, Ont., to decide if they are willing to host the $26 billion project in their territory, encompassing South Bruce, or not. Following Wabigoon’s decision, Chiefs Conrad Ritchie and Greg Nadjiwon of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (S.O.N) said, “Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation’s decision does not affect S.O.N.’s ongoing evaluation of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s proposal to build a Deep Geological Repository in our territory near Teeswater. Due to the long history and ongoing reality of the nuclear industry in our territory, we face unique challenges as we grapple with this difficult decision.” S.O.N said they won’t ask for their residents to vote on the project until a “hosting agreement” has been agreed upon and shared with the people. Earlier this year, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization agreed to pay the Municipality of South Bruce $418 million over the next 138 years if the project ends up there. S.O.N. said they do not expect to make a “willingness decision” this year, despite efforts from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization to pick a “preferred site” for the project by Dec. 31. London Top Stories Two people airlifted, several taken to hospital due to collision South Bruce residents vote in favour of hosting nuclear waste project in narrow referendum St. Thomas, Ont. and San Jose, Calif. celebrate hockey legend on night his jersey is retired Man charged in child abuse investigation: STPS Nuclear operator helps fund affordable housing project in Goderich video | Thousands endure heavy rain to take in Hyde Park Santa Claus parade Budget Day 2: Councillors hope for service wins, and cost savings at city hall budget deliberations Wingham area raises $3.6 million for new CT scanner CTVNews.ca Top Stories Walking pneumonia is surging in Canada. Is this unusual? CTVNews.ca spoke with various medical experts to find out the latest situation with the typically mild walking pneumonia in their area and whether parents should be worried. Trump picks Brooke Rollins to be agriculture secretary U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute, to be agriculture secretary. Joly, Blair condemn anti-NATO protest in Montreal that saw fires, smashed windows Federal cabinet ministers condemned an anti-NATO protest in Montreal that turned violent on Friday, saying 'hatred and antisemitism' were on display, but protesters deny the claim, saying they demonstrated against the 'complicity' of NATO member countries in a war that has killed thousands of Palestinians. Retiring? Here's how to switch from saving for your golden years to spending The last paycheque from a decades-long career arrives next Friday and the nest egg you built during those working years will now turn into a main source of income. It can be a jarring switch from saving for retirement to spending in retirement. Police thought this gnome looked out of place. Then they tested it for drugs During a recent narcotics investigation, Dutch police said they found a garden gnome made of approximately two kilograms of MDMA. 'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off. Canada's top general takes on U.S. senator in defending womens' role in combat units Canada's top general firmly rejected the notion of dropping women from combat roles -- a position promoted by president-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defence secretary -- at a security forum underway in Halifax on Saturday. Ottawa driver fined for hauling thousands of empty cans in trunk of car Ontario Provincial Police stopped an Ottawa man for dangerously hauling thousands of empty cans from the back of his car. Canadians are craving to take a 'adult gap year.' Here's why Canadian employees are developing an appetite for an 'adult gap year': a meaningful break later in life to refocus, refresh and indulge in something outside their daily routine, according to experts. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now The Best Advent Calendars For Women In 2024 All The Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers That Ring In Under $25 Home Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now 16 Home Gadgets That'll Make Your Life Easier The 5 Best Drip Coffee Makers In Canada In 2024, Tested and Reviewed Gifts 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Black Friday Is Almost Here, But These Deals On Mattresses And Bedding Are Already Live Kitchener Advocates push for anti-renoviction bylaws as Waterloo Region reports affordable housing progress Man charged in Kitchener crash involving Grand River Transit LRT How University of Waterloo researchers could help charge your devices by moving your body Barrie New Orillia Christmas tree shines bright Missing man in Collingwood Highway 400 reopens in Muskoka Lakes after fatal propane truck rollover Windsor Charity produces record amounts of non-perishable food amidst rise in food insecurity No impaired drivers detected during Friday night RIDE checks Truck fire on the Ambassador Bridge Northern Ontario Northern Ont. First Nation files claim against Ontario and Newmont mining Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont. Whole Foods carrots pulled in expanded recall for E. coli: CFIA Sault Ste. Marie Hockey rivalry goes to the next level on both sides of the Sault border After a year of struggle, centre that helps Sault youth to move to a building with heat $3M donation to help repair arena in Elliot Lake Ottawa Ottawa councillor violated Code of Conduct for daycare incident last summer, integrity commissioner concludes Ottawa driver fined for hauling thousands of empty cans in trunk of car 290,000 speeding tickets and counting: A look at how many photo radar tickets have been issued in Ottawa in 2024 Toronto 'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs 'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian Maple Leafs' Matthews says Wednesday return possible after visiting doctor in Germany Montreal Quebec MNAs continue screen time consultations with students Ottawa to deliver apology, $45M in compensation for Nunavik Inuit dog slaughter Joly, Blair condemn anti-NATO protest in Montreal that saw fires, smashed windows Atlantic 'We need answers': Protest held at RCMP detachment for suspicious disappearance of N.B. man Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talk carry on over weekend 17-year-old dies following single-vehicle crash in Turtle Creek: N.B. RCMP Winnipeg Missing Neepawa senior found dead: RCMP Snowfall warning in effect for southwestern Manitoba The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping Calgary Snowfall warning for Calgary and southern Alberta expected to continue throughout Saturday Need something fixed? Repair Exchange Calgary has a volunteer for that Spruce Meadows Christmas Market adds Allen the Alpaca to Sunday lineup Edmonton From Instagram to IRL: Where to find this year's trendy treats in Edmonton Edmonton calls parking ban after city hit with heavy snowfall Hit-and-run driver wanted after pedestrian hit in southeast Edmonton Regina City of Regina releases snowfall response plan ahead of next blast of wintery weather NDP calls for investigation into food prices in northern Sask. after scurvy cases discovered Ministry of Highways releases annual snow campaign as Sask. braces for more snow Saskatoon 'I'm excited to take it on': Saskatoon businesses weigh in on GST exemption Watermain break closes Saskatoon road Why isn't Saskatoon's new downtown shelter open yet? Vancouver Black bear killed in self defence after attack on dog-walker in Maple Ridge Man arrested after allegedly attempting to set fire to Vancouver City Hall Woman killed in Vancouver's Joyce-Collingwood neighbourhood, suspect in custody Vancouver Island BC Hydro says power almost fully restored after B.C. windstorms Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talk carry on over weekend Stay ConnectedFirst Quarter GASO_FG Stewart 22, 8:17. GASO_Sanders 30 pass from French (Stewart kick), 6:55. CCAR_FG Hensley 39, 2:46. Second Quarter GASO_FG Stewart 27, 1:29. Third Quarter CCAR_FG Hensley 24, 12:43. Fourth Quarter GASO_FG Stewart 36, 14:56. GASO_White 2 run (Stewart kick), 5:56. GASO_FG Stewart 39, 3:18. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING_Georgia Southern, White 13-46, Mbadinga 10-32, French 6-12, Arnold 7-12, J.Dallas 1-6, (Team) 1-(minus 1), Cobb 1-(minus 7). Coastal Carolina, Bennett 16-138, Vasko 4-22, Washington 2-6, Kim 2-(minus 3). PASSING_Georgia Southern, French 25-38-0-294. Coastal Carolina, Vasko 10-25-2-102, Kim 1-7-1-25. RECEIVING_Georgia Southern, D.Burgess 8-98, Bunkley-Shelton 3-43, J.Dallas 3-25, Fromm 3-19, Sanders 2-51, Cobb 2-30, Arnold 2-13, Mbadinga 1-13, White 1-2. Coastal Carolina, McKie 5-78, Graves 2-3, Berrong 1-26, Tucker 1-9, Meiga 1-6, Bennett 1-5. MISSED FIELD GOALS_Georgia Southern, Stewart 58.

No jet leaves private airstrips without clearance, says Keyamo

Trump says he picks Bessent to be US treasury secretary