Latest news with #Lin
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
China's Fungus—A Biological Weapons Attack on America's Food Supply?
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. This month, three Chinese nationals were charged with smuggling biological agents into the United States. The attempts could be part of a biological weapons attack on America's farms and ranches. On June 3, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced that Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, had been charged with conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud. Jian was arrested for smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a "potential agroterrorism weapon" that causes "head blight." The fungal disease hits wheat, barley, maize, and rice and "is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year." In humans and livestock, head blight causes vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects. A tractor and planting implement creates a dust cloud while planting a wheat field in the fertile farm fields of Idaho. A tractor and planting implement creates a dust cloud while planting a wheat field in the fertile farm fields of Idaho. Getty Images Their actions, according to U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon, Jr., represented "the gravest national security concerns." Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI's Detroit Field Office, said the pathogens "posed an imminent threat to public safety." Then on June 9, Michigan's Eastern District announced that it had charged Chinese citizen Chengxuan Han with smuggling "biological materials" and making false statements. The materials, it appears, related to round worms. So why were Jian, Liu, and Han importing pathogens? "Fusarium graminearum is a common pathogen affecting crops in China, and numerous Chinese research institutes, including the Institute of Rice Biology at Zhejiang University, have been actively studying it," Xiaoxu Sean Lin, a former lab director of the viral disease branch of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, told Newsweek. "The FBI confiscated samples labeled 'ARP9,' an actin-related gene known to influence chromatin remodeling and gene transcription. This suggests the samples were genetically modified strains of Fusarium graminearum." "This raises a critical biosafety question," Lin noted. "Were these modified strains designed to enhance infectivity or pesticide resistance?" The pair may have intended, Lin said, "to perform field testing with these modified fungal strains on university-owned agricultural land." And perhaps they were intending to develop one or more modified strains of head blight to be introduced on farmland or ranchland elsewhere. Zunyong Liu was affiliated with Zhejiang University, where he conducted research on Fusarium graminearum. That institution, Lin said, has a well-documented collaboration with the People's Liberation Army. As he pointed out, "China's military-civil fusion strategy makes it reasonable to speculate about military interest in these genetically modified pathogens, which are potentially related to biological warfare or agroterrorism." Lin said research on such organisms would require special permits from both the University of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jian and Liu, as experienced researchers, would have known that. "If the intent was purely academic," Lin asked, "why did the researchers not pursue the legal, regulated channels for pathogen transfer?" The fact that Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu would risk their careers by smuggling a known pathogen is a factor suggesting malign intent, especially given their relations with the Communist Party—Jian is a member—and their probable connections with military research at their home institutions in China. U.S. Attorney Gorgon said Chengxuan Han's smuggling was part of "an alarming pattern." Brandon Weichert, author of Biohacked: China's Race to Control Life, agreed, telling Newsweek, "The twin incidents are unlikely to be coincidental and certainly part of a troubling series of pathogen transfers to and from Chinese research institutions in recent years." Lin believed Han's affiliation with Huazhong University of Science and Technology is a warning sign because that institution is also involved in military-civil fusion programs. "Questions about PLA involvement are warranted," Lin said. "Biological warfare is a strategic 'commanding height' in Chinese military doctrine." As Weichert told this publication, "These agents can be weapons of mass destruction and their introduction into the United States could very well have been preparation for a biological weapons attack." The Chinese attempts this year to smuggle pathogens may be only the latest incidents in a Chinese campaign to bring down American agriculture. China, I believe, has been trying to plant invasive species in America since at least 2020. That year, Americans in all 50 states received seeds unsolicited from China. Early this year, Temu, the online Chinese retailer, was caught sending seeds to the U.S. unsolicited. In one case, a Chinese party sent unsolicited both seeds and an unidentified liquid. "We can expect many more attempts at sabotaging our food supply both to damage our economy and cause chaos," Weichert said. Gordon G. Chang is the author of Plan Red: China's Project to Destroy America and The Coming Collapse of China. Follow him on X @GordonGChang. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Taiwan's Porter International enters Italian market at Pitti Uomo
Porter International, the Taiwanese label known for its functional backpacks and shoulder bags, has entered the Italian market with a debut pop-up at Flow Store in Florence, coinciding with the 108th edition of Pitti Uomo. 'Italy is a key part of our international growth strategy,' said founder and owner Andy Lin in an interview with The Florence activation marks the brand's first move toward adapting its offering to European consumers and sets the stage for further expansion across the region. 'While directly operated stores are part of our long-term plan, our current priority is building strong partnerships with local retailers,' Lin added. Founded in 2001, Porter International has established itself as one of Taiwan's most iconic accessories brands, widely recognized for its bestselling New Heat collection. 'It's been our top performer for more than two decades. We've refined the design over time-based on customer feedback to match evolving lifestyles,' Lin said. To mark its Italian debut, the brand unveiled an exclusive preview of the New Heat collection in a new Deep Blue colorway. The updated line will be available starting in October at twelve select retailers across Italy, including stores in Florence, Milan, Genoa, Brescia, and La Spezia. Spanning backpacks, shoulder bags, totes and messenger styles, the New Heat pieces are made from high-density nylon, featuring seatbelt-inspired straps and details. Inspired by New York City police uniforms, each bag includes an original flashlight imported from the U.S. and a detachable leather keychain. Globally, Porter International operates across six countries, with distribution via 21 multi-brand stockists and 86 standalone stores, including shop-in-shops in major department stores. The brand plans to open another store this June, followed by three more in Taiwan by the end of 2025. 'Taiwan is undergoing a decade of major retail expansion, particularly in the department store sector, and we're excited to grow alongside that momentum,' Lin said. 'We also intend to increase our presence in China with more store openings by the end of 2025.' Although the company does not disclose its revenue, Lin described 2023 as a high-growth year. 'By contrast, 2024 has been more challenging, with sales down about 5% year-on-year. However, our department store business has remained relatively stable.' Despite ongoing macroeconomic pressures, the brand continues to perform strongly in its core markets—Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. 'We remain confident in meeting our 2025 goals,' Lin concluded.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
My phone is wrecking my sleep — and it has nothing to do with blue light
After an exhausting day, I get comfortable in bed, pick up my phone and allow myself some guilt-free scrolling time. Suddenly, I'm bombarded with people living in war zones, missiles landing in cities and families being detained. But between each harrowing clip are slightly surreal videos of AI cats, influencers videoing their new product hauls and comedy sketches. It's a bizarre and unnerving feeling as my brain tries to navigate the correct emotional response to each three second reel before my finger is swiping upward to the next piece of content. It's no surprise that I'm feeling anxious at night and overstimulated when I'm trying to fall asleep And recently, as the constant news cycle becomes even more deplorable and we're getting real-time, real-life footage from those at the scene, it has become unbearable. I can't help but worry we're doing real damage to our brains by consuming content in this way, and I'm scared it'll desensitize us to the suffering of others. But right now, I'm experiencing one consequence of using my phone in this way first-hand. My sleep is struggling. It's no surprise that I'm feeling anxious at night and overstimulated when I'm trying to fall asleep, and now my dreams are taking a turn for the worse. So, I've decided to ban my phone an hour before bed time. And no, this isn't burying my head in the sand, it's simply prioritizing sleep, and therefore, my mental and physical health. I've spoken to Dr. Ola Otulana, a GP and physician, and Dr. Emma Lin, a board-certified Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, to find out about the real impact social media and the constantly-updated news apps have on our sleep and how we can ensure we're getting a good sleep every night. 'Flicking through a mix of emotionally charged and often distressing content on Instagram keeps the brain in a hyper stimulated state,' says Dr. Otulana. 'It mimics a state of alertness making it harder for the mind to transition into rest.' So, if your nighttime routine is anything like mine was, I'd recommend ditching social media. Dr. Lin says that in this state, it's impossible to relax. "Your brain is too busy thinking, reading, responding, scheming," she says. "Sleep is a still brain." 'Reading distressing news before bed activates the body's stress response,' says Dr. Otulana.. Reading distressing news before bed activates the body's stress response 'It raises your cortisol levels, keeps the sympathetic nervous system engaged, and increases mental arousal,' he adds. Cortisol is the hormone released in the mornings to help wake us up. If this is released at night, the effect can be bad. 'This delays sleep onset, reduces sleep quality, and often leads to fragmented or dream disrupted sleep. The brain essentially stays in a defensive mode rather than shifting into recovery.' And Dr. Lin has seen this in her patients. 'I have seen many insomniacs who don't realize that their evening activity of reading the newspaper is part of their issue,' she says. With the availability of 24-hour news on our phones, it's only going to get worse Why do we love scrolling? Turns out, it's literally addictive. 'When you're scrolling through all these different posts at a high rate of speed, you're getting little bits of dopamine to the brain,' explains Dr. Lin. 'That is a brain chemical that makes you feel excited. But too much of that too close to bedtime leaves the brain alert,' she adds. 'It's like your brain is wired, but your body is tired.' It's like your brain is wired, but your body is tired Dr. Otulana agrees. 'Phone use keeps the mind cognitively active as well. Whether you're reading, reacting, or scrolling, your brain stays alert and engaged,' he says. 'This mental stimulation can delay the natural rise of melatonin and interrupt your body's circadian rhythm and also increase the likelihood of restless sleep," the doctor adds. "Even without blue light it is the content and interaction that overstimulate the brain.' This explains my vivid and disturbing dreams recently and a feeling like I'm 'on' all the time. Even when I wake up in the night I'm not groggy, I feel awake instantly. Delaying the rise in melatonin can make it difficult to fall asleep. You're less likely to feel naturally tired, and once your circadian rhythm is dysregulated, you can expect energy dips throughout the day, too. At night, we cycle through different sleep stages and each plays an important role in our mental and physical health. REM sleep, the stage in which you dream, helps process emotions and consolidate memory. Getting enough REM sleep improves our mental resilience which is key for better mental health. If you miss out on this sleep stage, you're likely to struggle the next day. But this is also a two-way relationship. Mental health struggles like depression and anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, disrupting our sleep cycle and reducing the time we spend in each sleep stage. Ultimately, this can lead to a cycle of poor sleep and poor mental health that's hard to break. This is why it's essential you prioritize your rest and recovery. If you're already struggling, a stream of over stimulating content isn't going to help. So, take a leaf out of my book. If you want to keep your phone with you before bed for important messages, mute the notifications from your social media and news apps, or even hide them from your home screen all together. Turn off news and social media at least an hour before bed 'Turn off news and social media at least an hour before bed,' advises Dr. Otulana. He says to 'Replace scrolling with calming activities, reading, taking a warm shower, or gentle stretching.' Creating a relaxing nighttime routine can be a great way to tell your mind and body it's time to unwind. 'If your mind is racing, write down your thoughts in a notebook. Creating a consistent, calming bedtime routine helps signal to the body that it's time to wind down,' the doctor advises.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Taiwan targets blood-bag production as China steps up pressure
Taiwan currently relies on imports for its supply of blood bags because it is cheaper than making them domestically. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY Taiwan aims to start producing its own blood bags – a key item for saving lives on the battlefield – adding to signs that President Lai Ching-te is stepping up preparations for a potential conflict with China. The Health Ministry has been working closely with other government agencies, including the National Security Council, to enhance Taiwan's medical preparedness for emergencies, Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi told Bloomberg News. Strengthening domestic production capacity for key medical supplies, including blood bags, is a part of the strategy, she said, as was ensuring that imports of medical supplies were secure. 'The Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have underscored the risks of relying solely on foreign sources for essential medicines and medical equipment,' Ms Lin said. Ukraine's health-care resources have been strained during its fighting with Russia, leading to shortages of oxygen, medications and more. Mr Lai has made preparing the self-ruled archipelago of 23 million people for a possible conflict with China a central part of his policymaking since he took office a little more than a year ago. In 2024 , he held the first meeting of a civil defense committee that discussed ways to make sure key energy facilities and critical infrastructure can operate in a crisis. China views Taiwan as part of its territory that must be brought under its control someday, by force if necessary. The People's Liberation Army has held an unprecedented amount of military exercises around Taiwan since Mr Lai took over, underscoring its deep distrust of a leader it worries will formalise Taiwan's independence. Officials in Taipei downplay the likelihood of a conflict with China anytime soon, though US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently warned more urgency is needed to prepare for a potential People's Liberation Army invasion. From at least 2024 , the US – Taipei's main military backer – started raising concern about the archipelago's blood reserves and distribution capabilities, according to Taiwanese officials familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing the sensitive matter. Specific issues included whether Taiwan had enough electricity supplies and backup power systems for blood banks, one of the officials said. The US was also worried about adequate cold-chain logistics and storage, the person added. In a report to lawmakers in March, the Defense Ministry in Taipei said that it planned to establish its first blood donation centre by the end of 2025 . A programme to create a centrally managed blood supply system would be set up in 2026, it added. Ms Lin said Taiwan relies on imports for its supply of blood bags because that is cheaper than making them domestically. Blood bags are containers primarily made of medical-grade PVC that are used in the collection, storage and transfusion of blood. A ready supply is critical in wartime, and would help save the lives of soldiers in Taiwan's military, which is much smaller than China's. Taiwan's National Security Council declined to comment on June 17 on the push to improve medical preparedness. Nan Ya Plastics, a subsidiary of Taiwan's largest petrochemical conglomerate, Formosa Plastics Group, has built the archipelago's first blood bag factory near Taipei, Economic Daily News reported, citing a person at a firm that cooperates with Nan Ya Plastics on the plant. It is in the process of applying for a certificate to produce the containers, EDN said in a separate report that cited comments Nan Ya Plastics chairman Wu Chia-chau made at an annual general meeting last week. Nan Ya Plastics didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Mint
4 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Taiwan Targets Blood-Bag Production as China Steps Up Pressure
Taiwan aims to start producing its own blood bags — a key item for saving lives on the battlefield — adding to signs President Lai Ching-te is stepping up preparations for a potential conflict with China. The Health Ministry has been working closely with other government agencies, including the National Security Council, to enhance Taiwan's medical preparedness for emergencies, Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi told Bloomberg News. Strengthening domestic production capacity for key medical supplies, including blood bags, is a part of the strategy, she said, as was ensuring that imports of medical supplies were secure. 'The Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have underscored the risks of relying solely on foreign sources for essential medicines and medical equipment,' Lin said. Ukraine's health-care resources have been strained during its fighting with Russia, leading to shortages of oxygen, medications and more. Lai has made preparing the self-ruled archipelago of 23 million people for a possible conflict with China a central part of his policymaking since he took office a little more than a year ago. Last year, he held the first meeting of a civil defense committee that discussed ways to make sure key energy facilities and critical infrastructure can operate in a crisis. China views Taiwan as part of its territory that must be brought under its control someday, by force if necessary. The People's Liberation Army has held an unprecedented amount of military exercises around Taiwan since Lai took over, underscoring its deep distrust of a leader it worries will formalize Taiwan's independence. Officials in Taipei downplay the likelihood of a conflict with China anytime soon, though US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently warned more urgency is needed to prepare for a potential People's Liberation Army invasion. From at least last year, the US — Taipei's main military backer — started raising concern about the archipelago's blood reserves and distribution capabilities, according to Taiwanese officials familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing the sensitive matter. Specific issues included whether Taiwan had enough electricity supplies and backup power systems for blood banks, one of the officials said. The US was also worried about adequate cold-chain logistics and storage, the person added. In a report to lawmakers in March, the Defense Ministry in Taipei said that it planned to establish its first blood donation center by the end this year. A program to create a centrally managed blood supply system would be set up in 2026, it added. Lin said Taiwan relies on imports for its supply of blood bags because that is cheaper than making them domestically. Blood bags are containers primarily made of medical-grade PVC that are used in the collection, storage and transfusion of blood. A ready supply is critical in wartime, and would help save the lives of soldiers in Taiwan's military, which is much smaller than China's. Taiwan's National Security Council declined to comment on Tuesday on the push to improve medical preparedness. Nan Ya Plastics Corp., a subsidiary of Taiwan's largest petrochemical conglomerate, Formosa Plastics Group, has built the archipelago's first blood bag factory near Taipei, Economic Daily News reported, citing a person at a firm that cooperates with Nan Ya Plastics on the plant. It is in the process of applying for a certificate to produce the containers, EDN said in a separate report that cited comments Nan Ya Plastics chairman Wu Chia-chau made at an annual general meeting last week. Nan Ya Plastics didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. With assistance from Miaojung Lin. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
