Author: knjohn

CRISPR ‘will provide cures for genetic diseases that were incurable before,’ says renowned biochemist Virginijus Šikšnys | Live Science

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Scientists introduced CRISPR to the world as a gene-editing tool in the summer 2012, when landmark papers from two independent groups demonstrated how the system could be wielded to make cuts in DNA. Now, less than 12 years later, we’re seeing CRISPR put to use in groundbreaking medical treatments.

Virginijus Šikšnys was a senior author of one of those paradigm-shifting papers.

“It’s really rewarding to see how fast the fundamental discoveries that were made in the lab actually are translated into the clinics,” said Šikšnys, who is chief scientist and head of the Department of Protein-DNA Interactions at the Vilnius University Institute of Biotechnology in Lithuania.

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7 Free Visual Voicemail Services | Business News Daily

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It’s been nearly two decades since the first visual voicemail services reached the market. The speech-to-text translation space has evolved considerably since then. Today, products offer more accurate transcriptions amid a broader selection of service providers.

We’ll explore how visual voicemail can benefit organizations and busy professionals and share some free visual voicemail apps to consider.

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Getting Started as a Commercial Drone Pilot | businessnewsdaily.com

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As the gig economy continues to grow around the world, new professions have arisen to meet the changing technological and economic demands of multiple industries. One such job is a commercial drone pilot.

Companies across myriad industries are investing in drones and drone services, thereby adding new related jobs, like drone piloting. For prospective drone pilots who are enterprising enough to leap into this novel occupation, work that is both thrilling and profitable awaits.

What does a commercial drone pilot do? At the most basic level, commercial drone pilots fly drones for companies in a range of industries for various purposes. Some businesses use drones to take aerial photos and videos for marketing purposes, while other companies use drones for aerial surveillance. Commercial drone pilots execute a range of drone activities for different businesses.

Source: Getting Started as a Commercial Drone Pilot – businessnewsdaily.com

Prioritization – Using Your Time and Energy Effectively | LifeHack

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Prioritization is like using a map for your day. It shows you the best route to take, so you don’t waste time on detours. When you prioritize, you take control of your time, deciding what matters most. It’s about keeping your focus sharp and not letting small, unimportant tasks pull you off course.

In today’s world, society often places a gold star on those who appear to do it all. We’re repeatedly told to admire the overachievers: the parent who juggles a career with raising three kids, the entrepreneur who manages five different start-ups, or the artist who, somehow, also finds time to run marathons. Being a master of all trades is seen as the ultimate goal.

But, let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves: is it even possible to excel in every single thing? And even if it were, would the results be as exceptional as we’d hope?

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What Are Distractions in a Nutshell (And How to Deal With Them) | LifeHack

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Distractions are like roadblocks in your day, steering you off course. Taking control of those distractions puts you back in the driver’s seat of your time. It’s about focusing on the road ahead and not letting the small stuff take you off track.

This world, buzzing with countless elements vying for your attention, is the new normal. It’s as if everything around us is designed to pull us away from what really matters – our focus, our productivity, and our ability to get things done. It’s a monumental task to keep our eyes on the prize when there’s so much noise.

Imagine being in a boxing ring where, instead of one opponent, you’re pitted against many, all swinging at you from every direction. That’s what it’s like to fight against distractions. But here’s the kicker – according to the American Psychological Association,[1] when we hop from task to task, it isn’t a harmless jump. In fact, we end up squandering up to 40% of our productive time, simply because our brains need to readjust and redirect.

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Uber, Lyft strikes: 10 cities where airport rides might be refused

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Tomorrow, passengers traveling to or from airports in 10 of America’s largest cities may have trouble getting an Uber or Lyft. That’s because drivers for those platforms have announced a strike to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

The strike is being spearheaded by the Justice for App Workers coalition, which represents more than 130,000 drivers and delivery workers. The coalition says the strike is to call attention to the fight for fair wages and better safety for drivers.

The strike is expected to take place at all airports located in these 10 cities: Austin (AUS), Chicago (ORD), Hartford, Connecticut (BDL), Miami (MIA), Newark, New Jersey (EWR), Orlando, Florida (MCO), Philadelphia (PHL), Pittsburgh (PIT), Providence, Rhode Island (PVD), Tampa, Florida (TPA)

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The Dirty Truth About Lab-Grown Diamonds | Fast Company

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The muted sounds of hammering and sanding drift down to the first floor of Bario Neal, a jewelry store in Philadelphia, where rustic artwork that mimics nature hangs on warmly lit walls.

Waiting for one of those rings is Haley Farlow, a 28-year-old second-grade teacher who has been designing her three-stone engagement ring with her boyfriend. They care about price and also don’t want jewelry that takes a toll on the Earth, or exploits people in mining. So they’re planning on buying diamonds grown in a laboratory.

“Most of my friends all have lab-grown. And I think it just fits our lifestyle and, you know, the economy and what we’re living through,” said Farlow.

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12 Clever Ways to Maintain Brand Awareness | AllBusiness.com

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Becoming a consistent and quality resource for reporters, engaging in social causes, and creating and using a consistent hashtag are only a few of the ways these marketing leaders and business leaders keep their brands top of mind year-round. Read on for their best PR tips.

PR tips to maintain brand awareness

1. Never stop pitching

“It’s crucial to constantly pitch new content ideas to your press and media contacts. If you only submit the same ideas, they will become stale; consistent outreach to journalists and sending new data or thought leadership will improve the likelihood that your brand is represented.”

—Logan Mallory, Motivosity

2. Require marketing staff to come up with ideas for digital marketing campaigns

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What Are the Biggest 2024 Cybersecurity Threats? | AllBusiness.com

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Cybersecurity professionals and hackers have effectively been engaged in a global conflict since 1988, when the first computer virus was launched. The so-called Morris worm was unleashed from a computer at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It infected upwards of 6,000 computers within 24 hours, resulting in damage that some estimate in the millions.

Since that watershed moment, cybersecurity experts have worked tirelessly to create ways to protect the digital assets in business networks, while their criminal counterparts devised insidious schemes to profit from the creativity and honest labor of others. Cybercriminals are again sharpening their technological knives, so to speak, and businesses should remain on high alert for these threats in 2024.

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How to Say Thank You for Supporting My Small Business | Small Biz Trends

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Your small business wouldn’t be where it is today without your valued customers. The holiday season and new year can be an ideal opportunity to say thank you and show your appreciation. If you’re looking for ways to say thank you for supporting my small business, here are some ideas.

Why Is It Important to Thank Loyal Customers?

Thanking customers can be an easy way to foster business loyalty. If you show your appreciation in a tangible way, customers may be more likely to continue purchasing from your business and interacting with your content or initiatives.

Top Examples of Small Business Thank You Message to Customers

If you’re looking to build customer loyalty and show your appreciation to your customers, the following ideas may help. Some may work specifically for long-time clients, while others can appeal to both new and returning customers. Here are some ideas and templates to get you started.

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