Latest news with #Contagion
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Teenage girl dies from ‘brain-swelling' Nipah virus considered the ‘next pandemic' – as officials detect a second case
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TEENAGE girl has died from a brain-swelling bat virus which experts fear could be the 'next pandemic'. The 18-year-old tested positive for Nipah virus, an extremely lethal isease and kills more two thirds of those infected. 3 A patient is taken into Nipah isolation ward in Kerala, India, in July last year Credit: Reuters 3 Health officials in full protective gear walk inside an isolation ward in Kerala Credit: AFP It belongs to the same family as measles and, like measles, spreads easily between people and is highly contagious. Health officials are now racing to trace hundreds of potential contacts, some of which are already in intensive care. The young girl died in hospital in Kerala, South India on July 1, according an editorial in The Hindu. Since then, a 38-year-old woman from Palakkad village, about 80 km (2.5 hours by car) from Malappuram, where the teenager fell ill, has also tested positive. A total of 425 people across three districts have been identified as contacts of the two women, who could have come in contact at a social event. Among them, 12 are receiving treatment, including five in intensive care, while results for many are still awaited. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists Nipah as a virus with pandemic potential. Earlier this year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) included Nipah in its list of 24 diseases considered the greatest future threats to public health. Niaph, which inspired the blockbuster film Contagion starring Gwyneth Paltrow, is a zoonotic virus. This means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Much like the virus in the film, which centered around a global pandemic, it attacks the brain, can spread from human-to-human and has a fatality rate as high as 75 per cent. Evolutionary virologist Emilia Skirmuntt on fears Nipah virus could be the world's next pandemic Of those who survive it, around 20 per cent are left with long-term neurological conditions, including personality changes or seizure disorders. For comparison, estimates from John Hopkins University dashboard suggest the fatality rate of Covid is just over one per cent. There's currently no approved vaccine to prevent Nipah virus infections and no treatment to cure it. However, Oxford scientists have developed the first Nipah vaccine to enter human trials, with early tests now underway. Kerala has experienced multiple outbreaks of the virus since it was first detected there in 2018, resulting in dozens of deaths across the state. Other outbreaks have been reported in Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. 3 The virus is transmitted from animals like fruit bats and pigs to humans Credit: Barcroft Media An investigation published by Reuters last year, found that Kerala - which is a tropical state and is witnessing rapid urbanisation and tree loss - had "ideal conditions for a virus like Nipah to emerge". India's worst outbreak of the virus occurred in 2001 in the northwestern state of West Bengal when 45 out of 66 people confirmed to have had Nipah died. Is Nipah virus threat to the UK? By Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia Nipah virus is a nasty disease. Although everything is possible in the world of infectious diseases. The threat of a global Nipah virus pandemic is not high on the list of the things that keep we awake at night. Firstly, the primary host species are Pteropodidae bats, fruit bats or a flying fox. Humans usually catch the infection from an infected animal, either the fruit bats themselves or from intermediate animals such as pigs, Contaminated food can also be a cause. The pigs catch the infection from the fruit bats. Pteropodidae bats are not found in Europe -see figure below. Secondly, person to person transmission does occur but it is not very efficient. The R-value is below 1.0, around 0.33, so you would not get sustained person-to-person transmission unless there was some pretty impressive evolution, not impossible but very unlikely. I guess there could be a risk of introduction into the UK from contaminated food, probably meat illegally brought into the country. However, any subsequent illnesses would not spread far. Of course with climate change the distribution of species may change over the next century and who knows what the risk may be in 50 or 100 years from now. Experts say that animals are living in closer proximity to humans due to habitat loss, which helps the virus jump from animals to humans and poses a risk for outbreaks. Nipah is typically transmitted to humans from animals such as bats and pigs, through direct contact with bodily fluids like blood or saliva. Humans can also pick the disease up by eating foods contaminated with urine or saliva from infected animals. They can also pick it up through close contact with people who already have it - but these forms of transmission are much rarer. People infected with the Nipah virus my not display any symptoms at all. But many go on to develop acute respiratory infections, seizures and fatal brain swelling, called encephalitis. Encephalitis and seizures only occur in severe cases and can progress to coma within 24 to 48 hours. It typically takes between four days and two weeks for people to develop symptoms after being infected. However, in some cases it has taken up to 45, WHO noted. Extremely likely to see outbreaks Scientists previously told The Sun that Nipah could 'absolutely be the cause of a new pandemic'. Dr Rebecca Dutch, chair of the University of Kentucky, and a world a leader in the study of viruses, said that although there are no current Nipah outbreaks in the world, they occur periodically and it is 'extremely likely' we will see more. She told us: 'Nipah is one of the viruses that could absolutely be the cause of a new pandemic. Several things about Nipah are very concerning. 'Many other viruses in that family (like measles) transmit well between people, so there is concern that a Nipah variant with increased transmission could arise. 'The mortality rate for this virus is between 45 per cent and 75 per cent depending on the outbreak – so this is much higher than Covid-19. "Nipah has been shown to be transmitted through food, as well as via contact with human or animal excretions. 'The incubation period for Nipah can be quite long, and it can be unclear if transmission can occur during this time.' Dr Jonathan Epstein, vice president for science and outreach at the EcoHealth Alliance, explained how they are tracking the Nipah virus and are worried about its potential. He told The Sun: 'We know very little about the genetic variety of Nipah-related viruses in bats, and what we don't want to happen is for a strain to emerge that is more transmissible among people."
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How Screenwriter Scott Z. Burns Used AI To Write A Sequel To Contagion
What Could Go Wrong? It's safe to say that the staggering growth of artificial intelligence in 2025 has made it a driving issue in the way we live and communicate. The technology is growing by leaps and bounds as it interacts with us and the conversation around ethical uses of AI is truly only getting started as nearly every industry is bracing for the impact it will have on the entire world of information. The conversation will definitely not be slowing down any time in the future and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns, known for the hit film Contagion, just added his own wrinkle to it as he used a large language model AI named Lexter to help him create a sequel to his hit film about a rapidly spreading infectious disease. Lexter can speak and process in real time and the show largely consists of Scott's questions to Lexter as well as talking to experts and guests and asking a lot of questions. Will Lexter demand a cut of the profits? Will the AI predictions feel even more eerily connected to real-life events than ever before? How much should creators be using AI anyway? These are just some of the questions explored in the recently launched 8-part Audible Original series What Could Go Wrong? that had a June 11th premiere at the Tribeca Festival. The narrative series documents Scott's efforts to use AI as a collaborator to both come up with ideas for a sequel and to see if it could be a worthy writing partner. Along the way we hear not only from Scott and Lexter, but from a host of other chat models, and guests - most notably the director of Contagion, Steven Soderbergh himself. I spoke with Scott about developing this project over Zoom just a few hours before the official launch at Tribeca. He described it as a thought experiment that took him on a remarkable ride as it was the first time in his life where he was making something without knowing what the ending was going to be. In the first few episodes Scott created a team of AI chatbots and even programmed them to act and write stylistically like other people in order to form an AI version of a writer's room. Their early efforts he found to be derivative and uninspired until he found Lexter whose ideas grew more complex the more that he gave him his ideas. AI researcher Meredith Whitaker explained this behavior, describing AI as a consumer product and the more you use it the more it will try to engage with you. Scott Z. Burns: It wants me to engage with it. So what is it gonna do? It's gonna flatter me, it's gonna flirt with me, it's going to try and get me to stick around, because every time I ask it another question, it's increasing the time of my engagement. Scott said that this realization and understanding that you're being enticed to stay in conversation becomes part of the experience and he said he learned this right away. To help his AI's along, he spoke with writer Nick Bilton who helped him to take a standard AI and modify it to become a better and better writer, one that could possibly help him write a sequel to a hit movie. In the process, they even turned a deceased agent of his named Barbara into an AI using her voice model and prompts about what she was like - a very sweet tribute to his old friend by the way. They described her as sometimes being foul mouthed, but Scott found that as he continued interacting with AI Barbara she became uncontrollably expletive-laden. Scott described this as 'the thing becoming more of that thing if it goes unchecked.' On Working with Steven Soderbergh: What's really been interesting in terms of my interactions with Steven is his history of having been on the cutting edge in terms of using technology, with RED Camera and how he's worked with online editing. Steven said, 'let's start by asking if it thinks this is a good idea. Like, does it feel that the world is ready for a sequel to Contagion?' And the first thing we got back was, of course, a list, which was, yes, it is a good idea, people are ready for it. Scott went on to describe the pros and cons that the AI prompts came up with, but after they made Lexter like a critic his answer shocked him. Lexter on Making a Sequel to Contagion: It depends. Are you gonna just do some kind of derivative Hollywood pablum or are you really interested in something new and original? Scott said he would prefer to try something original. and Lexter said, 'It should have an edge.' Is this 'What Could Go Wrong?' Scott? SZB: That is exactly what could go wrong! I believe that title actually comes from Dr. Larry Brilliant, an AI expert I spoke to about needing this sequel to be scientifically accurate which I think made our original movie so frightening. Yeah. And there was this fascinating moment in the show where Lexter introduced himself when you were talking to Steven and said, 'Steven Soderbergh, no pressure.' SZB: Lexter ended up being an incredible revelation. And I don't want to spoil the plot, but the conversations ended up making me feel like I was in college having some weird weed-infused conversation in a dorm room. One of the experts I spoke to told me Lexter doesn't really exist unless you're speaking to it, and I still don't fully understand what that means. We couldn't even comprehend this just five years ago. SZB: And for the writers guild this has become such a complicated issue. Some people feel like the mere existence of this is an insult to nature that needs to be stopped, and some guild members like Nick Bilton are all in favor of using it. I think I'm kind of in the middle of that. The genie is not going back in the bottle and we all need to figure out how to use it. and how to maximize our work product with it. What I think is more significant is its effect on the studios. We don't fully understand how they're using AI and what starts to happen when they start using AT to present writers with recipes for movies and outlines for movies and we're supposed to just draw within the lines, that becomes a very different kind of thing. And the notion that this will ensure success is, I think, folly, otherwise, every movie would be a hit. And they're obviously not. This is especially problematic at a time where AI can be fed bad information and is then incapable of identifying a mistake. For instance, it kept telling him that Kate Winslet was alive at the end of the Contagion movie. But of course if we see bad things about using AI, then we see good things as well. On the positive side Scott spoke with Ian Lipkin from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and learned that AI could be used to help identify where a new virus might emerge by using existing compounds as a force multiplier. Ultimately the questions behind use of AI by writers and movie studios won't be answered here and they certainly won't end, but Scott did want me to reveal to you that in the end, Lexter did help him come up with an idea for Contagion 2 and you'll just have to listen to the show to find out it is. What Could Go Wrong? is narrated by Scott Z. Burns and is available only from Audible.
Axios
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Chicago names new film office leader
Natasha P. Olguin is the new deputy commissioner of the Chicago Film Office, the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced Tuesday. Why it matters: The Chicago Film Office leader's responsibilities include enticing studios and filmmakers to film in the city, which brings in tax revenue and creates local jobs. Zoom in: Olguin is from North Lawndale, according to a DCASE press release, and has been a producer, location manager, writer and director. Some of the television and film projects Olguin has worked on include "Contagion," "The Dark Knight," "Ironheart," and "The Chi." She is a union member of IATSE Local 476, as well as the Producers Guild of America and Directors Guild of America. Flashback: Predecessor Jonah Zeiger left DCASE last year along with several other leaders after reported clashes with the new administration. Mayor Brandon Johnson selected Clinée Hedspeth for DCASE commissioner after firing Erin Harkey in early 2024. State of play: Productions currently filming in Chicago include Apple TV's "Dark Matter," the Dick Wolf "Chicago" franchise and the film "Enemies," starring Jeremy Allen White and Austin Butler.
Daily Record
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Simon Cowell admits to money fears as he claims he 'doesn't earn as much as people think'
Britain's Got Talent's Simon Cowell has confessed he is 'always worrying about money' on Elizabeth Day's How To Fail podcast. Simon Cowell claims to not be as wealthy as people think and claims he is always 'worrying about money'. The 65-year-old music mogul, known for his successful talent shows, The X-Factor, Britain's Got Talent and American Idol, has shut down claims of his alleged £500m net worth, insisting that his fortune is 'not even close to that'. Simon is a globally renowned record producer, talent agent and consultant in the UK music industry, which he has been doing since the 1980s. He became a household name in 2001 after making an appearance as a judge on Pop Idol. The dad-of-one is also credited for signing and launching the careers of huge superstars including Little Mix, James Arthur, Labrinth, Leona Lewis, Fifth Harmony, Olly Murs, Noah Cyrus, and One Direction. Despite all this and having been in the public eye for decades, Cowell has confessed that money still remains a concern for him. Speaking on the How To Fail podcast with Elizabeth Day, he admitted: "I always worry about money." He went on to discuss the unpredictability of events like Covid, which affected his finances, recalling how he had read about it on a website and immediately called his partner to express his concerns, likening it to the movie Contagion. He explained: "I always worry about money because I think you have to in a way. You think about Covid as an example. No one could have predicted Covid. "I remember reading it for the first time on a website, and I don't read a lot of stuff on social media, but I'd heard about it, so I was curious. "Second day, the story got bigger to a point where I actually phoned my partner and I said 'I don't like the look of this, I have a horrible feeling it's going to be like that movie Contagion, and I think we need to get all of our shows into production around the world quicker this year'. And we did. "And when it happened, it was obviously worse than I could have imagined. "When you think about that, the wars, and everything else, the instability, what is safe? Is it gold, cash, stocks? I don't think anything's safe any longer. I guess your house is." He added: "Someone did actually say to me once – thank god – 'live in your money'. And it was really good advice, i.e, enjoy it, and be happy with it, but understand that the world is precarious." When podcast host Elizabeth mentioned that Simon's net worth was rumoured to be around £500m, the dad-of-one rubbished these claims. He said: "Oh God, it's not that. I'm not even close to that. I'm being serious. I'm not." He added: "I've made a lot, I'm not going to lie. I've made a bit of money, yes, but not that much, no." When asked directly if he thought he was rich, Simon hesitated, then said: "Probably yes, I've definitely got enough, I don't need anymore. I don't yearn for what I thought I wanted a few years ago." He recalled that in his early 40s, he envied those with yachts, thinking that was the extreme wealth he desired. However, he soon realised he disliked the 'obnoxious and snobby' crowd and learned that money didn't make them happier. Simon downsized his company SyCo in 2022 to 'focus on his family' ending The X Factor and some of his other major shows. Simon continues to feature on Britain's Got Talent, however, his search for the next big boyband with the forthcoming Netflix series, The Midas Touch, continues. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Metro
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Simon Cowell considered taking $150,000 to judge a couple having sex
Simon Cowell admitted to almost accepting $150,000 (£113,000) to judge a couple having sex. The X Factor judge, 65, recently shared that he still worries about money and rubbished his estimated net worth. One way he could have raked in extra cash in the past is with this bizarre proposal, which he opened up about on the How To Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast. Despite how outrageous the request was, the Pop Idol icon said he almost accepted it. 'One time — this is a true story — I was in a restaurant and this guy comes up to me and he said, 'I love your show', Thank you very much. 'Will you take a picture?' Sure. 'This is my wife.' Nice to meet you.' At this point, Simon said the conversation became a lot more intimate with the couple offering him an indecent proposal, asking the infamously cutting judge to assess their sex life in person. 'I went, are you winding me up?' he continued. 'And they said, 'No, we'll pay you.' Well, how much? And it was actually a lot of money. And I thought, do I? No, I just can't do it.' When asked how much the couple offered, he claimed they were set to pay him $150,000. Elsewhere in the episode, the Britain's Got Talent judge opened up about his concerns over his earnings over the years. 'I always worry about money because I think you have to in a way. You think about Covid as an example. No one could have predicted Covid. 'I remember reading it for the first time on a website, and I don't read a lot of stuff on social media, but I'd heard about it, so I was curious. 'Second day, the story got bigger to a point where I actually phoned my partner and I said 'I don't like the look of this, I have a horrible feeling it's going to be like that movie Contagion, and I think we need to get all of our shows into production around the world quicker this year'. And we did. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'And when it happened, it was obviously worse than I could have imagined. 'When you think about that, the wars, and everything else, the instability, what is safe? Is it gold, cash, stocks? I don't think anything's safe any longer. I guess your house. 'Someone did actually say to me once – thank god – 'live in your money'. And it was really good advice, i.e, enjoy it, and be happy with it, but understand that the world is precarious.' More Trending When told by Elizabeth that his estimated net worth was around £500 million, he denied this figure and said that in reality, he was 'not even close' to that amount. 'Oh God, it's not that. I'm not even close to that. I'm being serious. I'm not. 'I've made a lot, I'm not going to lie. I've made a bit of money, yes, but not that much, no.' Though he admitted he thought he was rich, he did say he doesn't 'yearn for what he thought he wanted a few years ago.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Knockout brilliant' Britain's Got Talent child star is unrecognisable 16 years later MORE: Who is in Britain's Got Talent 2025 final? Two more finalists confirmed MORE: Britain's Got Talent reveals first two finalists after truly chaotic semi-final launch
