Latest news with #Wang
Scoop
3 hours ago
- Health
- Scoop
Wellness Industry's Dark Side: Experts Warn Of Dangers In RNZ Podcast The Lodge
The global wellness industry, valued at approximately $5 trillion, harbours a dangerous underbelly, according to a new RNZ podcast. Unproven therapies and charismatic gurus can lead vulnerable individuals away from life-saving medical treatments, the investigation reveals. " The Lodge", an eight-part series by journalist Phil Vine, examines the rise of wellness culture through the story of Aiping Wang. Wang, a Chinese-born guru established a following first in Eastern Europe, then in New Zealand's remote Fiordland. She offered her followers the possibility of healing without medicine. Several experts featured in the podcast warn that social media has supercharged problematic wellness claims, creating an environment where influencers can reach millions with unproven health advice. "What's new is the rise of social media and many digital technologies that enable ordinary individuals to build a brand online and to reach a vast global audience," explains Dr Stephanie Baker from City University in London. She's the author of Wellness Culture: How the Wellness Movement Has Been Used to Empower, Profit and Misinform. The podcast explores how wellness movements often exploit legitimate distrust in conventional healthcare systems, what Dr Baker calls the "low trust society." Dr Jon-Patrick Allem, Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences from Rutgers University, New Jersey, notes this dynamic in his research. "The wellness industry is so appealing to people because there's a lot of problems with medicine," Allem explains. "There's a lot of problems with how one interacts with their physician, when they see their physician, what their physician is versed in to communicate." The podcast documents real-world consequences through the stories of Wang's followers who rejected conventional treatment for conditions including: breast cancer, melanoma, and HIV after hoping for cures through "energy healing". Allem highlights a particularly concerning wellness trend: "What I am seeing in the social media space is individuals claiming to have alternative ways to not just prevent a cancer diagnosis, but to cure a cancer diagnosis." Dr Emily Yang from Western Sydney University, who has trained in traditional Chinese medicine, warns against using unproven therapies as substitutes for evidence-based treatments: "For example I would never claim Tai Chi can treat cancer," she says, advocating instead for complementary approaches alongside conventional medicine. The podcast examines the psychological appeal of wellness gurus, with Baker noting that people often turn to such figures during tough times - an aspect she calls "situational vulnerability". "It could be the situation involving the death of a loved one or possibly divorce. A moment when one feels less stable. They're often searching for answers, for meaning." New Zealand cult expert Anke Richter identifies a clear warning sign in wellness practices: exclusivity. When practitioners insist their method is the only acceptable approach and discourage conventional medical treatment, it can have fatal consequences. "There's a quiet death toll," Richter explains. The podcast connects these modern wellness trends to the rise of figures such as Dr Joe Dispenza, who claims to cure cancer through "coherence healing" and has amassed 3.6 million Instagram followers. Allem warns listeners to be sceptical of practitioners who make expansive claims: "The wellness industry, broadly defined, is so appealing to people because there's a lot of problems with medicine. But that doesn't mean that wellness practices should replace proven treatments." Baker offers advice for those concerned about loved ones who may be falling under the influence of questionable wellness practitioners: "Don't cut them off. It's the worst thing you can do. Through maintaining a sense of common ground with these people, rather than just dismissing their belief system, you can help them see contradictions." For consumers navigating the wellness landscape, experts recommend maintaining open communication with conventional healthcare providers and being wary of any practitioner who suggests abandoning proven medical treatments entirely.
RTHK
9 hours ago
- Business
- RTHK
Wang Yi to visit EU, Germany, France next week
Wang Yi to visit EU, Germany, France next week Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Europe from June 30 to July 6. File photo: Reuters Foreign Minister Wang Yi will head to Europe next week for talks with counterparts from the European Union, Germany and France, Beijing said on Friday. China and the European Union will also host a summit next month marking 50 years since Beijing and Brussels established diplomatic ties. "The world is undergoing an accelerated evolution of a century-old change, with unilateralism, protectionism and bullying behaviour becoming rampant," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun said. He added Wang will meet EU counterpart Kaja Kallas at the bloc's headquarters in Brussels for "high-level strategic dialogue". In Germany, Wang will hold talks with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on diplomacy and security – his first visit since Berlin's new conservative-led government took power in May. China looks forward to "strengthening strategic communication, enhancing pragmatic cooperation, and promoting new developments of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership," Guo said. Ties between Berlin and Beijing, he added, were "injecting certainty, stability, and positive energy into a turbulent world". In France, Wang will meet minister for Europe and foreign affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, who visited Beijing in March. "Foreign Minister Wang Yi will exchange views with the French side on the international situation, China-France ties and China-Europe relations," Guo said. And in Brussels Wang will also hold talks with Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, Beijing said. (AFP)
eNCA
11 hours ago
- Business
- eNCA
China's top diplomat to visit EU, Germany, France next week
China's top diplomat Wang Yi will head to Europe next week for talks with counterparts from the European Union, Germany and France, Beijing said on Friday as it seeks to shore up fraught ties with the bloc. Beijing has sought to improve relations with Europe as a counterweight to superpower rival United States, though frictions remain over trade and China's close ties with Russia despite its war in Ukraine. China and the European Union will also host a summit next month marking 50 years since Beijing and Brussels established diplomatic ties. Wang's trip will take him to Brussels, France and Germany and last from next Monday to Sunday, Beijing said. "The world is undergoing an accelerated evolution of a century-old change, with unilateralism, protectionism and bullying behaviour becoming rampant," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said -- a thinly-veiled swipe against the United States under President Donald Trump. China's top diplomat will meet with EU counterpart Kaja Kallas at the bloc's headquarters in Brussels for "high-level strategic dialogue", he said. In Germany he will hold talks with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on diplomacy and security -- his first visit since Berlin's new conservative-led government took power in May. China looks forward to "strengthening strategic communication, enhancing pragmatic cooperation, and promoting new developments of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership," Guo said. Ties between Berlin and Beijing, he added, were "injecting certainty, stability, and positive energy into a turbulent world". In France, Wang will meet minister for Europe and foreign affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, who visited China in March. "Foreign Minister Wang Yi will exchange views with the French side on the international situation, China-France ties and China-Europe relations," Guo said. And in Brussels Wang will also hold talks with Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, Beijing said. - Trade spat - Ties between Europe and China have strained in recent years as the bloc seeks to get tougher on what it says are unfair economic practices by Beijing and the yawning trade imbalance between them. After the European Union placed tariffs on Chinese EV imports, China retaliated with its own duties, including on French cognac. An agreement on cognac has been reached with Beijing but not yet formally approved by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, a source in the French Economy Ministry told AFP. The source said finalization was partially linked with the EU's ongoing negotiations over electric vehicles. Tensions mounted last week after the European Union banned Chinese firms from government medical device purchases worth more than five million euros ($5.8 million), in retaliation for limits Beijing places on access to its own market. The latest salvo in trade tensions between the 27-nation bloc and China covered a wide range of healthcare supplies, from surgical masks to X-ray machines, that represent a market worth 150 billion euros ($176 billion) in the EU. In response, China accused the EU of "double standards". Another tricky point has been rare earths. Beijing has since April required licences to export these strategic materials from China, which accounts for more than 60 percent of rare earth mining production and 92 percent of global refined output, according to the International Energy Agency. The metals are used in a wide variety of products, including electric car batteries, and there has been criticism from industries about the way China's licences have been issued. China has proposed establishing a "green channel" to ease the export of rare earths to the European Union, its commerce ministry said this month. By Mary Yang
HKFP
15 hours ago
- Business
- HKFP
China's top diplomat to visit Europe for talks with EU, Germany, France next week
China's top diplomat Wang Yi will head to Europe next week for talks with counterparts from the European Union, Germany and France, Beijing said on Friday as it seeks to shore up fraught ties with the bloc. Beijing has sought to improve relations with Europe as a counterweight to superpower rival United States, though frictions remain over trade and China's close ties with Russia despite its war in Ukraine. China and the European Union will also host a summit next month marking 50 years since Beijing and Brussels established diplomatic ties. Wang's trip will take him to Brussels, France and Germany and last from next Monday to Sunday, Beijing said. 'The world is undergoing an accelerated evolution of a century-old change, with unilateralism, protectionism and bullying behaviour becoming rampant,' foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said — a thinly-veiled swipe against the United States under President Donald Trump. China's top diplomat will meet with EU counterpart Kaja Kallas at the bloc's headquarters in Brussels for 'high-level strategic dialogue', he said. In Germany he will hold talks with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on diplomacy and security — his first visit since Berlin's new conservative-led government took power in May. China looks forward to 'strengthening strategic communication, enhancing pragmatic cooperation, and promoting new developments of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership,' Guo said. Ties between Berlin and Beijing, he added, were 'injecting certainty, stability, and positive energy into a turbulent world'. In France, Wang will meet minister for Europe and foreign affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, who visited China in March. 'Foreign Minister Wang Yi will exchange views with the French side on the international situation, China-France ties and China-Europe relations,' Guo said. And in Brussels Wang will also hold talks with Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, Beijing said. Trade spat Ties between Europe and China have strained in recent years as the bloc seeks to get tougher on what it says are unfair economic practices by Beijing and the yawning trade imbalance between them. Last week, the European Union banned Chinese firms from government medical device purchases worth more than five million euros ($5.8 million) in retaliation for limits Beijing places on access to its own market. The latest salvo in trade tensions between the 27-nation bloc and China covered a wide range of healthcare supplies, from surgical masks to X-ray machines, that represent a market worth 150 billion euros ($176 billion) in the EU. In response, China accused the EU of 'double standards'. Another tricky point has been rare earths. Beijing has since April required licences to export these strategic materials from China, which accounts for more than 60 percent of rare earth mining production and 92 percent of global refined output, according to the International Energy Agency. The metals are used in a wide variety of products, including electric car batteries, and there has been criticism from industries about the way China's licences have been issued. China has proposed establishing a 'green channel' to ease the export of rare earths to the European Union, its commerce ministry said this month.
India Today
20 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Meta in talks to acquire AI voice startup PlayAI, hires top OpenAI researcher for Superintelligence team
Meta is reportedly in advanced discussions to purchase PlayAI, a Palo Alto startup renowned for its AI-powered voice replication technology, according to a report by Bloomberg. The deal, which has not yet been finalised, is expected to include both PlayAI's proprietary systems and some of its engineering team. This move is part of Meta's broader drive to catch up with rivals like Google and OpenAI in key AI areas. PlayAI describes its technology as being 'responsive as a conversation between two people'. advertisementBy integrating PlayAI's voice technology, Meta could significantly enhance its AI assistant and hands-free hardware such as smart glasses. Meta recently debuted the RayBan Meta glasses in India, and also released new AI smart glasses with Oakley – more suited for active wear. There are reports that Meta is also working with Prada for a luxury fashion line of the AI smart glasses. Earlier this month, the company also invested $14.3billion in ScaleAI and brought its founder, Alexandr Wang, into its new 'superintelligence' is also aggressively recruiting AI talent. It has recently hired three researchers from OpenAI's Zurich officeand brought in experts from Google and Sesame. These hires strengthen the company's superintelligence team alongside Wang. Meta has recently also onboarded Trapit Bansal, who left OpenAI in June. Bansal, formerly a member of technical staff at OpenAI since early 2022, made notable contributions to their reinforcement learning efforts and was instrumental in developing the ChatGPT-o1 reasoning model alongside Ilya to TechCrunch, his arrival at Meta boosts the company's ability to create frontier AI reasoning systems that could rival OpenAI's o3 and other industry-leading models. His move is part of a wider trend: several former OpenAI researchers, including Lucas Beyer, Alexander Kolesnikov, and Xiaohua Zhai, have also joined Meta's Zuckerberg has apparently been deeply involved in this talent acquisition strategy, reportedly offering compensation packages worth up to $100million for top-tier researchers – at least that is what OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed in a recent podcast interview. However, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth has recently responded to Altman's comments saying that the statement from the OpenAI CEO was 'dishonest' and that he is 'known to exaggerate' things.- Ends
