The international community is exploring various approaches to deter ransomware attacks, including sanctions, development of cyberattack norms, and promotion of cybersecurity best practices. Sanctions by the UK and US have targeted members of the Russian-based cybercrime gang TrickBot and entities like Tornado Cash and SUEX for their roles in ransomware and money laundering. A comprehensive strategy is advocated, involving targeted sanctions, information sharing, public-private partnerships, and empowering businesses and individuals to protect themselves. OFAC has issued advisories discouraging ransom payments and suggesting risk-based compliance programs. Collaboration with foreign regulators and a whole-of-sector approach are recommended to combat ransomware threats effectively.

The Bundesliga and Ligaverbandes, representing German professional football clubs, have introduced new security measures in response to increased violence and political pressure. The decision was made on the 12th of December, a date significant to the 12:12 campaign by fans who oppose the measures, feeling excluded from the decision-making process. The new rules include potential limits on ticket allocations for away fans and increased security at stadiums, but they do not ban standing areas as some feared. The changes come amid reports of a 20% increase in football-related police work and recent violent incidents. Bundesliga boasts the highest match-day attendance in Europe, with fan-friendly policies like cheap standing tickets and in-stadium amenities. The new security measures will be reviewed after three years.

Telecom Plus PLC, trading as Utility Warehouse, is holding its Annual General Meeting, where Chairman Charles Wigoder provided a trading update. The company continues to experience strong trading performance with reduced energy price volatility, expecting double-digit annual customer growth and a corresponding increase in adjusted pre-tax profits. The company remains focused on its medium-term target of adding a million customers, supported by its market-leading offerings in energy, broadband, mobile, and insurance. Telecom Plus is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The rise of ransomware attacks has led to international efforts to deter these threats through sanctions, norms governing cyberattacks, and cybersecurity best practices. Sanctions by the UK and US Treasury's OFAC have targeted entities like TrickBot, SUEX, and Tornado Cash for their roles in facilitating ransomware and laundering illicit funds. A comprehensive approach involving targeted sanctions, information sharing, public-private partnerships, and empowering businesses is necessary to combat ransomware effectively. OFAC's guidance emphasizes risk-based compliance programs, due diligence, robust incident response plans, and collaboration with experts to mitigate ransomware risks. A holistic strategy, including international cooperation and best-practice training, is essential to reduce ransomware prevalence and protect critical infrastructure.

On May 9, the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued proposed guidance to enhance the character and fitness standards for directors and senior officers of regulated financial institutions. This follows the DFS's recent seizure of Signature Bank due to governance issues. The guidance applies to a broad range of financial entities and emphasizes robust vetting processes, ongoing assessments, and compliance with existing laws. The DFS is soliciting comments on the proposal until June 30, 2023. The guidance aligns with international standards and reflects a broader regulatory focus on senior management accountability.

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued proposed guidance to enhance the character and fitness standards for directors and senior officers of New York State-regulated banking organizations and non-depository financial institutions. This follows the DFS's recent seizure of Signature Bank due to governance issues. The guidance includes a broad definition of 'senior officers' and requires robust vetting processes at onboarding and ongoing assessments. The DFS is soliciting comments on the proposal until June 30, 2023. The guidance aligns with broader U.S. and international regulatory trends emphasizing senior management accountability.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Federal Reserve, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced measures to protect all depositors, including uninsured ones, following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. The measures include invoking the systemic risk exception to protect depositors and introducing the Bank Term Funding Program to support bank liquidity. The White House emphasized the safety of bank deposits and accountability for those responsible. The administration aims to strengthen oversight and regulation to prevent future bank failures, with the banking sector expected to cover losses.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, leading to the production of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein. Despite the potential of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in lowering HTT levels, sustained silencing of mHTT has not been achieved. This study explores the use of cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles (CDs) for ASO delivery, comparing three CDs with distinct chemical structures. Modified γ-CDs showed the best uptake efficiency and downregulated mHTT at protein and allele levels. Incorporating the brain-targeting peptide RVG into γ-CDs further enhanced mHTT downregulation in an in vitro blood-brain barrier model. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using CD platforms for delivering ASO-based therapeutics for HD treatment.

The rise of ransomware attacks has led to international efforts to deter these threats through sanctions, cybersecurity norms, and best practices. Key actors like the US Treasury Department's OFAC and UK regulators have sanctioned entities such as the TrickBot Group, SUEX, and Tornado Cash for their roles in facilitating ransomware and laundering illicit funds. A comprehensive strategy involving targeted sanctions, information sharing, public-private partnerships, and empowering businesses is essential to combat ransomware effectively. Compliance programs, due diligence, incident response plans, and collaboration with experts are critical for businesses to mitigate ransomware risks. A holistic approach, including international cooperation and education, is necessary to strengthen global defenses against ransomware.

The Federation of Small Businesses has appointed Andrew Lindsay as head of communications and public affairs, enhancing its Scottish external affairs team. Lindsay, with extensive experience in Scottish public policy, aims to address the challenges faced by small businesses in Scotland. Colin Borland, FSB’s director of devolved nations, expressed excitement about Lindsay's appointment, emphasizing his experience in effecting meaningful change.

HubSpot's VP of Corporate and Business Development, Andrew Lindsay, announces the company's investment in Crossbeam, a platform designed to improve partnership data integration for SaaS companies. Crossbeam, founded by serial entrepreneurs Bob Moore and Buck Ryan in Philadelphia, offers a solution to the guesswork involved in managing partnerships by securely supporting various data sources and creating populations for marketing opportunities. HubSpot, led by founder and CTO Dharmesh Shah, aligns with Crossbeam's mission to grow without compromising customer experience and is excited to partner and grow with Crossbeam.

HubSpot announces a partnership with WP Engine to integrate their CRM with WordPress, aiming to enhance customer experience and drive business growth. The collaboration will allow users to connect their WordPress sites to HubSpot's CRM, offering tools like forms, live chat, and email automation. WP Engine's recent acquisition of Flywheel and its reputation for customer-centricity and WordPress hosting leadership are highlighted as reasons for the partnership. HubSpot's co-founder Dharmesh Shah and WP Engine's founder Jason Cohen share a long history and commitment to customer success, which facilitated the partnership.

In November 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui claimed to have created the world's first genetically engineered babies, using CRISPR to alter the CCR5 gene and make them resistant to AIDS. The announcement raised ethical concerns and was widely condemned, particularly because it involved editing the germline, meaning any changes could be inherited by future generations. The experiment's authenticity and ethical approval have been questioned, and there is pressure in China to update bioethics laws in response to advancements in CRISPR technology.

HubSpot is investing in Lorem, a platform founded by former freelancers Sam and Charlie, which connects pre-vetted technical freelancers with customers needing immediate support for short-term projects. The investment aims to expand HubSpot's support resources and provide mutual benefits for users and product experts. Lorem's efficient matching algorithm and on-demand service model are highlighted as key advantages. The investment round, led by Flybridge Capital, marks a significant step in Lorem's growth journey.

Neanderthals, who first appeared approximately 400,000 years ago and disappeared about 30,000 years ago, co-existed with modern humans for no more than 20,000 years. Genetic evidence confirms interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals, with about 2 percent of the genome of non-African populations inherited from Neanderthals. This genetic exchange provided beneficial genes that helped early humans adapt to new pathogens and climates. However, some inherited Neanderthal gene variants may not be beneficial today, potentially increasing risks of certain health issues. Despite this, Neanderthal ancestry continues to influence many people today.

President Trump's revised executive order on immigration, which targets six majority-Muslim countries, has been blocked by federal judges for discriminating against Muslims. The order's 'extreme vetting' procedures, including religious profiling and extensive data collection, could criminalize Muslims and subject them to undue scrutiny. The policies have already led to abuses by border officials and raised concerns about civil liberties and religious discrimination.