News & Updates
The latest news and updates from companies in the WLTH portfolio.
mRNA Uses Unconventional Pathways in CD8+T Cell Priming to Help Vaccines Work
mRNA vaccines scored a stunning win against SARS-CoV-2 in 2020, and now the Nobel-prize-winning technology is out to conquer some cancers. Several mRNA vaccines are already in clinical trials for melanoma, small cell lung cancer, and bladder cancer, among others. Recently, a pancreatic cancer vaccine grabbed headlines after researchers shared that most Phase I trial participants were still alive after several years -- unprecedented in a disease that is considered incurable, and usually kills patients quickly. But how exactly does mRNA work? A new study suggests a broader role for how T cells become activated after an mRNA vaccine. It's a process that engages both cDC1 and cDC2 cells redundantly. The study was led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WashU) and could lead to improvements in mRNA vaccine design. The findings were published in Nature. The work was powered by a novel mouse model developed by the WashU team. "My lab made them in 2019 and 2022. We put all of them in Jackson labs [database] so anyone can get them, no strings, and study them," senior author Kenneth M. Murphy, MD, PhD, told Inside Precision Medicine. "Thanks to them, we saw the question and were able to address it most quickly." Until now, scientists assumed that cDC1, which is a classical type 1 dendritic cell, was required for mRNA vaccination to activate the immune system. But, in a lab study, these researchers found that even without cDC1 cells, the mRNA vaccine still triggers strong cancer‑killing responses. That's because they determined that cDC2, a cousin to cDC1, can also stimulate anti-tumor immune activity -- an unexpected finding given that this related subtype is not involved in responses to other vaccines. "There is a lot of interest in applying the mRNA vaccine approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic to the problem of inducing anti-tumor immunity," said Murphy, the Eugene Opie Centennial Professor in the department of pathology & immunology at WashU Medicine. "By dissecting which immune cells are involved and how they coordinate the response, we're offering vaccine developers some additional mechanistic insights to consider in their goal of optimizing these vaccines against tumor proteins." Murphy is also a research member at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine. mRNA vaccines work by delivering instructions, in the form of messenger RNA, for immune cells to produce bits of protein that trigger the immune system to destroy cells bearing these proteins. Dendritic cells produce the protein bits from the mRNA instructions, and T cells then find and destroy the invading proteins. To treat cancer, mRNA vaccines can be designed to generate protein bits unique to a tumor. The work was done in collaboration with the study's co-corresponding author, William E. Gillanders, MD, the Mary Culver Professor of Surgery at WashU Medicine. Gillanders, a physician-scientist and surgical oncologist who has also developed an investigational vaccine against triple-negative breast cancer, treats patients at Siteman Cancer Center. Murphy and members of his lab used their mouse models, which lacked cDC1 or cDC2, to tease out the role that different groups of dendritic cells play in priming T cells after mRNA cancer vaccination. One of their findings was that mice immunized with an mRNA vaccine generated strong T-cell responses even in the absence of cDC1s. In addition, they found that immunized mice without cDC1s were able to clear sarcoma tumors -- cancers that develop in connective tissues such as fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, bone, and cartilage. This indicated that some other cell type must be stimulating the T-cell response. Indeed, their study found that cDC2s also participate in generating an immune response from T cells and preventing tumor growth. Further, the study found that T cells turned on by cDC1s and cDC2s each showed slightly different molecular "fingerprints." These differences could help scientists design better versions of vaccines in the future. Similarly, immunized mice lacking cDC2s and mice that had both cell subtypes produced an immune response and rejected tumor growth, demonstrating that mRNA vaccination uses both dendritic cell subtypes to stop cancer. "This work uncovers a new way mRNA vaccines engage the immune system -- through both cDC1 and cDC2 -- which helps explain their power and gives researchers concrete targets for making future mRNA cancer vaccines more effective," said Gillanders. "It could improve vaccine formulation and dosing, potentially explain why some patients respond better to vaccines than others, and guide strategies for making vaccines more effective."
mRNA Vaccines Use Unconventional Immune Pathways to Fight Cancer - News Directory 3
There is a lot of interest in applying the mRNA vaccine approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic to the problem of inducing anti-tumor immunity. Scientists have discovered that mRNA cancer vaccines activate an unconventional immune pathway, challenging previous assumptions about how these vaccines work and opening new possibilities for improving cancer immunotherapy. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that mRNA vaccines can trigger strong anti-tumor responses even without a specific dendritic cell subtype previously thought to be essential for immune activation. Instead, a related dendritic cell subtype can stimulate the immune response, revealing a more flexible mechanism than expected. There is a lot of interest in applying the mRNA vaccine approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic to the problem of inducing anti-tumor immunity. By dissecting which immune cells are involved and how they coordinate the response, we're offering vaccine developers some additional mechanistic insights to consider in their goal of optimizing these vaccines against tumor proteins. The study, published in Nature on April 15, involved experiments in mice showing that mRNA vaccines could still produce immune responses and reject tumor growth in animals lacking the conventional dendritic cell subtype (cDC1s). Mice missing both cDC1s and another subtype (cDC2s) also mounted effective immune responses, indicating that multiple dendritic cell types can contribute to anti-tumor immunity following mRNA vaccination. This unexpected flexibility suggests that mRNA vaccines engage the immune system through alternative routes not typically seen with other vaccine types. The findings help explain why mRNA technology may be particularly effective for cancer immunotherapy, where generating strong T-cell responses against tumor-specific proteins is critical. mRNA vaccines work by delivering genetic instructions that prompt cells to produce harmless pieces of target proteins. The immune system then recognizes these proteins as foreign and mounts a defense. In cancer applications, this approach aims to train the body to identify and destroy cells expressing tumor-associated antigens. Clinical trials are currently evaluating mRNA vaccines for several cancer types, including melanoma, small cell lung cancer, and bladder cancer. The new mechanistic insights could help researchers refine vaccine design to improve efficacy and broaden applicability across different cancer types. While the results are promising, researchers caution that findings from mouse models may not directly translate to human responses. Further studies are needed to confirm whether the same unconventional immune pathways operate in people and to determine how best to leverage this knowledge in clinical vaccine development. The discovery underscores the adaptability of mRNA vaccine technology and highlights the importance of basic immunological research in guiding the next generation of cancer therapeutics. As clinical testing continues, a deeper understanding of immune mechanisms will be essential for maximizing the potential of mRNA-based approaches in oncology.
mRNA Vaccines for Cancer Activate an Unconventional Immune Pathway
The advent of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in 2020 changed the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the Nobel-prize-winning technology is being adapted to fight cancer, with mRNA vaccines in clinical trials for melanoma, small cell lung cancer and bladder cancer, among others, opening the door to new ways of preventing and treating the disease. Scientists assumed that one specific immune cell subtype was required for mRNA vaccination to activate the immune system. But researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis show in a new study in mice that even without these cells, the mRNA vaccine still triggers strong cancer‑killing responses. That's because, they found, a cousin to this subtype of immune cell can also stimulate anti-tumor immune activity - an unexpected finding given that this related subtype is not involved in responses to other vaccines. The findings are published April in Nature, offering a deeper understanding of how the immune system responds to mRNA vaccination and guiding the optimal design of a cancer vaccine. "There is a lot of interest in applying the mRNA vaccine approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic to the problem of inducing anti-tumor immunity," said senior author Kenneth M. Murphy, MD, PhD, the Eugene Opie Centennial Professor of Pathology & Immunology at WashU Medicine. "By dissecting which immune cells are involved and how they coordinate the response, we're offering vaccine developers some additional mechanistic insights to consider in their goal of optimizing these vaccines against tumor proteins." Murphy also is a research member at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine. mRNA vaccines work by delivering instructions, in the form of messenger RNA biomolecules, for immune cells to produce bits of protein that trigger the immune system to destroy cells bearing these proteins. So-called dendritic cells produce the protein bits from the mRNA instructions, and T cells - another immune cell - are the ones that seek and destroy. mRNA vaccines can be designed to generate protein bits unique to a tumor so that T cells eliminate those cancerous cells. cDC1, a classical type 1 dendritic cell, has long been known to be an effective teacher, priming T cells to attack cells infected by a virus. But less is known about how T cells become activated after an mRNA vaccine, whether against a virus or a tumor. In collaboration with the study's co-corresponding author William E. Gillanders, MD, the Mary Culver Professor of Surgery at WashU Medicine, Murphy and members of his lab used mouse models that lacked cDC1 or a related cell subtype known as cDC2 to tease out the role that different groups of dendritic cells play in priming T cells after mRNA cancer vaccination. Gillanders, a physician-scientist and surgical oncologist who also has developed an investigational vaccine against triple-negative breast cancer, treats patients at Siteman Cancer Center. As part of the research, the scientists found that mice immunized with an mRNA vaccine generated strong T-cell responses even in the absence of cDC1s. In addition, they found that immunized mice without cDC1s were able to clear sarcoma tumors - cancers that develop in connective tissues such as fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, bone and cartilage. This indicated that some other cell type must be stimulating the T-cell response. Indeed, their study found that cDC2s also participate in generating an immune response from T cells and preventing tumor growth. The study also found that T cells turned on by cDC1s and cDC2s each showed slightly different molecular "fingerprints." These differences could help scientists design better versions of vaccines in the future. Similarly, immunized mice lacking cDC2s and mice that had both cell subtypes produced an immune response and rejected tumor growth, demonstrating that mRNA vaccination uses both dendritic cell subtypes to stop cancer. Further investigation of cDC2s suggested they activate T cells through an outsourcing process that relies on other cells to use the mRNA instructions to make the protein, chop it up and present small fragments on its surface. Once the protein is processed and presented, those cells then transfer the membrane complex that holds the fragment in place on the cell's surface to the cDC2 to engage with the T cells - through an already-known process referred to as "cross dressing." "This work uncovers a new way mRNA vaccines engage the immune system - through both cDC1 and cDC2 - which helps explain their power and gives researchers concrete targets for making future mRNA cancer vaccines more effective," said Gillanders. "It could improve vaccine formulation and dosing, potentially explain why some patients respond better to vaccines than others and guide strategies for making vaccines more effective."
Unconventional atomic-level mechanism induced by a submerged saddle in the O(1D) + CH3OCH3 reaction - Communications Chemistry
Elucidating the mechanisms of excited-state atom reactions with hydrocarbons and their derivatives is important for the study of interstellar and combustion chemistry. For these reactions, atom insertion into chemical bonds is the acknowledged pathway, however, this concept could be invalid. Here, through a combined experimental and theoretical study of the O(D) + CHOCH reaction, we demonstrate that the accepted insertion mechanisms, including O-insertion into C-O bonds, do not occur, and reveal an unconventional atomic-level mechanism, designated as O+H-C collision activation stereocyclization, that supersedes O-insertion into C-H bonds. Dynamics calculations, performed on a high-level ab initio potential energy surface, yield rate coefficients in very good agreement with experiment, exhibiting an unexpected increase with temperature. This finding is attributed to an unusual submerged saddle as part of the unconventional mechanism. As this mechanism probably exists in other excited-state atom reactions, the dynamical effects uncovered here are expected to have general significance.
An Unexpected Statement from the Market's Unconventional Man, Arthur Hayes: "We're in a No-Trade Zone" - He Said He's Only Accumulating One Altcoin
Arthur Hayes, a controversial figure in the cryptocurrency market, argued that the current situation is dangerous for trading. Arthur Hayes, a leading figure in the cryptocurrency market, made noteworthy assessments regarding current market conditions. Hayes stated that in this period of increased global uncertainty, markets have entered "no-trade zone," arguing that investors should exercise caution. According to Hayes, there are two main factors shaping this picture: deflationary pressure on the financial system due to artificial intelligence replacing IT workers, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The combination of these two factors creates short-term pressure on risky assets, making it difficult to determine market direction. Hayes argued that the transformation driven by artificial intelligence, in particular, could weaken the credit-based economic structure, and that the decreasing role of knowledge workers in the labor market could create serious risks for the banking system. He pointed out that this situation could trigger a deflationary process similar to the 2008 financial crisis. On the geopolitical front, Hayes stated that developments in the Middle East are of critical importance, adding that scenarios regarding the flow of energy and commodities through the Strait of Hormuz will be decisive for global markets. Hayes noted that, in different scenarios, tensions between the US and Iran could have effects across a wide range of areas, from the global role of the dollar to commodity prices. However, Hayes noted that rising energy and commodity prices, along with expanding government spending, could force central banks to increase the money supply again, creating a favorable environment for fixed-supply assets. He stated that assets like Bitcoin and gold could benefit in the long term, while cash flow-based assets might remain under pressure. Hayes stated that he is avoiding taking aggressive positions in the current environment and is following a "wait-and-see" strategy. The experienced investor, who said he closely monitors liquidity signals, explained that he is only gradually increasing his gold and Hyperliquid (HYPE) positions in his portfolio.
mRNA vaccines follow unconventional immune path to destroy tumors
Insight from a study by WashU Medicine researchers in mice could guide next-generation cancer vaccine development. The advent of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in 2020 changed the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the Nobel-prize-winning technology is being adapted to fight cancer, with mRNA vaccines in clinical trials for melanoma, small cell lung cancer and bladder cancer, among others, opening the door to new ways of preventing and treating the disease. Scientists assumed that one specific immune cell subtype was required for mRNA vaccination to activate the immune system. But researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis show in a new study in mice that even without these cells, the mRNA vaccine still triggers strong cancer‑killing responses. That's because, they found, a cousin to this subtype of immune cell can also stimulate anti-tumor immune activity -- an unexpected finding given that this related subtype is not involved in responses to other vaccines. The findings are published April 15 in Nature, offering a deeper understanding of how the immune system responds to mRNA vaccination and guiding the optimal design of a cancer vaccine. "There is a lot of interest in applying the mRNA vaccine approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic to the problem of inducing anti-tumor immunity," said senior author Kenneth M. Murphy, MD, PhD, the Eugene Opie Centennial Professor of Pathology & Immunology at WashU Medicine. "By dissecting which immune cells are involved and how they coordinate the response, we're offering vaccine developers some additional mechanistic insights to consider in their goal of optimizing these vaccines against tumor proteins." Murphy also is a research member at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine. Unconventional immune pathway mRNA vaccines work by delivering instructions, in the form of messenger RNA biomolecules, for immune cells to produce bits of protein that trigger the immune system to destroy cells bearing these proteins. So-called dendritic cells produce the protein bits from the mRNA instructions, and T cells -- another immune cell -- are the ones that seek and destroy. mRNA vaccines can be designed to generate protein bits unique to a tumor so that T cells eliminate those cancerous cells. cDC1, a classical type 1 dendritic cell, has long been known to be an effective teacher, priming T cells to attack cells infected by a virus. But less is known about how T cells become activated after an mRNA vaccine, whether against a virus or a tumor. In collaboration with the study's co-corresponding author William E. Gillanders, MD, the Mary Culver Professor of Surgery at WashU Medicine, Murphy and members of his lab used mouse models that lacked cDC1 or a related cell subtype known as cDC2 to tease out the role that different groups of dendritic cells play in priming T cells after mRNA cancer vaccination. Gillanders, a physician-scientist and surgical oncologist who also has developed an investigational vaccine against triple-negative breast cancer, treats patients at Siteman Cancer Center. As part of the research, the scientists found that mice immunized with an mRNA vaccine generated strong T-cell responses even in the absence of cDC1s. In addition, they found that immunized mice without cDC1s were able to clear sarcoma tumors -- cancers that develop in connective tissues such as fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, bone and cartilage. This indicated that some other cell type must be stimulating the T-cell response. Indeed, their study found that cDC2s also participate in generating an immune response from T cells and preventing tumor growth. The study also found that T cells turned on by cDC1s and cDC2s each showed slightly different molecular "fingerprints." These differences could help scientists design better versions of vaccines in the future. Similarly, immunized mice lacking cDC2s and mice that had both cell subtypes produced an immune response and rejected tumor growth, demonstrating that mRNA vaccination uses both dendritic cell subtypes to stop cancer. Further investigation of cDC2s suggested they activate T cells through an outsourcing process that relies on other cells to use the mRNA instructions to make the protein, chop it up and present small fragments on its surface. Once the protein is processed and presented, those cells then transfer the membrane complex that holds the fragment in place on the cell's surface to the cDC2 to engage with the T cells -- through an already-known process referred to as "cross dressing." "This work uncovers a new way mRNA vaccines engage the immune system -- through both cDC1 and cDC2 -- which helps explain their power and gives researchers concrete targets for making future mRNA cancer vaccines more effective," said Gillanders. "It could improve vaccine formulation and dosing, potentially explain why some patients respond better to vaccines than others and guide strategies for making vaccines more effective."
As Healthcare Costs Soar, Employers Search for Solutions -- Including Unconventional Ones
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 16, 2026-- A striking new data point from the Lockton 2026 National Benefits Survey signals just how far employers are willing to go to manage rising healthcare costs: 46% of self-funded plan sponsors say they would consider international drug sourcing for pharmacy benefits -- an approach that remains complex and may expose plan sponsors to legal and compliance risks if not properly designed and administered, although the risk is unclear based on the lack of regulatory enforcement.
As Healthcare Costs Soar, Employers Search for Solutions -- Including Unconventional Ones
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A striking new data point from the Lockton 2026 National Benefits Survey signals just how far employers are willing to go to manage rising healthcare costs: 46% of self-funded plan sponsors say they would consider international drug sourcing for pharmacy benefits -- an approach that remains complex and may expose plan sponsors to legal and compliance risks if not properly designed and administered, although the risk is unclear based on the lack of regulatory enforcement.
As Healthcare Costs Soar, Employers Search for Solutions -- Including Unconventional Ones
The Lockton 2026 National Benefits Survey finds cost has solidified its position as the defining problem in benefits strategy, and employers are casting a wider net than ever to find answers. KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A striking new data point from the Lockton 2026 National Benefits Survey signals just how far employers are willing to go to manage rising healthcare costs: 46% of self-funded plan sponsors say they would consider international drug sourcing for pharmacy benefits -- an approach that remains complex and may expose plan sponsors to legal and compliance risks if not properly designed and administered, although the risk is unclear based on the lack of regulatory enforcement. That figure, drawn from 1,705 responses submitted by plan sponsors across industries, group sizes, and ownership structures, reflects a broader and more urgent shift in how U.S. employers are approaching benefits strategy. For the second consecutive year, reducing costs has emerged as the priority -- but now by a more dominant margin: 54% of employers now identify cost reduction as the most important factor shaping their benefits decisions, up sharply from 38% in 2025. Attracting and retaining talent, which has historically rivaled cost as the top priority, has now declined to 19%. "With projected cost trends, employers face sustained challenges heading into 2027 and beyond, as the imperative to reduce costs is increasingly dominant," stated Shannon Demaree, Executive Vice President, People Solutions Regional Executive at Lockton. "With the labor market softening, priority on attracting and retaining talent plummeted from 44% in 2023 to just 19% in 2026, how plan sponsors are thinking has decidedly shifted. It's a lot -- organizations are grappling with cost-management strategies, striving to maintain employee experiences, ensure quality care accessibility, and limit disruptions. Employers will need to rethink traditional approaches and reevaluate their role in the healthcare landscape." A Wide Range of Strategies -- With No Single Dominant Path The report explores four key areas where employers are actively evaluating spend: plan optimization, network solutions, eligibility management, and pharmacy benefits. Within each, employers are weighing options ranging from foundational approaches with minimal disruption to more progressive strategies designed to achieve greater savings. Among self-funded plan sponsors, who represent the majority of survey respondents and have the greatest flexibility to implement cost-saving measures, several tactics are already gaining traction: Cost Pressure Doesn't Mean Employee Impact Is Off the Table Despite the sharp pivot toward cost management, employee impact remains a key variable in how employers are making decisions. According to the survey, 81% of respondents said employee impact is still an important consideration when evaluating changes, a finding that points to the central tension employers are trying to navigate: controlling costs without undermining the value of their benefits package or the trust of their workforce. "The challenge for employers is not simply cutting spend," said Chris Bartnik, Senior Vice President, People Solutions Growth and Innovation Leader at Lockton. "It's finding sustainable ways to manage cost while maintaining a competitive and meaningful benefits offering. This year's survey shows that employers are looking for practical strategies that deliver savings without sacrificing trust, access, or outcomes." The data suggests employers are not converging around a single solution. Instead, they are searching across multiple dimensions simultaneously, balancing potential savings against disruption, compliance considerations, and member experience. About the Survey The Lockton National Benefits Survey helps employers benchmark their benefits strategies against peers, identify emerging trends, and discover new approaches to plan design. The 2026 report is based on 1,705 aggregated responses collected in January and February 2026. The data above includes selected results and analysis from the compiled survey data. The full report explores additional findings on access to quality care, wellbeing benefits, and communications strategies. What makes Lockton stand apart is also what makes us better: independence. Lockton's private ownership empowers its 13,000+ Associates doing business in more than 160+ countries to focus solely on clients' risk and insurance needs. With expertise that reaches around the globe, Lockton delivers the deep understanding needed to accomplish remarkable results. For more information, visit www.lockton.com.
Water marks 'vanish' from wood when using unconventional food item
Water marks often appear as white or dark rings and are caused by trapped moisture, heat, or liquid reacting with the wood's finish or the wood itself. They are usually caused by hot mugs, cold glasses, or spills that aren't cleaned and get left to soak into the wood - and they can be a nightmare to remove. Because water marks often stain the wood itself, you can't just wipe them away with a wet cloth. They don't respond to most traditional cleaning methods because, in order to remove them, you actually have to add something back to the wood. But there is something you can do to restore your wooden tables to their former, non-stained glory. All you have to do is cover the water marks with one food item - but be warned, it might turn your stomach. Sarah then simply picked up her jar of mayonnaise, scooped out a spoonful, and dropped it on her table. She smeared it around so that the entire stain was covered, and then left it to sit. The woman came back to her video several hours later and wiped away the excess mayonnaise, proving that there was no longer any staining underneath where the condiment had been sitting. While it might seem gross to leave mayonnaise sitting on your table, the trick works because the wood surface needs oil to help lift the moisture that's trapped in the wood. The good thing is, this means you don't have to use mayonnaise. Oils like olive oil and even non-gel toothpastes can help draw out moisture. You can even try to lift the stain with a hairdryer on a low heat, which might help to evaporate the trapped moisture and remove any white or cloudy marks.
How Asha Bhosle's 'Unconventional' Voice Made Her A Playback Superstar
* Asha Bhosle died at age 92 after hospitalization for exhaustion and chest infection * She dominated the music industry from the late 1950s through the 1980s * Known as the Queen of Versatility, she blended traditional and Western music styles Did our AI summary help? Let us know. Switch To Beeps Mode New Delhi: The world has lost another talent that has given us countless melodies to swoon to for eternity. Asha Bhosle died at the age of 92. She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday, April 11, as the veteran singer had been hospitalised following extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. Dominating the music industry for almost eight decades, Asha Bhosle was the reigning musical sensation from the late 1950s through the 1970s and 1980s. In the mid-1950s, her unconventional talent hit a crescendo, particularly as her timeless collaborations with RD Burman became a roaring success story. What Made Her Different Asha Bhosle carved her own niche in the industry as she blended traditional melodies with the modern, Western-influenced sound of the 60s and 70s. From soulful ghazals to cabaret to foot-tapping rock and roll, Asha Bhosle was crowned with the sobriquet of 'Queen of Versatility.' She chose to define the 'unconventional' path. It was obvious that early in her career, comparisons would be aplenty with her elder sister, the late Lata Mangeshkar, who had a softer tone. Asha Bhosle implemented a more agile modulation in her vocal chords. Interestingly, her sharper voice got her playback singing for many more rebellious characters. She replaced the traditional voice for a Hindi film heroine with a magnetic change-something synonymous with the modern Indian woman-and thus a playback superstar was born. It is because of her knack for experimentation that she even earned herself a spot in the Guinness World Records as the most recorded artist in music history. She could turn everything into music: a whisper here, a giggle there, a murmur in between. Key Career Milestones From O P Nayyar, known as the Rhythm King, to the revolution that was RD Burman, Asha Bhosle moulded her technical singing technique for every kind of composer. Bhosle's brassy vocals impressed Nayyar, which led to hits like "Aaiye Meherbaan" (1958), imbued with a sultry texture. With RD Burman, she re-invented herself again with jazz riffs and Latin beats-a masterclass in versatility-giving us chartbusters like "Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera" (1966), a Western attempt that was not tried and tested yet. Asha Bhosle turned 'unsingable prose' such as "Mera Kuchh Samaan" (1987)-which at that time was termed as lacking structure-into an award-winning melody. Asha Bhosle was a singer for the masses. Clearly so. At one time, she could record a raunchy cabaret song like "Piya Tu Ab To Aaja" (Caravan, 1971) and suddenly go into hippie mode with "Dum Maro Dum" (Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1971). In ghazals like "In Aankhon Ki Masti" and "Dil Cheez Kya Hai" (Umrao Jaan, 1981), she once again surprised singers as she dug deep into her technical aspects and emotional depth. As time passed, at 62, she collaborated with AR Rahman for "Rangeela Re" (Rangeela, 1995), clearly showcasing that she moved with the times and the generation. Truly a massive loss today, but her music lives on, in every era, for every age. Show full article Entertainment I Read Latest News on NDTV Entertainment. Click NDTV Entertainment For The Latest In, bollywood , regional, hollywood, tv, web series, photos, videos and More. Asha Bhosle, Asha Bhosle Death, Asha Bhosle Songs
Creative and Unconventional Uses for Your 3D Printer - News Directory 3
This versatility extends to the types of projects enthusiasts are undertaking in 2026. 3D printers are fundamentally sophisticated Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines equipped with heated elements and cooling fans. While the primary function of these devices is the extrusion of filament to create three-dimensional objects, the hardware's versatility allows for unconventional applications beyond standard additive manufacturing. The ability to precisely move a print head along X, Y and Z axes makes the 3D printer a flexible tool for various technical projects. Beyond the standard process of layering plastic, users are exploring ways to leverage the machine's mechanical precision for non-printing tasks. This versatility extends to the types of projects enthusiasts are undertaking in 2026. Some of the more complex builds include the Stair Climbing Rover, a working robot capable of crossing rough ground and climbing stairs, which allows for customizable features and is available via Printables from the source WildWilly. Modern 3D printing is increasingly moving toward the combination of different media to achieve higher fidelity and visual detail. One example is the Full Color Minecraft cube, which utilizes a combination of 3D printing and UV printing to achieve its appearance. Other high-detail projects currently popular include the SR-71 Blackbird jet model by occupied_brain and the Iron Man mask. While the mask is not fully motorized, it is noted for having accurate geometry. Beyond artistic or robotic projects, 3D printers are being used to create a wide array of functional household tools and organizational aids. These prints focus on solving specific domestic problems through custom geometry. The application of 3D printing extends into high-stakes engineering, where traditional manufacturing processes are often insufficient. In the aerospace sector, 3D printed rocket engines are utilized because they enable design capabilities that are impossible to achieve through conventional manufacturing methods. These industrial applications often utilize specialized technologies, such as Stereolithography (SLA) resin printing and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) powder printing, to create parts with the necessary structural integrity and precision for medical, dental, and aerospace environments.
Imperfect by Design: Slayyyter's "Wor$t Girl in America" Embraces Chaos
Slayyyter, stylized as "$layyter," released her third studio album, "Wor$t Girl in America," on March 27, 2026. The project isn't just another pop release, but an adventure in storytelling, both visually and sonically. The album marks a drastic and unexpected shift from her second studio album, "Starfucker," which leaned heavily into glamour, and "Troubled Paradise," which played like a hyperpop trip. Here, $layyyter trades polish and heavy autotune for something more natural, loud and personal. Beginning the era, $layyyter released "Beat Up Chanel$," a blend of old and new Slayyyter. The track feels transitional, balancing her glamorous pop roots with a rougher, more chaotic edge. Next came "Cannibalism," which introduced a unique mix of 1950s jive cadence with hyperpop production, creating something theatrical and unexpected. Then came "Crank," a loud, club-pop electronic track that leaned fully into chaos. After that was "Dance," which felt like a more straightforward pop song compared to the others. Lastly, "Old Technology" arrived, indie sleaze-inspired and gritty, giving listeners a clearer idea of the album's direction. The album unravels by placing the singles first, followed by the new material. It opens with a dreamy loop in "Dance..." that still holds onto Slayyyter's older glamour before transitioning into "Beat Up Chanel$," which begins ramping up the intensity. "Cannibalism" shifts the album further, introducing sharper, more unconventional production. "Old Technology" pushes the sound into grittier territory, while "Crank" delivers the explosive moment the album had been building toward. "Gas Station" marks the first brand-new track. It's vulnerable and restrained, something Slayyyter isn't typically known for. The shift contrasts sharply with the chaos that opens the album. "Yes Goddd" brings the energy back with an aggressive electronic sound reminiscent of early 2010s Skrillex, adding another unexpected texture. "Unknown Loverz" returns to dreamy nostalgia, while "Old Fling$" blends into dark pop. "I'm Actually Kinda Famous" leans self-aware and sarcastic, exploring insecurity about her place in stardom while keeping the tone playful. "$T. Loser" continues the gritty direction. Listening closely, the messier, louder songs often appear in all caps or include dollar signs, subtly separating the new Slayyyter from her earlier sound. That use of dollar signs becomes a key detail throughout the album. It signals where Slayyyter is heading while still referencing the sounds that shaped her. Kesha's early 2010s aesthetic comes to mind, where dollar signs matched a dirty, trashy, gritty sound. Slayyyter adapts that concept, using it to reinforce the album's chaotic, experimental tone. The dollar signs create a rough, unpolished aesthetic that fits the project. The final stretch turns introspective. "What Is It Like, To Be Liked?" creates an emotional shift before "Prayer" transitions into "Brittany Murphy," which closes the album with vulnerability. The ending feels distant from the explosive opening. Visually, the album is just as deliberate. The smudged name across covers, dollar signs and individual visuals for each track reinforce the concept. Even teasers used VHS-style clips, adding to the gritty aesthetic. Slayyyter returns with a cohesive, conceptual and chaotic sound. "Wor$t Girl in America" is more than an album. It's visual storytelling, loud, messy and intentionally imperfect.
FAA looks to unconventional source for new air traffic controllers: Gamers
A new air traffic controller hiring campaign from the Department of Transportation (DOT) is targeting gamers to address a longtime staffing shortage. The DOT's new ad shows clips of video games and tells potential applicants: "You've been training for this ... become an air traffic controller. It's not a game. It's a career." "To reach the next generation of air traffic controllers, we need to adapt," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement. "This campaign's innovative communication style and focus on gaming taps into a growing demographic of young adults who have many of the hard skills it takes to be a successful controller." How air traffic controllers keep US skies safe -- and how to become one The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said they're targeting young adults with transferable skills, like high cognitive functions, multitasking, spatial awareness, strategy and problem solving. In controller exit interviews, the FAA said, several controllers have pointed to gaming "as an influence on their ability to think quickly, stay focused, and manage complexity." The agency said only about 25% of controllers have a college degree, so they're targeting outreach to focus on people pursuing alternative career paths. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controller's Association, said in a statement: "Our union welcomes innovative approaches to expanding the candidate pool--including outreach to individuals with high-level aptitude skills such as gamers--so long as all pathways maintain the rigorous standards required of this safety-critical profession." American Airlines, Alaska Airlines join other carriers in raising bag fees amid rising fuel prices, Iran war The FAA has struggled with air traffic controller staffing in recent years. According to a Government Accountability Office report from late last year, the number of controllers declined by about 6% over the past 10 years. At the same time, flights increased by 10% and travel surged after the pandemic. Staffing shortages have also been fueled by several government shutdowns, the suspended and reduced training during the COVID-19 pandemic and high attrition in the workplace. The FAA said it currently has its highest ATC staffing level in six years, with almost 11,000 controllers in service and more than 4,000 trainees -- but that's still below a target of 14,500 that the agency needs to be fully staffed.
Unconventional magnon-mediated spin torque enabled by ferroelectric domain engineering in multiferroic BiFeO3 - Nature Communications
We are providing an unedited version of this manuscript to give early access to its findings. Before final publication, the manuscript will undergo further editing. Please note there may be errors present which affect the content, and all legal disclaimers apply. Spin current provides an energy-efficient approach for manipulating magnetization, when its spin polarization aligns with the magnetization direction. However, conventional spin-source materials possess high crystalline symmetry, restricting spin polarization to be orthogonal to both spin and charge current directions. Here, we overcome this limitation by utilizing the concept of magnon-mediated spin-orbit torque through integration of the insulating multiferroic BiFeO with a conventional spin-source material. We observe that spin polarization generated by conventional spin-source material can excite unconventional magnon polarization due to the interplay between cycloidal antiferromagnetic order and the ferroelectric domain structure in BiFeO. This produces an unconventional magnon torque that allows deterministic, field‑free switching of in‑plane magnetization collinear with the current direction, unattainable with conventional spin-source materials. Our results establish multiferroic-based heterostructure as a symmetry‑engineered magnon spin source, paving the way for low-power spintronic devices.
Unlocked in London | Unconventional Connections & Brand Potential
Potential is rarely found in the centre of a discipline. It lives at the edges, where specialisms, cultures and technologies collide. We call these Unconventional Connections. It was the theme of our inaugural Unlocked dinner in Covent Garden, where we invited a group of clients to step out of the "marketing bubble" and into a space of positive friction. That idea sits at the heart of Partners in Possibility - our new proposition built on a simple belief: every brand has potential waiting to be released. And increasingly, unlocking it means bringing together different kinds of expertise, perspective and thinking in ways that create something new. We weren't interested in polished corporate keynotes. Instead, we heard from two people whose journeys have been anything but linear. Cheryl Calverley (Founder of Moot) challenged the room on how we've systematically digitised serendipity out of our lives. Her point was sharp: creativity isn't something you can putin a calendar. You can only create the conditions where it might happen. Andthose conditions are social, human and, crucially, physical. It was a timelyr eminder that as we move towards machine precision, we risk losing the humanmessiness that often sparks the best ideas. Stu Macdonald (Founder of ManiLife) shared the chaotic, honest reality of building a brand that started with a sack of Argentinian peanuts and a blender. Strategy matters, but Stu's story proved that luck, persistence and openness matter too. His mantra, that serendipity favours those who "keep buggering on", is essentially the antithesis of an AI prompt. It's about being out in the world, making human connections, and choosing people over product. AI is already changing how we work at Brand Potential. It's making us faster and sharper. But as the evening in London proved, it isn't a replacement for the "unconventional" bit. The strongest brands aren't built by automation alone. They are built by people who can connect dots others don't see, across data and intuition, machine precision and human warmth, strategy and execution. That's the thinking behind Partners in Possibility. Our model brings together specialists across insight and innovation, strategy and design, PR and activation, content and advertising, digital and technology, combining different perspectives to help unlock new possibilities for brands. The Unlocked series is one way we make that thinking real: creating space for the kinds of conversations that don'tusually happen in a standard meeting room but often lead somewhere more interesting. To everyone who joined us: thank you for the candour and the energy. To everyone else: we'd love to see you at the next one. We are Brand Potential. Partners in Possibility.
Who Is Tanay Kothari? California CEO's Unconventional Hiring Method Goes Viral On Social Media
The interaction started after the young techiedirectly messaged Tanay Kothari on X. In a recruitment world fixated on credentials, refined CVs, and extensive experience, a straightforward message from an unknown 20-year-old broke through the clamour. Tanay Kothari, a CEO based in California, shared on social media platform X how his company made what many would deem a bold move: hiring a young engineer with no experience whatsoever. Amidst a sea of applications from highly qualified professionals, including senior engineers and scientists from leading global firms, this specific candidate caught attention for a distinct reason. ALSO READ | 'Managers' Mysterious Meetings': Former HR Shares Seven Signs Before Company Starts Layoffs They lack a significant tech background, an elite degree, or notable qualifications, but they are characterised solely by their intent, curiosity, and readiness to show up. What ensued was not only an atypical hiring choice but also a narrative that resonates with founders and professionals who are reevaluating what genuinely constitutes talent in today's rapidly evolving tech sector. The interaction started after the young techie directly messaged Tanay Kothari on X. The techie said, "He loved Wispr Flow and wanted to work with us." Instead of disregarding it, Kothari replied with an immediate invitation to meet, encouraging the candidate to arrive within a few hours. The young techie came in and, during a brief dialogue, showed keen thinking and enthusiasm, even without a traditional resume to support his claims. Opting against a conventional hiring procedure, Kothari chose to assess capabilities in real time. He gave a project to the young techie; Kothari told him about a project that would normally take a day and a half. ALSO READ | IT Services Salaries Likely To Fall In 2026 As AI Shift Weighs On Sector: Deloitte Kothari asked the techie if he wanted to start Monday, suggesting that he could start later. The young techie's response altered everything. The young techie replied, "I'll start now." By the following morning, the young techie informed Kothari, saying, 'Tanay, I just pulled an all-nighter. It's done. "Thousands of lines of code written as a fully operational feature. It was not merely about speed, but also about execution, ownership, and initiative." That instance transformed Kothari's hiring decision, turning what appeared to be a risk into one of the most fruitful choices. Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories -- On NDTV Profit.
Trump's EEOC Applying Its Enforcement Powers in Unconventional Ways | Law.com
The agency has brought a blitz of religious-discrimination cases, and it's investigating allegations that Nike systematically discriminated against white employees. A Subscription is Required to Access this Content. Subscribe to Law.com today for: * Exclusive Reporting - Fast, authoritative coverage and sharp analysis. * Integrated Insights - Compass and Radar context built right into articles. * Personalized Experience - Tailored homepage content and curated newsletters. * Smart Search & Alerts - Powerful search and real‑time updates. Already a Subscriber? Log In. Questions? Contact an Account Specialist at [email protected] | 1-855-808-4530 (Americas) | 44(0) 800 098 386009 (UK & Europe)
From Emerald to Old Mine: 2026 Engagement Ring Trends Reveal a Shift Toward Vintage & Unconventional Cuts | Weekly Voice
Most Popular Cut for Engagement Rings in Every State: https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/28356849/ New Modern Gents data shows couples are moving beyond traditional engagement ring styles in favor of distinctive, personality-driven stone cuts COSTA MESA, CA, UNITED STATES, April 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Engagement ring trends in 2026 are shifting. New search data from Modern Gents reveals that couples are increasingly choosing unique, vintage-inspired, and unconventional engagement ring cuts over traditional styles. While classic options like round and princess cuts remain popular, search behavior shows a growing preference for individuality, character, and non-traditional ring designs. According to Modern Gents' latest search analysis, the top engagement ring cuts in 2026 are: 1. Emerald Cut 2. Round Cut 3. Princess Cut 4. Rose Cut 5. Cushion Cut The rise of the emerald cut engagement ring to the top spot reflects demand for sleek, elongated shapes that balance modern minimalism with timeless elegance. Vintage Engagement Ring Cuts Are Surging: The biggest trend in 2026 isn't just what's popular, it's what's growing fastest. Search interest in vintage engagement ring cuts has skyrocketed, led by the Old Mine Cut, which has increased by +608% over the past five years. Other fast-growing cuts include: Asscher Cut (+242%) Kite Cut (+159%) Marquise Cut (+92%) Elongated Cushion Cut (+82%) This surge reflects a broader shift toward heirloom-inspired engagement rings, antique aesthetics, and designs that feel one-of-a-kind rather than mass-produced. Engagement Ring Trends by State: Regional data shows that engagement ring preferences vary widely across the U.S., with no single cut dominating nationwide. Key state-level trends include: The Heart Cut stands out as a favorite in major states such as California, New York, Georgia, and Washington, indicating a growing appetite for bold, romantic styles. The rapidly trending Old Mine Cut leads in states such as Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, and Oregon, reinforcing the rise of vintage aesthetics. Meanwhile, the Elongated Cushion Cut is gaining traction across the Midwest and South, including Tennessee, Indiana, and Ohio. Colorado, Nevada, and Michigan are embracing more unconventional shapes, such as the Kite Cut. Traditional styles still hold ground in select regions, with the Round Cut remaining dominant in Wyoming and the Princess Cut leading in states like Alaska, Vermont, and South Dakota. What This Means: A Shift Toward Personal Expression Together, these engagement ring trends point to a larger cultural shift. In 2026, couples are no longer defaulting to tradition; they're choosing rings that reflect their personal style, values, and identity. Search data makes one thing clear: There is no longer a single "right" engagement ring. Instead, today's couples are prioritizing: Unique diamond cuts Vintage and antique-inspired designs Non-traditional engagement rings Personalized, meaningful styles About Modern Gents With a focus on craftsmanship, accessibility, and style, Modern Gents offers a wide range of affordable engagement rings, from timeless classics to unconventional designs, without the traditional luxury markup. The brand is committed to helping couples celebrate their story with rings that reflect their individuality, values, and budget. Christina Irizarry Wpromote [email protected] Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook TikTok Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
New East El Paso coffee shop embraces 'unconventional' brand
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- A new coffee shop in East El Paso is turning heads, and it hasn't even opened yet. Beankini Espresso 915 is a beach-themed, drive-through coffee shop where the baristas are wearing bikinis. The "unconventional" shop is expected to open on April 18 at 1346 N. Zaragoza Rd, with hours of operation being from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We reached out to the representatives of this coffee shop and they issued the following statement: "Your daily grind just got a whole lot better." The concept : Honestly in a market as saturated as the coffee industry, standing out requires more than just a great roast -- it requires a bold vision. At Beankini Espresso, we embrace the "purple cow" philosophy: creating a brand so distinct that it naturally sparks conversation. By blending high-energy hospitality with a unique aesthetic, we provide instant brand recognition in a world of traditional cafes. People have already responded and we've gotten mixed responses. We recognize that our concept is unconventional, we believe that the best experiences aren't always for everyone -- and that's okay. We want people to know : Our baristas are more than just friendly faces; they are confident, bright, and driven individuals . We invite you to give us a chance and experience the quality for yourself. From our signature iced coffees and lattes to our handcrafted energizers and premium matchas, we are dedicated to excellence in every cup."
