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  • Scientists identify key role of T-bet in flu memory B cells

    Scientists identify key role of T-bet in flu memory B cells

    At the surface, the immune response to a flu virus is simple. Some cells recognize the pathogen and send a signal to the immune system, and immune cells produce a potentially lifesaving antibody against the virus. Antigen in, antibody out.

    However, details of the intervening steps, as researchers have learned in the past 65 years, are quite complex – certain cells carry the flu antigen to the immune system, specific immune cells respond to the antigen and touch and interact with each other to evoke a response, antibody genes in each responsive B cell undergo many somatic mutations to create a panoply of potential specific antibodies, antibody classes like IgM and IgG are switched, cells producing the least fit antibodies are eliminated, and the survivors that produce the best flu-specific antibody boost their metabolism to produce massive amounts of the antibody protein.

    Less well understood, but also complex, is the memory immune response to influenza, the creation of sentinel immune cells that stand on guard against subsequent infections. These long-lived memory cells have reacted to the flu antigen but avoid the irreversible pathway of antibody production. Instead, they wait quiescently in lungs and lymph nodes, primed to quickly transform into antibody-producing cells if a flu virus attacks again.

    In a study published in the journal Immunity, Fran Lund, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Immunology Institute, and colleagues describe six subsets of memory B cells – including one subset that produces the transcription factor T-bet. Using detailed genetic analysis and manipulation, they show that continuous T-bet expression in these cells is key to preserving the protective memory response. In a mouse influenza model, they found that T-bet expression was required for the persistence of lung and lymph node memory B cells that have rapid differentiation potential to become antibody-producing plasma cells.

    T-bet is a transcription factor, one of the control proteins in the cell nucleus that can turn specific groups of genes on and off. Cohorts of different transcription factors orchestrate diverse sets of genes that alter cell function and differentiation.

    Previous studies had shown some association of T-bet expression with attributes of human, vaccine-specific memory B cells and with a long-lived humoral response to infection by mouse, virus-specific germinal center B cells.

    To better understand T-bet-expressing memory B cells, UAB researchers infected mice with flu virus. Thirty days after infection, they isolated mature memory B cells that were specific for response to the influenza NP antigen and used single-cell sequencing to identify the gene expression of each cell. Gene-expression data of these individual cells comprised seven distinct clusters.

    One cluster was excluded as developmentally distinct, and the other six were analyzed in detail, including core transcriptional regulators, the B-cell receptor repertoires and the functional attributes of each the gene expression in each cluster. T-bet was highly expressed and upregulated in cluster 2. Cluster 2 was also enriched for expression of genes reported to be upregulated in flu vaccine-elicited, T-bet-expressing human effector memory B cells. Enriched genes for protein synthesis in cluster 2 cells suggested a shift from the memory B cell identity program toward the antibody-producing program. While only the cluster 2 gene expression showed effector memory B cell characteristics, other clusters showed distinct stem-like, tissue surveilling or inflammatory characteristics.

    Researchers used constitutive or inducible deletions of the T-bet gene from B cells to show that T-bet identifies flu infection-elicited lymph node and lung memory B cells that have rapid differentiation potential to antibody-secreting cells, and that T-bet expression by lung memory B cells was needed for a secondary lung antibody-secretion response following a second exposure to flu virus. In the future, the authors hope to use these data to design new ways to induce T-bet expression in human memory B cells to elicit memory cells that will reside at local sites of infection and can provide early protection from infection.

    Co-authors with Lund in the study, “Transcription factor T-bet regulates the maintenance and differentiation potential of lymph node and lung effector memory B cell subsets,” are Christopher A. Risley, Michael D. Schultz, Jessica N. Peel and Alexander F. Rosenberg, UAB Department of Microbiology; S. Rameeza Allie and Troy D. Randall, UAB Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology; Shanrun Liu, UAB Flow Cytometry and Single Cell Core Facility; Anoma Nellore, UAB Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases; Christopher F. Fucile, UAB Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science; and Christopher D. Scharer and Jeremy M. Boss, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

    At UAB Microbiology, Medicine, and Biomedical Informatics and Data Science are departments in the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.

    Source:

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Journal reference:

    Risley, C. A., et al. (2025). Transcription factor T-bet regulates the maintenance and differentiation potential of lymph node and lung effector memory B cell subsets. Immunity. doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.05.021

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  • Hugging Face Looks to Open-Source AI Robotics – MSN

    1. Hugging Face Looks to Open-Source AI Robotics  MSN
    2. Hugging Face just launched a $299 robot that could disrupt the entire robotics industry  VentureBeat
    3. Hugging Face opens up orders for its Reachy Mini desktop robots  Yahoo Finance
    4. Hugging Face’s adorable Reachy Mini robot is now available for preorder.  The Verge
    5. Hugging Face’s Reachy Mini is an open-source AI robot for your computer or Raspberry Pi 5  CNX Software

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  • California’s declining life expectancy driven by a public health crisis

    California’s declining life expectancy driven by a public health crisis

    This file photo shows an arrangement of Oxycodone pills. [AP Photo/Mark Lennihan]

    A recent research letter published July 9 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), titled “The Failure of Life Expectancy to Fully Rebound to Prepandemic Levels,” paints a damning picture of the public health crisis in California, the wealthiest and most populous US state.

    The study, authored by top researchers from Northwestern, Yale, UCLA and Virginia Commonwealth University, confirms that despite the supposed end of the COVID-19 emergency, life expectancy in California remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels, having recovered only two-thirds of what was lost during the initial years of the pandemic.

    Previous research showed that life expectancy in the United States fell by over two years between 2019 and 2021—from 78.8 to 76.4 years—but began to rebound slightly in 2022; by 2023 it had rebounded to 78.4 years, just 0.4 years below the 2019 pre-pandemic level.

    In California, it declined from 81.4 years in 2019 to 78.4 years in 2021. As of 2024, Californians live on average 0.86 years less than in 2019. This points to a slower recovery than the national average—which, while still trailing behind other advanced capitalist countries, has nearly returned to pre-pandemic norms.

    While nationwide data for 2024 is not yet available, California’s recently published vital statistics provided researchers an early look into the trajectory of recovery—and it is a sobering one.

    This data reveals a society in profound and accelerating decay. California, long heralded as a model of innovation and progress, has become a place where working class people are dying earlier, suffering more and reaping none of the benefits of medical science and economic development. The gap in life expectancy is a social catastrophe rooted in a capitalist system that subordinates every aspect of life—including life itself—to private profit.

    The causes identified in the JAMA report—drug overdoses, cardiovascular disease, delayed medical care and mental health deterioration—expose the failure of the system to provide for human well-being. These are systemic expressions of a ruling class that has consciously gutted public health infrastructure and allowed corporations to profit off of illness, misery and death.

    The outcomes are predictable in a society where billions are funneled to Wall Street, war and police repression, while millions are denied housing, nutritious food, preventive healthcare and mental health services.

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  • Punjab MPAs may strike decorum deal

    Punjab MPAs may strike decorum deal

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    LAHORE:

    Key representatives from both treasury and opposition benches are likely to establish Terms of Reference (ToRs) in the coming days, aimed at regulating the future proceedings of the Punjab Assembly and discouraging humiliation, abusive exchanges and violent conduct between lawmakers.

    The development follows an initial consultative meeting between Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and 26 suspended MPAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over disqualification references filed against them.

    Both sides reportedly agreed to form a joint committee of senior members to make the consultation process more effective and to explore constitutional, legal and parliamentary solutions to the impasse.

    It is worth mentioning that Speaker Khan had received disqualification references against these currently suspended MPAs under Article 63(2) read with Article 113 of the Constitution.

    It is his constitutional obligation to decide on these references within 30 days, as stipulated in the said provisions.

    Accordingly, the speaker had summoned the suspended MPAs for a hearing under Article 10-A of the Constitution by July 11 (yesterday) in his chamber at the Punjab Assembly.

    A reliable source, speaking to The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity, said that the speaker’s move to suspend 26 MPAs and subsequently refer the matter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) served a dual purpose: first, it helped dispel perceptions within his party of him favouring the opposition; second, it brought the opposition to the negotiating table under the pretext of the disqualification reference, thereby creating space to frame mutually agreed-upon TORs.

    The source added that the meeting atmosphere was cordial, and a second round of talks may be held on Sunday or the following day.

    Both sides may nominate three or four members each to form the joint committee tasked with drafting TORs to ensure that members refrain from abusive, humiliating, or violent conduct.

    A key point being considered is that every member should be heard respectfully in the House, without interruptions, before any responses are made.

    If the opposition still feels compelled to protest, they may do so in line with democratic parliamentary norms and without resorting to derogatory language or physical disruption.

    The treasury is still debating whether the TORs should specifically mention Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by name, ensuring that her speeches, along with those of Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and others, proceed without disruption, or whether the document should adopt a broader principle stating that all members’ speeches are to be respected and disruptions will be dealt with strictly.

    According to the source, the opposition may find it difficult to remain calm during Maryam Nawaz’s speeches.

    However, they are expected to acknowledge that while protest is their democratic right, they do not support abusive or violent conduct.

    In future sessions, they may restrict protests to their designated benches rather than assembling in front of the speaker’s dais.

    First round of meeting

    During the first round of talks chaired by Speaker Khan in his chamber, treasury representatives and the suspended PTI MPAs, led by Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, proposed initiating mutual dialogue.

    The speaker welcomed this proposal warmly.

    Speaker Khan began the meeting by referencing past political regimes and then stressed the importance of democratic conduct within the assembly.

    “Dialogue and consultation are the essence of parliamentary democracy. Every disagreement can be resolved through a positive, dignified, and constitutional approach,” the speaker said.

    Both sides demonstrated a willingness to set aside their differences and proceed in accordance with democratic norms.

    Background

    Speaker Khan has often been viewed as sympathetic to the opposition, regularly allowing their members sufficient time to speak during proceedings, including on points of order.

    He has also been noted for at times taking a stern tone with treasury members.

    Over time, this approach led to a growing perception among treasury lawmakers that the speaker was disproportionately favouring the opposition.

    They argued that he should limit the opposition’s floor time and adopt a more stringent posture.

    However, Speaker Khan maintained that it was necessary to carry both sides along and that taking punitive action on minor infractions was not appropriate.

    While his conciliatory approach was appreciated by the opposition, it created unease within the treasury benches. Eventually, the treasury began ignoring the opposition’s protests and disruptions in the House, especially during speeches by CM Maryam Nawaz.

    At times, opposition lawmakers were even seen confined to their seats rather than protesting in front of the speaker’s dais.

    The speaker and the treasury had long urged the opposition to maintain peace and decorum during the chief minister’s addresses.

    However, the opposition appeared to take advantage of the speaker’s leniency, praising his neutrality while continuing to disrupt proceedings during Maryam Nawaz’s speeches, despite assurances to the contrary.

    This tension peaked during the recent budget session. On June 27, when CM Maryam Nawaz delivered her address, the opposition appeared especially aggressive, possibly emboldened by the Supreme Court’s decision on the reserved seats issue.

    Speaker Khan was under pressure to maintain order, while the treasury expected the opposition to honour past understandings. However, the apex court’s ruling changed the atmosphere drastically.

    The opposition left no stone unturned in disrupting the CM’s speech, prompting the speaker to move forward with disqualification references.

    The speaker’s decision to initiate the references attracted public criticism, with many arguing that PTI had already been politically cornered.

    Several PML-N lawmakers also advised the speaker to resolve the matter within the assembly, rather than escalating it to the ECP.

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  • Google to pay $2.4 billion in deal to license tech of Windsurf, WSJ reports – Reuters

    1. Google to pay $2.4 billion in deal to license tech of Windsurf, WSJ reports  Reuters
    2. OpenAI left behind as Windsurf’s stars defect to Google DeepMind  The Express Tribune
    3. OpenAI’s Windsurf deal is off — and Windsurf’s CEO is going to Google  The Verge
    4. Who is Varun Mohan, the Windsurf CEO Google beat ChatGPT-maker OpenAI to hire?  The Economic Times
    5. Google hires Windsurf CEO and researchers to advance AI ambitions  Yahoo Finance

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  • More than 200 types of misfolded proteins could be associated with age-related cognitive decline

    More than 200 types of misfolded proteins could be associated with age-related cognitive decline

    For decades, the story of Alzheimer’s research has been dominated by a battle between A-beta and tau amyloids, both of which can kill neurons and impact the brain’s ability to function. A new study suggests, however, that these sticky brain plaques may not be operating alone. 

    Johns Hopkins University researchers have identified more than 200 types of misfolded proteins in rats that could be associated with age-related cognitive decline. 

    The findings could lead the way to finding new therapeutic targets and treatments in humans that could provide relief for the millions of people over 65 who suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other diseases that rob them of their memories and independence as they age.

    “Amyloids are the buildup of misshapen proteins. They’re big and ugly and easy to see under the microscope, so it makes sense that they catch our attention. But we’re seeing hundreds of proteins misfolding in ways that don’t clump together in an amyloid and yet still seem to impact how the brain functions,” said Stephen Fried, an assistant professor of chemistry and protein scientist who studies how molecules in the brain change during aging. “Our research is showing that amyloids are just the tip of the iceberg.”

    The results were published today in Science Advances. 

    To understand the molecular differences between older brains that are mentally sharp and those that are experiencing decline, Fried and his team studied 17 2-year-old rats that grew up in the same colony. Seven rats performed poorly on memory and problem-solving tests and were considered cognitively impaired, while 10 performed as well as 6-month-old rats. 

    The researchers then measured more than 2,500 types of protein in the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with spatial learning and memory. For the first time, scientists were able to determine for a large number of proteins whether individual proteins were misshapen or folded incorrectly, allowing the researchers to work out which proteins misfold for all the rats and are associated with aging in general versus which proteins specifically misfold in cognitively impaired rats. 

    More than 200 proteins were misfolded in the cognitively impaired rats yet maintained their shapes in the cognitively healthy rats. The findings suggest that some of those proteins are contributing to cognitive decline, the researchers said. 

    Misfolded proteins are unable to carry out tasks necessary for a cell to function properly, so cells have a natural surveillance system that identifies and destroys these misbehaving proteins. Previously, researchers thought misfolded proteins-specifically A-beta and tau proteins-were only disruptive when they clumped into amyloids. 

    We think there are a lot of proteins that can be misfolded, not form amyloids, and still be problematic. And that suggests these misfolded proteins have ways of escaping this surveillance system in the cell.” 


    Stephen Fried, assistant professor of chemistry and protein scientist 

    But exactly how those misfolded proteins slip past a cell’s security system remains a mystery. 

    Next, the team plans to look at misfolded proteins under high-resolution microscopes to get a more detailed picture of what their deformities look like at the molecular level. 

    “A lot of us have experienced a loved one or a relative who has become less capable of doing those everyday tasks that require cognitive abilities,” Fried said. “Understanding what’s physically going on in the brain could lead to better treatments and preventive measures.”

    Source:

    Journal reference:

    Tarbox, H. E., et al. (2025). Proteins with cognition-associated structural changes in a rat model of aging exhibit reduced refolding capacity. Science Advances. doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adt3778.

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  • Scientists uncover key role of cypin in strengthening brain cell connections

    Scientists uncover key role of cypin in strengthening brain cell connections

    Scientists have discovered how a key protein helps maintain strong connections between brain cells that are crucial for learning and memory.

    Results of the study, published in the journal Science Advances, could point the way to new treatments for traumatic brain injuries and diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, the scientists said.

    Their research, led by a Rutgers University-New Brunswick professor, uncovered a previously unknown role for cypin, a brain protein. Members of the research team found that cypin promotes the presence of tags on specific proteins at synapses, namely the tiny gaps where the brain cells, known as neurons, communicate. The marking helps ensure that the right proteins are in the right place, allowing the synapses to work properly.

    The researchers said the insight has potentially profound implications for the treatment of brain disorders.

    Our research indicates that developing treatments or therapies that specifically focus on the protein cypin may help improve the connections between brain cells, enhancing memory and thinking abilities. These findings suggest that cypin could be used to develop treatments for neurodegenerative and neurocognitive diseases, as well as brain injuries.”


    Bonnie Firestein, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience in the School of Arts and Sciences and author of the study

    Firestein has been studying cypin for more than two decades. Her latest work uncovered several important aspects of how cypin functions and why it is significant for brain health.

    One of the crucial discoveries is that cypin helps add a special tag to proteins in synapses connecting neurons. This tag ensures proteins are correctly positioned and able to send signals effectively. Proper tagging and movement of proteins are essential for the neurons to function correctly.

    Another important finding is that cypin interacts with a complex of proteins, known as the proteasome, which is responsible for breaking down proteins. When cypin attaches or binds to the proteasome, it slows down this breakdown process, leading to an accumulation of proteins. This buildup can positively affect various cellular functions, which are important for the communication between neurons.

    Firestein’s research also shows that when there is more cypin present, the levels of important proteins in the synapses increase. These proteins are vital for effective communication between neurons, empowering learning and memory.

    Additionally, cypin increases the activity of another protein called UBE4A, which also helps with the tagging process. This indicates that cypin’s influence on synaptic proteins is partly because of its effect on UBE4A.

    The work highlights the importance of cypin in maintaining healthy brain function and its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions.

    “Even though this study is what we call ‘basic research,’ it eventually can be applied in practical, clinical settings,” said Firestein, who already is conducting such “translational” work in parallel. Translational research is a type of research that takes discoveries made in the lab and turns them into practical treatments or solutions to improve human health.

    Cypin’s significant role in the workings of the brain’s synapses makes it highly relevant to the potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury, she said. For example, healthy synaptic function is often disrupted in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

    In addition, the protein’s role in promoting synaptic plasticity – the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time – means it may be used to help counteract the synaptic dysfunction seen in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries.

    The study was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NINDS), the Coalition for Brain Injury Research, a charitable foundation dedicated to the memory of Dennis John Benigno, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in junior high school; and private donors Jamuna Rajasingham and Dyan Rajasingham.

    Other scientists from Rutgers involved in the study include Kiran Madura, a professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Srinivasa Gandu, Mihir Patel, Ana Rodriguez, former doctoral students in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience.

    Jared Lamp and Irving Vega of Michigan State University also contributed to this research.

    Source:

    Journal reference:

    Gandu, S. R., et al. (2025). Cypin regulates K63-linked polyubiquitination to shape synaptic content. Science Advances. doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ads5467.

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  • Civil servants may continue to serve as secretaries

    Civil servants may continue to serve as secretaries

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    ISLAMABAD:

    A week after advertising to hire federal secretaries of economic ministries from the private sector, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday constituted a committee to further examine the induction of sectoral experts into more suitable tiers of the civil service.

    The ministerial committee includes Climate Change Minister Dr Musaddiq Malik, Power Minister Sardar Awais Laghari, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial. It has been tasked with thoroughly deliberating the proposal.

    The committee’s findings will also be aligned with the work of two other committees led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

    The move comes just six days after the government published a media advertisement seeking private sector professionals for top civil service roles, which sparked concern among some federal ministers and bureaucrats about the potential impact on governance and institutional integrity.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the formation of a committee to finalise actionable proposals for the restructuring of other ministries and institutions, considering the reforms in the energy ministry, according to a statement issued by the PM’s office.

    “The committee will also focus on recruiting the best workforce, aligning ministries with modern systems, and improving governance through reforms,” stated the PM’s office.

    The sources said that during the meeting on power sector issues some of the participants raised serious concerns about the impact of the decision on hiring of principal accounting officers and other technical experts from the open market.

    There was a strong view in the meeting that the office of the federal secretary cannot be replaced with private persons having limited or no accountability of their decisions. One of the arguments was that foreign investment has not been hampered by secretaries, rather the reasons were different. Lack of sanctity of the contracts is said to be one of such reasons discouraging foreign investment.

    The participants didn’t have an issue with the induction of people against the higher grade positions but there were concerns about the level of entry whether they should be made federal secretaries or the inductions should be from grade 20 or 21, said the sources.

    Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Ahad Khan Cheema said that there was no change in the earlier decision, which was to establish a pool of capable and experienced people.

    The government has issued advertisements over the weekend to hire seven “dynamic” private sector individuals for the posts of federal secretaries.

    However, the advertisement did not name the divisions, the qualification criteria and job descriptions. It has invited applications from “dynamic and experienced professionals for the role of Principal Accounting Officers (PAOs), Technical Advisers, Head of Organizations in key economic areas”, states the advert. A two weeks’ deadline is given for submission of the applications.

    The advertisement, posted at the Establishment Division website, did not name the divisions, qualification criteria and the job descriptions. However, it suggested that the government is set to hire seven federal secretaries from the private sector to run the economy-related ministries.

    These are the Finance Division, Petroleum Division, Power Division, Planning Division, Industries and Production Division, National Food Security Division and Vocational Education and Training. These divisions are currently headed by officers from the all-powerful Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS).

    One federal minister objected that his secretary’s position is advertised without first consulting him.

    Pakistan’s economic ministries are mostly run by the officers from the PAS and there has been criticism that many of them do not have the requisite experience to understand the complexity of the economic matters.

    The prime minister said that transformation of the outdated system into a modern, digital, and effective governance model was among the government’s priorities, as economic development and prosperity were impossible without modernizing the system to meet contemporary demands.

    The prime minister directed to introduce reforms to enhance the performance of ministries and hire the services of experts in every sector. The prime minister said that the country could not achieve progress with the system that has been in place for seven decades.

    The meeting participants argued that instead of bringing in federal secretaries the capacity should be built through technical induction on contract basis or in middle tier lateral entry in civil service.

    The direct induction as principal accounting officer is largely untested with no exposure of public sector management and political and parliamentary oversights barring the induction of secretary information technology.

    According to some bureaucrats, top private sector professionals in this high risk environment will not join on present management pay scales and special pay scales. The existing stuff on the management pay scale is not of high quality, they argued.

    Young officers from the provinces are also reluctant to work in the federal government due to better service structure in the provinces.

    The federal government had a couple of years back given 140% executive allowance to the bureaucrats on the grounds that the officers from provinces were not ready to work in the centre due to better pay packages being offered by the federating units.

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  • Punjab govt, opposition to talk out MPAs’ suspension – Pakistan

    Punjab govt, opposition to talk out MPAs’ suspension – Pakistan

    LAHORE: The treasury and opposition in the Punjab Assembly have agreed to resolve issues through talks after days of acrimony and recriminations, which began with a raucous protest in the house during the chief minister’s speech last month.

    On June 27, PTI lawmakers protested in the house during CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s speech, where she highlighted her government’s achievements and budget priorities.

    The proceedings broke into a disarray as lawmakers surrounded the speaker’s dais and raised slogans. In response, Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan suspended 26 opposition lawmakers for 15 sittings and fined 10 MPAs Rs200,000 each for “damaging public property”.

    He then filed disqualification references with the Election Com­mission against the 26 PTI legislators over “unparliamentary conduct”.

    The speaker’s move drew widespread condemnation for being “excessive”. Experts said the move was “disturbing” and set a “dangerous precedent”.

    PA speaker meets penalised lawmakers; bipartisan committee to hold dialogue on deseating of members.

    The speaker vehemently defended his neutrality and constitutional auth­ority to move against the opposition lawmakers, saying such powers had been exercised in the past and were legally valid.

    However, a hint of rapprochement between the government and the opposition appeared on Thursday when Speaker Khan invited the 26 PTI MPAs to present their point of view on the disqualification references filed by treasury members.

    The suspended MPAs, led by Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar, reached the speaker’s chamber by noon on Friday.

    They were also joined by Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, PML-N’s chief whip Rana Arshad and others.

    While formal hearings were held on applications submitted by the government members, discussions between the two sides continued for over an hour.

    The two sides agreed to form a 15-member committee, headed by the speaker and having equal representation from the treasury and opposition, to sort out the issue.

    The committee will meet at the assembly on Sunday to further the dialogue.

    The speaker welcomed the move to find a “constitutional, legal, and parliamentary” solution to the issue.

    “Dialogue and consultation are the essence of parliamentary democracy. Every disagreement can be resolved through a positive, dignified, and constitutional approach,” he said.

    He termed the entire process a “positive parliamentary tradition” and hoped all parties would move forward with “wisdom, patience, and a commitment to democratic values”.

    Talking to the media after the meeting, Mr Rehman said the speaker should make a decision in accordance with the Constitution and law and ruled out any leniency in penalising those who created a commotion in the house.

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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  • The solar battery rebate has arrived – here’s how to steer clear of scammers | Solar power

    The solar battery rebate has arrived – here’s how to steer clear of scammers | Solar power

    This month the new federal battery rebate kicked off.

    It reminded me of 2008. I was working at the CSIRO and watching the solar boom take off thanks to the new $8,000 solar rebate for 1kW of panels. Consumers were excited, but most had no idea what they were buying or who to trust.

    The rebate triggered an influx of dodgy operators who would whack 1kW of cheap, nasty panels on your roof paired with a rubbish inverter, charge $500 total and still make a profit.

    Sometimes they charged $0 and threw in a Myer voucher to seal the deal. Yes, they’d pay you to go solar. It was the wild west. Those cheap 1kW systems were sometimes ineffective, often dangerously installed and dumped in landfills way too soon.

    Sixteen years later, it’s happening again. The approximately $350 a kilowatt hour battery rebate has triggered a rush. I’ve already seen ads offering 46 kWh of battery storage “FREE” when you buy solar.

    They’ve clearly found a way to get batteries from wholesalers for less than the rebate. Personally, I wouldn’t go near these deals.

    Batteries are serious gear. They store huge amounts of energy. They need proper installation and careful configuration. Most importantly, when feed-in tariffs shift (as they constantly do), you need a relationship with your installer to update how the battery works with the grid to maximise your savings.

    So here’s my advice, based on 16 years watching what happens when rebates attract cowboys:

    skip past newsletter promotion

    • Choose well-known brands. Be extremely wary of mystery batteries that popped up yesterday and cost half as much as anything else.

    • Use a local installer with a solid track record – someone who has been around and will still be around when you need them.

    • Read the 1-star reviews. They often reveal the stuff that really matters: ghosting customers, shoddy work, or warranty nightmares.

    • Slow down. The rebate isn’t vanishing tomorrow. Yes, it reduces on Jan 1 but things are mad right now. You might get a better result waiting a few months.

    • Think about sizing. A battery that’s too small will frustrate you, and one that’s too big may never fill. For most households (unless you’re planning to gamble on Amber), 15-20 kWh is the sweet spot.

    • Check your solar capacity. There’s no point having a giant battery you can’t fill. If you want to reduce your reliance on your electricity retailer, ensure your solar is up to the job.

    • Reward good installers. If the crew that did your original solar were great and they sell the battery you want, go back to them. If not, get multiple quotes.

    This rebate could help thousands of households get batteries that work well, and more than pay for themselves over at least the next 15 years. But only if those households choose carefully. Don’t let history repeat itself.

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