- Long ago, Mars had massive watersheds—now finally mapped Phys.org
- Alteration history of aluminum-rich rocks at Jezero crater, Mars | Communications Earth & Environment Nature
- Findings suggest red planet was warmer, wetter millions of years…
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Long ago, Mars had massive watersheds—now finally mapped – Phys.org
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New Gates-QFFD Partnership Advances Health & Food Security
New catalytic funding will expand access to health, climate-resilient agriculture, and access to education across Africa and South Asia
DOHA, QATAR (December 6, 2025) – On the sidelines of the Doha Forum, the Gates Foundation and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) announced a five-year strategic partnership, committing US$500 million to drive accelerated progress in global health, climate-resilient agriculture, and education. The goal of the partnership is to help improve outcomes for mothers, children, and young people across Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Fund for Development, and Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, who witnessed the formalization of the agreement.”
“Solving big global health and development challenges takes more than good intentions. It requires practical innovation and partners committed to making sure those breakthroughs reach the people who need them most,” said Bill Gates. “Our partnership with the Qatar Fund for Development will help expand access to the tools that let families build healthier, more productive lives.”
Strengthening Multilateral Health Platforms
Both parties have agreed to strengthen multilateral platforms such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund.
Fahad Hamad Al- Sulaiti, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development, stated:
“This partnership reinforces Qatar’s commitment to tackling global development challenges through innovative and scalable financing. By deploying QFFD’s non-grant instruments, concessional loans, equity, guarantees, and transaction structuring, we are setting a new standard for sustainable, impact-driven cooperation. Together, we aim to mobilize US$500 million over five years to unlock transformative solutions for health, food security, climate resilience, and beyond.”
A History of Collaboration
The partnership follows the longstanding collaboration between the Gates Foundation and QFFD, including Nanmo, an initiative investing in climate-adaptive agricultural tools and technologies launched in 2022 to support smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, and the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative, a South-South community of practice convening senior public health civil servants to address the unmet needs of low- and middle-income countries on policy implementation and solutions. Through the Nanmo partnership, the new funding announced today will expand climate-resilient catalytic projects, such as the aquaculture and nutrition work led by Worldfish, the development of aquaculture in Kenya, and the creation of jobs and improving food security for thousands of smallholder farmers.
About the Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board.
About the Qatar Fund for Development
The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is the State of Qatar’s official institution for international development and humanitarian assistance. Guided by Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the State’s International Cooperation Strategy, QFFD works to empower communities and improve lives by investing in education, health, economic opportunity, and resilience across more than 100 countries. Leveraging a diversified financing toolkit including concessional loans, guarantees, grants, and blended finance QFFD delivers scalable, sustainable solutions that promote inclusive growth and long-term stability.
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An Asteroid Threatening Earth Is Teeming With Ingredients for Life, Scientists Discover
Welcome back to the Abstract! Here are the studies this week that fought for their food, took one for the team, passed the extraterrestrial sugar, and got lost in an ancient haze.
First, a story about the spiciest meatball in…
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Tinnitus Triggers Your Body’s ‘Fight or Flight’ Response, Study Finds : ScienceAlert
Chronic tinnitus may increase stress levels by keeping the body that much closer to a fight-or-flight response to sound, a new study suggests.
By carefully studying the facial expressions of people with and without tinnitus, scientists have…
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‘Everyone will miss the socialising – but it’s also a relief’: five young teens on Australia’s social media ban | Social media ban
Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s will begin in just a few days. Malaysia, Denmark and Norway are to follow suit and the European Union last week passed a resolution to adopt similar restrictions. As the world watches on,…
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The #1 Mistake You’re Making When You Take Vitamin D
- The biggest mistake you’re making is choosing the wrong form of vitamin D supplement.
- Vitamin D3 is from animals, and it is the type you make from the sun, which is absorbed better.
- Choose an independently-tested supplement or add fatty fish…
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AI-Powered Browsers Are Failing Badly
Illustration by Tag Hartman-Simkins / Futurism. Source: Getty Images
Do AI browsers represent the future of perusing the world wide web? The AI industry certainly wants you to believe that they do, just as it…
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Viatris Announces Agreement to Monetize its Equity Stake in Biocon Biologics Limited
Viatris to Receive $400 Million in Cash and $415 Million in Equity Shares of Biocon Limited
Transaction Accelerates the Expiration of Biosimilars Non-Compete Restrictions
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Viatris Inc. (Nasdaq: VTRS) today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements with Biocon Limited (“Biocon”) for the sale of Viatris’ equity stake in Biocon Biologics Limited (“Biocon Biologics”). Under the definitive agreements, Biocon will acquire all of Viatris’ convertible preferred equity in Biocon Biologics for total consideration of $815 million, consisting of $400 million in cash and $415 million in newly issued equity shares of Biocon.
“This agreement is another important step in Viatris’ evolution,” said Scott A. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Viatris. “Monetizing the value of our equity stake in Biocon Biologics and regaining access to the biosimilars market globally provides significant additional optionality as we continue to build a portfolio of generics, established brands and innovative brands that can contribute to our future growth.”
Key Terms of Transaction
Under the terms of the agreements, Viatris will sell its equity stake in Biocon Biologics to Biocon for $400 million in cash and $415 million in equity shares of Biocon Limited, which will be listed and traded on the National Stock Exchange of India. The shares are subject to a six-month lock up period. Transaction value will be subject to related taxes. In addition, the terms of the definitive agreements accelerate the expiration of biosimilars non-compete restrictions previously placed on Viatris in 2022 in connection with Viatris’ sale of its biosimilars portfolio and related commercial and other capabilities to Biocon Biologics. These restrictions will expire immediately at the time of close for all ex-U.S. markets and in November 2026 for U.S. markets. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions.Citi is acting as financial advisor to Viatris. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Indian law firm Khaitan & Co. are acting as legal advisors to Viatris.
About Viatris
Viatris Inc. (Nasdaq: VTRS) is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale, currently supplying high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually and touching all of life’s moments, from birth to the end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases. With our exceptionally extensive and diverse portfolio of medicines, a one-of-a-kind global supply chain designed to reach more people when and where they need them, and the scientific expertise to address some of the world’s most enduring health challenges, access takes on deep meaning at Viatris. We are headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and X.Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may include statements that Viatris has entered into definitive agreements with Biocon for the sale of Viatris’ equity stake in Biocon Biologics; under the definitive agreements, Biocon will acquire all of Viatris’ convertible preferred equity in Biocon Biologics for total consideration of $815 million, consisting of $400 million in cash and $415 million in newly issued equity shares of Biocon; this agreement is another important step in Viatris’ evolution; monetizing the value of our equity stake in Biocon Biologics and regaining access to the biosimilars market globally provides significant additional optionality as we continue to build a portfolio of generics, established brands and innovative brands that can contribute to our future growth; under the terms of the agreements, Viatris will sell its equity stake in Biocon Biologics to Biocon for $400 million in cash and $415 million in equity shares of Biocon Limited, which will be listed and traded on the National Stock Exchange of India; the shares are subject to a six-month lock up period; transaction value will be subject to related taxes; the terms of the definitive agreements accelerate the expiration of biosimilars non-compete restrictions previously placed on Viatris in 2022 in connection with Viatris’ sale of its biosimilars portfolio and related commercial and other capabilities to Biocon Biologics; these restrictions will expire immediately at the time of close for all ex-U.S. markets and in November 2026 for U.S. markets; the transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions. Because forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties, actual future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: actions and decisions of healthcare and pharmaceutical regulators; our ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations; changes in healthcare and pharmaceutical laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad; any regulatory, legal or other impediments to Viatris’ ability to bring new products to market; products in development and/or that receive regulatory approval may not achieve expected levels of market acceptance, efficacy or safety; longer review, response and approval times as a result of evolving regulatory priorities and reductions in personnel at health agencies; Viatris’ or its partners’ ability to develop, manufacture, and commercialize products; the scope, timing and outcome of any ongoing legal proceedings, and the impact of any such proceedings on Viatris; Viatris’ failure to achieve expected or targeted future financial and operating performance and results; goodwill or impairment charges or other losses; any changes in or difficulties with the Company’s manufacturing facilities; risks associated with international operations; changes in third-party relationships; the effect of any changes in Viatris’ or its partners’ customer and supplier relationships and customer purchasing patterns; the impacts of competition; changes in the economic and financial conditions of Viatris or its partners; uncertainties regarding future demand, pricing and reimbursement for the Company’s products; uncertainties and matters beyond the control of management, including but not limited to general political and economic conditions, potential adverse impacts from future tariffs and trade restrictions, inflation rates and global exchange rates; and the other risks described in Viatris’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Viatris routinely uses its website as a means of disclosing material information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner for purposes of the SEC’s Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD). Viatris undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this press release other than as required by law.SOURCE Viatris Inc.
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Car Connections: Mercedes-AMG, Bugatti, and Bentley
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 57 One of One and Type 57SC Atlantic (Photo courtesy of Bugatti)
We’ve made it to the weekend! It’s time for another installment of Car Connections, a game in which I take three words from…
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Ultra-processed foods: Leading cause of 'chronic disease pandemic,' scientists warn – Medical Xpress
- Ultra-processed foods: Leading cause of ‘chronic disease pandemic,’ scientists warn Medical Xpress
- ‘One bite and he was hooked’: from Kenya to Nepal, how parents are battling ultra-processed foods The Guardian
- Even small rise in UPFs ups…
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