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  • Paolo Sorrentino's 'La Grazia' to open Venice Film Festival – Reuters

    1. Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘La Grazia’ to open Venice Film Festival  Reuters
    2. Paolo Sorrentino’ La Grazia is the Opening Film of the Biennale Cinema 2025  La Biennale di Venezia
    3. Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘La Grazia’ Toplining ‘The Great Beauty’ Star Toni Servillo Set as Venice Film Festival Opener  Variety
    4. Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘La Grazia’ To Open Venice Film Festival  Deadline
    5. Sorrentino’s new film La Grazia to open Venice Film Festival  ANSA

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  • Bionomics of Anopheles gambiae complex (Diptera: Culicidae) and malaria transmission pattern in a pre-elimination area in South–Western Senegal | Malaria Journal

    Bionomics of Anopheles gambiae complex (Diptera: Culicidae) and malaria transmission pattern in a pre-elimination area in South–Western Senegal | Malaria Journal

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  • Gold poised for weekly gain on dollar weakness, safe-haven demand – Reuters

    1. Gold poised for weekly gain on dollar weakness, safe-haven demand  Reuters
    2. Gold price remains on track to register gains for the first time in three weeks  FXStreet
    3. Gold (XAUUSD) Price Forecast: Gold Market Eyes Breakout on Dollar Dip, Tariff Fears  FXEmpire
    4. Gold heads for weekly gain as US tax-cut bill stokes fiscal worries  Dunya News
    5. Gold falls as strong US payrolls data douses rate cut hopes  Business Recorder

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  • Long neglected on dusty shelves in Corsican bars, Cap Corse is now looking to make an international comeback

    Long neglected on dusty shelves in Corsican bars, Cap Corse is now looking to make an international comeback

    After a period of decline, the island’s once-iconic apéritif is experiencing a notable resurgence by looking to the past.

    In Jacques Deray’s 1974 film Borsalino & Cie, Alain Delon, the epitome of French cool in his hat and double-breasted suit, takes revenge on his enemies in glamorous locales, where dapper card sharks enjoy generous pours of ruby-red Cap Corse. After decades confined to the dusty shelves of old-fashioned bars on Napoleon’s native island, this Corsican liqueur is spritzing its way back to prominence.

    Cap Corse, which comes in white and red variants, is a wine-based drink infused with tree bark, citrus fruit and herbs. LN Mattei, the company that distils it, was founded in the early 1870s. The tipple reached the peak of its popularity during the early 20th century. In the decades after the Second World War, however, it steadily lost its lustre, becoming a drink that mostly appealed to older Corsicans who remembered its glory days. 

    Monocle magazine, Mattei / Bastia / Corse 06-2025
    Inside the shop

    In 2016, Corsica’s Groupe Boisson Corse acquired LN Mattei and kick-started a new era of expansion. It has gone from producing 80,000 bottles, sold almost exclusively in Corsica, to making 400,000 bottles today, 15 per cent of which are exported.

    “Over time, Cap Corse had evolved to emphasise the bitterness of cinchona bark,” says Patrice Gontier Ackermann, LN Mattei’s general manager. “To appeal to a broader audience, we revived the original recipe of our founder, Louis Napoléon Mattei, which balances sweetness and bitterness.” This change was informed by the tastes of the current golden age of mixology but also by the rise of the Aperol spritz, which, in less than a decade, has gone from a Venetian aperitivo to a global phenomenon. (Aperol is now the most valuable brand in the Campari group’s European portfolio.) “We recognised that offering a quirky Corsican alternative had significant potential,” says Gontier Ackermann.

    Front of Mattei’s historic flagship shop
    Mattei’s historic flagship shop
    Mattei branding on poster
    Heritage branding

    The “Capo Spritz” is now served in bars across the island in large LN Mattei-branded glasses that will look familiar to Aperol fans. Expect to see these gracing a Mediterranean bar this summer. With just 350,000 or so permanent residents in Corsica and near-universal brand recognition on the island, LN Mattei needs to lean hard on exports for future growth. By 2030 it plans to double production to 800,000 bottles, with half sold outside Corsica.

    Cap Corse’s resurgence mirrors the island’s rise as a destination, increasingly attracting tourists from beyond France. The number of foreign visitors was up by 6 per cent last year, hitting an all-time high. LN Mattei’s shop in Bastia’s Place Saint Nicolas is an especially strong asset. Established by the company’s founder in 1872, it’s an officially recognised historical landmark. The shop, known for its dark-red open cabinets and exposed stone walls, stocks a wide array of Corsican products alongside the booze.

    An alcohol-free version of the apéritif is currently in the works. “That could become an important market for us in the years to come,” says Gontier Ackermann. After long being overlooked, Cap Corse is seeking to shake things up. “If we don’t keep moving, we could disappear.”

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  • Shehbaz Sharif meets Iranian president on sidelines of ECO summit

    Shehbaz Sharif meets Iranian president on sidelines of ECO summit

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday on the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan.

    During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation across all sectors and expressed satisfaction over the progress made on decisions taken during their previous meeting aimed at further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations.

    The two leaders also discussed the evolving regional situation in light of Israel’s unjustified aggression against Iran. PM Shehbaz appreciated President Pezeshkian’s leadership and commended Iran’s decision to exercise restraint and pursue a ceasefire during the recent crisis.

    Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Iran, the premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to working together with Iran through dialogue and diplomacy for peace in the region.

    Read: PM to attend 17th ECO summit in Baku

    President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s strong diplomatic support for Iran at international forums during the recent crisis and thanked Pakistan for its key role in de-escalation efforts.

    PM Shehbaz also conveyed a message of congratulations and best wishes for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    17th ECO Summit

    PM Shehbaz reached Azerbaijan on Thursday for a two-day official visit to participate in the 17th Summit of the ECO.

    The summit, was held in Khankendi from July 3 to 4, under the theme “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future”, bringing together heads of state and government from member countries to discuss pressing regional issues, including connectivity, trade and climate change.

    The premier was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.

    Upon his arrival at Fuzuli International Airport, the prime minister was received by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Moinuddin and other senior diplomatic and government officials.

    The Foreign Office had stated that the prime minister would address the summit outlining Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global issues. He was expected to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025 and advocate for deeper intra-regional trade, enhanced transport connectivity, greater energy cooperation and sustainable development.

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  • NIS2 revamps Ireland’s cybersecurity landscape: Old regulators, new powers

    The NIS2 Directive has significantly reshaped the cybersecurity landscape across the EU. Since the implementation deadline in October 2024, EU Member States have been working to incorporate new standards into their national laws, fostering a dynamic and rapidly evolving regulatory environment. Recently, Ireland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) published the draft NIS2 Risk Management Measures (RMM) Guidance, which outlines the minimum requirements for essential and important entities.  Ireland has also joined the Cyber Fundamentals Framework (CyFun), originally developed in Belgium, as a scheme co-owner. The CyFun framework offers a structured, risk-based methodology for essential and important entities, assisting them in organising and demonstrating their NIS2 security measures.

    While Ireland has not yet implemented the NIS2 Directive, the legislative process is now at an advanced stage, with the NCSC expecting the National Cyber Security Bill to be transposed into law by the end of the year. As implementation is steadily advancing, it is important to consider how it will impact businesses operating in and through Ireland.

    NIS2’s overall goal is to achieve a high common level of cybersecurity across the EU. Part of this approach requires Member States to establish one or more Competent Authorities responsible for cybersecurity and enforcement. To ensure smooth cross border compliance, a Single Point of Contact on cybersecurity responsible for liaising with other Member States is also required.

     

    Ireland’s NIS2 Strategy: NCSC as Central Liaison with Sectoral Oversight

    Interestingly, Ireland’s proposed implementing legislation takes a different approach to what is outlined in the NIS2 Directive. The NCSC will serve as the Single Point of Contact and act as the Lead Competent Authority, providing advice, guidance, and support to a range of Competent Authorities, each of which will oversee enforcement within their respective sectors. This approach contrasts with Belgium and France for example, where the Centre for Cyber Security Belgium (CCB) and the French Cyber Security Agency (ANSSI) serve as the central authority for all cybersecurity matters. Ireland’s NCSC will act as an overseer. An explanatory note in the Heads of Bill acknowledges that this role does not exist within the NIS2 Directive and “was taken as a policy decision after engagement with the other competent authorities in agreement with the NCSC”.

     

    Regulator Overview

    Article 8 of the NIS2 Directive mandates the designation of Competent Authorities, providing for robust oversight and enforcement. Article 27 requires businesses within the scope of the NIS2 Directive to register with these authorities, ensuring compliance and accountability. The full list of National Competent Authorities along with their designated sectors, as set out in head 17 of the draft Bill is as follows:

     

    NIS2 Regulatory and Oversight Bodies in Ireland
    Sectors
    Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
    • Energy
    • Drinking Water
    • Wastewater
    Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)
    • Digital Infrastructure
    • ICT Service Management
    • Digital Providers
    • Space
    Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)
    Irish Aviation Authority (IAA)
    Commission for Rail Regulation (CRR)
    The Minister for Transport
    National Transport Authority (NTA)
    Agencies under the remit of the Minister for Health
    National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
    • All other sectors set out in Schedule I and II
     
    Main Establishment & Considerations for Digital Service Providers

    The main establishment provision within the NIS2 Directive aims to reduce jurisdictional conflicts and regulatory overlap in the digital services space by creating a ‘one-stop-shop’ for incident reporting obligations. The main benefit derived from these provisions is that entities can report incidents to a single Member State rather than multiple jurisdictions, streamlining compliance and reducing the reporting burden for entities in the midst of large-scale cyber incidents.

    Digital Service Providers looking to avail of the main establishment concept within the NIS2 Directive should note that the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) will be responsible for this sector in Ireland. ComReg has been noticeably proactive in issuing guidance and developing resources in relation to the NIS2 Directive, indicating that it is preparing to play a significant role in enforcement – this will be welcomed by many businesses, given Ireland’s considerable importance as the European or EMEA headquarters for many of the world’s major tech companies.

    Established in 2002, ComReg is a mature, well-resourced statutory body which is responsible for regulating electronic communications and the postal sector in Ireland. ComReg has been instrumental in ensuring compliance throughout the most critical sectors in the Irish economy. Until recently, ComReg was under the leadership of Helen Dixon, who formerly led the Data Protection Commission and was instrumental in its transformation from a small, regionally based office to one of the world’s most influential data protection regulators.

     

    Conclusion

    As Ireland moves closer to full implementation of the NIS2 Directive, we are embracing a distinctive regulatory model that balances central coordination with sector-specific oversight. The NCSC’s role as both the Single Point of Contact and Lead Competent Authority reflects a pragmatic approach tailored to Ireland’s regulatory landscape. With the publication of the draft RMM Guidance and Ireland’s co-ownership of the CyFun framework, the groundwork is being laid for a more structured and resilient cybersecurity regime.

    Proactive engagement with sectoral regulators, especially ComReg for digital services, will be essential to ensure compliance and to leverage the benefits of streamlined reporting and guidance. Digital services providers can expect a well-resourced, tough but fair regulator capable of engaging with both multinational and national businesses. Some digital services providers may be classified as highly critical and subject to stricter enforcement, including proactive measures such as audits. The specifics of enforcement will become clear once the NIS2 Directive is transposed.

    As the National Cyber Security Bill nears enactment, organisations should prepare for a more robust and coordinated cybersecurity environment that aligns with the EU’s broader vision of digital resilience and cross-border cooperation. For further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the authors or your usual DLA Piper contact.

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  • No evidence of stolen data in Glasgow cyber attack

    No evidence of stolen data in Glasgow cyber attack

    Glasgow City Council has found no evidence of any data being stolen in a cyber attack that took a number of services offline in June.

    The local authority also says there has been no sign of any data being leaked or misused after the incident, but advised people to remain cautious.

    Technology services supplier CGI discovered malicious activity on servers managed by a third-party supplier on 19 June.

    A number of online services, including paying penalty charges and reporting school absences, became unavailable due to the council taking servers offline.

    No financial systems were affected by the attack and no details of bank accounts or credit/debit cards processed by those systems were compromised.

    A spokesperson for the council said: “As part of our investigation, experts are monitoring online activity and, to date, there has been no evidence of any data being leaked or misused.

    “However, until forensic examinations of the affected servers are complete – and we can be confident whether any data has been stolen – we are advising anyone who has used any of the affected forms to be particularly cautious about contact claiming to be from Glasgow City Council.”

    Some services, such as public freedom of information requests, can be accessed again while workarounds are being developed for other affected systems.

    Police Scotland are involved in investigating the incident, along with the council, the Scottish Cyber Co-ordination Centre and the National Cyber Security Centre.

    A number of Scottish public bodies have been hit by cyber attacks in recent months, including a ransomware group targeting NHS Dumfries and Galloway last year which saw stolen files published online.

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  • Australian scientists develop green method to produce ammonia gas from air-Xinhua

    SYDNEY, July 4 (Xinhua) — Australian scientists have pioneered a green method to produce ammonia gas from air using artificial lightning, which is low-cost, decentralized and scalable.

    The team has created a more efficient process to produce ammonia gas directly, bypassing earlier methods that first yielded ammonium in solution and required additional steps and energy to obtain the final gas, according to University of Sydney researchers whose study was published Friday.

    Ammonia is typically produced by the energy-intensive and fossil fuel-dependent Haber-Bosch process, an invention in the 19th century, said a statement from the university.

    “In this research, we’ve successfully developed a method that allows air to be converted to ammonia in its gaseous form using electricity,” said the study’s lead researcher, University of Sydney Professor PJ Cullen.

    The plasma-based method Cullen’s team developed uses electricity to excite nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air. The team then passes these excited molecules to the membrane-based electrolyser to convert the excited molecules to ammonia, according to the study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition under the German Chemical Society.

    Researchers stressed the need for decentralized and low-cost green ammonia production independent of fossil fuels, noting the team’s plasma-electrolysis process is already energy efficient and scalable, with further improvements underway. ■

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  • Q2 2025 Recap: Endocrinology News and Updates

    Q2 2025 Recap: Endocrinology News and Updates

    HCPLive Endocrinology Q2 2025 Recap

    The second quarter of 2025 brought meaningful developments in endocrinology, from FDA actions to clinical breakthroughs spotlighted at major meetings. Several regulatory milestones signaled progress for patients across the spectrum of endocrine disorders, including expanded access to CGM technology, new formulations for adrenal insufficiency, and a broader treatment label for Cushing’s syndrome.

    Novo Nordisk’s NDA for 25 mg oral semaglutide also marked a potential turning point in obesity care, with the first oral GLP-1 formulation for weight management now under review. Meanwhile, June’s ADA Scientific Sessions capped the quarter with a surge of new data on incretin therapies, obesity drugs, and diabetes technology—many with practice-changing potential.

    Here’s a look back at the most impactful regulatory updates and conference highlights shaping the future of endocrine care.

    Regulatory Updates in Endocrinology

    FDA Clears Dexcom G7 15-Day CGM System

    On April 10, 2025, the FDA cleared Dexcom’s G7 15-day continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system for adults with diabetes, making it the longest-lasting and most accurate CGM approved in the U.S. Based on clinical data showing a MARD of 8.0%, the G7 15 Day demonstrated excellent accuracy and user satisfaction. According to Dexcom, the system offers features like Apple Watch integration, waterproof sensors, and extended wear with a 12-hour grace period for sensor changes. The company plans to ensure compatibility with insulin pump systems ahead of its US launch in late 2025.

    FDA Approves Label Expansion for Osilodrostat for Cushing’s Syndrome

    On April 16, 2025, the FDA approved Recordati’s sNDA for osilodrostat (Isturisa), expanding its indication to include adults with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome who are not surgical candidates or for whom surgery was not curative. Previously approved only for Cushing’s disease, the broader label is supported by data from the LINC 3 and LINC 4 trials showing sustained cortisol reduction and clinical improvement. According to Recordati, osilodrostat offers a vital option for managing hypercortisolemia and preventing severe complications.

    FDA Accepts NDA Submission for Oral Semaglutide 25 mg

    On May 2, 2025, Novo Nordisk announced the FDA accepted its NDA for a once-daily 25 mg oral formulation of semaglutide for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one comorbidity. Based on results from the 64-week OASIS 4 trial, the oral semaglutide demonstrated significant weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. According to Novo Nordisk, this could become the first oral GLP-1 therapy approved for obesity. If approved, it would expand individualized treatment options beyond injectable formulations. An FDA decision is expected in Q4 2025.

    FDA Approves Hydrocortisone Oral Solution for Adrenal Insufficiency

    On May 28, 2025, the FDA approved Eton Pharmaceuticals’ hydrocortisone oral solution (KHINDIVI) for pediatric patients aged 5 and older with adrenocortical insufficiency, marking the first liquid formulation approved for this use. Designed for accurate, individualized dosing, the 1 mg/mL solution helps patients who have difficulty swallowing pills. According to Eton, this ready-to-use formulation eliminates the need for pill-splitting and supports improved treatment outcomes during childhood development.

    American Diabetes Association

    June 2025 also brought several groundbreaking trials and new updates in diabetes care at the 8th American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, which were held in Chicago, Illinois from June 20-23, 2025. With multiple sessions dedicated to late-breaking research, the meeting featured multiple simultaneous publications, including a slew of studies related to incretin therapies. To learn more about the meeting’s top news, check out this trio of articles recapping ADA 2025.

    Diabetes Dialogue

    Diabetes Dialogue: Semaglutide for MASH in ESSENCE Trial, With Arun Sanyal, MD

    In this episode, the hosts discuss new Phase 3 data from the ESSENCE trial showing that once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg significantly improved liver outcomes and reduced weight in patients with MASH and stage 2 or 3 fibrosis. They speak with the trial’s lead author about semaglutide’s clinical impact, its potential as a future MASH treatment, and how it compares to the currently approved option, resmetirom.

    Diabetes Dialogue: AACE 2025 Recap

    In this episode, the hosts recap key moments from the 2025 AACE Annual Meeting, covering major plenaries, hands-on tech workshops, and the launch of a new diabetes technology certification program. They spotlight updates on GLP-1 safety, health equity, CGM innovations, and emerging trial data, while reflecting on the future of personalized diabetes care.

    Diabetes Dialogue: Real-World Impact of iLet Bionic Pancreas, With Steven Russell, MD, PhD

    In this episode, the hosts speak with the Chief Medical Officer of Beta Bionics about real-world outcomes from the iLet Bionic Pancreas, an FDA-cleared fully autonomous insulin delivery system requiring no user settings. They highlight its strong A1c-lowering effect, minimal hypoglycemia, and promise for underserved populations and primary care use, including off-label applications in type 2 diabetes.

    Diabetes Dialogue: REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2, with Timothy Garvey, MD, and Melanie Davies, MD

    In this episode recorded at ADA 2025, the hosts break down results from the REDEFINE 1 and 2 trials showing that CagriSema delivered substantial weight loss and glycemic improvements in people with and without type 2 diabetes. They also discuss the drug’s safety, clinical relevance, and future in obesity care with trial investigators, highlighting upcoming studies like REDEFINE 3.

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  • Largest Mars rock could sell for a staggering $4 million |

    Largest Mars rock could sell for a staggering $4 million |

    A rare and massive meteorite from Mars, known as NWA 16788, is poised to make headlines as it heads to auction with an estimated price of up to $4 million. Weighing 54 pounds (24.5 kilograms), it is the largest known piece of the Red Planet ever discovered on Earth, making it 70% larger than any previously found Martian meteorite. First unearthed in Niger’s remote Agadez region in November 2023, this extraordinary specimen is not only scientifically significant but also visually striking, with a glassy crust and deep red hues that reflect its Martian origin.

    Martian Rock: A once-in-a-generation discovery

    According to Sotheby’s, the auction house hosting the sale on July 16 in New York, NWA 16788 is among just 400 confirmed Martian meteorites ever found. Its immense size and exceptional condition set it apart from the usual small fragments that survive Earth’s atmosphere. Cassandra Hatton, Vice Chairman of Science and Natural History at Sotheby’s, described it as “a discovery of extraordinary significance… a tangible connection to the Red Planet.” The meteorite likely arrived on Earth after a powerful asteroid impact blasted it from Mars millions of years ago.

    Scientific insights encased in glass

    Analysis reveals that parts of NWA 16788 were turned to glass during its ejection from Mars and again during its fiery descent through Earth’s atmosphere. Planetary scientist Julia Cartwright of the University of Leicester called it a “fabulous rock,” noting that a reference sample is secured at China’s Purple Mountain Observatory, ensuring future scientific study. She emphasized the balance between private collecting and academic access: “Without the market, we wouldn’t have nearly as many samples to study.”

    Public or private? Experts weigh in

    While some scientists, like Professor Steve Brusatte of the University of Edinburgh, express concern that the rock might vanish into a private vault, others recognize the role collectors play. “It would be a shame if it disappeared from public view,” said Brusatte. Cartwright, however, remains optimistic, suggesting the new owner could still collaborate with researchers. The meteorite’s fate may remain unknown after the auction, but its legacy in planetary science is already secured.


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