Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Friday, 5:02 AM

September 12, 2025

Good morning news friend! Follow the moments defining today and shaping the course of tomorrow.  📰🌟

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Senate Changes Confirmation Rules

The U.S. Senate has revised confirmation rules, enabling faster approval of President Trump’s executive nominees.

Republicans passed the change with a 53-45 vote, allowing grouped confirmations to expedite the process amid Democratic delays. Critics argue this shift increases presidential power without proper oversight.

The new rules target lower-level nominees but exclude federal judges and Cabinet heads. Senator Adam Schiff expressed concerns over diminished checks and balances.

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, and initial confirmations may occur next week, starting with nominee Stephen Miran for the Federal Reserve Board.

Sources: Reuters, WallStreetJournal, NYTimes.

Brazil’s Bolsonaro Convicted

Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro received a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to stage a coup following his 2022 electoral loss. He is the first Brazilian president convicted of such a crime.

The Supreme Court ruling, made by a panel of five justices, found him guilty of multiple charges, including plotting to annul election results favoring President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and plans to assassinate officials. Bolsonaro remains under house arrest as his legal team prepares to appeal.

The U.S. has expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, and Bolsonaro is barred from holding office until 2030, impacting Brazil's conservative political landscape.

Sources: Bloomberg, AP News, Reuters, NYTimes.

Microsoft and OpenAI Truce

Microsoft and OpenAI signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding on September 11, 2025, allowing OpenAI to transition to a for-profit company.

Microsoft initially invested $1 billion in 2019 and $10 billion in 2023, holding exclusive rights to sell OpenAI’s software on Azure. OpenAI is pursuing its Stargate data center initiative and has secured $300 billion in contracts with Oracle and Google.

As it approaches a $500 billion valuation, OpenAI aims to secure over $100 billion for its nonprofit arm. Regulatory approvals are pending, and Microsoft seeks continued access to OpenAI technology amid growing competition in AI services. Microsoft shares rose 2.4% post-announcement.

Sources: Reuters, WallStreetJournal, Microsoft, AXIOS.

Apple’s Hypertension Detection Approved

Apple has received FDA approval for a hypertension detection feature on the Apple Watch, launching on September 19.

This tool utilizes the watch's optical heart sensor to monitor blood vessel responses over 30 days, alerting users to potential high blood pressure. The feature aims to reach over 1 million undiagnosed hypertension cases in its first year and will be available in 150 countries.

It supports Apple Watch Series 9, 10, 11, and Ultra models 2 and 3. An update on September 15 will enable alerts for older models. Additionally, a Sleep Score feature will assess sleep quality for Series 6 and later.

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, Cnet, Appleinsider.

Arthritis Care Breakthrough

Scientists at Cambridge have created a cartilage-like material that detects inflammation and releases anti-inflammatory medication at arthritic sites.

The gel responds to pH changes during flare-ups, softening to trigger drug release, minimizing side effects. This invention could serve as artificial cartilage, offering continuous treatment and improving drug effectiveness.

Current lab tests show enhanced drug release in acidic conditions typical of arthritis. The team plans clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficiency. If successful, this responsive biomaterial could transform treatment for chronic diseases, including cancer, potentially reducing medication frequency.

Arthritis currently affects over 600 million people globally, incurring significant healthcare costs.

Sources: SciTechDaily, BME, Cambridge.

New Hope for Fatty Liver Disease

Researchers have identified microRNA-93 (miR-93) as a key factor in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), affecting approximately 30% of the global population.

Elevated miR-93 levels worsen lipid buildup, inflammation, and fibrosis by suppressing the SIRT1 gene, essential for lipid metabolism. Gene-editing experiments in mice showed that blocking miR-93 reduced liver fat and improved insulin sensitivity, while overexpression led to metabolism issues.

Niacin (vitamin B3) was found to effectively lower miR-93 and increase SIRT1 activity, normalizing liver lipid levels. This suggests vitamin B3 could be repurposed for MASLD treatment, potentially paving the way for combination therapies targeting miRNA pathways.

Sources: SciTechDaily.

“You must understand that a hero ain't a map to be followed; he is a spur in your side to remind you that the race is on, and you are already behind.”

Did you know we also write in-depth deep dives? They are long, packed with insights, and have received rave reviews. If you’re up for a detailed, action-packed read, check them out:

• The Attention War on Your Brain

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• AI Proof Professionals

• AI & the Future of White-Collar Work

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️