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Wednesday, 5:13 AM

August 13, 2025

Good morning news friend! Watch today’s stories unfold and shape the future to come.📰🌟

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US-China Trade Standoff

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ruled out Chinese investment pledges in the US trade deal, citing US efforts to reshore industries like semiconductors, rare-earth magnets, pharmaceuticals, and steel.

The US extended a 90-day tariff truce with China until early November to stabilize trade talks. Discussions between US and Chinese officials are planned within 2–3 months. Tariff reductions depend on sustained progress in curbing fentanyl precursor chemicals from China, with Trump’s 20% plus 10% tariffs remaining.

Chinese EV firms have expanded abroad to avoid tariffs. President Xi Jinping invited Trump to meet, but no date is set, and Trump has not accepted. Trade tensions persist over technology competition and regulatory demands.

Sources: Bloomberg, BusinessTimes, Reuters.

Tariffs, Inflation, and Debt

U.S. inflation held at 2.7% annually in July, with core inflation above the Fed’s 2% target at 3.1%, but less than expected by economists. Gasoline prices fell 2.2% monthly and nearly 10% yearly, easing headline inflation.

Tariffs, averaging 10%, raised prices on imports like shoes and furniture; coffee surged 15% due to production issues. Tariffs generated record customs revenue but the budget deficit rose 20% to $291 billion in July, driven by higher Social Security, healthcare spending, and debt interest.

National debt topped $37 trillion, growing rapidly. Job growth slowed after tariffs, complicating Fed policy amid persistent inflation.

Sources: AP News, AP News, AP News, Reuters, Reuters, CNBC.

Mexico Hands Over 26 Top Cartel Figures to U.S.

Mexico extradited 26 top cartel figures to the U.S. on August 12, 2025, following 29 extraditions in February.

Notable detainees include Abigael González Valencia of “Los Cuinis,” linked to CJNG, and Roberto Salazar, wanted for a 2008 deputy’s murder. The U.S. agreed not to seek the death penalty, continuing a prior arrangement. Servando Gómez Martínez, former Knights Templar leader, was also transferred.

These moves reflect increased U.S.-Mexico cooperation under Trump administration pressure to combat drug trafficking, with threats of tariffs and military action against cartels. The extraditions target networks smuggling cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, aiming to weaken violent criminal groups operating between both countries.

Sources: AP News, Bloomberg, NYTimes, Reuters.

Perplexity’s $34.5 Billion Play to Buy Google Chrome

AI startup Perplexity offered $34.5 billion to buy Google Chrome, nearly double its own $18 billion valuation. The bid aims to access Chrome’s 3+ billion users and advance in AI search.

Google has rejected the offer and plans to appeal a U.S. court ruling that may force it to sell Chrome as part of antitrust remedies. Perplexity intends to keep Chrome’s code open source, invest $3 billion over two years, and maintain the default search engine.

Other bidders like OpenAI and Yahoo have also shown interest. A final ruling on Google’s antitrust case is expected soon. Perplexity raised $1 billion backing and could rival AI competitors if the deal succeeds.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, Archive, WallStreetJournal.

Natural Molecule is a Plaque Killer:

Researchers identified 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a natural molecule found in some vegetables, that destroys 90% of Streptococcus mutans biofilm responsible for dental plaque and cavities.

DIM inhibits bacterial growth and biofilm formation while showing low toxicity in laboratory tests. Although effective in vitro, DIM is not yet approved for dental products, and no human trials have confirmed its benefits.

The compound also exhibits anti-cancer properties, drawing further research interest. If approved, DIM could be incorporated into toothpaste or mouthwash, offering an alternative to current dental hygiene solutions.

Commercial availability remains years away pending safety and efficacy testing.

Sources: SciTechDaily.

Hope for IBS-D Patients

A gut hormone, INSL5, triggers diarrhea symptoms in about 40% of IBS-D patients by responding to bile acids improperly entering the large intestine. BAD, affecting 1% of people and often misdiagnosed as IBS-D, causes excess bile acids that raise INSL5 levels, worsening diarrhea.

INSL5 acts to flush toxic bile acids, with higher levels linked to more severe symptoms. About 40% of IBS-D patients with elevated INSL5 responded to ondansetron, which blocks INSL5 but can cause constipation.

Current BAD treatments work for two-thirds of patients. This discovery may lead to new blood tests and targeted therapies, shifting IBS-D understanding towards hormonal causes rather than microbiome issues.

Sources: Sciencealert, News-Medical, Sciencedaily.

“A man who is always in a tearing hurry is like a fella who tries to ripen his peaches by boiling them; he may make them soft, but he sure ain't making them sweet.”

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 Science of Longevity

• Metabolic Syndrome Nation

• Surge in Fraud Cases in the Age of DeepFakes

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️