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Is the economy on thin ice? Our expert can explain

Is the bubble about to burst again on the country's economy? A recent article by Bloomberg News paints a picture of what lies ahead - and the predictions look bleak at best. The Congressional Budget Office warned in its latest projections that US federal government debt is on a path from 97% of GDP last year to 116% by 2034 — higher even than in World War II. The actual outlook is likely worse. From tax revenue to defense spending and interest rates, the CBO forecasts released earlier this year are underpinned by rosy assumptions. Plug in the market’s current view on interest rates, and the debt-to-GDP ratio rises to 123% in 2034. Then assume — as most in Washington do — that ex-President Donald Trump’s tax cuts mainly stay in place, and the burden gets even higher.   With uncertainty about so many of the variables, Bloomberg Economics has run a million simulations to assess the fragility of the debt outlook. In 88% of the simulations, the results show the debt-to-GDP ratio is on an unsustainable path — defined as an increase over the next decade.  April 01 - Bloomberg The economy is in the news every day - and if you're a journalist looking to know what the future may hold - then let us help with your coverage and questions. Professor Lee Branstetter is a research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research and nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.   He is available to speak with media about the economy - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

CMU To Send Group of Satellites Into Orbit To Test Low-Cost Autonomous Swarming

Satellites designed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers to orbit in a swarm and maintain communication with each other while zipping around the Earth will test the latest in low-cost, CubeSat technology. The CMU team is monitoring four small satellites as they communicate with each other, determining where they are relative to one another and autonomously maneuvering to stay within communication range. The satellites have no propulsion systems but can change their orbital positions by adjusting their orientation in flight to increase or decrease drag. These maneuvers will allow the satellites to stay within a few hundred miles of each other and orbit in a loose formation relative to members of the swarm. “We’re trying to do really complicated, multiagent autonomy in a very small box,” said Zac Manchester, an assistant professor in the Robotics Institute at CMU’s School of Computer Science. “Our goal is to have these satellites act autonomously in a coordinated way. We want them to talk to each other, find out where their buddies are and stay close enough to maintain communication.” The goal of PY4 is to demonstrate low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) spacecraft-to-spacecraft ranging, in-orbit relative navigation, and coordinated simultaneous multi-point radiation measurements. Manchester’s Robotic Exploration Lab leads the project, known as PY4. The experiment is funded through a NASA Small Spacecraft Technology program grant, led by the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, and managed by NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. The four CubeSats, each measuring 4 inches by 4 inches by 6.5 inches — about the size of a cracker box — launched Monday, March 4, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Max Holliday, middle, installs one of the four PyCubed-Based CubeSat (PY4) spacecraft into the Small Satellites Dispenser. The PY4 mission intends to demonstrate a low-cost approach to multiple-satellite missions. Advancing autonomy and proving that relatively small and inexpensive satellites can succeed could reduce mission and operational costs dramatically for subsequent missions. This technology demonstration aims to show that a group of low-cost small satellites provide the same functionality as larger, more costly spacecraft. Multiple satellites are needed for multipoint science data collection and for applications like positioning and tracking, stereo and 3D imaging of the Earth, and taking measurements to study the atmosphere and weather. Lowering the cost of these missions seeks to broaden the applications of multisatellite technology. “The big one that has been motivating us in the lab has been global wildlife tracking,” Manchester said. “We could have a number of low-cost satellites monitoring animals across the world to better understand the global impacts of poaching, illegal fishing, deforestation and climate change.” The satellites operate in low-Earth orbit at an altitude of about 342 miles (550 kilometers), slightly higher than the International Space Station. Solar panels snapped open once the satellites were in orbit to charge the batteries. The satellites orbit the Earth, passing over the poles at about 15,660 miles per hour (7 kilometers per second). The CMU team is monitoring the satellites but can only communicate directly with them using their own ground station during a five-minute window a few times per day. For the rest of the time, they rely on the Iridium constellation for communication with the satellites. A rendering of the satellites in orbit. In orbit, the satellites act autonomously. They periodically measure their relative distance to establish their positions in relation to each other. Combining this information with other sensor data available from the satellites allows them to control the configuration of the swarm. A maneuver such as changing the configuration of the swarm from a line to a box could take weeks. Manchester expects his team to gather all the data needed for their research in a few months. Zachary Manchester is a researcher and aerospace engineer with broad interests in dynamics, control, estimation and optimization.  If you're looking to know more about this project - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

AI Tool Lets New Managers Practice Performance Reviews and Job Interviews

A new artificial intelligence tool developed at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business lets students practice conducting performance reviews and job interviews with AI agents based on large language models (LLMs) that behave like employees. The tool could help prospective managers level up their experience before they hit the job market.

Innovative EEG Brain Monitoring Program Provides Optimal Care for Critically Ill Patients

ChristianaCare has launched an innovative electroencephalogram (EEG) brain monitoring program that represents a significant leap forward in the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions. The easy-to-use EEG program is the first of its kind that can be performed at the bedside to measure the electrical activity of the brain, providing a vital sign for brain function to help diagnose seizures more quickly. ChristianaCare is the first hospital system in Delaware to use the Ceribell point-of-care EEG monitoring system, which can reduce the time it takes to diagnose certain neurological conditions from hours to mere minutes. Using the system, clinicians have immediate access to EEG information so they can triage at-risk patients in just five minutes and monitor patients for treatment optimization. “With this new program, our team of expert clinicians will have the diagnostic information they need to provide high-risk patients with the right care at the right time, ensuring the best outcomes for our patients and their families,” said Kim Gannon, M.D., Ph.D., service line leader for Neurosciences at ChristianaCare. New technology detects ‘silent seizures’ Critically ill patients are at high risk of harmful brain electrical discharges called seizures. Some of these patients experience a type of “silent seizure” with no noticeable symptoms (non-convulsive) that can only be detected using EEG. If prolonged, non-convulsive seizures can lead to permanent brain injury and higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Demonstration of EEG device on patient at ChristianaCare Newark Campus. As a result, guidelines from the Neurocritical Care Society recommend EEG should be initiated within 15-60 minutes when these seizures are suspected. Meeting these guidelines has proven difficult due to the limitations of conventional EEG systems, which were not designed for use in emergency situations. Even top academic centers that have 24/7 EEG capabilities may experience wait times of four hours or more for conventional equipment. When relying on clinical judgement alone while waiting for these conventional EEG systems, diagnostic accuracy has been shown to be only slightly better than chance (65%). The value of this new technology for patients is that it provides accurate results quickly so that the care team can intervene early. “The neuroscience and critical care teams at ChristianaCare believe that ‘time is brain’ not only applies to stroke but also when dealing with seizure,” Gannon said. Gannon is referring to the fact that for every minute that passes when someone is having a stroke, 1.9 million brain cells are lost, increasing the chance of disability or death. That same kind of speed and urgency can now more easily be brought to bear for patients when a seizure is suspected. “This monitoring system is easy to use and can be set up in about five minutes,” said Richard Choi, D.O., medical director of the Neurocritical Care Unit at Christiana Hospital. “It consists of a simple headband, pocket-sized recorder with intuitive software and an on-line portal for remote viewing. Using the system, we can review EEG data, assess response to treatment and optimize care, all in real-time.” Neurosciences at ChristianaCare ChristianaCare’s multidisciplinary neurosciences team provides comprehensive and advanced care for neurologic illnesses across the acute and ambulatory settings. As the largest and most comprehensive neurology practice in Delaware with more than 55,000 patient visits last year, ambulatory subspecialties include stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders, headaches/migraines, pediatric neurology and Botox specialists. The inpatient team of experts includes neurosurgeons, neurointerventional surgeons, neurocritical care physicians and vascular neurologists. The Newark Campus serves as the only comprehensive stroke center in the state and includes the only Epilepsy Monitoring Unit in Delaware.

Sunday is Cinco de Mayo. Do you know the history behind the day?

Celebrated annually on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While often associated with festive gatherings and cultural celebrations, Cinco de Mayo also holds significant relevance beyond its historical origins, offering various story angles that appeal to a broad audience. Cultural significance and heritage preservation: Explore the historical context of Cinco de Mayo and its importance in Mexican culture, highlighting the traditions, food, music, and art associated with the holiday. Immigration and identity: Examine how Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in different parts of the world, particularly in the United States, and its role in shaping the Mexican-American identity and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Political implications and national pride: Investigate the political undertones of Cinco de Mayo, considering its significance in Mexican nationalism and its portrayal in international relations. Economic impact and tourism: Analyze the economic implications of Cinco de Mayo festivities, including the boost in tourism, sales of Mexican-themed products, and the commercialization of cultural heritage. Education and historical awareness: Discuss the educational value of Cinco de Mayo in schools and communities, examining how it promotes historical awareness, tolerance, and multiculturalism. Social justice and activism: Explore how Cinco de Mayo intersects with social justice movements, addressing issues such as immigration reform, cultural appropriation, and representation in media and politics. By covering these angles, journalists can provide their audiences with a deeper understanding of Cinco de Mayo beyond its surface-level festivities, fostering meaningful dialogue and engagement with the holiday's historical, cultural, and societal significance. Connect with an Expert about Cinco de Mayo: Margarita R. Ochoa Associate Professor and Associate Chair of History · Loyola Marymount University Timothy Matovina Chair, Department of Theology · University of Notre Dame Rodrigo Vargas Professor, Ecosystem Ecology and Environmental Change · University of Delaware Heather Chiero, PhD Associate Professor of History, Anthropology and Philosophy · Augusta University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández

Researcher develops microrobots to battle cancer with unique precision

Magnetic robots that can target cancer cells are nothing new. But the patented microrobots developed by the University of Delaware's Sambeeta Das can be guided with a magnetic field to deliver medication to cells – or to destroy infectious cells, such as cancer – inside the body. To mark the launch of National Inventors Month, Das, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, shared her journey toward invention. Q: Tell us about your patented invention on microrobots for cancer research. What problem were you trying to solve? Das: One of the biggest issues with cancer research is the ability to target cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Cancer cells are sneaky, and they have evolved ways of hiding from the body’s immune cells. A big part of our research focuses on targeting, specifically precision targeting. We want to be able to target a single cell in a mass of cells, whether that is a single cell in a mass of cancer cells or whether it is a single abnormal cell surrounded by healthy cells. To do this, we use magnetic microrobots that can be driven inside the body by magnetic fields to a particular cell location. Magnetic fields are biocompatible, meaning they are not harmful to biological tissues, and our microrobots are very small, around 20 microns, which is about the size of a single bacteria cell. We can load our microrobots with various drugs and modify their surface in such a way that when the robots come in contact with the cells we are targeting, they can kill the target cell or perform some other function. Q: How is this solution unique? Das: Other people have made magnetic microrobots, but our system is unique since it allows us to do automatic targeting with a lot of precision. For example, a person operating our microrobots can just point to a cell and our system will drive the microrobot there. Additionally, the instrument we have made and patented is an all-in-one portable device that can be used anywhere. We don’t need a separate microscope, camera or software, it is all built in and very user friendly. Anyone can use it. This makes it super portable, which means quick solutions for health practitioners. In addition, poor and resource challenged areas can also be accessed with this portable solution. Q: What drives you toward invention? Das: I like to solve problems, and I like seeing something come together from nothing. I am very interested in problems that affect human health and longevity, particularly those that affect the common person. Q: How do you approach solving a problem, and whose support has been critical along the way? Das: One thing I have realized is that it is imperative to ask the right question to solve a problem. You must really get to the core of the issue. The second thing is to always keep the end user in mind. So, it’s kind of a two-pronged approach—looking from both ends of the problem. For support, I would say my team members and my collaborators. Their support has been invaluable in helping me solve the problems that I want to solve. In fact, my graduate students keep a running list of crazy ideas that they have come up with. It helps us look at problems in a unique way and come up with innovative solutions. Q: Not every invention makes it. How do you deal with failure? Das: The way that I start working on a problem is to assume that whatever we do, we are going to fail. I always tell my students that their first couple of experiments or designs will always fail. But failure is essential because it will teach you what not to do. And knowing what not to do is sometimes the critical part of the invention process. The failures inform us about the ways of not doing something which means now there is another way of doing something. Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Das: The best career advice I’ve ever received is that there is always another way. If you run into roadblocks there is always another answer, there is always another opportunity. So we just need to keep going and trying new and crazy ideas. Q: How are inventive minds created – is it innate or can it be developed? How do you encourage innovation among your students? Das: That’s an interesting question and honestly, I am not sure. I do believe in what Edison said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” He is a known inventor, so I would go with his interpretation on this. As for my students, I give them lots of freedom. I think freedom is essential in encouraging innovation. The freedom to come up with crazy ideas without anyone saying that won't work and the freedom to fail—multiple times. Das is available for interviews to talk about her microrobots and other projects at UD. To reach her, visit her profile and click the "contact" button.

Today is the anniversary of the 1931 opening of the Empire State Building in New York City. Covering? Our experts can help!

A monumental anniversary approaches as we commemorate the 1931 opening of the Empire State Building, an architectural marvel that has stood as an emblem of innovation and human achievement for nearly a century. Beyond its towering presence on the New York City skyline, this anniversary is a poignant moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of this iconic structure and its resonance with the public, encapsulating themes of perseverance, ingenuity, and urban development. Here are several compelling story angles that journalists may find ripe for exploration: Historical significance and architectural marvel: Delve into the fascinating backstory of the Empire State Building, exploring the engineering feats and human endeavor that brought this skyscraper to life. Evolving skyline and urban identity: Examine how the Empire State Building has shaped the cultural and visual landscape of New York City, and its enduring significance in an ever-changing metropolis. Sustainable initiatives and environmental impact: Explore the building's initiatives toward sustainability and energy efficiency, offering insights into its role as a model for sustainable urban development. Economic impact and tourism: Investigate the economic impact of the Empire State Building on local communities, tourism, and its enduring appeal as a global tourist destination. Cultural resonance and popular culture: Uncover the building's rich cultural legacy, from its appearances in film, literature, and art, to its symbolic significance in popular imagination. Preservation efforts and historical conservation: Shed light on ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain the architectural integrity and historical significance of this iconic landmark for future generations. Connect with an Expert about Architecture and the Empire State Building: Dana Cupkova Associate Professor · Carnegie Mellon University Richard Campanella Associate Dean for Research, Senior Professor of Practice - Architecture and Geography · Tulane University Eric Corey Freed Founding Principal · OrganicARCHITECT Peter Christensen Arthur Satz Professor of the Humanities and Professor of Art History · University of Rochester Dennis Shelden Director, Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE) · Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Ben Dumond

Changes to Philadelphia's Tax Structure Could Represent "Pivotal" Economic Shift

On March 14, Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker delivered her first budget proposal in a 75-minute address to City Council. Throughout her speech, the new mayor touched on subjects ranging from corridor cleaning and housing programs to police spending and anti-violence grants. However, one set of items was absent from her $6.29 billion plan and presentation. In a break from recent administrations, Mayor Parker abstained from calling for cuts to the city's wage or business taxes. She also refrained from speaking on adjustments to Philadelphia's tax structure, which depends more heavily than other municipalities on wage taxes and has a relatively light property tax burden. Theo Arapis, PhD, chair of Villanova University’s Department of Public Administration and an expert on fiscal policy in local governance, believes that changes to how Philadelphia levies and handles taxes, particularly on the real estate front, should be discussed further. "[Having property taxes play a larger role] represents a pivotal shift towards creating a more resilient and efficient revenue system," said Dr. Arapis, after reviewing the mayor's plan. "The current reliance on wage taxes is subject to considerable volatility, undermining fiscal stability. In contrast, property taxes offer a more inelastic and predictable revenue stream, suggesting a strategic move towards them would be beneficial for the city." Dr. Arapis also maintains that, with Harrisburg's go-ahead, Philadelphia's real estate taxes could be structured in a way that effectively facilitates business growth, while ensuring that homeowners are not unduly burdened. "Differentiating tax rates between commercial and residential properties could strike a delicate balance—spurring economic development while maintaining equitable tax distribution," he stated. "This segmentation could stimulate business activity by creating favorable conditions for commercial enterprises, which is essential for Philadelphia's economic vitality." Additionally, Dr. Arapis contends that tweaks to the city's tax abatement policy, which is currently in the process of a gradual phaseout, could further provide for inclusive and sustainable growth. "Tax abatements have been utilized as a policy tool to stimulate property revitalization and neighborhood renewal. However, these measures often carry unintended consequences that disproportionately impact existing residents," he shared. "Specifically, such incentives can precipitate a rise in property values and, consequently, a hike in the tax burdens of non-abated properties. This dynamic can exacerbate gentrification, leading to the displacement of longstanding community members. "To address the complexities of tax abatement policies in fostering affordable [and accessible] housing, a nuanced strategy is vital. A more equitable distribution of housing affordability could be achieved by, say, mandating that at least 50% of units in new developments meet affordability criteria... [and diversifying] the approach to income targeting, perhaps through a tiered system that caters to various income levels [and indexes] these categories to local inflation and wage growth." Despite the content of her first budget proposal and address, Mayor Parker likely shares some similar perspectives on tax reform and structural adjustments. Prior to entering office, during her years as a City Council member and days on the campaign trail, the acting executive worked to lower Philadelphia's wage tax, acknowledged the untapped potential of property taxes and expressed her desire for a differentiation of property tax rates. Before pursuing these measures further, as The Philadelphia Inquirer reports, Mayor Parker is probably (1) holding off until the newly announced Tax Reform Commission shares its findings, (2) ensuring that there are no immediate, major disruptions to the city's flow of revenue, as she launches her "safer, cleaner, greener" agenda, and (3) waiting for state lawmakers to make greater progress on raising the minimum wage and restructuring the Commonwealth's tax legislation, namely the uniformity clause. The mayor did, however, make one notable tax-related recommendation in her budget plan: She proposed an increase to the school district's share of real estate tax revenue from 55% to 56%, which could boost funding for the district by $119 million over five years. "The redistribution of real estate taxes between the school district and the city is commendable as an initial measure," observed Dr. Arapis. "However, without a comprehensive reform of the real estate tax system, encompassing regular property reassessments and adjustments to mill rates, this change is likely to yield only ephemeral benefits."