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Can we separate our work and home memories, 'Severance' style?
The hit Apple TV show 'Severance' offers a tempting alternative to balancing work and home life by using neural implants to entirely split the memories. But according to Carnegie Mellon University neuroscientist Dr. Alison Barth, this work-life separation is somewhat possible even without an implant. In an interview, Dr. Barth explains: "We all experience some compartmentalization between our private and our work lives. Having a different location where you work and play makes that easier, but the cues for 'life' and 'work' can be as simple as time of day, or what your computer screen looks like." In addition, she says humans can "easily move in and out" of our work and personal worlds, and that there are many examples of people whose work and private lives are completely 'severed'. CMU neuroscientist Alison Barth shares her thoughts on the TV thriller Severance As far as the feasibility of technology to control our memories for us, Dr. Barth says: "I don't think that it is possible to program people so that they simply cannot access memories outside of a particular space and time." And she further warns of the dangers of such a separation: "The potential for abuse and lack of accountability are horrifying. In Severance, the office workers have little notion of what their work is. It would be hard to hold them accountable in a court of law. Severance is perfectly suited to corporate malfeasance," she explained. Watch Alison Barth's CMU Experts video below to learn more about her research seeking to understand how experience transforms the properties of neurons to encode memory.
Insights: Cyber Risks & Opportunities in 2025
Managing cyber risk is no longer simply a technical necessity but also a strategic imperative in global business. With companies becoming more interconnected and reliant on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and the rest of the digital ecosystem, they are exposed to greater opportunity and risk. In the video below, Senior Managing Director & cybersecurity expert Denis Calderone shares topics covered in the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report focused on managing cyber risk in the year ahead. To view the report and learn more about cyber risks and opportunities, click on the button below: Looking to know more or connect with Denis Calderone Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
Managing cyber risk is no longer a technical necessity but also a strategic imperative in global business. As companies are more interconnected and reliant on artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, and the rest of the digital ecosystem, they are exposed to greater opportunities and risks. In this video, Senior Managing Director and cybersecurity expert Denis Calderone shares topics covered in the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report focused on managing cyber risk in the year ahead. The global regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly in response to the increasing severity of cyber threats. Governments and regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the European Union (EU), and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), have introduced cybersecurity mandates that require businesses to strengthen their defenses, improve incident reporting, and ensure compliance with new industry standards. The 2025 Global Risk Report by J.S. Held provides perspectives on these regulatory shifts, helping businesses navigate the complexities of cyber risk and compliance. The growing frequency and severity of cyberattacks are reshaping how businesses approach risk management. The J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report explores key issues facing business today, including: Business Interruption from Cyber Incidents: High-profile cases like Change Healthcare’s 2024 breach demonstrate how cyberattacks can halt operations, lead to regulatory scrutiny, and result in massive financial losses. Reputational and Legal Fallout: Cyber incidents can trigger lawsuits and damage a company’s reputation, often leading to prolonged trust recovery periods with customers and investors. Loss of Sensitive Data: Data breaches can expose critical information, including personal, financial, and proprietary data, amplifying risks of identity theft and fraud. Tightening Regulatory Landscape: New cybersecurity laws, such as the EU’s NIS2 Directive and Cyber Resilience Act, alongside the US SEC’s disclosure rules, demand stricter compliance from businesses in key sectors. Complexities in Cyber Insurance: Many companies lack clarity on whether their policies cover ransomware or meet legal and operational needs, leaving them exposed to potential financial risks. Ransomware Dilemmas and Legal Risks: Paying a ransom may violate international sanctions, creating additional legal complications for organizations already dealing with cyberattacks. Proactive Cybersecurity Enhancements: Companies implementing advanced cybersecurity measures like MFA, EDR, and immutable backup systems improve their defenses and reduce risks of disruption. AI-Powered Threat Detection: Artificial intelligence enables companies to identify fraud and cyberattacks faster by analyzing patterns and anomalies in real time, minimizing damage, and reducing costs. Increased Demand for Cyber Insurance: As companies across industries seek better coverage, insurers have opportunities to innovate new products, though exclusionary clauses are becoming more common. Business Continuity and Resilience: Organizations with strong cyber hygiene, incident response plans, and dependency mapping are better prepared for attacks and may benefit from reduced insurance premiums. Cybersecurity risk is just one of the five key areas analyzed in the J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report. Other topics include sustainability, supply chain, cryptocurrency and digital assets, AI and data regulations. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss the risks and opportunities outlined in the report, email GlobalRiskReport@jsheld.com. To connect with Denis Calderone simply click on his icon now. For any other media inquiries - contact : Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held +1 786 833 4864 Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com
Crypto & Digital Assets: Global Risks & Opportunities in 2025
The adoption of cryptocurrency and digital assets is expected to increase in all forms this year given the pro-crypto stance of the new Trump administration. Traditional financial institutions and fintech companies are bringing cryptocurrencies to their customers and searching for regulatory and legal clarity. In the video below, J.P. Brennan, Global Head of Fintech, Payments, Crypto Compliance and Investigations, discusses crypto and digital asset risks and opportunities covered in the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report. To view the report and learn more about crypto and digital asset risks and opportunities click on the button below: Looking to know more or connect with J.P. Brennan about the adoption of cryptocurrency and digital assets? Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
J.S. Held Experts Examine Crypto’s Pitfalls and Potential
The global cryptocurrency market has surged to a staggering USD 3.4 trillion. However, alongside this rapid expansion, significant challenges and risks continue to emerge. The J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report examines the evolving landscape of crypto and digital assets, highlighting both the potential and the pitfalls of this dynamic sector. The explosion of cryptocurrency adoption across industries—from gaming to decentralized finance (DeFi)—has led to increased regulatory scrutiny and security concerns. With the expected growth in the number of users to exceed 107.3 million in the market by 2025, every sector is looking at what crypto and this blockchain technology can do to transform their business. Even the gaming industry has entered the crypto space with bridging services offering “Play-to-Earn” (P2E) games. While anonymity remains a key feature in both the risk and success of cryptocurrency, the concept of “Know Your Customer” on centralized platforms is still required but continues to evolve because not all anonymity is evil. Despite regulatory, environmental, geopolitical, and other business risks, the J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report reveals how the crypto industry continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for businesses and investors around: Enhanced Transparency & Security Regulatory Clarity Education & Compliance Digital Identity Solutions “With regulatory frameworks tightening globally—from the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) law to China’s outright ban—the future of crypto remains at a critical inflection point,” observes J.P. Brennan, Global Head of Fintech, Payments, Crypto Compliance and Investigations at J.S. Held. “As the industry matures, the balance between risk mitigation and innovation will shape the next phase of digital asset adoption,” J.P. Brennan adds. J.P. Brennan examines the crypto risks and opportunities outlined in the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report in this video: Cryptocurrency and digital asset risk is just one of the five key areas analyzed in the J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report. Other topics include sustainability, supply chain, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data regulations, and managing cyber risk. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss the risks and opportunities outlined in the report, please email GlobalRiskReport@jsheld.com. To connect with J.P. Brennan, simply click on his icon now. For any other media inquiries - contact : Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held +1 786 833 4864 Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com
ChristianaCare is enhancing care options in Milford, Delaware, with the addition of two highly skilled physicians to better serve the community's growing health needs. Chinwe Ike-Chinwo, M.D., is a board-certified primary care physician with a special interest in preventive medicine. Thinesh Sivapatham, M.D., is a fellowship-trained neurointerventional surgeon and member of ChristianaCare's Neurointerventional Surgery team, specializing in minimally invasive techniques to treat conditions affecting the blood vessels of the head, neck and spine, including strokes and aneurysms. The practice is located at Halpern Plaza, 701 N. DuPont Blvd. To schedule an appointment, patients can call 302-725-3420. Convenient and Accessible Primary Care At the new ChristianaCare Primary Care at Milford practice, Ike-Chinwo is passionate about building long-term relationships with her patients, helping them achieve optimal health through personalized care. “I am excited to serve the Milford community and help individuals achieve their best health,” she said. “Through prevention, chronic disease management and wellness care, we aim to support our patients in leading healthier, more fulfilling lives.” Ike-Chinwo introduces herself in this video. The primary care practice offers a comprehensive range of services to adult patients, including sick visits, immunizations, physical exams, preventive screenings and treatment for both acute and chronic conditions and women’s health. The practice is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In March 2025, the practice will welcome a second provider. In April 2025, the Milford site will also offer ChristianaCare’s My65+ program, which focuses on preventive care and chronic disease management for patients 65 and older. The providers at ChristianaCare’s new Milford location will play a crucial role in addressing the growing health care needs of Sussex County, which is experiencing rapid population growth, particularly among older adults. Sussex County has been designated as a Medically Underserved Area by the federal government, with projections showing that the population will increase from 237,378 in 2022 to over 361,000 by 2050, further intensifying the demand for primary care services. As the demand for primary and specialty care in Sussex County grows, especially among older adults, ChristianaCare is committed to meeting the health care needs of the community with personalized, patient-centered care. “Our mission is to make high-quality, compassionate care accessible to every resident of the communities we serve,” said Priya Dixit-Patel, M.D., physician executive for Core and Advanced Primary Care at ChristianaCare. “As primary care providers remain in short supply in many areas like Milford, we are focused on delivering care that can prevent disease, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall well-being, particularly for older adults.” Specialized Neurointerventional Consults Close to Home Sivapatham is excited to bring neurointerventional care to the Milford community and surrounding areas. “Neurointerventional Surgery is a highly specialized field that is often only found in larger metropolitan areas,” said Sivapatham, who speaks about treatment for stroke in this video. “I look forward to working closely with patients to ensure they receive the same high-quality care right here in Sussex County.” Kim Gannon, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of the Comprehensive Stroke Program and physician executive of the Neuroscience Service Line at ChristianaCare, highlighted the importance of improving access to physician consults for patients in Sussex County. “Providing neurointerventional care closer to home significantly improves access to specialized services for stroke patients who might otherwise need to travel to Newark,” said Gannon. “We want to ensure that patients receive the ongoing care and support essential for their recovery and long-term health at a location close to where they live.”
Babies whose mothers took kale or carrot capsules when pregnant responded more favourably to these smells The research shows that the process of developing food preferences begins in the womb, much earlier than previously thought The research follows up on an earlier study Babies show positive responses to the smell of foods they were exposed to in the womb after they are born, according to a new study. The findings, led by Durham University, UK, could have implications for understanding how healthy eating habits might be established in babies during pregnancy. The research included scientists from Aston University, UK, and the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) and University of Burgundy, France. It is published in the journal Appetite. Researchers analysed the facial expressions of babies who had been repeatedly exposed to either kale or carrot in the womb after birth. Newborns whose mothers had taken carrot powder capsules when pregnant were more likely to react favourably to the smell of carrot. Likewise, babies whose mothers had taken kale powder capsules while pregnant reacted more positively to the kale scent. Research co-lead author and supervisor Professor Nadja Reissland, of the Fetal and Neonatal Research Lab, Department of Psychology, Durham University, said: “Our analysis of the babies’ facial expressions suggests that they appear to react more favourably towards the smell of foods their mothers ate during the last months of pregnancy. Potentially this means we could encourage babies to react more positively towards green vegetables, for example, by exposing them to these foods during pregnancy. “In that respect, the memory of food the mother consumes during pregnancy appears to establish a preference for those smells and potentially could help to establish healthy eating habits at a young age.” This study is a follow-up to a 2022 research paper where the researchers used 4D ultrasound scans at 32 and 36 gestational weeks to study foetal facial expressions after their pregnant mothers had ingested a single dose of either 400mg of carrot or kale capsules. Foetuses exposed to carrot showed more “laughter-face” responses while those exposed to kale showed more “cry-face” responses. For the latest study, the researchers followed up 32 babies from the original research paper – 16 males and 16 females – from 36 weeks gestation until approximately three weeks after birth. Mothers consumed either carrot or kale capsules every day for three consecutive weeks until birth. When the babies were about three weeks old, the research team tested newborns’ reactions to kale, carrot, and a control odour. Separate wet cotton swabs dipped in either carrot or kale powders, or water as the control, were held under each infant’s nose and their reaction to the different smells was captured on video. The babies did not taste the swabs. Scientists then analysed the footage to see how the newborns reacted and compared these reactions with those seen before the babies were born to understand the effects of repeated flavour exposure in the last trimester of pregnancy. The research team found that, from the foetal to newborn period, there was an increased frequency in “laughter-face” responses and a decreased frequency in “cry-face” responses to the smell the babies had experienced before birth. Humans experience flavour through a combination of taste and smell. In foetuses, this happens through inhaling and swallowing the amniotic fluid in the womb. Research co-lead author Dr Beyza Ustun-Elayan carried out the research while doing her PhD at Durham University. Dr Ustun-Elayan, who is now based at the University of Cambridge, said: “Our research showed that foetuses can not only sense and distinguish different flavours in the womb but also start learning and establish memory for certain flavours if exposed to them repeatedly. This shows that the process of developing food preferences begins much earlier than we thought, right from the womb. By introducing these flavours early on, we might be able to shape healthier eating habits in children from the start.” The researchers stress that their findings are a baseline study only. They say that longer follow-up studies are needed to understand long-term impacts on child eating behaviour. They add that further research would also need to be carried out on a larger group of infants, at different points in time. They say that the absence of a control group not exposed to specific flavours makes it challenging to fully disentangle developmental changes in the babies from the effects of repeated flavour exposure. Future research should also factor in post-birth flavour experiences, such as some milk formulas known to have a bitter taste, which could impact babies’ responses to the smell of bitter and non-bitter vegetables. The research involved the children of white British mothers, and the researchers say that future studies should be widened to explore how different cultural dietary practices might influence foetal receptivity to a broader array of flavours. Research co-author Professor Jackie Blissett, at Aston University’s School of Psychology, said: “These findings add to the weight of evidence that suggests that flavours of foods eaten by mothers during late pregnancy are learnt by the foetus, preparing them for the flavours they are likely to experience in postnatal life.” Research co-author Professor Benoist Schaal, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)-University of Burgundy, France said: “Foetuses not only detect minute amounts of all types of flavours the mothers ingest, but they overtly react to them and remember them while in the womb and then after birth for quite long times. In this way, mothers have an earlier than early teaching role, as the providers of the infant’s first odour or flavour memories.” Visit https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2025.107891 to read the full research paper in Appetite.
What Is Greenhushing & Why Does It Matter?
A recent global survey of 1,400 sustainability executives showed that 58% of companies are engaging in “greenhushing” or intentionally decreasing their sustainability communications due to fear of facing government or public backlash. In this video, Kimberly Logue Ortega discusses why greenhushing has become a trend and examines the consequences as they relate to litigation, reputational risks, and progress toward global sustainability goals. To learn more about our Environmental Risk & Compliance Consulting Services click on the button below: Looking to know more or connect with Kim Logue Ortega about Greenhushing and its implications? Simply click on the icon to arrange an interview today.
Insights: Global Supply Chain Risks & Opportunities in 2025
Corporations, governments, investors, and consumers have become more aware of how important the global supply chain is to the everyday function of society. Increasingly, the supply chain is impacted by a multilayering of risks, including natural disasters, geopolitical issues, vendor interconnectivity, and cyberattacks. In the video below, Vice President of Sustainability Andrea Korney discusses supply chain risks – and opportunities – examined in the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report. To view the report, visit: 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report Looking to know more or connect with Andrea Korney about the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report? Simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
Insights: Sustainability Investment Risks & Opportunities in 2025
Corporate sustainability programs face various headwinds in 2025, with growing discontent among industry, consumers, and investors. Concerns about greenwashing, greenhushing, and the patchwork of regulations in different jurisdictions are creating uncertainty for global businesses. In the video below, Executive Vice President and Environmental, Health & Safety Practice Lead John Peiserich shares more about sustainability investment risks and opportunities covered in the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report. To view the report, visit: 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report Looking to know more or connect with John Peiserich about the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report? Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
