Profolus
@profolus.com
Explainers on business and markets, science and tech, health and medicine, and society and culture. www.profolus.com
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Profolus
@profolus.com
· Sep 3
Recent polls following the first couple of months of Donald Trump in office indicate he is on his way to becoming the most hated U.S. president at first-year mark in U.S. history.
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Collapse was not a predetermined outcome of crises. Societies survived when leaders implemented broad structural reforms, strengthened administrative institutions, and responded to shifting incentives shaped by external forces.
A History of Survival: How Four Societies Transformed Crisis Into Renewal - Profolus
New evidence shows that collapse is not inevitable during a crisis. Scholars explored the factors that helped past civilizations stabilize during extreme crises.
www.profolus.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Collapse was not a predetermined outcome of crises. Societies survived when leaders implemented broad structural reforms, strengthened administrative institutions, and responded to shifting incentives shaped by external forces.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Comprehensive state bans on flavored e-cigarettes or vaporized nicotine products may be unintentionally driving young adults toward greater use of traditional cigarettes.
Banning Flavored E-Cigarettes Increases Traditional Cigarette Use Among Young Adults - Profolus
Statewide bans on flavored e-cigarettes reduce vaping but increase cigarette smoking among young adults.
www.profolus.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Comprehensive state bans on flavored e-cigarettes or vaporized nicotine products may be unintentionally driving young adults toward greater use of traditional cigarettes.
The concept, called Project Amplify, merges lightweight robotics with familiar footwear design to create an assistive platform that supports everyday mobility in surprising ways.
Explaining Project Amplify: A Powered Footwear System From Nike - Profolus
Nike explores powered footwear with a motorized assist that helps average runners and walkers move faster and farther with less effort.
www.profolus.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:30 AM
The concept, called Project Amplify, merges lightweight robotics with familiar footwear design to create an assistive platform that supports everyday mobility in surprising ways.
Although interventions can produce short-term improvements, the effects quickly fade. Hostility toward the other party is deeply embedded in contemporary political culture, and temporary nudges rarely translate into lasting reconciliation.
Research Exposed Why America Cannot Fix Its Political Hatred - Profolus
Partisan hatred in the U.S. resists quick fixes. Interventions improve attitudes only briefly, fading within weeks, underscoring the need for systemic reform.
www.profolus.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Although interventions can produce short-term improvements, the effects quickly fade. Hostility toward the other party is deeply embedded in contemporary political culture, and temporary nudges rarely translate into lasting reconciliation.
A scroll through short clips may feel harmless, but 71 studies point to a different story. Researchers found links between rapid video feeds and weaker attention, elevated stress, and signs of compulsive use.
Short-Form Videos are Causing Cognitive Decline, Mental Health Strain, and Addiction - Profolus
Endless scrolling through short-form videos correlates with weaker focus, rising stress, and compulsive swiping habits.
www.profolus.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:30 AM
A scroll through short clips may feel harmless, but 71 studies point to a different story. Researchers found links between rapid video feeds and weaker attention, elevated stress, and signs of compulsive use.
KONSYSE: Two groups of health and legal advocates in California have filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Food and Agriculture alleging the agency is withholding detailed location information regarding H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks at state dairies.
California DFA Sued Over Withheld Bird Flu Outbreak Data — Konsyse
California faces new scrutiny as legal groups sue the state agriculture department for withholding precise H5N1 outbreak locations.
www.konsyse.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:00 AM
KONSYSE: Two groups of health and legal advocates in California have filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Food and Agriculture alleging the agency is withholding detailed location information regarding H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks at state dairies.
Analyses reveal that age-check mandates may undermine their own goals. Moreover, as circumvention rises and deterrence falls, researchers warn that these mandates may fail constitutional tests and create more harm than protection.
Why Age Verification Laws for Adult Sites May Fail U.S. Constitutional Tests - Profolus
Analyses reveal that age-check mandates may undermine their own goals and create imbalance between burdens and benefits.
www.profolus.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Analyses reveal that age-check mandates may undermine their own goals. Moreover, as circumvention rises and deterrence falls, researchers warn that these mandates may fail constitutional tests and create more harm than protection.
KONSYSE: A sharp decline across digital assets in November 2025 erased large portions of crypto-linked wealth for the family of Donald Trump and for many pro-Trump retail traders and investors.
November 2025 Crypto Crash Hit Trump Family and Trump Followers — Konsyse
A sharp decline across digital assets in November 2025 erased large portions of crypto-linked wealth for the family of Donald Trump and for many retail holders.
www.konsyse.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM
KONSYSE: A sharp decline across digital assets in November 2025 erased large portions of crypto-linked wealth for the family of Donald Trump and for many pro-Trump retail traders and investors.
The Washington State Department of Health said the patient maintained a backyard flock that included domestic birds. Some of which died during early November. Environmental testing confirmed avian influenza material nearby.
First Human H5N5 Bird Flu Case From Washington Has Died - Profolus
The death of a Washington resident from the first known human H5N5 infection underscores continuing zoonotic threats.
www.profolus.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:30 AM
The Washington State Department of Health said the patient maintained a backyard flock that included domestic birds. Some of which died during early November. Environmental testing confirmed avian influenza material nearby.
KONSYSE: A new transparency feature on X has lifted the veil on several political accounts promoting MAGA and pro-Trump narratives and revealed that many high-profile user accounts are based overseas.
X Transparency Tool Exposes Foreign Origins of MAGA-Focused Political Accounts — Konsyse
The discovery raises urgent questions about influence, authenticity, and the mechanisms shaping online Trump supporter communities.
www.konsyse.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:00 AM
KONSYSE: A new transparency feature on X has lifted the veil on several political accounts promoting MAGA and pro-Trump narratives and revealed that many high-profile user accounts are based overseas.
Nicolas Kuske, a physicist with a doctorate in theoretical physics, argues that pain, pleasure, and consciousness demonstrate that the universe is not merely mechanical. Instead, he contends that it reveals care and value that are embedded in the existence of living beings.
Modern Pantheism: Physicist Nicolas Kuske Proposes God is the Universe Itself - Profolus
Is the universe God? Can every atom and star embody divinity?
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Nicolas Kuske, a physicist with a doctorate in theoretical physics, argues that pain, pleasure, and consciousness demonstrate that the universe is not merely mechanical. Instead, he contends that it reveals care and value that are embedded in the existence of living beings.
In Russia, the term “oligarch” has been popularly ascribed to so-called business oligarchs who successfully acquired extreme and disproportionate amounts of wealth after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The Russian Oligarchs: How Did They Rise to Power and Become Rich - Profolus
How did the Russian oligarchs become rich and influential? What was the role of Yeltsin? How did Putin change the Russian oligarchy?
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
In Russia, the term “oligarch” has been popularly ascribed to so-called business oligarchs who successfully acquired extreme and disproportionate amounts of wealth after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan in a nutshell: a country caught between competing power centers, an unfinished revolution, and unresolved tensions dating back to the militarized political structure of the al-Bashir era.
Civil War in Sudan: Understanding the Causes - Profolus
What began as a tactical partnership between the military and a powerful militia has exploded into a brutal civil war.
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
The ongoing civil war in Sudan in a nutshell: a country caught between competing power centers, an unfinished revolution, and unresolved tensions dating back to the militarized political structure of the al-Bashir era.
The phenomenon is known as ultraweak photon emission. This photon emission arises during ordinary oxidative reactions within cells that generate electronically-excited molecules capable of shedding energy as single photons.
Scientists Confirmed that Living Organisms Emit a Glow that Fades Upon Death - Profolus
Scientists confirmed that animals and plants emit invisible light during normal cellular activity.
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The phenomenon is known as ultraweak photon emission. This photon emission arises during ordinary oxidative reactions within cells that generate electronically-excited molecules capable of shedding energy as single photons.
KONSYSE: A sweeping crash across major cryptocurrencies and tokens erased billions in digital wealth and exposed the scale of risk tied to high-profile political figures. The Trump family lost about 1 billion U.S. dollars.
November 2025 Crypto Crash Hit Trump Family and Trump Followers — Konsyse
A sharp decline across digital assets in November 2025 erased large portions of crypto-linked wealth for the family of Donald Trump and for many retail holders.
www.konsyse.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
KONSYSE: A sweeping crash across major cryptocurrencies and tokens erased billions in digital wealth and exposed the scale of risk tied to high-profile political figures. The Trump family lost about 1 billion U.S. dollars.
Gallup and West Health mapped the realities of U.S. healthcare in 2025 and uncovered widespread affordability fears, delayed treatments, and uneven provider access. State-level geography significantly determines how easily residents receive timely, effective, and financially manageable care.
State of the States 2025 Study Revealed Regional Disparities in U.S. Healthcare Experiences - Profolus
A comprehensive nationwide review lays bare the growing imbalance in healthcare performance.
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Gallup and West Health mapped the realities of U.S. healthcare in 2025 and uncovered widespread affordability fears, delayed treatments, and uneven provider access. State-level geography significantly determines how easily residents receive timely, effective, and financially manageable care.
KONSYSE: Chinese e-commerce platforms, including Shein and Temu, are expected to be most affected. These companies have depended heavily on the current exemption to offer low-cost goods to European consumers.
EU Targets Shein and Temu by Ending Duty Exemption for Low-Value Parcels — Konsyse
The EU will require all small parcels to pay customs duties starting at one euro of value.
www.konsyse.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
KONSYSE: Chinese e-commerce platforms, including Shein and Temu, are expected to be most affected. These companies have depended heavily on the current exemption to offer low-cost goods to European consumers.
A small group of online users is reshaping political debate, driving polarization, and creating ideologically rigid camps. They are called social media elites. Their influence amplifying divisions and leaving mass users and institutions struggling to find common ground.
How Social Media Elites Significantly Drive Political Polarization - Profolus
Social media elites play a disproportionate role in creating and sustaining political polarization.
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
A small group of online users is reshaping political debate, driving polarization, and creating ideologically rigid camps. They are called social media elites. Their influence amplifying divisions and leaving mass users and institutions struggling to find common ground.
KONSYSE: The new “About This Account” feature on X has exposed prominent user accounts pushing America First and MAGA messages operating from countries such as Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Eastern Europe.
X Transparency Tool Exposes Foreign Origins of MAGA-Focused Political Accounts — Konsyse
The discovery raises urgent questions about influence, authenticity, and the mechanisms shaping online Trump supporter communities.
www.konsyse.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM
KONSYSE: The new “About This Account” feature on X has exposed prominent user accounts pushing America First and MAGA messages operating from countries such as Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Eastern Europe.
Local governments in China have been using WeChat to modernize police work. Chinese police use the app to gather tips, process emergency alerts, and integrate field activities with broader data networks that support rapid decision-making.
WeChat Has Become a Policing and Surveillance Tool In China - Profolus
WeChat now operates as a central gateway for modern law enforcement and public security in China.
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Local governments in China have been using WeChat to modernize police work. Chinese police use the app to gather tips, process emergency alerts, and integrate field activities with broader data networks that support rapid decision-making.
Domestic cats come in two colors. These are black and orange. All other variants are a combination of these two. Hence, when a salt-and-pepper coat pattern appears, scientists assumed that this is a new expression of the dilution gene and is associated with already known pigmentation genes.
Salmiak or Salty Liquorice: New Cat Coat Color Defies Genetics - Profolus
Researchers have identified a previously unknown coat color in domestic cats named salmiak or salty liquorice.
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Domestic cats come in two colors. These are black and orange. All other variants are a combination of these two. Hence, when a salt-and-pepper coat pattern appears, scientists assumed that this is a new expression of the dilution gene and is associated with already known pigmentation genes.
KONSYSE: Economy Minister Vincent Karremans confirmed a pause under the Goods Availability Act while maintaining oversight intended to protect national and European semiconductor stability.
Netherlands Pauses Takeover of Chinese-Owned Nexperia — Konsyse
Dutch authorities pause their takeover of China-owned Nexperia as Beijing signals renewed chip exports.
www.konsyse.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM
KONSYSE: Economy Minister Vincent Karremans confirmed a pause under the Goods Availability Act while maintaining oversight intended to protect national and European semiconductor stability.
Research led by the University of Gothenburg uncovers a surprising trend that challenges assumptions surrounding the development of antibiotic resistance in the environment. Raw wastewater often disadvantages resistant bacteria rather than empowering them.
Global Sewage Reveals Surprising Suppression of Antibiotic Resistance - Profolus
Findings from a wastewater research challenge the idea of sewage as a universal breeding ground for resistant microbes.
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Research led by the University of Gothenburg uncovers a surprising trend that challenges assumptions surrounding the development of antibiotic resistance in the environment. Raw wastewater often disadvantages resistant bacteria rather than empowering them.
KONSYSE: Data from 2024 indicates that 4.6 billion small parcels were imported into the European Union. 91 percent of which originated from China.
EU Targets Shein and Temu by Ending Duty Exemption for Low-Value Parcels — Konsyse
The EU will require all small parcels to pay customs duties starting at one euro of value.
www.konsyse.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM
KONSYSE: Data from 2024 indicates that 4.6 billion small parcels were imported into the European Union. 91 percent of which originated from China.
The U.S. government is the largest borrower in the world and the U.S. Treasury market is the largest and most liquid debt market in the world. These facts mean that a default could lead to a domestic and global economic crisis.
What Would Happen if the U.S. Defaulted on Its Debt? - Profolus
What would happen if the U.S. defaulted on its debt? How would a default affect the global financial markets and the global economy?
www.profolus.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:30 AM
The U.S. government is the largest borrower in the world and the U.S. Treasury market is the largest and most liquid debt market in the world. These facts mean that a default could lead to a domestic and global economic crisis.