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Ibogaine: Can an African Root Help Solve the U.S. Opioid Crisis?
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-07 17:00
Overview of Ibeine Treatment - Ibeine, a powerful psychedelic, is presented as a potentially effective but radical alternative treatment for opioid addiction, capable of erasing years of addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a single session [1] - Despite its potential, ibeine remains illegal in the US due to safety concerns, although it is legally available in countries like Mexico and Brazil under varying regulations [2][4] - The medical subculture surrounding ibeine treatment is described as an uncontrolled experiment, existing largely outside mainstream medicine [3] Current Opioid Addiction Treatment Landscape - The standard treatment for opioid addiction in the US is opioid replacement therapy, which involves substituting illegal opioids with opioid medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings [5] - Current treatments, while effective in reducing harm, are not very effective at achieving complete opioid abstinence [5] - Medications like buprenorphine and methadone are considered the best legal treatment options for opioid addiction in the US [5] Ibeine Efficacy and Risks - Formal clinical trials of ibeine in the US have not been conducted, and the available evidence comes from small observational studies [6] - A 2017 study indicated that 30% of participants reported never using opioids again after ibeine treatment, while another study reported 75% of patients remained opioid-free for a year [6] - Ibeine treatment carries risks, especially without proper screening and medical supervision, making it inaccessible to most Americans addicted to opioids [2][7]
The Engineering Secrets Behind Hurricane-Proof Cities | WSJ Pro Perfected
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-07 16:22
Design and Engineering - Babcock Ranch's design incorporates existing water systems and mimics them with a network of interconnected ponds and lakes acting as bowls to manage water flow [4][5][6] - The town's elevation strategy involves elevating smaller roads by approximately 3.5 feet, larger roads by approximately 4.5 feet, and homes by approximately 5 feet to direct water towards specific collection points [10] - The community is largely at or above 30 feet, designed to keep homes one foot above water level during a 100-year storm event with 14 inches of rainfall and a four-foot rise in water levels [11] Location and Resilience - Babcock Ranch's location approximately 20 miles inland from Florida's west coast provides protection from storm surge, a major cause of hurricane damage [13] - Responsible development in areas prone to extreme events requires resilience and quick recovery strategies [21] Risk and Mitigation - Traditional grid-like development can impede natural water absorption by wetlands, increasing flood risk [2][3] - Designing to only meet 100-year storm event standards may not be sufficient to prevent flooding over a home's lifespan, as evidenced by multiple 100-year storm events occurring in short periods [17][18]
How Labubu Skyrocketed Pop Mart Stock 1,200%
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-05 15:01
Company Performance - PopMart's revenue more than doubled in the past year [2] - In 2024, over 85% of PopMart's revenue came from exclusive products developed with artists [5] - Labubu line revenue saw a 726% growth from the previous year [6] Market Expansion - Sales outside of China more than tripled in 2024 [4] - Overseas revenue now makes up nearly 40% of the company's sales, up from 17% in 2023 [4] - The company plans to open more than 20 stores in the US by the end of 2025 [4] Product & Strategy - Blind box packaging helped PopMart take off [3] - PopMart is expanding into plush and accessories categories [6] - A secret character has a 1 in 72 chance of getting [3] Risk Factors - There's a risk of the viral fad dying out [6] - Uncertain trade war with China might make products more expensive [6]
The Pyro Drones Transforming Fireworks Displays
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-04 14:00
[Music] This is something that can't be achieved with fireworks alone. It's made using pyro drones. Hundreds of tiny explosiveladen quadcopters piloted to an exact formation in space, firing pyro technics in perfect choreography.But while these shows may look simple, getting to this point has taken extensive engineering, complex flight plans, and a fair amount of trial and error. To see exactly how a pyro drone show comes together, aerial display company Sky Elements invited the Wall Street Journal to a tes ...
Trump’s Bill Passed: The Tax and Spending Updates, Explained | WSJ
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-04 04:23
Tax Policy Changes - Extension of 2017 tax cuts, initially set to expire at the end of 2025 [1][2] - Child tax credit increased to $2,200 and indexed to inflation [2] - Estate tax exemption increased to $15 million per person [2] - Elimination of tax credits for electric vehicles and clean energy purchases after September 30th [3] - State and local tax deduction capped at $10,000, with a temporary increase to $40,000 for certain income levels [3][4] - Potential $25,000 deduction for tipped workers, but payroll taxes still apply [4] - Deduction for seniors of $6,000 per person for those ages 65 and up [6] Government Spending and Budget Impact - Increased funding for agencies like ICE, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security, the Defense Department, and Missile Defense [7] - Medicaid work requirements implemented, projected to save $326 billion through 2034 [8][9] - Changes to premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, potentially leading to 11 million fewer people with health insurance by 2034 [10] - Creation of a $50 billion rural healthcare fund to address changes in healthcare access [11] - Projected increase in the deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next 10 years (through 2034) [13] Economic Impact and Political Considerations - Republicans argue that economic growth from tax cuts and deregulation will offset the deficit increase [15] - Economists express concerns about the drag of budget deficits on the economy, potentially leading to higher interest rates and increased debt [15] - Potential for Democrats to delay or change tax cuts if they win the House majority [12]
Why the U.S. Military’s Big Problem Is Chinese-Made Cargo Ships
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-03 19:32
Industry Overview - Chinese shipyards have rapidly grown to become major players in global shipbuilding, leading to a significant portion of America's cargo being carried by Chinese ships [1] - The US aims to counter China's dominance in shipbuilding due to concerns about naval warfare logistics, particularly in potential conflicts like one over Taiwan [2][3] US Response - The US government is considering imposing fees on Chinese ships docking in the US to incentivize cargo ship companies to diversify their suppliers [3] - Congress is contemplating a bill to subsidize American shipyards to revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industry [4] Challenges and Implications - Rebuilding the American commercial shipbuilding industry will be a lengthy process, potentially taking years [4] - American taxpayers would bear the financial burden of subsidizing the shipbuilding initiative [4]
Pyro Drone Shows: The Future of July 4th Fireworks? | WSJ Tech Behind
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-03 14:00
[Music] This is something that can't be achieved with fireworks alone. It's made using pyro drones. Hundreds of tiny explosiveladen quadcopters piloted to an exact formation in space, firing pyro technics in perfect choreography.But while these shows may look simple, getting to this point has taken extensive engineering, complex flight plans, and a fair amount of trial and error. Anytime you attach any sort of explosive device to anything, it creates an additional level of risk. What are the things that are ...
The EV Tax Credit and Renewable Energy Under Trump’s Megabill
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-02 13:29
Recently there was a big move in in in um the shares of solar companies because it seems like you know things are still in flux but it looks like the direction of things Mike tell me if this is where you think they're headed is towards taking out a lot of the tax credits that have gone to you know solar and wind and other kind of renewable energies. So there is I think a big interest in the impact on and part of the breakup of of well I I don't know what their relationship status now is it's complicated of ...
Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill: What Investors Should Know About the Tax Plan
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-01 16:17
Deficit & Debt Concerns - Investors initially anticipated government spending cuts and a 3% deficit-to-GDP ratio, but the reconciliation bill raises questions about deficit impact over the next 10 years [1] - The market has largely priced in the reconciliation bill, with concerns about deficits existing for years [4][5] - Investors are uncertain about the duration and form of tariffs, which could significantly offset the bill's cost, potentially raising 27 trillion (2.7%) in revenue over 10 years [2][3] Entitlement Programs & Future Fiscal Challenges - Social Security trust fund insolvency is projected in the early 2030s, requiring Congress to either cut retiree benefits by approximately 25% or find ways to make the fund solvent [6] - Addressing long-term deficits will likely require a moment that forces Congressional action, rather than preventative measures, due to political considerations [7] Political & Voter Perspectives - American voters do not currently view deficits as a top concern, which impacts politicians' prioritization of the issue [8]
The Hidden Cost of AI, Explained With Steaks and a Data Center Visit | WSJ
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-01 14:01
- I'm gonna see the GPU guys. This is it. Welcome to an AI data center where you can hear.This is extremely loud right now. And feel. This can blow dry my hair.The power. The AI's in there. By 2028, data centers like this across the country could use 12% of all US electricity, enough to power more than 55 million homes for a year.And yes, you are increasing that energy. Every time you hit enter on an AI prompt, it's routed through places like this. - You know, we need to do the AI.And we need more than doub ...