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Tenth Death Confirmed in Listeria Outbreak Associated with Boar’s Head Deli Products

### Nationwide Listeria Outbreak Tied to Boar’s Head Deli Meats Takes 10 Lives

A widespread outbreak of *Listeria monocytogenes* associated with Boar’s Head deli meats has resulted in its 10th reported death, as per a recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Originating in late May 2024, this outbreak has led to 59 confirmed cases across 19 states, all necessitating hospitalization. The latest fatality occurred in New York, increasing the total death count to 10.

#### Overview of the Outbreak

The outbreak was first identified when *Listeria* was found in sealed packages of Boar’s Head liverwurst. This led to a significant recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats in July 2024. The recall primarily impacted products produced at Boar’s Head’s Jarratt, Virginia facility, which has since been closed indefinitely due to serious sanitation and manufacturing violations.

In spite of the recall and facility shutdown, the CDC cautions that the threat of additional infections still exists. Some of the recalled products had sell-by dates extending into October 2024, indicating they may still be in consumers’ homes. Moreover, *Listeria* infections may take up to 10 weeks to show symptoms, extending the risk of new cases.

#### A Concerning Record of Violations

The Jarratt facility, where the tainted liverwurst was manufactured, has a troubling history of sanitation failures. Reports indicate that the plant had received multiple warnings for various concerns like meat residue on walls and equipment, as well as the presence of mold, algae, insects, and even blood on the floor. In 2022, U.S. inspectors labeled the facility an “imminent threat” to public health, yet operations continued until the outbreak led to its closure.

The alarming circumstances at the Jarratt plant have raised serious questions regarding the regulatory oversight that permitted such a facility to keep producing food for public consumption. Boar’s Head has since recognized that the contamination was linked to a “specific production process” exclusive to the Jarratt plant for liverwurst. In a statement issued on September 13, 2024, the company announced it would permanently halt liverwurst production and enhance safety protocols at its other facilities.

#### Largest Listeria Outbreak in More Than a Decade

This outbreak, with 59 confirmed cases, marks the largest *Listeria* outbreak in the United States in over ten years. The last significant outbreak occurred in 2011 when unsanitary conditions at a cantaloupe processing facility resulted in 147 cases across 28 states, ultimately leading to 33 fatalities. Although the current outbreak is smaller, it has significantly impacted especially vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

#### Recommended Actions for Consumers

The CDC continues to urge consumers to exercise caution. If you have purchased any Boar’s Head deli meats that are part of the recall, do not consume them. Instead, dispose of the items or return them to the place of purchase. Additionally, if any of the recalled products are stored in your refrigerator, it’s crucial to clean and sanitize the refrigerator thoroughly, along with any containers or surfaces that may have contacted the contaminated meat.

The CDC also reminds the public that *Listeria* infections can develop up to 10 weeks post-exposure. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can affect the nervous system, resulting in headaches, confusion, and convulsions. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming Boar’s Head deli meats, seek medical attention immediately.

#### A Cautionary Reminder for Food Safety

The Boar’s Head *Listeria* outbreak is a glaring reminder of the necessity for food safety and the severe consequences of failures in sanitation and regulatory practices. While the worst of this outbreak may be behind us, the long-term impact on public confidence in the brand and the food industry at large remains uncertain.

As the CDC continues to watch the situation, consumers are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary steps to safeguard themselves and their families. The outbreak emphasizes the urgent need for rigorous food safety regulations and the enforcement of those regulations to avert future occurrences.

For additional details on the recall and safety recommendations, visit the CDC’s

Nintendo’s Mario Creator Talks About AI: The Company Adopting a Unique Strategy

# Nintendo’s Distinctive Take on Generative AI: A Unique Direction in the Gaming Sector

As generative AI swiftly changes various sectors, with gaming being no exception, Nintendo has opted for a unique viewpoint. While numerous prominent gaming companies enthusiastically adopt AI to optimize development and improve user engagement, Nintendo, under the guidance of its famed game creator Shigeru Miyamoto, has chosen to diverge from this trend. This choice embodies the firm’s enduring belief in innovation through differentiation, rather than merely keeping pace with industry shifts.

## The Ascendance of Generative AI in Gaming

Generative AI has emerged as a trending concept in the gaming realm, with organizations such as Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, and Nvidia spearheading the movement. For example, EA has openly stated that AI could influence as much as 60% of its game production processes, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Microsoft has incorporated AI-driven chatbots into games like *Minecraft*, providing players with real-time interactive guidance. Conversely, Nvidia is expanding the horizons of AI by creating models that could produce unscripted, dynamic NPCs (non-playable characters), potentially transforming player interactions within gaming environments.

The allure of generative AI stems from its capacity to automate processes, generate content, and even support creative endeavors. For game developers, this translates to accelerated development timelines, lower expenses, and the creation of more intricate and immersive experiences. For gamers, it might result in more tailored and dynamic gameplay where AI-driven characters and settings respond instantaneously to their actions.

## Nintendo’s Divergent Path

In spite of the increasing excitement surrounding AI in the gaming sphere, Nintendo has opted to forge its own path. In a recent discussion with *The New York Times*, Shigeru Miyamoto articulated that Nintendo’s choice to refrain from joining the AI trend is not simply a matter of contrarianism. “It may appear that we are merely opposing the flow for the sake of it, but we are genuinely seeking to uncover what makes Nintendo distinctive,” Miyamoto stated. He highlighted that when the industry favors one direction, Nintendo opts to investigate alternative avenues that resonate with its founding principles of creativity, innovation, and enjoyment.

This notion aligns with a broader ideology that has steered Nintendo throughout its journey. The company has often been reticent to adopt cutting-edge technological advancements unless it can find a way to tailor them uniquely to its vision. For instance, while virtual reality (VR) became a prevalent subject in the mid-2010s, Nintendo took a measured stance. Although the company dabbled with VR through its *Labo VR* kit, it ultimately decided against pursuing the technology in the same manner as rivals such as Sony. As expressed by Nintendo France General Manager Philippe Lavoué in a 2018 interview, “If we replicate everything others do, we risk extinction because we are smaller than them.”

## The Challenges and Benefits of Generative AI

Nintendo’s hesitation to adopt generative AI is grounded in legitimate concerns. While AI brings thrilling opportunities, it also introduces significant hurdles, notably in the area of intellectual property (IP). In a July 2024 investor Q&A, Nintendo President Shintaro Furukawa recognized the promise of AI yet voiced apprehensions regarding its implications for IP rights. “Generative AI, which has recently gained substantial attention, can be utilized creatively, but we acknowledge that it might also lead to complications with intellectual property rights,” Furukawa remarked.

Employing AI to produce content—be it artwork, music, or dialogue—raises intricate legal dilemmas concerning ownership and originality. If an AI model creates an artwork or character design, who holds the rights to such an item? Furthermore, AI models typically rely on extensive datasets that contain copyrighted materials, potentially resulting in inadvertent plagiarism or infringement. These are dilemmas that both the gaming sector and the broader tech community continue to wrestle with.

For a business like Nintendo, which has established its identity around iconic characters like Mario, Link, and Pikachu, safeguarding its intellectual property is crucial. The risk of compromising its creative output or encountering legal disputes over AI-generated content may be deemed excessive for a corporation that takes pride in its meticulously crafted and widely recognized IP.

## What Sets Nintendo Apart?

Central to Nintendo’s choice to eschew generative AI is a commitment to safeguarding what distinguishes the company. Unlike many of its rivals, Nintendo has consistently emphasized creativity, innovation, and player experience over technological sophistication. This guiding principle has spawned some of the most cherished and lasting franchises in gaming history, from *Super Mario* to *The Legend of Zelda*.

Miyamoto’s philosophy toward game design is firmly anchored in human ingenuity and intuition. He often draws from his own life experiences, such as childhood explorations of caves and forests, which have significantly shaped the design of *The Legend of Zelda*. For Miyamoto and Nintendo, the enchantment

Analysis of iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: An Important Enhancement for Users with Models from Three Years Ago

The iPhone 16 lineup, comprising the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, signifies Apple’s newest evolution in its premium smartphone collection. Although the modifications from the prior generation might appear understated initially, the iPhone 16 series brings forth an array of enhancements, particularly in terms of performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience. This article will delve into the primary features, specifications, and design aspects of the iPhone 16 series, along with the distinctions between the standard and Pro versions.

### An Established Product with Incremental Enhancements

The iPhone 16 series carries on Apple’s tradition of honing an established product instead of unveiling radical new functionalities. With the fundamental design and functionality of the iPhone primarily established, Apple has concentrated on gradual advancements that improve the user experience without completely overhauling it. This method is seen in the iPhone 16’s aesthetic, performance, and photography capabilities.

While the iPhone 16 may not present revolutionary developments, it delivers a refined and polished experience that capitalizes on the strengths of its forerunners. For those upgrading from older devices, such as the iPhone 13 or earlier models, the iPhone 16 will feel like a substantial upgrade, although the differences may be more nuanced for users transitioning from the iPhone 15.

### Quick Look at Specifications

The iPhone 16 series comes in four variations: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Below are the vital specifications for each version:

| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|———|————|—————-|—————|——————-|
| **Display** | 6.1-inch OLED (2556×1179) | 6.7-inch OLED (2796×1290) | 6.3-inch OLED (2622×1206) | 6.9-inch OLED (2868×1320) |
| **CPU** | A18 Bionic | A18 Bionic | A18 Pro | A18 Pro |
| **RAM** | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB |
| **Storage** | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| **Camera** | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 12MP 5x telephoto | 48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 12MP 5x telephoto |
| **Battery Life** | Enhanced beyond iPhone 15 | Enhanced beyond iPhone 15 | Enhanced beyond iPhone 15 Pro | Enhanced beyond iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| **Starting Price** | $799 | $899 | $999 | $1,199 |

### Display and Aesthetic

The iPhone 16 series keeps the OLED displays from past models, providing vivid colors, deep blacks, and high brightness levels. The Pro versions come with slightly larger displays relative to their predecessors, attributed to narrower bezels, but the difference is subtle and may go unnoticed without a direct comparison.

A significant difference between the standard and Pro versions is the refresh rate. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are equipped with a 60Hz refresh rate, whereas the Pro models boast a 120Hz ProMotion display, enabling smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interactions. Furthermore, the Pro versions have always-on displays, a feature that remains exclusive to the premium models.

Regarding design, the iPhone 16 series showcases minor alterations, such as a new vertical camera setup on the rear of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The Pro versions maintain a titanium frame, providing a more luxurious feel compared to the aluminum frame of the standard versions.

### Performance: A18 Bionic and A18 Pro

The iPhone 16 series is driven by Apple’s latest A18 Bionic chip, while the Pro variants are powered by the A18 Pro chip. Both chips deliver enhanced performance and efficiency when compared to the A16 chip prevalent in the iPhone 15 series. Notably, the A18 Pro is tailored for sophisticated tasks like gaming and professional-level video editing, thanks to its extra GPU core and improved image signal processor.

Apple asserts that the A18 Bionic and A18 Pro chips provide up to 30% improved power efficiency, resulting in extended battery life across the entire iPhone 16 series. The Pro models also gain from hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which elevates the visual quality.

How Hummingbirds Prosper in Harsh Environments: An In-Depth Examination

**Hummingbirds: Experts in Extreme Adaptation**

People are captivated by hummingbirds—small, vividly colored flashes that zip around, hovering at blossoms and vigorously protecting their claim to a feeder. Yet, for the scientists who investigate them, hummingbirds represent far more than just a delightful display. Their diminutive size and rapid metabolism mean they exist on a precarious edge, sometimes needing to almost entirely suspend their bodily functions to conserve sufficient energy for overnight survival—or to migrate thousands of miles, occasionally across vast expanses of ocean.

Their nectar-heavy diet results in blood-sugar levels that could put a human in a coma. Furthermore, their rapid, darting flight can generate g-forces potent enough to cause a fighter pilot to black out. The deeper researchers delve, the more unexpected revelations they discover within these petite beings, the smallest in the bird kingdom.

“They’re the only birds capable of flying upside down and backward,” states Holly Ernest, a conservation ecologist at the University of Wyoming. “They consume pure sugar without suffering from diabetes.”

Ernest is among a select group of scientists examining how hummingbirds manage the intense challenges posed by their lifestyles. Here’s some of what researchers have uncovered about the remarkable adaptations of hummingbirds.

### Invest the Effort

For quite some time, most scientists believed that hummingbirds only spent about 30 percent of their day engaged in the energy-demanding task of moving from flower to flower and consuming nectar, while resting for the remainder. However, upon closer examination by physiological ecologist Anusha Shankar, she discovered that they often exert themselves much more than initially thought.

Now based at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Hyderabad, India, Shankar attempted to determine how broad-billed hummingbirds in Southern Arizona allocate their time throughout the day. By employing a range of experimental techniques, she assessed the birds’ metabolic rates during different activities and estimated their total daily energy consumption. Incorporating previously published data, Shankar calculated the energy costs per minute for resting, flying, and hovering—three primary ways a bird spends its time.

From this, she inferred how much time the birds dedicated to feeding compared to perching throughout the day.

“We discovered that it’s incredibly variable,” Shankar explains. During the early summer when flowers are plentiful, some birds could satisfy their daily energy requirements with only a few hours of feeding, spending up to 70 percent of the day resting. However, as flowers became less abundant with the onset of summer monsoon rains, birds at one location perched just 20 percent of the time, devoting the rest of the day to feeding.

“That amounts to 13 hours a day!” Shankar remarks. “I don’t know how they manage to run for 13 hours a day.”

### Effectively Cool Down

Hummingbirds possess a strategy to help them stretch their energy supply: When a bird risks depleting its energy reserves, it can enter a state of torpor at night, lowering its body temperature nearly to that of the surrounding air—sometimes just slightly above freezing. While torpid, the bird appears almost lifeless, slow to react to stimuli, and breathing only sporadically. This tactic can conserve up to 95 percent of metabolic costs during chilly nights, according to Shankar’s calculations. This is particularly crucial after periods when a bird has fed less than usual, such as after a thunderstorm. It also aids in energy conservation for fat storage prior to migration.

Shankar is currently investigating which aspects of their physiology hummingbirds prioritize during torpor, focusing on which genetic products are indispensable. “If you’re a hummingbird operating at 10 percent of your normal metabolism, what is that critical 10 percent keeping you alive?” she inquires.

One category of genes that the birds appear to leave intact are those governing their internal clock. “It’s essential for them to perform activities at the right time while in torpor,” Shankar explains. In preparation for the day, for instance, the birds begin to awaken from their torpor roughly one hour before sunrise, well ahead of any noticeable light signals.

### Manage the Sugar

To sustain their high metabolic rate, hummingbirds consume around 80 percent of their body weight in nectar daily. This equates to a 150-pound person drinking nearly a hundred 20-ounce sodas each day—and nectar is frequently sweeter than soda.

The human digestive system cannot absorb sugar at such a rapid pace, which explains why overeating candy or soda can upset the stomach, notes Ken Welch, a comparative physiologist at the University of Toronto at Scarborough. Hummingbirds tackle this influx by having permeable gastrointestinal tracts that allow sugars to enter the bloodstream between gut cells rather than solely through them. This mechanism ensures sugars are efficiently transported out of