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Scientists reveal how brain combines multiple memories into new insights

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Neuroscientists find how the people's brain combined memories to arrive at novel insights, lending a clue to developing faster artificial intelligence.

The study published on Wednesday in the journal Neuron reported the novel brain mechanism that would allow retrieved memories to trigger the retrieval of further, related memories.

This mechanism allows the retrieval of multiple linked memories, which then enable the brain to create new kinds of insights, according to the study.

Pompeo says ready to transform U.S.-DPRK ties immediately

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that the United States is ready to transform its relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) immediately.

In a statement regarding the outcomes of an earlier summit between leaders of South Korea and the DPRK, Pompeo said that "the United States congratulates President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong Un on the successful outcome of their summit meeting in Pyongyang."

Trump rolls back pollution rules for drilling on US lands

BILLINGS, Mont.; 19 Sep 2018; (AP) — The Trump administration on Tuesday rolled back an Obama-era rule that forced energy companies to capture methane — a key contributor to climate change that’s released in huge amounts during drilling on U.S. and tribal lands.

A replacement rule from the Interior Department rescinds mandates for companies to reduce gas pollution, which Trump administration officials say already is required by some states.

Florence’s flooding claims 3.4 million poultry, 5,500 hogs

By MICHAEL BIESECKER

19 Sep 2018; AP: About 3.4 million chickens and turkeys and 5,500 hogs have been killed in flooding from Florence as rising North Carolina rivers swamped dozens of farm buildings where the animals were being raised for market, according to state officials.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture issued the livestock mortality totals Tuesday, as major flooding is continuing after the slow-moving storm’s drenching rains. Sixteen North Carolina rivers were at major flood stage Tuesday, with an additional three forecasted to peak by Thursday.

73rd session of UN General Assembly opens in New York

UN, September 19. /TASS/. The 73rd session of the UN General Assembly opened at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, a TASS correspondent reported.

The start of the assembly’s annual work cycle was proclaimed by its president, former prime minister of Equador, Maria Fernanda Espinosa.

US expels Palestinian Ambassador – freezes family’s bank accounts

US government has expelled Palestinian Ambassador to the United States, Husam Zomlot, from the country, and frozen all the bank accounts of the family. New step followed closer of the PLO embassy in Washington

All American bank accounts affiliated with the PLO have also been frozen.

US introduces 10% duties on imports from China for $200 bln from September 24

WASHINGTON, September 18. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of 10 % duties on imports goods from China worth $ 200 bln from September 24, as well as the intention to introduce additional duties worth $267 bln, if Beijing takes retaliatory measures. This is according to a press release of the White House published on Monday.

Swollen rivers near record levels as Florence looms

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — With Wilmington cut off from the rest of North Carolina by still-rising floodwaters from Florence, officials plan to airlift food and water to the city of nearly 120,000 people as rescuers elsewhere pull inland residents from homes threatened by swollen rivers.

The spreading disaster claimed additional lives Sunday, with at least 17 people confirmed dead, and the nation’s top emergency official said other states were in the path this week.

US Border Patrol agent charged in 2-week killing spree

HOUSTON; 16 Sep2018; (AP) — Texas authorities charged a U.S. Border Patrol supervisor with murder following what they called a two-week serial killing spree that left four female sex workers dead and ended when a fifth woman escaped at a gas station and found help.

Juan David Ortiz, 35, an intel supervisor for the Border Patrol, was charged with four counts of murder as well as aggravated assault and unlawful restraint, Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz said in a tweet.

Japanese supply run to space station delayed again

CAPE CANAVERAL, 15 Sep2018; (AP) — A Japanese supply run to the International Space Station has been delayed again.

The countdown was halted Saturday local time in Japan, with only a few hours remaining before liftoff. Earlier in the week, a typhoon delayed the launch.

The Japanese space agency said there was an issue with the propulsion system. No new launch date has been set.

The cargo ship — the seventh to be launched by Japan — contains new batteries needed for a pair of NASA spacewalks.

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