Research on RNA editing illuminates possible lifesaving treatments for genetic diseases

A team at Montana State University published research that shows how RNA, the close chemical cousin to DNA, can be edited using CRISPRs. The work reveals a new process in human cells that has potential for treating a wide variety of genetic diseases.

Postdoctoral researchers Artem Nemudryi and Anna Nemudraia conducted the research alongside Blake Wiedenheft, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology in MSU’s College of Agriculture. The paper, titled “Repair of CRISPR-guided RNA breaks enables site-specific RNA excision in human cells,” was published online in the journal Science and constitutes the latest advance in the team’s ongoing exploration of CRISPR applications for programmable genetic engineering.

CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a type of immune system that bacteria use to recognize and fight off viruses. Wiedenheft, one of the nation’s leading CRISPR researchers, said that the system has been used for years to cut and edit DNA, but that applying similar technology to RNA is unprecedented. DNA editing uses a CRISPR-associated protein called Cas9, while editing RNA requires the use of a different CRISPR system, called type-III.

“In our previous work, we used type-III CRISPRs to edit viral RNA in a test tube,” said Nemudryi. “But we wondered, can we program manipulation of RNA in a living human cell?”

To explore that question, the team programmed type-III CRISPR proteins to cut RNA containing a mutation that causes cystic fibrosis, restoring cell function.

“We were confident that we could use these CRISPR systems to cut RNA in a programmable manner, but we were all surprised when we sequenced the RNA and realized that the cell had stitched the RNA back together in a way that removed the mutation,” said Wiedenheft.

Nemudryi noted that RNA is transient within the cell; it is constantly being destroyed and replaced.

“The general belief is that there’s not much point in repairing RNA,” he said. “We speculated that RNA would be repaired in living human cells, and it turned out to be true.”

Wiedenheft has mentored the two postdoctoral researchers since their arrival at MSU nearly six years ago, and said that the impact of their scientific contributions will lead to significant and continued advancements.

“The work done by Artem and Anna suggests that RNA repair might be a fundamental aspect of biology and that harnessing this activity may lead to new lifesaving cures,” said Wiedenheft. “Artem and Anna are two of the most brilliant scientists I have ever encountered, and I’m confident that their work is going to have a lasting impact on humanity.”

RNA editing has important applications in the search for treatments of genetic diseases, Nemudryi said. RNA is a temporary copy of a cell’s DNA, which serves as a template. Manipulating the template by editing DNA could cause unwanted and potentially irreversible collateral changes, but because RNA is a temporary copy, he said, edits made are essentially reversible and carry far less risk.

“People used Cas9 to break DNA and study how cells repair these breaks. Then, based on these patterns, they improved Cas9 editors,” said Nemudraia. “Here, we hope the same will happen with RNA editing. We created a tool that allows us to study how the cells repair their RNA, and we hope to use this knowledge to make RNA editors more efficient.”

In the new publication, the team shows that a mutation causing cystic fibrosis can be successfully removed from the RNA. But this is only one of thousands of known mutations that cause disease. The question of how many of them could be addressed with this new RNA editing technology will guide future work for Nemudryi and Nemudraia as they finish their postdoctoral training at MSU and prepare for faculty positions at the University of Florida this fall. Both credited Wiedenheft as a life-changing mentor.

“Blake taught us not to be afraid of testing any ideas,” said Nemudraia. “As a scientist, you should be brave and not be afraid to fail. RNA editing and repair is the terra incognita. It’s scary but also exciting. You feel you’re working on the edge of science, pushing the limits to where nobody has been before.”

Law Researcher at High Court of Jharkhand

High Court of Jharkhand, Ranchi is inviting application for the post of Law Researchers/ Research Associates in The High Court of Jharkhand, Ranchi.

About High Court of Jharkhand

The Jharkhand High Court is one of the newest high courts in India. It was established in 2000. The court has jurisdiction over Jharkhand state. The seat of the court is at Ranchi, the administrative capital of the state.

About the Opportunity

Applications are invited from the eligible candidates for engagement of Law Researchers/ Research Associates in The High Court of Jharkhand, Ranchi on contractual basis. The contractual engagement shall be for a term of one year, which may be extended once for one year. Maximum period of engagement shall be two years.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Any fresh Law Graduate/ Postgraduate from a University/ College recognised by the Bar Council of India shall be eligible to apply.
  • Students studying in the 5th year of a 5-year Law course or Final year of a 3-year Law course will also be eligible for engagement and their final selection would be subject to their passing of the final year examination of LL.B. prior to their engagement.
  • Candidates having familiarity with computer will get preference in matter of selection. d. The candidature of a candidate who is practicing Lawyer must be recommended by a designated Senior Advocate or in case applicant is other than Lawyer, by the Head of the last Law School/ College/ University attended by him/her.
  • The candidate who has passed all his / her examinations in the first attempt with at least 60% aggregate marks will alone be eligible to apply.
  • The candidates pursuing Post Graduate degree in Law or any other Degrees or Programme requiring their compulsory attendance will not be eligible to apply for the engagement.

Salary

  • Each Law Researcher/ Research Associate will be paid a consolidated amount of Rs. 40,000/- per month as Honorarium/ stipend for his/ her engagement or such higher amount as may be prescribed by the State Government from time to time in this regard.
  • The Law Researcher/ Research Associate shall not be entitled to any other allowance and/ or remuneration, and will not be treated as a permanent or otherwise employee of the High Court of Jharkhand, Ranchi or the State Government.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates are required to submit in their application in the prescribed format and shall submit it to E-mail address [email protected]

Application Deadline

May 5, 2024

Location

Ranchi

Lawctopus regularly helps organisations hire interns and employees. Email the JD at [email protected] for free and paid plans.

Flight price to accommodation, check out this guide for tourists travelling from India to Dubai | Travel

Dubai offers a diverse, multicultural setting and abundance of hotels and attractions that continue to make it the top travel choice for Indian travellers who see it as a tourist destination for exploration and sightseeing. Earlier this year, Dubai introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to boost travel between India and the Gulf nation where the visa is issued within 2-5 working days upon receiving and accepting the service request and allows its holder to stay in the country for 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in one year.

Flight price to accommodation, check out this guide for tourists travelling from India to Dubai (Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Aneta Zajac of Fly4free, shared, “Dubai is a great example of how a city that was more of a curiosity and a place to visit while changing flights can become a full-fledged and desirable holiday destination. A multitude of various attractions – both for children and adults, for those desiring adrenaline and for beach lovers, restaurants from all over the world, great weather most of the year, and, above all, the huge availability of direct flights from most countries make Dubai attract millions of tourists. The futuristic metropolis is an interesting, safe, clean and very attractive destination where no one will be bored.”

HT launches Crick-it, a one stop destination to catch Cricket, anytime, anywhere. Explore now!

Deniz Rymkiewicz, Group PR and Community Manager at eSky, revealed, “Tourism in the UAE has been experiencing an impressive boom in recent years, and Dubai is one of the main magnets for travelers. The city stands out as a dynamic cultural, commercial and entertainment place in the Middle East. Its iconic towers, luxury hotels, world-famous shopping malls and futuristic architectural designs attract tourists from all over the world. A visit to Dubai is a chance to experience unique experiences, such as skiing on water slides inside shopping malls, admiring the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, or exploring traditional markets and monuments. Dubai combines modernity with history, offering unforgettable experiences for travelers looking for unique attractions.”

According to Marzena German, Travel Market Expert at Wakacje.pl, Dubai has been a rising star in the rankings of the most popular destinations among travel agents’ clients over the past few years. She highlighted, “The success of this destination is due to several factors – apart from promotional campaigns, the main reason is accessibility. Dubai is a rather exotic destination, which is always interesting, but it is also relatively close. It is therefore possible to quite simply visit a place with an interesting culture and impressive architecture.”

Robert Blaszczyk, Head of Strategic Clients Department at Conotoxia, explained, “The dirham (AED), the official currency of the United Arab Emirates, has a much higher exchange rate to the Indian rupee. For 1 AED, you will pay approximately 22.73 INR. In the currency world, the dirham, divided into 100 fils, is among the newcomers. It entered circulation in 1973, replacing the riyal. The AED banknotes, renowned for their advanced anti-counterfeiting protection, feature symbolic buildings, plants and animals. However, compared to exchanging cash, e.g. at an airport exchange office, it seems much more convenient and beneficial to use a multi-currency card.”

He elaborated, “A night in a budget hostel in Dubai can be found for under 100 AED, i.e. about 2 272 rupees. In the hotels, the prices increase with the number of stars, but they are not out of reach. You can expect to pay around 9,000 INR per night for two people in a room at a five-star hotel. However, you can rent a 170-square-metre apartment for a staggering 363,000 INR if you want something exclusive. The cost of living in Dubai is much higher than, for example, in New Delhi. Some examples of prices converted into INR: a meal in a restaurant for one person – 2,200-3,500 INR; a fast food snack – from 690 INR; a small loaf of bread – 136 INR; a litre of milk – 160 INR; 1 kg of yellow cheese – from 900 INR; 10 eggs – about 295 INR, and a 1km taxi ride – about 80 INR.”

Robert Blaszczyk suggested, “Before leaving for the United Arab Emirates, we must take care of our passports. The next step is to complete an online visa application at uaevisa.ae. Then we have to pay for it. How much? 150 USD (12,500 INR) for a single entry permit for up to 30 days. Alternatively, there is an option to stay in Dubai for 48 hours for 95 USD (approx. 8,000 INR). 90-day visas are also available for USD 450 (37,500 INR). Once you have paid, you will receive an email confirming that you have been granted entry to the UAE. You will need to print out the visa for yourself and present it to customs when you land in Dubai. This is important for both tourist and business visitors. Dubai is becoming an increasingly popular destination for trade fairs, conferences and other events, bringing together business people from diverse industries worldwide.”

He concluded, “Two people will pay around 50,000 rupees for round-trip airfares on the New Delhi-Dubai route, for instance. A four-night stay costs around 20,000 INR. Renting a car – from 100 AED per day, but the whim of renting a Ferrari, for example, would be 10 times more expensive, meaning around 10,000 INR. Food and tickets to museums, mosques and specialities in traditional markets will cost about 30,000 INR. Some attractions are free of charge, but, for example, to enter the Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest building (828 m), you have to pay about 3,600 INR when converted from the local currency. Shopping malls, local markets and amusement parks are full of temptations that can quickly drain the budget for a day out. However, it seems that a sum of around 200,000 INR will allow two people to experience four days of incredible excitement.”

Enlaza gets JP Morgan, Regeneron backing for covalent biologics

Enlaza Therapeutics, a San Diego-based startup, has raised a $100 million Series A round to develop biologic cancer drugs designed to latch onto their targets through covalent bonds.

The new funding announced Tuesday and led by the life sciences investment arm of J.P. Morgan comes two years after the company debuted with a $61 million seed round. The cash should pave the way for the company to begin its first clinical trials.

Enlaza develops covalent drugs, known as such because they tightly bind to proteins instead of bouncing in and out of their targets. Such medicines, which are typically small molecules, have been around for decades and are often discovered accidentally. But relatively recently, the pharmaceutical industry and a number of drug startups have emerged with plans to design covalent therapies more purposefully.

Enlaza is specifically focused on bringing the approach to biologics. With the help of a technology it calls “War-Lock,” the startup introduces proprietary amino acids to protein drugs, an approach that’s designed to form an irreversible bond with a disease target. The company claims this method should lead to more precise and potent medicines and is initially working on cancer drugs, though it may eventually branch out into other therapeutic areas.

“We think there are very clear opportunities in the world of oncology,” CEO Sergio Duron said in an interview. But “ultimately, our goal is to provide better, more efficacious, safer drugs for patients.”

The company’s research remains in early stages. In the year and a half since it emerged from stealth, the Enlaza has begun putting a pipeline together and run some preclinical studies. Duron contends those studies have displayed “the advantages of covalent protein drugs,” but the company is still a few years away from the types of human trials that can more definitively prove its claims.

Duron didn’t say how long the company’s financial runway is, or which diseases or drug targets it’s pursuing first. But Enlaza has grown to employ 45 people and, with the help of the new funding, could add at least 20 more to its workforce. It’s expecting to advance “several development candidates” towards clinical trials as well, Duron said.

“We have a well designed plan in place, and more importantly, are financed to be able to achieve those goals,” Duron said.

J.P. Morgan was joined in the funding round by Amgen Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments and the newly launched venture arm of Regeneron. Enlaza’s prior backers, such as founding investor Avalon Ventures and Frazier Life Sciences, also participated.

The financing comes amid a recent upswing in biotechnology venture investments following a prolonged downturn. Biotech venture funding surged from $4.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $6.5 billion in the first three months of 2024, according to data from J.P. Morgan and DealForma.

CBA pares back cash rate cut prediction to just one in 2024

Key takeaways

Australia’s biggest bank, CBA, has revised its cash rate forecast, reducing the number of predicted RBA cuts in 2024 from three 0.25 percentage point cuts to just one, scheduled for November.

Last week Westpac e updated the bank’s cash rate forecast, reducing the number of predicted cuts from two to one.

Australia’s biggest bank, CBA, has revised its cash rate forecast, reducing the number of predicted RBA cuts in 2024 from three 0.25 percentage point cuts to just one, scheduled for November.

This decision comes on the back of stronger-than-expected inflation data from the ABS last Wednesday.

Last week, Westpac’s economic team also updated the bank’s cash rate forecast, reducing the number of predicted cuts from two to one.

As a result, all big four bank economic teams now predict there will be just one cash rate cut in 2024 at the RBA’s November meeting.

Current Big Four bank cash rate forecasts

  May RBA meeting Forecasted next RBA move Total 0.25%-pt cuts in 2024 Total 0.25%-pt cuts in 2025
CBA Hold at 4.35% – 0.25% pts in Nov-24 1 4
Westpac Hold at 4.35% – 0.25% pts in Nov-24 1 4
NAB Hold at 4.35% – 0.25% pts in Nov-24 1 4
ANZ Hold at 4.35% – 0.25% pts in Nov-24 1 2

Source: RateCity.com.au. Forecasts are current as of 30/04/2024.

Plan for a hike, rather than a cut

While the big four banks are aligned in their prediction for the RBA’s next move, wider recent economic commentary warns the next move from the RBA could be up rather than down.

Reserve Bank Governor, Michele Bullock, made it clear following the RBA’s March meeting that the Board “cannot rule anything in or out”.

Therefore, prudent borrowers should plan for a hike, just in case.

Potential impact of a 0.25% pt hike on monthly repayments

Based on a borrower who has not renegotiated their loan since the start of the hikes

Loan size at start of hikes Increase if the cash rate rises to 4.60% Total increase to repayments since start of hikes (14 hikes)
$500,000 $74 +$1,284
$750,000 $112 +$1,927
$1,000,000 $149 +$2,569

Source: RateCity.com.au. Based on an owner-occupier paying principal and interest with 25 years remaining who has not renegotiated since the start of hikes. Starting rate is the RBA avg. existing owner-occupier variable rate of 2.86% in April 2022.

RateCity.com.au research director, Sally Tindall, said: “What these cash rate forecasts tell us is that no-one, not even the RBA knows what its next move is.”

“While we’ve made excellent progress bringing down inflation, there’s every chance this next leg of the battle could be the hardest,” she said.

“You only have to look at the monthly CPI indicator to see signs of stickiness, with the data showing three months of stagnation, followed by a small rise to 3.5 per cent.

“The RBA is not going to revert back to hiking the cash rate without plenty of data on its side, and plenty of warning to borrowers. However, if you’ve got a mortgage, it’s prudent to plan for a hike just to be on the safe side.

“One way to do this is to call your bank and ask for a rate cut. Even a relatively minor 0.25 percentage point cut is enough to cushion the blow of another rate rise, especially if you can pocket the rate reduction as quickly as possible and keep your monthly repayments the same to help build a buffer,” she said.

ABS Consumer Price Index, Australia – annual movement

Quarterly CPI Monthly CPI
Dec-22 7.8% 8.4%
Jan-23 7.5%
Feb-23 6.8%
Mar-23 7.0% 6.3%
Apr-23 6.7%
May-23 5.5%
Jun-23 6.0% 5.4%
Jul-23 4.9%
Aug-23 5.2%
Sep-23 5.4% 5.6%
Oct-23 4.9%
Nov-23 4.3%
Dec-23 4.1% 3.4%
Jan-24 3.4%
Feb-24 3.4%
Mar-24 3.6% 3.5%

Source: ABS Consumer Price Index, Australia. Quarterly CPI and Monthly CPI.

15 Situationship Rules You Must Follow To Protect Yourself

I was once in a situationship, long before Gen-Zers had a term for it. It was the most exhilarating and also the most emotionally draining romantic experience of my life. While I loved the idea of coloring outside the lines of a typical relationship, things got messy once feelings got thrown into the mix and we were no longer on the same page about the purpose of our arrangement. In the process, I lost a good friend. So, trust me when I say situationship rules matter.

If you find yourself in a similar state and are not clear about what to do in a situationship, find yourself caught up in the situationship vs relationship dilemma, or are unsure about how to define a situationship you have going on with someone, I’ve got you covered.

In consultations with relationship expert and counselor Dhriti Bhavsar (Master’s in Clinical Psychology), who specializes in relationship, breakup, and LGBTQ counseling, I’ll touch upon all there is to know about a situationship and setting some ground rules to navigate it without getting hurt. Let’s begin by understanding what is a situationship all about.

What Is A Situationship?

So, what is a situationship? If you turn to the dictionary to define situationship, here’s what you’ll find: “a romantic or sexual relationship that is not considered to be formal or established”. Now, what does not “formal” or “established” mean? In simpler terms, a situationship means a casual and fluid romantic and/or sexual relationship between two people, with no commitment or expectations.

To define situationship, Dhriti says, “An absence of labels and conversations about the future are the tell-tale markers of a situationship.” Along similar lines, a Reddit user says, “When you end up consistently seeing someone like they are your significant other but are noncommittal and refuse to take the leap to solidify an actual relationship.”

Related Reading: Situationship – Meaning And 10 Signs You Are In One

Now, on a surface level, a situationship may seem a lot like any other casual, undefined intimate connection like a no-strings-attached relationship or a friends-with-benefits arrangement. However, there is a distinct difference. In other undefined connections like NSA or FwB relationships, there is clarity on terms of engagement. In a situationship, things tend to get more muddled. That’s why situationship vs relationship dilemma is far too common. If you’re in such an undefined intimate connection, the first order of business to navigate it successfully is to identify if it amounts to a situationship.

How do you know if you are in a situationship

A situationship is fluid

Since a situationship can closely resemble so many other forms of casual relationships, it is imperative to know for sure if you’ve landed yourself in one. As Dhriti says, “Not knowing what to expect from a relationship or what is acceptable and what’s not can be a dangerous and confusing place to be in.” So, how do you know if you are in a situationship? Here are some clear signs to watch out for:

  • You behave like romantic partners but there has been no define-the-relationship conversation
  • You have both agreed to keep things casual
  • You don’t make long-term plans involving each other. Your plans focus on the next meetup, next hookup, or at best, what you’d be doing a couple of weeks later
  • Either one or both of you are hooking up with or dating other people
  • You aren’t integrated into each other’s lives — for example, you haven’t met each other’s family or friends
  • Sex is likely the centric part of your relationship
  • There is no consistency in your communication patterns — you may text back and forth for days, spend weekends together, and then go without any contact for days
  • You may talk to each other with ease about a lot of topics, but steer clear of deep, meaningful conversations about emotions, vulnerabilities, and of course, the future
  • There is little to no emotional intimacy in the relationship
  • You haven’t made any promises to each other
  • You don’t expect your situationship partner to show up for you in your time of need and they feel no obligation to do so — and vice versa
  • Your conversations are carefully crafted so as not to “ruin” what you have
  • Even if you have been together a significant amount of time — in my case, for instance, the situationship last eight months — you haven’t crossed any relationship milestones
  • The thought of “where is this going” makes you feel anxious and uneasy

Related Reading: 9 Types Of Situationships And Their Signs

15 Non-Negotiable Situationship Rules – Follow These To Protect Yourself

As may be clear from these indicators of a situationship, a connection of this sort comes with a lot of gray areas. To be able to navigate these muddied waters, you need some situationship rules to protect yourself emotionally. Take it from me, I didn’t think much of rules and boundaries, and chose to just go with the flow — as is the wont of 20-somethings who think they can conquer the worlds — and ended up falling in love with my situationship partner. He, on the other hand, was nowhere close to being emotionally invested.

My feelings led me to go along with a lot of things I wasn’t comfortable with, say yes when I wanted to say no, and put up with being treated in ways that left me hurt because I was holding on to hope that if I just gave it time, he’d begin to feel the same way about me. That obviously didn’t happen but I ended up in a broken heart. Apparently, my experience isn’t isolated.

Related Reading: 11 Situationship Red Flags You Should Know About

If scores of Reddit threads on situationships are any indicator, in this casual, dynamic, undefined “relationship”, one person always catches feelings and gets hurt in the process. As this Reddit user says, “A situationship is the least “casual” of casual relationships, you basically get all the perks of a relationship which includes going on dates, sleeping together, enjoying each other’s company, staying over at the other’s but without the titles of boyfriend/girlfriend, or expectation it will turn into a proper committed relationship where you end up saying you love each other and build a future together. I don’t recommend ever getting into one, someone is always more invested in one person than the other, just ends in heartbreak and confusion.”

That’s why my situationship advice to you would be to always focus on and prioritize yourself. Here are 15 situationship rules that will help you do just that:

1. Keep it fun and light

What is a situationship if not a casual relationship with no labels and obligations? As Dhriti says, “In a situationship, any conversations about the future are off limits. The focus is on the here and now.” So, if the focus is not the here and now, why not make the most of it? Keep things light and playful, enjoy the present, and don’t get invested in the idea of a shared future.

Related Reading: The Complete Guide To “We Act Like A Couple But We Are Not Official” Situation

2. Be in touch with your feelings

Weighing in the situationship vs relationship difference, a Reddit user says, “You date each other like you’re in a relationship, but you’re not exclusive. Most of the time, it ends badly because one person will always want more than the other one.” If there is one recurring theme that you may have noticed so far, it’s that there is a very real chance of catching feelings even if you’re unofficially dating.

So, it’s important to check in with yourself from time to time and assess how you feel toward the person you’re in a situationship with. If you do find yourself catching feelings or falling head over heels in love, it’s time to figure out how to get out of a situationship. Don’t stick around, hoping, and wondering, “Can a situationship turn into a relationship?” More often than not, it does not.

what to do in a situationship
Be in tune with your feelings

3. Prioritize yourself

Wondering what to do in a situationship to protect yourself and avoid getting hurt? Make a conscious effort to focus on and prioritize yourself in this connection. Identify why got into a situationship,

  • Was it for sex?
  • Or to enjoy the perks of a casual relationship minus the baggage of expectations and commitment?
  • Was it because you don’t have time for a more committed relationship?

Not losing focus on your needs will help you prioritize them over that of your partner as well as the relationship itself.

4. Don’t hesitate to vocalize your needs

Speaking of needs, don’t hesitate to be vocal and assertive about yours. Dhriti advises, “Communicate your needs in a situationship clearly, and at the same time, be open to accepting your partner’s needs.” This requires healthy communication on the part of both partners. So, don’t shy away from having a sit-down about what this situationship means to both of you, what you seek from it, and how you intend to go about fulfilling these needs. In doing so, discuss:

  • Finding a middle ground where there is a mismatch in needs
  • Deal-breakers
  • What you would do if one partner’s needs began to change

Related Reading: 10 Critical Emotional Needs In A Relationship

5. Respect your schedule and time

While it’s normal for situationship partners to not communicate consistently or even offer explanations about periods of absence, don’t let this norm become an excuse for your partner to walk all over you and your schedule or treat you badly. My situationship partner, for instance, would go incommunicado for days and then show up at my door when his schedule cleared up, expecting me to drop everything to hang out with him.

In hindsight, I feel that his sense of entitlement was emboldened by my lack of willingness to say no. Don’t let that happen to you. One of the most vital situationship rules is to always respect your schedule and time so that your partner will too. Here is what you can do:

  • Discuss when you’d be available to each other
  • While it’s okay to make impromptu plans once in a while (remember, the idea of a situationship is to have fun), don’t let it become the norm
  • If your partner disregards your schedule, stand up for yourself

6. Make space for other important relationships in your life

Wondering what to do in a situationship to protect yourself? Here is a piece of situationship advice that can help you find the answer: make sure your entire life doesn’t revolve around this casual, fleeting connection, no matter how good it feels. Nurture space in the connection to nurture other important relationships with friends, coworkers, and family. Leading a well-rounded life is key to not letting a situationship become larger than life.

infographic on Situationship Rules
15 Non-Negotiable Situationship Rules

7. Don’t be afraid to explore

One of the basic situationship rules is that there is no commitment or expectation of exclusivity — unless there has been an explicit conversation about the latter. So don’t hold yourself back from dating or talking to other people. Now, I’m not saying that you absolutely have to date other people. But if someone interesting comes along and you feel like exploring what it could lead to, don’t hold yourself back on account of your situationship. Remember, you’re not in a relationship. At the same time, be mindful of the rules of dating multiple people to protect yourself.

8. Follow the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy

Talking about situationship rules, Dhriti says, “There may be certain things you don’t share with each other, and that’s perfectly normal.” One such thing that I can think of is each other’s experiences with dating or hooking up with other people.

No matter how much you tell yourself that your situationship arrangement is completely casual or how devoid of romantic feelings it may be, there is just no way to know for sure how you or your partner may feel about and react to details of the other person’s dating escapades. As far as that goes, stick to the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy.

Related Reading: Why Does He Keep Me Around If He Doesn’t Want A Relationship?

9. Refrain from emotional vulnerability

Dhriti says, “In a situationship, the entire connection between two people hinges on hiding true feelings and steering clear of any emotional vulnerability. It’s the only way a surface-level involvement can remain just that.” So, naturally, a valuable piece of situationship advice would be to steer clear of letting your guard down in front of your partner.

  • Don’t tell about your hopes and fears
  • Don’t discuss past traumas and emotional wounds
  • Refrain from trading childhood stories
  • Leave past loves and heartbreak out of the conversation

These are just the kinds of things that pave the way for emotional intimacy in a relationship. Once there is emotional intimacy, romantic feelings are not far behind.

10. Don’t consider them your plus-one

To protect yourself from the risk of falling for your situationship partner, and being left wishfully wondering, “Can a situationship turn into a relationship?”, make sure you don’t have any relationship-like expectations. For instance, expecting your situationship partner to be your plus one to weddings, high school reunions, or even parties.

Doing so indicates that you’ve begun to view them as an integral part of your life, and that goes against the very basic situationship rules of keeping things transient and casual.

Related Reading: Casual Dating — 13 Rules To Swear By

11. Discuss whether you want to go public, don’t assume

In a typical relationship, there is the expectation of making things public once both partners commit to each other and there is clarity on how they see their future together. Couples announce being together to their friends, post on social media, attend social events together, and so on.

However, that’s not how it necessarily goes in a situationship. My situationship partner, for instance, didn’t want any of his friends to know that we were a thing. So, one of the important situationship rules is to always discuss whether you want to tell people about your arrangement. To avoid stepping on any toes, never assume.

12. Introducing family and friends may be a no-go

I remember my situationship partner once calling me up to say that he was on his way to pick me up. I was hanging out with friends, so I asked him to take a detour to my location. When he showed up, I insisted that he join us for a drink before we went out. While he did come in and chatted my friends up, he wasn’t pleased that I had taken the liberty to do that. The night was a bust and he became somewhat distant afterwards.

Based on my experience, my situationship advice to you would be to avoid introducing your partner to your friends and family. It just places a lot of pressure and leaves unsaid expectations hanging over a fragile connection, and doesn’t play out well.

Spice-It-Up

13. Set firm boundaries

One of the most critical elements that can help you navigate a situationship successfully is setting boundaries early. Right from the get-go, be clear about what you want from this connection, and let your partner know what’s acceptable and what’s not.

Dhriti agrees, and says, “Boundaries help manage expectations, which is exceedingly important in a situationship. They also help you see the other person for who they really are and not through a colored lens of who you want them to be.” Besides, if and when you get to the point of figuring out how to get out of a situationship, these boundaries will make it easier to cut the cord.

14. Enjoy it while it lasts

In adhering to all the situationship rules I have laid out for you, don’t forget to have fun with your situationship partner and savor this unusual relationship while it lasts. As long as you don’t let feelings into the mix and feel comfortable and secure with the person you’re with, a situationship can be an immensely fun ride. Make the most of it.

Related Reading: What Does It Mean When Someone Says They Are Looking For ‘Something Casual’?

15. Remember that it’s temporary

A situationship is by definition fleeting in nature. After a point, you will find yourself at a crossroads, where you’re either wondering how to get out of a situationship or can a situationship turn into a relationship. Now, the way forward really depends on both people involved. If the romantic feelings are mutual, a situationship can materialize into something more. For that to happen,

Dhriti advises, “You have to be willing to invest in the relationship, work on building trust, talk about things like commitment and future, and prioritize open communication.” However, more often than not, the end of a situationship is not this idealistic, and people end up parting ways. Either way, know that a situationship cannot last forever. It will either grow into something more or wither away.

Key Pointers

  • A situationship is a romantic and/or sexual relationship between two people sans any labels, commitment, or expectations
  • An agreement to keep things casual, no long-term plans, no involvement in each other’s lives, and focus on the here and now are some signs you’re in a situationship
  • If you find yourself in one, it’s important to navigate it skillfully to avoid getting hurt
  • Keep it fun and light, being in touch with your feelings, prioritizing yourself, setting boundaries, and being prepared to let go when the connection has run its course are some ways you can do that

Situationship rules can vary depending on the people involved and their circumstances. For instance, for some, staying over at a situationship partner’s place can be a non-started whereas, for others, even taking weekend trips together may be acceptable. While you can establish ground rules that work well for you, make sure you follow these basic ones to make this experience fun and enjoyable rather than an emotionally harrowing ride.

Seeing Someone vs Dating – 7 Differences You Must Know About

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Dating With Intention: Meaning And Rules To Set You Up For Success 

Ask Our Expert

5 Reasons to Switch From Google Calendar to Notion Calendar

Key Takeaways

  • Notion Calendar has several advantages over Google Calendar, such as embedding Notion pages.
  • With Notion Calendar, you can use Dark Mode on all devices where it’s downloadable.
  • Notion Calendar’s streamlined interface is modern and intuitive, and it easily syncs with your Notion databases.



Since launching in January 2024, Notion Calendar has been a tempting alternative to Google Calendar. Both apps have their pros and cons, but there are some pretty good reasons to consider switching to Notion Calendar. Today, you’ll discover five of the best.


1 Use Dark Mode on All Devices With Notion Calendar

Although you can use Dark Mode in the Google Calendar smartphone app, it’s not available in the web version without plugins or external theming. Even if you switch on Dark Mode for your Mac, only the browser’s outer edges turn dark; Google Calendar itself remains bright.

Notion Calendar, meanwhile, respects your computer’s Dark Mode setting, turning dark when it’s on. You can also use Dark Mode on Notion Calendar for your smartphone.


Notion Calendar in Dark Mode on a Computer

If you own an Android phone and can enable Dark Mode for Chrome and all Android sites, the fact that Notion Calendar doesn’t have an Android app isn’t a deal-breaker. But for iPhone and Mac users who enjoy using Dark Mode, it could be.

2 Embed Notion Pages in Notion Calendar

You might find it easier to keep everything in one place rather than scattering it across different sources. Notion Calendar lets you embed Notion pages, which might be a compelling enough reason to switch from Google Calendar.

Embedding a Notion page in Notion Calendar on your computer is very simple. Follow these steps:


  1. Open Notion Calendar. Then, either create a new event or open an existing one.
  2. Go to Docs and links.
  3. In the text box, search for the Notion page you want to embed. Alternatively, choose from the list of recent pages when they appear.

Access Docs and Links in Notion Calendar

While you can embed Notion pages in the Notion Calendar desktop and web apps, this is not—at the time of writing in April 2024—possible on Notion Calendar for iOS. So, you should either perform this action on your computer or copy and paste the link from your smartphone.

3 Sync Your Notion Databases With Notion Calendar

In addition to embedding specific pages in Notion Calendar, it’s also possible to sync your databases within the app. However, like embedding Notion pages in Notion Calendar, you can only perform this action on your computer. Moreover, the databases you sync must have a calendar or timeline view.


  1. In Notion Calendar, find your database on the left-hand side and expand it.
  2. Select Add Notion database and search for the database you want to sync.

Add Notion Database in Notion Calendar

4 Notion Calendar Has a More Streamlined Interface

Besides its unique features, Notion Calendar’s easy-to-navigate user interface is another reason to switch. There’s nothing inherently wrong with how Google Calendar looks, but Notion Calendar’s interface is—from personal experience—more modern and feels more intuitive.


Create and customize a new meeting that you'll schedule in Notion Calendar

The app fits more onto your screen but does so in a non-intrusive way, and its fonts are easy to read. You can easily navigate to your Notion pages, too. The only downside of Notion Calendar’s interface is that while it’s currently optimized for smartphones and computers, the iPad app is optimized for iPhone screens.

5 You Can Sync Google Calendar With Notion Calendar

One of the biggest challenges when migrating from one app to another is transferring all of your data. However, if you decide to switch from Google Calendar to Notion Calendar, you have nothing to worry about; you can easily add each of your calendars on desktop or mobile devices.


  1. Go to the left-hand side. On your smartphone, tap the three-dots icon to expand the toolbar.
  2. Select Add calendar account.
  3. Tap Connect and enter the details associated with your Google Calendar account.

Add a new Notion Calendar account to your workspace

While Notion Calendar is currently only available on iOS and desktop, users of these devices have plenty of compelling reasons to switch. From a more intuitive experience to syncing Notion pages and databases, the app is especially handy if you already use Notion. Since you don’t need to manually transfer all of your data from Google Calendar, it’s well worth trying out.

How Wrexham transformed under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds

When “Welcome to Wrexham,” the Emmy-winning FX docuseries, kicks off its third season Thursday (streaming the next day on Hulu), our intrepid heroes are preparing for their first season in the fourth tier of English soccer after 15 years in the semipro National League.

Funding the team’s rise, and saving the down-on-its-luck Welsh city where the club plays, was the whole point of the series when actors Rob McElhenney (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and Ryan Reynolds (“Deadpool”) came up with the idea of buying Wrexham AFC during the pandemic.

So when the club, the third-oldest professional team in the world, was promoted last April — and, spoiler alert, was promoted again this month to the third-tier League One — shouldn’t that have been a wrap? Wasn’t that the time to roll credits?

Not necessarily. Because now the goal has changed.

“That’s the beauty of sport. You just don’t know where it’s going to end,” said McElhenney, a hardcore fan of Philadelphia’s professional sports teams. “Our ultimate goal is to build a sustainable model that will allow us to not only get to the Premier League, but sustain in the Premier League and eventually win the Premier League and be in the Champions League.”

To put that in perspective, in U.S. sports that would be like taking a rookie-league baseball team and turning it into the New York Yankees — if baseball had promotion and relegation, which it does not. So there really is no comparison.

But since McElhenney and Reynolds come from a world of make believe, where nothing is impossible, why not dream big? Well, for one thing this isn’t a Hollywood script in which the guy gets the girl and evil never wins. There’s no guarantee “Welcome to Wrexham” will have a happy ending.

But it wouldn’t be wise to bet against that.

“That’s part of the gambit here. You’re surrendering to fate,” Reynolds said. “You can’t write the script in advance. You can only work as hard as humanly possible to put the best club and infrastructure out on the onto that pitch and that’s what makes it compelling. That we don’t have that kind of control.

“And in football, not unlike life, anything can happen.”

Also in football, not unlike life, spending a lot of money can sure improve your odds. And McElhenney and Reynolds have spent a lot of money. It cost them more than $2.5 million to buy the team and another $4.7 million to buy back the freehold of the team’s historic stadium, according to published reports.

They spent on players too. Paul Mullin, the league’s leading scorer in Wrexham’s final two seasons in the fifth-tier National League, and teammate Ben Tozer each made more than $5,000 a week, about three times the league’s average wage. Two others reportedly made $3,700 a week.

That was steep in the National League, one that had been made up of small-town teams often owned by local businessmen who weren’t backed by Hollywood studios. But it’s perfectly legal, too, since the league does not have a salary cap or fair play protections.

“At the moment, there’s no level playing field,” Jim Parmenter, chairman of National League club Dover, told the Athletic last spring.

In the first episode of Season 2, McElhenney and Reynolds are told Wrexham lost $12 million in their first season despite leading the league in attendance. Yet they kept spending to buy promotion to League 2 later that same season, something for which they make no apologies.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney, left, celebrates with Wrexham's Elliot Lee after a match against Stockport on Saturday.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney, left, celebrates with Wrexham’s Elliot Lee after a match against Stockport on Saturday.

(Jon Super / Associated Press)

“The rules and regulations around these leagues are really prescriptive,” Reynolds said. “You have a very clear set of boundaries and rules to work within. And I think every team is encouraged to to work as hard as you possibly can and do whatever you could possibly can within those margins.

“That’s exactly what we’ve been doing with Wrexham. You can loath me, you can loath Rob, but it’s pretty damn hard to root against this town and what they’ve been through for so many decades and what this club has meant to this town. So we will do anything humanly possible to see that Wrexham continues to progress and grow in the in the world football community.”

Besides, Wrexham isn’t the only club or community that has benefited. According to the the Athletic, 22 the 72 teams in the Championship, League One and League Two — at the second, third and fourth levels of English soccer — are either wholly owned by or have minority investors hailing from the U.S. with 14 of them experiencing new investment since the actors took control at Wrexham in February 2021.

Thanks to the focus of the docuseries, the profile of League 2 has never been higher. And that’s meant higher salaries, more interest and larger crowds, with three teams topping 10,800 a game heading into last weekend, about double the league average last season.

The TV show, Wrexham’s summer tour of the U.S. — a trip that will be repeated this July — plus sponsorship deals with United Airlines and others could push Wrexham’s turnover this season to more than $25 million, nearly four times what it was just two years ago. That’s a rising tide that will lift all the boats in League 2 — and, presumably, next season in League 1.

It’s already lifted Wrexham — the team and the town, which were struggling through some rough times when McElhenney and Reynolds took their gamble, riding to the rescue and lifting the hopes and self-confidence of both.

“You know, there’s just no sure things. It’s why they have the great expression giant killers in this sport,” Reynolds said. “I think the thing that I’m most surprised by in this whole experience, aside from how forthcoming and vulnerable the folks in Wrexham have been telling their story, is how romantic this game is.

“Prior to Wrexham most of my football exposure came from watching the Canadian national women’s team. I saw glimpses of it with those women fighting for their country and their sport. But boy have I seen it in Wrexham and in this sport in general.

“It’s just the most romantic thing in the world.”

Why would anyone want to see that end?

You have read the latest installment of On Soccer with Kevin Baxter. The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories. Listen to Baxter on this week’s episode of the “Corner of the Galaxy” podcast.

Ampere Nexus Electric Scooter Launched in India With Premium Design and Certified Long Range; Check Price, Features and Other Specifications of New Greaves Electric Scooter

New Delhi, April 30: Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited (GEMPL), the e-mobility arm of Greaves Cotton Limited, today introduces its first high-performance family electric scooter, the Ampere Nexus, starting at INR 1,09,900 (ex-showroom). Ampere Nexus is entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in India, featuring multiple first-ever innovations and class-leading specifications.

The Ampere Nexus comes in four attractive colours: Zanskar Aqua, Indian Red, Lunar White, and Steel Grey. This diverse colour palette ensures riders have a spectrum of appealing choices to suit their preferences. High-performance and family-focused features redefine the electric scooter experience, providing unparalleled comfort, style, performance, intelligence, and safety. Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2, F77 Mach 2 Recon Launched; From Price to Specifications and Features, Know Everything About New E-Motorcycles From Ultraviolette.

  • Best-in-class hybrid swing arm with twin suspension
  • Best-in-class aerodynamics with unique air-cool architecture
  • 4x stronger chassis with a load-stratified design enabled with Nex.Armor™
  • 7″ TFT Touchscreen with SmartSense technology and lightning fast boot time enabled with Nex.IO™
  • Safest LFP chemistry with 1.3 times more cycle life and fastest charging time of 3hr 22mins
  • Brightest in the category Diamond Cut Headlamps and Arctic Tern-inspired Taillamps
  • Functionally designed large seat with crafted lightweight aluminium grab handle
  • 93 kmph top speed with five riding modes and 136 km certified range
  • Premium Seamless design without visible nuts and bolts

Mr K. Vijaya Kumar, Executive Director & CEO of Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited, said, “The launch of Ampere Nexus high-speed electric scooter marks a momentous achievement in our commitment to sustainable transportation. This transition from leisurely to urban to high-speed models signifies a pivotal moment in our journey. With each stride forward in democratising e-mobility, we progress toward a more inclusive, sustainable future. The Ampere Nexus stands ready for those ready to Take Charge of their daily aspirations.”

Boasting a 3 kWh safest LFP battery with 30% extra battery life and a powerful mid-mount drive, this e-scooter delivers a seamless riding experience with its 4 kW peak motor power. With five versatile riding modes, front disc brakes and an IP67 rating, riders can effortlessly navigate all terrains and climates, including flooded conditions, validated by this scooter’s iconic pre-launch ride covering 10,000 km from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The

Ampere Nexus ensures both performance and efficiency by offering impressive speed in Power mode, along with more comfort-focused multiple city modes and reverse mode. Plus, with a remarkable CMVR-certified range of 136 km per charge, riders can explore more without worrying about recharging frequently. Crafted at the confluence of innovation and reliability, the Ampere Nexus sets a new benchmark for electric mobility, embodying the ethos of the trademarked technologies of Nex.Armor and Nex.IO.

The e-scooter, dubbed The Nex Big Thing, achieved a record-breaking journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. This expedition set four iconic records acknowledged by the India Book of Records. It achieved the longest electric scooter ride, spanning over 10,000 kilometres, a first in a single journey. The journey also set a record by visiting 115 cities and towns in one ride.

Additionally, the scooter became the first electric scooter capable of towing a pickup truck weighing 1860 kg and an additional 140 kg from two passengers, covering 2 kilometres. Another notable achievement was the creation of the biggest electric scooter brand logo on white sand, measuring an impressive 179.8ft x 95.2 ft or 17100 sq. ft.

Today, you can book the Ampere Nexus in two variants (Nexus EX and Nexus ST) online. Test rides and delivery will be available at over 400 dealerships and touchpoints across India starting the second half of May 2024. BMW R 1300 GS To Launch Soon in India; Check Expected Specifications, Features and Booking Details.

  • Book your Nexus today – Link
  • About Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited:

    Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited (GEMPL), the electric mobility business of Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), is a leading player in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology in India. With comprehensive support from GCL’s EV ecosystem, GEMPL has been designing and manufacturing electric vehicles for over 13 years and has established a strong presence in the electric 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segments. In the electric 2-wheeler segment, the ‘Ampere’ brand is a fast-growing e-scooter brand with a strong presence in both B2C and B2B segments. Furthermore, MLR Auto Limited and Bestway Agencies Private Limited, subsidiaries of Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited, are rapidly expanding businesses in the electric 3-wheeler segment. With a strong base of over 3 lakh satisfied customers, GEMPL is committed to creating an affordable and sustainable ecosystem that provides the country with uninterrupted, clean, and last-mile mobility solutions.

  • For more information, please visit:

    https://greaveselectricmobility.com/

    https://ele3w.com/

    For more information, visit- www.greavescotton.com

  • Disclaimer:

    “This press release may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon Greaves Cotton Limited and its subsidiaries/ associates (“Greaves”). These forward-looking statements involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, amongst others: general economic and business conditions in India and overseas, our ability to successfully implement our strategy, our research and development efforts, our growth and expansion plans and technological changes, changes in the value of the Indian Rupee and other currency changes, changes in the Indian and international interest rates, change in laws and regulations that apply to the related industries, increasing competition in and the conditions of the related industries, changes in political conditions in India and changes in the foreign exchange control regulations in India. Neither Greaves, nor our directors, or any of our subsidiaries/associates assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this release.”

  • Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2401376/Ampere_Nexus_Launch.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183421/4215395/Greaves_Cotton_Limited_Logo.jpg

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

AI Detectors for ChatGPT: Everything You Need to Know

Detecting when text has been generated by tools like ChatGPT is a difficult task. Popular artificial- intelligence-detection tools, like GPTZero, may provide some guidance for users by telling them when something was written by a bot and not a human, but even specialized software is not foolproof and can spit out false positives.

As a journalist who started covering AI detection over a year ago, I wanted to curate some of WIRED’s best articles on the topic to help readers like you better understand this complicated issue.

Have even more questions about spotting outputs from ChatGPT and other chatbot tools? Sign up for my AI Unlocked newsletter, and reach out to me directly with anything AI-related that you would like answered or want WIRED to explore more.

February 2023 by Reece Rogers

In this article, which was written about two months after the launch of ChatGPT, I started to grapple with the complexities of AI text detection as well as what the AI revolution might mean for writers who publish online. Edward Tian, the founder behind GPTZero, spoke with me about how his AI detector focuses on factors like text variance and randomness.

As you read, focus on the section about text watermarking: “A watermark might be able to designate certain word patterns to be off-limits for the AI text generator.” While a promising idea, the researchers I spoke with were already skeptical about its potential efficacy.

September 2023 by Christopher Beam

A fantastic piece from last year’s October issue of WIRED, this article gives you an inside look into Edward Tian’s mindset as he worked to expand GPTZero’s reach and detection capabilities. The focus on how AI has impacted schoolwork is crucial.

AI text detection is top of mind for many classroom educators as they grade papers and, potentially, forgo essay assignments altogether due to students secretly using chatbots to complete homework assignments. While some students might use generative AI as a brainstorming tool, others are using it to fabricate entire assignments.

September 2023 by Kate Knibbs

Do companies have a responsibility to flag products that might be generated by AI? Kate Knibbs investigated how potentially copyright-breaking AI-generated books were being listed for sale on Amazon, even though some startups believed the products could be spotted with special software and removed. One of the core debates about AI detection hinges on whether the potential for false positives—human-written text that’s accidentally flagged as the work of AI—outweighs the benefits of labeling algorithmically generated content.

August 2023 by Amanda Hoover

Going beyond just homework assignments, AI-generated text is appearing more in academic journals, where it is often forbidden without a proper disclosure. “AI-written papers could also draw attention away from good work by diluting the pool of scientific literature,” writes Amanda Hoover. One potential strategy for addressing this issue is for developers to build specialized detection tools that search for AI content within peer-reviewed papers.

October 2023 by Kate Knibbs

When I first spoke with researchers last February about watermarks for AI text detection, they were hopeful but cautious about the potential to imprint AI text with specific language patterns that are undetectable by human readers but obvious to detection software. Looking back, their trepidation seems well placed.

Just a half-year later, Kate Knibbs spoke with multiple sources who were smashing through AI watermarks and demonstrating their underlying weakness as a detection strategy. While not guaranteed to fail, watermarking AI text continues to be difficult to pull off.

April 2024 by Amanda Hoover

One tool that teachers are trying to use to detect AI-generated classroom work is Turnitin, a plagiarism detection software that added AI spotting capabilities. (Turnitin is owned by Advance, the parent company of Condé Nast, which publishes WIRED.) Amanda Hoover writes, “Chechitelli says a majority of the service’s clients have opted to purchase the AI detection. But the risks of false positives and bias against English learners have led some universities to ditch the tools for now.”

AI detectors are more likely to falsely label written content from someone whose first language isn’t English as AI than that from someone who’s a native speaker. As developers continue to work on improving AI-detection algorithms, the problem of erroneous results remains a core obstacle to overcome.