CRISPR therapy for rare blood disease delivers “life-changing” results
Targeting a pair of rare genetic blood diseases, the experimental therapy has so far been 100 percent effective in all 22 patients treated.
Public health & disease
Indian scientist invents method to detect colon cancer early
The new study, led by Dr. Sagar Sengupta from the National Institute of Immunology has however found a novel way to identify the disease as early as stage 1 through his lab’s work on microRNAs
China pledges 2 billion vaccines globally through year’s end
A pledge by China to supply 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to other countries this year expands the commitments made by a nation that is already the largest exporter of the shots by far.
Maine bans toxic ‘forever chemicals’ under groundbreaking new law
Maine has enacted a groundbreaking law that will ban the use of toxic PFAS compounds in all products by 2030, except in instances deemed “currently unavoidable”.
U.S. FDA allows automatic ‘generic’ swap for brand-name insulin
The move will allow pharmacists to automatically substitute the cheaper version, just as they do with generic pills for other kinds of drugs. It could save diabetics and health plans millions of dollars annually.
Bayer to pull glyphosate products, including Roundup, from U.S. home and garden market
In 2015, the World Health Organization declared that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Bayer now faces tens of thousands of legal claims from U.S. customers.
Survival rates are improving every year for most of the common cancers in U.S.
The report, appearing in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, reflects good news for 11 of the 19 most common cancers among men, and for 14 of the 20 most common cancers among women.
World’s largest four-day workweek trial is an “overwhelming success”
More than one percent of Iceland’s working population participated in the pilot scheme, which cut the usual 40-hour working week to 35-36 hours with no reduction in overall pay, reports The Independent.
WHO declares China malaria-free after 70 years of efforts
China has become the 40th country to be declared malaria-free. It has not had an indigenous case for four years.
Walmart launching its own low-cost insulin to ‘revolutionize’ affordability for diabetics
The retailer claims its insulin options will save customers between 58% to 75% compared to branded products.