Breakthrough in search for HIV cure leaves Australian researchers ‘overwhelmed’

Breakthrough in search for HIV cure leaves Australian researchers ‘overwhelmed’

The virus’s ability to conceal itself inside white blood cells is a core challenge for scientists looking for a cure. It means there is a reservoir of HIV in the body, capable of reactivation, that neither the immune system nor drugs can access. Now, researchers from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity in Melbourne have found a way to make the virus visible, paving the way to fully clear it from the body. UNAids estimates that one person died of HIV every minute in 2023.

Italy extends legal recognition to same-sex mothers in major court ruling

In a landmark move bringing Italy in step with many of its European peers, the Constitutional Court has ruled that both women in a same-sex couple who conceive a child abroad via medically assisted reproduction must be legally recognized as parents. This decision marks a significant stride toward legal parity and stability for LGBTQ+ families across the country.

Indian Railways to achieve net zero targets in 2025 – 5 years ahead of schedule

Indian Railways operates roughly 12,000 trains daily, carrying over one billion tons of goods and more than 8.5 billion passengers annually. Now, over 90% of the nationwide railways’ traction energy comes from electric rather than fossil sources, with plans to increase this to 95% by 2030. This shift has led to a substantial decrease in operational costs and direct greenhouse gas emissions, with a reduction of 2.2 million tons of CO2 expected by the end of 2025.

Five U.S. states have passed Right to Repair legislation in 2025

Right-to-repair bills allow consumers to fix broken products and replace missing parts, boosting consumer rights, affordability, and waste reduction. In May, Washington Gov. Ferguson signed two bills, covering consumer electronics, appliances, and wheelchairs. Then, the Oregon and Nevada legislatures passed their own wheelchair bills, while Texas and Connecticut passed consumer electronics measures. 2025 is now already the most productive year ever for Right to Repair.

Samoa establishes nine new marine protected areas covering 30% of its ocean

The Samoan government has enacted a law establishing a plan to sustainably manage 100% of its ocean by 2030. The plan creates nine new marine protected areas that cover 30% of Samoa’s ocean, an area roughly the size of Taiwan. The MPAs mean that Samoa meets its 2020 agreement to protect 30% of Earth’s land and ocean by 2030. They ban activities that harm marine life or habitats, including fishing, mining, and drilling.

Scientists eliminate HIV in animal genome in historic first (2019 C.E.)

Existing HIV treatment used antiretroviral therapy, which is not a cure for HIV and requires lifelong use. In this study, researchers used a gene editing system to remove large fragments of HIV DNA from infected cells, along with a new drug regimen called long-acting slow-effective release. This approach eliminated HIV DNA from about one-third of the mice, marking the first time that HIV had been eradicated from the genomes of living animals.

Humanity ends the HIV/AIDS epidemic (2054 C.E. ???)

Through the development of effective vaccines and treatment plans and reliable ways to send care to poor and rural populations, the world's nations effectively eliminate HIV as a cause of death worldwide. As of 2023, over 42 million people had died of HIV-related causes since the beginning of the epidemic. By the 2050s, such deaths become mostly a thing of the past.

Tell the COP30 President: Make ending fossil fuels a priority!

From 350.org: Fossil fuels are the biggest driver of climate change. But they’re not on the agenda at the biggest climate talks of the year — COP30 in Brazil. We need a clear, fair plan to phase them out and speed up the switch to renewables. COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago and Brazil’s President Lula can lead the way — but only if we demand it.  Send a letter.​

This week’s calendar

GET S*** DONE Work Group​ every weekday, 10:45am-12pm PT (online)
Bellingham Men’s Circle​ on Monday, June 9, 6-8pm PT (in-person)

Peter Schulte Leadership coach Bellingham WA USA About | Instagram | Donate