Master violin luthier invents world’s first vegan violin
Currently, most violins contain glues made from animal hooves and hides. Violin bows are often also not vegan since they’re made from horsehair.
Europe
New artificial pancreas proves “life-changing” for young diabetics
The new study from the University of Cambridge involved 74 children with type 1 diabetes, aged one to seven, with subjects using the CamAPS FX artificial pancreas system for 16 weeks and showing promising results.
France ends ban on gay and bisexual male blood donors
France passed its first ban on men who have sex with men donating blood in 1983, in the early years of the AIDS crisis.
California becomes first U.S. state to require insurance to cover the cost of at-home STD tests
In addition to requiring coverage of costs for at-home test kits, the new legislation calls for increasing the number of health care providers that can offer STI tests.
Germany to dedicate 2% of its land to wind power development
If successful, the plan will add up to 10 gigawatts of new onshore wind capacity every year for the rest of the decade.
Belgium enshrines the “right to disconnect” for government workers
Bosses won’t be able contact employees outside of work hours except in exceptional circumstances, according to a proposed law for civil servants in Belgium.
Psilocybin clinical trial confirms safety of group psychedelic sessions
A new study published in the The Journal of Psychopharmacology found no detrimental effects from simultaneous administration of the drug.
U.K. to pardon all past convictions of consensual homosexual activity
The new amendment will pardon any conviction over homosexual activity that is no longer a crime today and that did not involve anyone under the age of 16.
Parliament of the Faroe Islands grants equal parental rights for same-sex couples
The government coalition stood on the brink of collapse ahead of today’s third reading of two bills relating to parental rights of same-sex co-parents. Both bills from the opposition were adopted with 18 votes in favor and 13 against.
European supermarkets discontinue selling Brazilian beef to protect the Amazon
Sainsbury’s in the U.K., Lidl in the Netherlands, and the Dutch retailer Alhold Delhaize were among the companies saying they would move away from stocking Brazilian beef.