Belize certified malaria-free by WHO
Over the last 3 decades, Belize has achieved a dramatic reduction in its malaria burden – from a peak of about 10 000 cases in 1994 to zero indigenous cases in 2019.
Public health & disease
Israeli researchers reach ‘breakthrough’ in fight against skin cancer
The researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer believe that their discovery could contribute to the development of a vaccine against melanoma.
Combo therapy trial achieves 94% remission rate for Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The trial was so successful the U.S.’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) ordered it be halted early so that the FDA could expedite approval of the therapy to treat stage 3 and 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Minnesota becomes 23rd U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana
Under the measure, people with marijuana convictions will have a chance to clear their records by automatically expunging low-level convictions and establishing a review board to determine eligibility for higher-level offenses.
New York protects “the birds & the bees” with nation-leading pesticides legislation
The Birds and Bees Protection Act bans the neonic pesticides uses that provide no economic benefits to users or are replaceable with safer, effective alternatives.
Microparticle therapy reverses MS in 100% of mice, cures one third
The finding has the potential to lead to new treatments for not only multiple sclerosis but other autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
Meningitis vaccine trial in Mali and The Gambia shows promise in “groundbreaking” development
The Serum Institute of India and Path successfully tested an effective and affordable vaccine for meningitis, a disease that claims the lives of an estimated 250,000 people each year.
Scientists identify bacteria that can break down ‘forever chemicals’
PFAS are used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams, and have been linked with higher cholesterol, lower fertility, developmental delays in children, and a greater risk of cancer.
Groundbreaking Israeli blood cancer treatment has 90% success rate
Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem has announced an “unprecedented achievement” in the treatment of multiple myeloma cancer – the second-most common hematological disease.
U.S. FDA to end ban on gay & bi men donating blood
The FDA finalized recommendations for determining donor eligibility by using the same questions for everyone who wants to donate, similar to how the U.K., Canada, and France currently determine risk.