Latest Stories

First Human Injected with Controversial Genetically Modified Genes

For the first time in history, a human has been injected with genes edited using the CRISPR-Cas9 method. [1]
The experiment took place on 28 October 2016, when a team of Chinese scientists, led by oncologist Lu You at Sichuan University in Chengdu, delivered the genetically modified (GM) cells into a patient with aggressive lung cancer as part of a clinical trial at the West China Hospital in Chengdu. [2]
To protect the patient’s privacy, the details of the trial have not been released; but Lu said the trial “went smoothly.”

Why Do Companies Still Put a Banned Chemical in Your Toothpaste?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned the use of the antibacterial agent triclosan in soaps. Yet it remains in one of the most popular toothpastes: Colgate Total.
So if it is banned for our skin, why does it remain in toothpaste? Largely because the Colgate Company has demonstrated that toothpastes with this chemical are more effective against gingivitis and plaque.

How Illegal Drugs and ADHD Medications are Polluting Urban Streams

Both legal and illegal drugs are polluting streams in and around at least 1 major U.S. city, a new study reveals. This includes amphetamines, which are biologically active and highly addictive. [1]
The pollution comes at a high cost, ecologically. Areas in some streams have high enough concentrations of amphetamines to alter the bottom of the aquatic food chain.
Study author Sylvia Lee said:

Amazon is Testing a 30-Hour Work Week for Some Employees

A few lucky Amazon.com employees will soon get to have what so many workers only dream of: a shorter work week. [1]
The company is getting ready to launch a program that will have a few technical teams made up of employees who work just 30 hours a week, yet they will be salaried and will receive the same benefits as traditional 40-hour workers. Employees on the part-time team will make about 75% of what full-time Amazon workers make.

Study: People Save Antibiotics for Later Use, and it is Not Good

Many people in the United States hang on to leftover antibiotics and say that if they got sick, they’d use them without going to the doctor, a new study finds.
The findings are so problematic, it’s hard to even know where to begin. However, one of the main concerns is that this practice leads people to take the drugs when they might not need them, which may further the spread of resistance to antibiotics.

Stranger Pays for Teacher’s Supplies, Social Media Reunites Them

Seventh-grade grade teacher Sabrina Drude was brought to tears when a total stranger paid for her teaching supplies.
The pair were introduced in line at a local Wal-Mart. Noticing Drude was buying an excessive amount of school supplies, the benevolent stranger, named Lester Brown, struck up a conversation with the young teacher.

UK Plan to Tackle Childhood Obesity Deemed ‘Weak’

The United Kingdom, not unlike the United States, is striving to tackle the rising issue of childhood obesity. In order to do so, the government has issued a plan of action that both cuts down the amount of sugar allowed in food and places a hefty tax on sweet drinks. The tax would help fund exercise- and other healthy living-related initiatives. Though while many find this to be a good start, some critics are striking down on the upcoming changes.