I SPY.
Senator Ron Wyden reported that U.S. smartphone users are potentially being monitored through push notifications, with Apple confirming this. Wyden’s investigation revealed that foreign governments requested push notification records from Apple and Google, and the U.S. government restricted these companies from disclosing such requests. This surveillance involves collecting metadata from notifications, including details about the app, time, phone, and user account. In some cases, notification content is also accessible. Apple and Google, advocating for transparency, have updated their law enforcement guidelines and will report on requests for push notification data. While Apple advises encrypting sensitive notification data, it’s not mandatory. Wyden called for companies to be allowed to disclose legal demands for user data, especially from foreign governments, and to inform affected customers. The Department of Justice, however, has not commented on these issues. (Vice)
OUT OF STATE ABORTIONS ON THE RISE.
Since Roe v. Wade’s reversal, the Guttmacher Institute reports a surge in out-of-state abortion seekers. In 2023, 20% of patients crossed state lines, doubling from 2020. States like Illinois, where abortion remains protected, have experienced increased demand. In Illinois, out-of-state patients constituted 42% of all abortions in 2023, a significant rise from 21% in 2020. Clinics near restrictive states face heightened demand. Hope Clinic in Illinois, near the Missouri border, now sees patients from as far as Tennessee and Arkansas. Similarly, Trust Women clinic in Kansas, serving many Texans, saw a 79% increase in abortions, primarily from out-of-state clients. This clinic had to triple its staff and focus exclusively on abortion services. This trend represents a growing healthcare crisis, forcing patients to undertake extensive travel for abortion care. Further legislative restrictions could worsen the situation, pushing more patients to distant states for services, as highlighted by the potential six-week abortion ban in Florida. (The Guardian)
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SELF-REPLICATING RNA VACCINES.
Japan’s recent approval of ARCT-154, a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine for COVID-19, marks a significant development in vaccine technology. Developed by Arcturus Therapeutics and CSL, this is the first saRNA vaccine to receive full regulatory approval globally. Unlike conventional mRNA vaccines, saRNA vaccines can replicate within cells, potentially offering more potent and durable protection against various diseases at lower doses. ARCT-154 has demonstrated higher antibody levels compared to standard mRNA vaccines when used as a booster. This innovative approach allows for reduced vaccine doses, which might lead to fewer side effects and lower production costs. The technology, developed over two decades, introduces a more efficient in-cell vaccine production system. Despite its promise, saRNA vaccines present manufacturing challenges due to their complex genetic sequences and intricate immune system interactions. Nevertheless, the breakthrough with ARCT-154 paves the way for broader applications in infectious diseases, cancer, and potentially in producing therapeutic proteins inside the body. (Nature)
UNWANTED BY-PRODUCTS OF VACCINE.
A study has found that mRNA vaccines, like those for COVID-19, might inadvertently prompt cells to create small, unintended proteins due to ‘frameshifting’. However, there’s no evidence this affects vaccine safety. Researchers suggest a modification to the mRNA sequence to reduce this error, potentially making future mRNA-based treatments safer and more effective. The issue arises from the use of pseudouridine in mRNA vaccines, which enhances stability but may increase the likelihood of ribosomal frameshifting. This phenomenon was observed in about 8% of proteins from modified mRNA in experiments. Studies on Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine recipients showed antibodies to these frameshifted proteins, but no adverse effects were reported. The proposed solution involves altering mRNA sequences to reduce the chances of frameshifting while maintaining the intended protein production. This advancement could improve the design and efficacy of mRNA vaccines and therapies, underscoring the evolving nature of mRNA technology in healthcare. (Science)
ABBVIE WANTS MORE NEUROSCIENCE.
AbbVie is set to acquire Cerevel Therapeutics for $8.7 billion, a strategic move to enhance its neuroscience and psychiatric disease portfolio. This acquisition brings to AbbVie a promising phase 2 schizophrenia treatment, augmenting its existing offerings in migraine, movement disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. CEO Richard Gonzalez anticipates this venture will provide substantial growth and multibillion-dollar sales potential from Cerevel’s diverse asset portfolio. Key highlights include emraclidine, currently in trials for schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, and tavapadon, a late-stage Parkinson’s therapy. Emraclidine, a muscarinic M4 positive allosteric modulator, recently cleared a critical safety test in schizophrenia and is also being evaluated for dementia-related psychosis. Tavapadon, targeting Parkinson’s, is positioned for both monotherapy and adjunctive treatment, potentially complementing AbbVie’s existing Parkinson’s solutions. AbbVie’s acquisition involves buying all Cerevel shares at $45 each, marking a significant expansion in neuroscience treatment capabilities. Cerevel CEO Ron Renaud sees this as an opportunity to broaden the reach of their innovative therapies. (Fierce Biotech)
CONTENTIOUS CARBON TAX FIGHT IN CANADA.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is threatening to extend parliamentary sessions, delaying the holiday break, unless the Trudeau Liberals reverse a Senate amendment to a carbon-tax exemption bill for farm heating. The original bill aimed to exempt propane and natural gas used in grain drying and barn heating from federal carbon taxes but was amended by the Senate to limit the exemption to grain drying only, causing disappointment in Canada’s agricultural community. The amended Bill C-234, which had broad support in the House of Commons, now faces further delays as it returns for additional debate. Poilievre accuses Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of pressuring senators against the bill and vows to respond with round-the-clock amendments and debates. This move aims to pressure the government to remove the tax on farmers and other groups. The Grain Growers of Canada expressed frustration, citing a lack of viable alternatives for farm activities, while Senator Pierre Dalphond argues efficient alternatives exist. (National Post)
DEAD UNICORNS.
The tech startup sector is experiencing a significant downturn, with notable companies like WeWork, Olive AI, Convoy, and Veev filing for bankruptcy or shutting down recently. This trend reflects a broader collapse in the industry, with about 3,200 U.S. startups closing this year, involving $27.2 billion in venture funding. This year has been particularly challenging, marking a shift from the previous decade’s investment boom in tech startups. Investors, facing a reality check, are reevaluating which companies to support, leading to many startups either shutting down or becoming “zombie” companies, unable to grow or secure more funding. This situation stems from the inability of many startups to replicate the success of tech giants like Facebook and Google. The startup crisis has also spawned businesses like SimpleClosure, which helps startups wind down. This shift in the venture capital landscape indicates a reorientation of market opportunities and strategies, highlighting the volatile nature of tech investments. (New York Times)
AQUARIUM INDUSTRY A MIXED BAG.
Marine ecologist Gordon Watson’s study unveils the vast scale of the saltwater aquarium industry, with 6.7 million hobbyists and over $2 billion in annual sales, transporting about 100 million organisms yearly. This University of Portsmouth researcher’s childhood interest in aquariums has evolved into exploring the industry’s potential for both environmental benefit and harm. Watson’s research indicates the industry could positively impact coral reef conservation by promoting sustainable practices and creating economic incentives for reef protection. He suggests sustainable systems like identifying high-risk species for overfishing and implementing a certification system for sustainable fisheries. However, the study also highlights risks, particularly the overfishing of certain species and the vulnerability of reefs in Indonesia and the Philippines. Watson cautions against a feedback loop where declining reefs, exacerbated by global warming, could lead to harmful practices like increased food fishing. Despite his professional focus, Watson recently had to give up his personal aquarium, though he remains connected to marine life through his institute’s tanks. (Anthropocene Magazine)
NATIVE AMERICANS CREATE THEIR OWN ENERGY.
Cody Two Bears, a Sioux tribe member in North Dakota, inspired by the Standing Rock protests, founded Indigenized Energy to bring solar power to tribal lands. His initiative addresses a critical need, as many Native American reservations, like the Navajo Nation, lack basic access to electricity. Indigenized Energy provides solar farms free of charge, empowering tribes to become energy independent and economically benefit from renewable energy. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 offers significant tax subsidies and incentives for tribes to invest in renewables, but accessing these funds is challenging due to complex grid connection processes and looming deadlines. Despite these hurdles, Two Bears sees immense potential in renewable energy for economic development and energy sovereignty on native lands. Training initiatives like Red Cloud Renewable, founded by Henry Red Cloud, are upskilling tribal members for jobs in the renewable sector. This approach not only provides economic opportunities but also aligns with indigenous values of respecting and harnessing natural resources. Two Bears envisions tribes leading the energy transition in the U.S., promoting a sustainable future while rewriting the narrative of Native American communities. (BBC)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: Lisa Fotios.