CHINESE EV STARTUP BANKRUPTCY EXPOSES VEHICLE VULNERABILITY
When the Chinese EV startup WM Motor went bankrupt in October 2023, owners of its vehicles encountered serious issues as their cars went “offline.” The company’s smartphone app, essential for controlling features like locks, air conditioning, and in-car entertainment, became inaccessible, leaving many vehicles partially disabled. This problem highlights the vulnerability of electric vehicles (EVs) that heavily depend on cloud services and proprietary software. As China’s hypercompetitive EV market faces consolidation, many EV startups are struggling to survive, leaving around 160,000 car owners uncertain about future support and repairs. Established brands like BYD and Tesla dominate the market as consumers increasingly avoid newer, riskier startups. The situation underscores the challenges of a market where cars are becoming “smartphones on wheels,” with a growing reliance on internet-based services that can fail if the manufacturer does. (Rest of World)
RACE-BASED MEDICAL TOOLS SPARK DEBATE ON BIAS
Pediatrician Alexandra Epee-Bounya’s frustration with race-based medical tools led Boston Children’s Hospital to reconsider using race as a factor in clinical decisions, including UTI risk calculations. This move was part of a broader debate on the role of race in medical algorithms, which intensified after George Floyd’s murder in 2020. Although some institutions have revised or eliminated race-based tools, progress has stalled. Many algorithms, still in use, perpetuate racial biases, potentially harming patients of color. Efforts to address this issue are often grassroots and fragmented, lacking the necessary leadership and funding for widespread reform. Federal regulations are emerging to address these biases, but their impact remains uncertain. The medical community continues to grapple with the challenge of removing race from clinical tools while ensuring accuracy and fairness in patient care. (STAT)
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POLIO RETURNS TO GAZA TRIGGERING MASS VACCINATION EFFORT
Polio has re-emerged in the Gaza Strip after 25 years, prompting the UN and local health authorities to launch a vaccination campaign targeting 640,000 children under 10. The outbreak is linked to vaccine-derived poliovirus, which occurs when the weakened virus in oral vaccines mutates and spreads, typically affecting those unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. The resurgence is partly blamed on Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s health and sanitation infrastructure, which has exacerbated the spread. Globally, polio has reappeared in countries like Mozambique, Malawi, and several others, primarily through vaccine-derived strains. Contributing factors include vaccine hesitancy, reduced immunization campaigns due to conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as increased global mobility. While oral vaccines are more commonly used in developing nations due to their cost-effectiveness, they carry a small risk of causing polio when the virus spreads through sewage, highlighting the need for high vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks. (Al-Jazeera)
SANOFI PUSHES FOR FDA APPROVAL OF TOLEBRUTINIB DESPITE CHALLENGES
Sanofi remains committed to seeking FDA approval for its multiple sclerosis (MS) drug tolebrutinib, despite mixed results from recent phase 3 trials. The drug succeeded in the HERCULES trial, showing a delay in disability progression for patients with non-relapsing secondary progressive MS, a form of the disease with no current treatments. However, tolebrutinib failed to outperform Sanofi’s existing MS drug Aubagio in reducing relapses in the GEMINI trials focused on relapsing MS. Sanofi’s R&D chief, Houman Ashrafian, emphasized the unmet need in secondary progressive MS and plans to prioritize this indication in discussions with the FDA. The company acknowledges the challenges ahead, including past concerns over liver injury associated with the drug. Despite these hurdles, Sanofi is focusing on the distinct needs of the secondary progressive MS population, while a separate phase 3 trial, PERSEUS, continues to evaluate the drug in primary progressive MS, with results expected next year. (Fierce Biotech)
RESEARCHERS CHALLENGE “WEIRD” BIAS IN BEHAVIORAL STUDIES
As early-career researchers, we recognize the challenge of conducting behavioral science research that genuinely represents global populations. Despite the field’s reliance on Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) samples, efforts to generalize findings to all human behavior are often flawed. Our attempt to study prosocial behavior across diverse cultures highlighted significant limitations in existing research platforms like Prolific and Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk), which lack representation from many global regions, particularly Africa, Asia, and South America. These platforms, developed by Western companies, offer limited sample diversity, making it difficult to conduct truly global research. The high cost of alternative methods, such as market research companies, further complicates efforts. To overcome these challenges, we advocate for greater transparency from research platforms, the use of local data-collection tools, and partnerships with regional labs to ensure culturally sensitive and representative research. Only through such collaborations can behavioral science research move beyond its current “WEIRD” bias. (PNAS)
NIGERIAN SCIENTIST’S MPox DISCOVERY SPURS GLOBAL ATTENTION
In September 2017, Dr. Dimie Ogoina, an infectious disease scientist in Nigeria, identified the first case of monkeypox (now mpox) in nearly 40 years in the country, marking the start of an outbreak. Initially mistaken for chickenpox, the case was confirmed as mpox after tests conducted in Senegal. The outbreak revealed significant challenges, including fear, stigma, and misinformation, with some patients avoiding medical help due to cultural beliefs. Ogoina’s observations suggested a shift in the affected population, with many cases involving young men and genital lesions, a potential indication of sexual transmission. Despite initial skepticism from the scientific community, his findings were later validated during the 2022-2023 global mpox outbreak. This resurgence of mpox, alongside other emerging diseases like Oropouche in South America, highlights the complex interplay between environmental factors, such as deforestation, and the spread of infectious diseases. Scientists like Ogoina and Daniel Romero-Alvarez continue to face challenges in conducting and publishing research, particularly in regions with limited resources and governmental support. (Al-Jazeera)
TIGER ATTACK AT DREAMWORLD PROMPTS CALLS FOR SAFETY REFORMS
Following an incident where experienced tiger handler Melissa Reynolds was seriously injured by a tiger at Dreamworld theme park, an animal rescue organization is calling for legislative changes to better protect both tigers and handlers. Reynolds was hospitalized with severe injuries, highlighting the dangers of working closely with captive wild animals. The incident is not the first at the park, with similar cases occurring in 2011. Louise Ward from Four Paws Australia emphasized that their handlers avoid direct interaction with animals unless necessary for medical care, advocating for safer practices. Donna Wilson, who runs Zambi Wildlife Retreat, noted the risks involved, particularly for less experienced handlers. Dreamworld, which advertises close encounters with tigers, stated that the incident was rare and is under review. Both the Australian Workers Union and Biosecurity Queensland are involved in the investigation, with calls for the park to take stronger measures to ensure safety and animal welfare. (ABC)
CHINA INVESTIGATES TOXIC CHEMICALS IN GOJI BERRY PRODUCTION
Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into the production of goji berries after a state news report revealed the use of harmful chemicals to enhance the berries’ bright red color. The report by CCTV exposed excessive use of sodium metabisulfite, a preservative that can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues, in the production of goji berries in Qinghai and Gansu provinces. Some merchants also reportedly used toxic industrial sulfur, which contains arsenic, to preserve the berries during unfavorable weather conditions. The chemicals were used to keep the berries bright red, making them more marketable. The investigation comes amid growing concerns over food safety in China, following a recent scandal involving the unsafe transportation of cooking oil. Local governments in Qinghai and Gansu have established task forces to investigate the contamination claims, with promises of strict enforcement and public disclosure of the findings. (Channel News Asia)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: JustAnotherCarDesigner.
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