RUSHED INQUIRY ON SOCIAL MEDIA BAN DRAWS BACKLASH
A rushed inquiry into proposed laws banning children and young teenagers from social media has received over 15,000 submissions in just 24 hours, spurred by a post from Elon Musk that brought attention to the issue. The government’s bill, which seeks to bar users under 16 from platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, has raised concerns about its potential to cause harm. Critics argue it could exacerbate isolation for young people, while others, including social media companies, suggest focusing on platform safety instead. Despite widespread backlash, the bill is expected to pass with Coalition support. The inquiry’s expedited process, with only three parliamentary sitting days left in the year, has drawn criticism from Greens and independent senators, who call the procedure rushed and lacking proper scrutiny. If passed, the law would not be enforced for 12 months, giving tech companies time to comply. (ABC)
H5N1 BIRD FLU FOUND IN RAW MILK IN CALIFORNIA
Health officials in California have found the H5N1 bird flu virus in a batch of raw milk sold by Raw Milk LLC from Fresno County. The milk, labeled “cream top whole raw milk,” was recalled after being purchased by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department on November 21, 2024. The discovery follows concerns that the virus could spread through raw milk, which can contain high levels of the virus from infected cows. While the human health risks of consuming H5N1-infected milk are unclear, studies on animal models suggest severe illness could occur. No illnesses have been linked to the recalled product, but the public has been advised to return any affected milk. California has been actively testing for the virus, with 402 herds affected statewide. Although risks to human health remain uncertain, experts agree that this discovery was expected given the spread of the virus. (STAT)
COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES FILLING 200000 PRESCRIPTIONS FOR WEGOVY ALTERNATIVES
Compounding pharmacies in the U.S. are filling over 200,000 monthly prescriptions for compounded versions of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy, which is in short supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering whether to remove Wegovy from its shortage list, potentially halting the production of these compounded drugs. Many Americans, unable to afford or find Wegovy, have turned to the cheaper compounded versions. The Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, representing compounding pharmacists, has urged the FDA to consider the demand for compounded semaglutide when deciding on the shortage status. Monthly prescriptions of compounded semaglutide are significant, with 28 pharmacies filling over 212,000 prescriptions, although the total market is likely larger. Novo Nordisk has increased its U.S. supply of Wegovy, but some pharmacies still struggle with stock shortages. The situation highlights the complexity of drug shortages and the reliance on compounded alternatives to meet patient demand. (Reuters)
COMBINED PFAS AND MICROPLASTICS MORE TOXIC THAN EXPECTED
New research reveals that when PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and microplastics are combined, their toxic effects are amplified, posing a greater risk to wildlife and potentially humans. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham, exposed water fleas to mixtures of these substances and found severe health effects, including reduced birth rates, stunted growth, and delayed sexual maturity. These enhanced toxic effects raise concerns because PFAS and microplastics are typically studied and regulated separately, though humans are exposed to both simultaneously. PFAS are “forever chemicals” linked to serious health issues, while microplastics are harmful particles that can enter the body and disrupt biological functions. The study found that the combination of PFAS and microplastics was more toxic than either substance alone, with about 40% of the increased toxicity attributed to their synergistic interaction. These findings highlight the importance of investigating chemical mixtures and their impacts on both wildlife and human health. (The Guardian)
4,000-YEAR-OLD CANALS IN BELIZE REVEAL ADVANCED ANCIENT ENGINEERING
Archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old network of earthen canals in Belize, revealing the advanced landscape modifications made by the region’s early inhabitants long before the Maya civilization. Using drones and Google Earth imagery, researchers identified zigzagging canals running through wetlands, which were used to channel and trap freshwater species like catfish. The canals, constructed by semi-nomadic people, were part of a larger system including holding ponds. The findings, published in Science Advances, show that these early people were already engineering large-scale infrastructure to support their livelihoods. The canals likely played a significant role in feeding the population, paving the way for the later rise of the Maya, who built temples and developed complex systems. The study highlights a continuous cultural development from early inhabitants to the sophisticated Maya civilization, suggesting that these fish-trapping canals laid a foundational step in the region’s agricultural and cultural evolution. (AP)
NEANDERTHALS MAY HAVE PRODUCED TAR USING ANCIENT HEARTH
A recent study published in Quaternary Science Reviews sheds light on how Neanderthals might have produced adhesive tar. The discovery of a hearth in Vanguard Cave, Gibraltar, reveals evidence of a controlled fire, with traces of ash, charcoal, and possible tar crystals. This hearth, dating back 67,000 to 60,000 years ago, aligns with previous findings of Neanderthal technology using tar to attach sharp stone tools to spears. Researchers suggest that Neanderthals may have used the hearth to process plant materials, like rockrose, which produces a sticky resin, labdanum. A replica hearth experiment showed that heating rockrose leaves can yield tar, similar to substances found in the cave. Though experts agree the hearth could have been used for tar production, there is uncertainty about whether Neanderthals intentionally created it for that purpose. The study adds to our understanding of Neanderthal hunting tools and the use of natural adhesives in prehistoric technology. (Science)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.