TRUMP’S W.H.O. PULLBACK THREATENS GLOBAL SMALLPOX SAFETY RESEARCH
President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) may jeopardize critical smallpox virus safety and research efforts. The U.S. holds a smallpox virus stockpile under W.H.O. oversight, with inspections that prevent leaks or misuse. Experts warn that ending this collaboration could raise concerns about potential weaponization of the virus, especially as Russia is suspected of maintaining a smallpox stockpile for military purposes. The W.H.O.’s role in inspecting and guiding smallpox research has been key in minimizing risks and fostering international cooperation. Critics fear that the U.S. withdrawal could increase the likelihood of a virus outbreak and lead other countries to follow suit, undermining global health security. Health leaders emphasize the importance of global cooperation, noting that past successes, like smallpox eradication, highlight the benefits of a unified approach to health crises. The withdrawal could also disrupt progress on new antiviral treatments. (New York Times)
H5N1 AVIAN FLU OUTBREAKS SPREAD ACROSS U.S. STATES
H5N1 avian flu continues to spread across the U.S., with recent outbreaks in both poultry and wildlife. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported new detections in commercial and backyard poultry across several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and New York. In Ohio, outbreaks affected multiple layer and turkey farms, while Pennsylvania saw similar issues on five commercial farms. New York’s live bird markets in Queens and the Bronx were also impacted, prompting temporary closures. Additionally, outbreaks were reported in backyard flocks in Louisiana, Washington, and Connecticut. APHIS confirmed more cases in dairy cattle, particularly in California, raising the national total to 962 cases. Over 50 new detections in wild birds, including ducks and geese, were also reported in states like Louisiana, Arizona, and Michigan. Furthermore, three more cases of H5N1 were found in domestic cats in California, Montana, and Oregon. With spring migration approaching, officials urge poultry owners to continue preventative measures. (CIDRAP)
FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION NIH FUNDING CUTS
A federal judge temporarily blocked a policy by the Trump administration to cut billions of dollars in National Institutes of Health (NIH) payments to universities for research overhead costs. The policy, which would have reduced indirect cost reimbursements by over half, was set to take effect on February 7, but two restraining orders were issued in response to lawsuits from 22 states and research institutions. The plaintiffs argued that the policy violated the law governing major policy changes and congressional directives. The policy’s intended cuts could have devastated research activities, leading to layoffs, canceled trials, and disrupted lab work. NIH, which had planned to enforce the cuts, agreed to comply with the court’s decision and will not implement the changes pending a February 21 hearing. The legal dispute highlights the tension between government budget cuts and the potential harm to research infrastructure, with universities pushing for a longer reprieve. (Science)
LEGAL LOOPHOLE ALLOWS MARIJUANA ADS TO TARGET CHILDREN
A legal loophole is allowing marijuana advertisements to reach children via social media, potentially leading to harmful consequences. Despite federal restrictions on marijuana advertising across state lines and on federal airwaves, cannabis businesses can still advertise on social media platforms, bypassing age restrictions. Experts warn that such ads, which often use enticing visuals and messaging, increase the likelihood of youth wanting to try cannabis. Studies show that marijuana use during adolescence can disrupt memory, cognition, and brain development. Ads often mimic techniques used by the alcohol, tobacco, and food industries, appealing to youth with attractive packaging and themes, such as athletics or outdoor activities. Despite this, cannabis advertising regulations remain lax, particularly in California. Additionally, the rise in marijuana use, including accidental ingestion of cannabis edibles by young children, is causing health concerns. Experts call for more effective restrictions and public education to reduce the risks of youth exposure to cannabis products. (CNN)
PHILIPPINES FAMILIES STRUGGLE AS CLIMATE CHANGE WORSENS STORMS
Ronalyn Carbonel and her four children spent two days and nights on the roof of their home in Rizal, Philippines, during a devastating storm, as floodwaters and winds ravaged their village. With no shelter, food, or power, they anxiously awaited rescue. This experience is becoming all too common in the Philippines, where climate change is intensifying storms, making them more destructive and frequent. Last year, six typhoons hit the country in just a month, causing over $500 million in damages. Carbonel, a local homeowners association president, described how storms have worsened since her childhood. Greenpeace activists, alongside youth leaders, protested outside Shell’s London headquarters, demanding accountability from polluting oil companies. They showcased items destroyed by the typhoons, symbolizing the impact of climate change. Carbonel, whose house was less affected this time, continues to prepare for future storms, praying for relief as she struggles to find a way to hold the powerful, polluting companies accountable. (The Guardian)
UGANDA’S EBOLA SUDAN OUTBREAK REACHES NINE CASES, ONE DEATH
Uganda’s Ebola Sudan outbreak has now reached nine reported cases, with two new illnesses confirmed, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The death toll remains at one, resulting in a case-fatality rate of 11.1%. This is Uganda’s first Ebola Sudan outbreak since 2022, with clusters linked to the family of the index patient, a male nurse who died in mid-January, and a healthcare facility. The nurse’s symptoms began on January 19, and he died 10 days later after visiting a traditional healer and multiple health clinics, raising concerns about further spread of the virus. (CIDRAP)
GOOGLE REMOVES CULTURAL OBSERVANCES FROM CALENDAR DEFAULTS
Google has removed several cultural observances, including Black History Month, Pride Month, Women’s History Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and Indigenous Peoples Month, from being listed as default holidays on Google Calendar. The change, made in mid-2024, reflects the company’s decision to focus only on public holidays and national observances from timeanddate.com globally, allowing users to manually add other events. The move comes amid broader concerns over tech companies scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. This change is being noticed now as part of a larger shift following actions like President Donald Trump’s executive order to eliminate DEI mandates in the federal government. Additionally, Google has updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” in line with Trump’s directive, with the new name also appearing on Apple and Microsoft’s Bing maps. (DW)
RUSSIA’S SPACE AGENCY IN CRISIS AFTER BORISOV’S DISMISSAL
Yuri Borisov’s dismissal as head of the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has raised many questions, especially given his relatively short tenure of just two and a half years. His successor, Dmitry Bakanov, a former Deputy Minister of Transport, is largely unknown to NASA and lacks significant experience in space-related roles. Borisov’s removal, with no obvious public controversy, has prompted various theories, including a potential link to failed missile tests or his son’s mysterious death, although these remain speculative. Another plausible reason could be the overall struggles of Roscosmos, including poor morale, outdated technology, and a lack of investment, worsened by Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, President Putin’s comments about sending cows to Mars reflect the more whimsical direction Russia’s space program seems to be taking under his leadership, overshadowing its real challenges in space exploration and cooperation with the West. The situation for Russia’s space industry appears increasingly uncertain. (Ars Technica)
NASA RESCHEDULES CREW-10 LAUNCH TO ISS USING OLD CAPSULE
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: NASA.
Leave a Reply