CANADA
MAID reports not made public
Researchers who study medical assistance in dying (MAID) say Canada needs to offer greater transparency about why people request MAID and how patients are deemed eligible. The Ontario chief coroner’s office released its latest report describing expert concern with how MAID is practiced in the province. Of note: Canada has been sharply criticized for approving people living with disabilities for MAID even when they are not dying.
Source: Canadian Affairs
SWITZERLAND
Why implants fail
With a grant to the Swiss National Science Foundation, researchers are taking a closer look at the behaviour of implants inside the body. Many commonly used implants including artificial joints, dental implants and pacemakers use titanium—a transition metal that is lightweight, strong and highly durable—and particularly good in allowing bone tissue to attach to the oxide layer that forms a protective surface. Manufacturers modify oxide layer by thickening it to colour code sizes and types, roughen the surface or laser-engrave the serial number on the surface, However, there has been far too little research into how these changes interact with the implant, the body, and its corrosion resistance. The Swiss team hopes their biocorrosion research will lead the way to safer and more reliable implants.
Source: Empa
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Ingestible pills light the way
Using wireless technology powered ICOPS for targeted light stimulation, known as optogenetics, directly into the gut, researchers from Tandon School of Engineering are hoping to observe how cells control digestion in specific regions of the intestinal tract. This is expected to lead to new treatments for gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach empties too slowly and eating disorders.
Source: NY, UAD
SOUTH KOREA
Seoul’s convenience stores fight loneliness
The four warm-hearted stores that have opened since March have seen 20,000 plus visitors with as many as 80 visitors a day for low-level bonding. They sit on beanbag chairs and benches, utilize massage chairs, eat noodles and watch films together. Most people are in their 40s and 50s but some are teenagers. Visitors are invited to fill out a brief survey on their mood and living conditions. A 2022 study revealed roughly 130,000 young people in the city 10-39 who are either socially isolated or shut in. It also talked of single-person household in the capital at an all-time high 40% alongside plummeting birth and marriage rates. Causes include the switch from war town agrarian society to a rapidly developed economy where housing is unaffordable, costs are rising and working hours are gruelling.
Source: BBC
UNITED STATES
Intracellular toxins could fight Leukemia
Leukemia cells produce far greater amounts of formaldehyde than normal cells. An article published in the journal, Leukemia, explains that in addition to the two known formaldehyde detoxifying enzymes, leukemia cells also depend on a DNA repair enzyme called Pol theta to recover. Disrupting this trio can cripple leukemia cells while sparing healthy ones. Importantly the inhibitors used for the study are already in various stages of clinical development.
Source: Temple University
UNITED KINGDOM
Frugal habits tackle global food waste
Household food waste is best reduced by fostering lasting habits not short interventions, subtle clues or frugal priming. The strongest predictor of food saving behaviour was a long- standing tendency to conserve resources and avoid unnecessary purchase. In a study done by British researchers, it was found that frugality is a mindset not a budgeting tactic. One-off-prompts were shown as ineffective. It was only by working on deeper behavioural change and embedding frugality into every-day life that there was a better chance of cutting billions of tons of food waste.
Source: University of Portsmouth
CHINA
Cracking the KRAS code
Accounting for nearly 90% of pancreatic cancers, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has a 5 year survival rate of 13%. Discovering mutations in KRAS, the most common variant and elusive enemy that drives PDAC, scientists have observed the cause of aggressive tumor behaviour for the first time. Resistant to conventional drug design, expert are developing KRAS targeted therapy that will usher in a new era for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences
SPAIN
Workplace survey: ADHD and autism
This study evaluated employees’ knowledge and perceptions of neurodiversity, focusing on ADHD and autism in large corporations, to identify knowledge gaps and propose strategies to create more inclusive workplaces. The cross-sectional survey of 880 employees from AstraZeneca and Alexion in Spain was conducted in July 2024.
Source: Scientific Reports
Image: iStock.
