Research from King’s College London reveals benralizumab, an injectable drug already used for severe cases, as the first new asthma attack treatment in 50 years. Targeting eosinophils, a type of white blood cell contributing to lung inflammation, the therapy significantly reduced treatment failure rates compared to steroids (45% vs. 74%) in a 158-person trial. This new approach offers improved symptoms, quality of life, and reduced hospitalizations, potentially impacting the two million asthma attacks annually in the UK. While further large-scale trials are needed, the findings suggest a potential “game-changer” in asthma and COPD treatment.
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Analysis of 500 fossilized dinosaur droppings and vomit from Poland, spanning 247 to 200 million years ago, reveals insights into the dinosaurs’ rise to dominance. The study, published in *Nature*, shows an increase in bromalite size and diversity over time, correlating with the emergence of larger and more varied dinosaur diets. Researchers linked bromalite contents to skeletal remains and footprints, reconstructing a five-phase model of dinosaur ascendancy driven by dietary adaptability and possibly enhanced by volcanic activity increasing plant diversity. This suggests a combination of superior physical adaptations and advantageous responses to environmental change were key to their evolutionary success.
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A recently uncovered contract reveals a significant business partnership between Camorra drug boss Raffaele Imperiale and Dubai’s sheik Marwan al Maktoum. The 2015 agreement involved the development of luxury villas on Palm Jumeirah, with Imperiale, even while a wanted fugitive, acting through a shell company. Al Maktoum held majority shares in the venture until 2018, highlighting Dubai’s history as a haven for illicit funds. Imperiale’s arrest in Dubai in 2021 and subsequent cooperation with authorities followed years of operating in the city.
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Eighteen state attorneys general, primarily from Republican-led states, filed briefs supporting a Massachusetts middle school student, Liam Morrison, whose First Amendment rights were allegedly violated when he was suspended for wearing a “There are only two genders” shirt. Lower courts ruled against Morrison, finding the shirt demeaned transgender students, but the AGs contend this lacked evidence of substantial disruption. They argue the school’s evidence was insufficient, and supporting organizations warn of a chilling effect on free speech in schools. The case, backed by Alliance Defending Freedom and the Massachusetts Family Institute, awaits potential Supreme Court review.
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Boise State’s women’s volleyball team withdrew from the Mountain West Conference Championship tournament, forfeiting their match against San Jose State. This follows a season of similar withdrawals by other schools, fueled by unfounded rumors and a lawsuit concerning the eligibility of a San Jose State player. A federal judge ruled the player eligible to compete, a decision upheld on appeal. Despite this ruling, political figures have voiced support for the boycotts, citing concerns about fairness in women’s sports.
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U.S. District Judge Jennifer Hall dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News filed by Raymond Epps, who alleged the network’s false reporting linking him to the January 6th Capitol riot incited death threats. The judge granted Fox’s motion to dismiss without explanation. Epps, a former Marine, had cited Tucker Carlson’s promotion of the conspiracy theory as the source of his harassment. This dismissal follows similar dismissals of defamation suits against Fox News by Nina Jankowicz and Tony Bobulinski, leading Fox to cite these decisions as upholding First Amendment press freedoms.
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A decline in long-term contraception use in Wales, particularly the combined pill, is linked to misinformation spread online. This drop, from 8,531 users in 2019 to 2,233 in 2023, coincides with a record high in abortions in 2022. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are cited as sources of potentially inaccurate information regarding side effects, leading some women to avoid certain methods. Experts emphasize the need for readily available, evidence-based information to counteract the spread of misinformation and ensure informed contraceptive choices.
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Australia’s parliament passed a world-first law banning under-16s from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, effective next year. The legislation, aiming to safeguard children’s mental wellbeing, faced criticism for its rushed passage and mixed expert opinions on its efficacy. Social media companies face hefty fines for non-compliance, but no penalties exist for underage users or parents. Exceptions include messaging apps and educational platforms, highlighting a nuanced approach to this controversial measure.
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Arizona is resuming executions after a two-year pause, with Attorney General Kris Mayes seeking a death warrant for Aaron Brian Gunches in the coming weeks. This follows a review and improvement of the state’s lethal injection procedures to ensure compliance with legal and constitutional standards. The state plans to execute Gunches for the 2002 murder of Ted Price, and approximately 25 more death row inmates are awaiting execution. Mayes stated confidence in the legality of the renewed practice and emphasized her commitment to justice for victims’ families.
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A Tesla Cybertruck crash in Piedmont, California, resulted in three fatalities and one serious injury. High speed is suspected as a contributing factor, though the investigation continues. While the vehicle caught fire after the collision, the fire was quickly extinguished, suggesting the battery was not the primary cause. Despite several previous recalls for various issues, initial findings indicate no mechanical failure was directly responsible for the crash.
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John Q. Hosedrinker