A new HIV prevention method, a twice-yearly injection of lenacapavir, has shown dramatic results in the PURPOSE 1 trial. Sponsored by Gilead Sciences, the study involved 5,300 cisgender women in South Africa and Uganda. None of the 2,134 women who received the injection contracted HIV, while those on daily PrEP pills like Truvada and Descovy had a 2% infection rate. This injectable option could address issues like stigma and adherence associated with daily pills.
Read more at: https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2024/07/03/g-s1-7988/hiv-prevention-drug-clinical-trial
Nearly half of permanent makeup ink samples and nearly a quarter of tattoo ink samples were contaminated with bacteria, according to the FDA. The findings, published in the Applied and Environmental Microbiology journal, highlight ongoing contamination issues despite brands claiming to be “sterile.” The FDA has long warned about contamination risks and issued guidance last year for tattoo ink makers to improve safety. The latest study sampled inks from 14 manufacturers, finding more contamination in permanent makeup inks, including products from France and China. Nine out of 49 tattoo ink samples showed bacterial growth.
Read more at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tattoo-ink-permanent-makeup-ink-products-contaminated-bacteria-fda/
Eye doctors in Boston have observed a small increase in cases of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare type of sudden blindness, among patients taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. This condition, where blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted, typically occurs without pain and results in sudden vision loss in one eye. A JAMA Ophthalmology study found a slight increase in NAION cases among semaglutide users. Out of over 16,000 eye patients in Massachusetts, 37 on semaglutide developed NAION.
Read more at: https://www.businessinsider.com/study-ozempic-linked-to-rare-cases-of-blindness-2024-7
A dairy worker in Colorado has been confirmed as the fourth human case of bird flu linked to the current dairy cow outbreak, according to the CDC. Previous cases were reported in Texas and Michigan. The worker, who had contact with H5N1-infected cows, showed eye symptoms and has recovered after treatment with oseltamivir. The CDC states the risk to the general public remains low but advises caution around sick or dead animals.
Read more at: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/4th-human-case-bird-flu-linked-dairy-cow/story?id=111654647
NASA astronaut Andre Douglas, a backup crew member for Artemis 2, was seen wearing an augmented reality device during a field project in Arizona on May 21, 2024. Douglas will serve as backup for U.S. astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch on the Artemis 2 mission, set to launch no earlier than 2025. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, also on Artemis 2, has Jenni Gibbons as his backup. Douglas expressed his fascination with innovation and the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon’s surface for the first time since 1972.
Read more at: https://www.space.com/artemis-2-moon-mission-backup-astronaut-andre-douglas
Scientists have discovered fossils of a giant, 272-million-year-old salamander-like predator named Gaiasia jennyae, which ruled waters before dinosaurs. Found in Namibia’s Gai-as Formation, the species honors paleontologist Jenny Clack. Gaiasia jennyae, larger than a person, likely lived in swamps and lakes, using its wide, flat head and huge fangs to capture prey. Its skull measured about 2 feet long. The findings were published in Nature, with Jason Pardo and Michael Coates providing insights into its predatory behavior.
Read more at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/giant-salamander-fangs-research-prehistoric-dinosaurs/
Caribbean leaders are sharing shocking images of Hurricane Beryl’s destruction on social media. Grenada’s Prime Minister described Carriacou’s devastation as “almost Armageddon-like,” while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister called Union Island’s damage “a devastating spectacle.” The Category 4 storm hit Grenada on Monday, destroying electrical infrastructure, homes, and agriculture. Grenada’s Prime Minister reported almost total destruction of buildings and vegetation on Carriacou. Union Island also saw 90% of its homes severely damaged or destroyed.
Read more at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-beryl-grenada-destruction-communication-system-destroyed/
Anthony Bray, a convicted serial burglar, was sentenced to four months in prison in England after being found with a six-inch replica of the Master Sword from The Legend of Zelda. Police mistook the fidget toy for a weapon and arrested him for carrying a “bladed article.” Bray, who previously served four years in prison, claimed he bought the replica online and understood the confusion but insisted he never intended to use it as a weapon.
Read more at: https://kotaku.com/replica-master-sword-six-inch-man-arrested-england-1851575496
The First Descendant’s microtransaction system has received mixed reactions, with some players comparing it unfavorably to Warframe. One Reddit user highlighted that character mods in The First Descendant are significantly more expensive, costing around $30 compared to Warframe’s $1.50. Despite this, mods can still be earned through gameplay. The game has also faced issues, prompting developer Nexon to offer in-game compensation. Other characters in the game can be unlocked through gameplay or purchased with premium currency.
Read more at: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-first-descendants-microtransaction-system-prompts-mixed-response-from-players/1100-6524679/
Google’s Pixel 9 in Pink has appeared in a new hands-on video ahead of its official launch on August 13 at the Made by Google event. The video, shared by “Reparation Mobile 23” on Facebook, showcases the device from all angles and reveals the screen in action. The Pixel 9 features a punch-hole screen, flat display, and an interface similar to the Pixel 8 series. It includes a single speaker grille, USB Type-C, and a SIM card slot at the bottom, with volume rockers and a home button on the side.
Read more at: https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel-9-in-pink-leaks-again-in-video