The promise of a revolutionary gene-editing technology is beginning to be realized in experiments aimed at curing sickle cell disease. Scientists reported Wednesday that they used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to correct a tiny genetic mutation that causes the blood disease, which affects millions of people around the world. So far, the feat has been demonstrated only […]
Category: Personal
Three very rich men discuss Trump, taxes, and the 1%
Pickens made the disclosure about his tax bill to CNN’s Carol Costello in a joint interview with billionaires Ken Langone and Leon Cooperman. The conversation touched on the three men’s wealth, their charitable work, and the current presidential election. Pickens, who fell off the Forbes billionaires list in 2014, said he isn’t paying taxes because […]
To Fight Obesity W.H.O. Urges Tax on Sugary Drinks
The World Health Organization on Tuesday urged countries to impose a tax on sugary drinks to battle the growing obesity epidemic and presented new data on the beneficial health effects of such a tax. A tax on sugary drinks raising their price 20 percent would result in a proportionate reduction in consumption of such drinks, […]
Unlike Trump, Warren Buffet pays his taxes
Donald Trump is a master of the “I am rubber and you are glue” approach to political rhetoric, but at Sunday night’s presidential debate, he tried a novel variant on the strategy. After Anderson Cooper asked him point blank if he used his $916 million reported loss from his 1995 tax return to avoid income […]
Allergic reactions leads to Lunchables recall
Kraft Heinz Company has recalled 959 pounds of Lunchables Ham and American Cracker Stackers after food inspectors confirmed the products were mislabeled and contain wheat and soy. Those ingredients, which are common allergens, were not declared on the packaging. Although the Fullerton, California, establishment hasn’t received any reports of illnesses, the Department of Agriculture’s Food […]
DEA puts Kratom ban on hold
In late August, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency announced a ban on the herbal supplement kratom. Now, after much public outcry and demands made by lawmakers, the agency is reconsidering its decision. Easily purchased online and at many health food stores, the popular herb would be just as illegal as heroin or ecstasy once the […]
New Merck drug cuts lung cancer death by 40%?!
COPENHAGEN Merck & Co scored a double hit on Sunday with new clinical data showing its Keytruda immunotherapy offered big benefits in previously untreated lung cancer patients, either when given on its own or with chemotherapy. As a monotherapy, Keytruda halved the risk of disease progression and cut overall deaths by 40 percent compared to […]
Vegan mother (Elizabeth Hawk) charged for malnourishing 11mo old son
A Pennsylvania mother has been charged with child endangerment after investigators found her 11-month-old son allegedly malnourished after being fed only nuts and fruit. CBS Pittsburgh reported that 33-year-old Elizabeth Hawk followed a strict vegan diet and sometimes imposed her extreme nutrition views to her family members. “She was going to live on water and […]
EpiPen maker settles $465 million lawsuit
Sept. 21, 2016: Mylan CEO Heather Bresch holds up EpiPens while testifying on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the House Oversight Committee hearing on EpiPen price increases. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) Drugmaker Mylan will pay $465 million to settle allegations that it overbilled Medicaid for its life-saving EpiPen, ending one of the controversies over […]
Monsanto’s Toxic PCBs Lurking in 26,000 U.S. Public Schools
Monsanto’s history with a controversial and dangerous class of chemicals known as PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, has once again reared its ugly head. PCBs, a highly toxic chemical manufactured by Monsanto decades ago, is still found in our environment today. Office of Senator Edward J. Markey On the same day that the agribusiness giant announced […]
Woman charged $39.35 by hospital to hold baby
This is a bill for a recent labor and delivery service in the United States. And it includes a $39.35 charge for holding the baby after delivery. Really. The image of the bill, now shared widely on Reddit, shows a charge for “skin to skin after c sec.” The Reddit user who posted it explained […]
Striking new study links birth control to depression
“Today in vindication,” wrote a woman on Twitter on Tuesday, summarizing the way many have received a striking new study that found those who use birth control — especially teenage girls — may be at a significantly higher risk of experiencing depression. The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, has been heralded as groundbreaking for its depth and breadth, […]