Donna Hayashi Smith is new White House Curator, first AsAm in the post – AsAmNews

Donna Hayashi Smith Donna Hayashi Smith speaking in 2016 // By USDA via Flickr

The White House this week announced the appointment of Donna Hayashi Smith as its new Curator, the first Asian American to hold the post.

Hayashi Smith is originally from Wahiawa, Hawaii, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the announcement said. She also has a Master of Arts degree in Museum Studies from the George Washington University, it said.

As White House Curator, she manages the preservation and study of historic art and artifacts at the Executive Mansion, including paintings, sculpture, furniture and dinnerware.

Hayashi Smith first joined the Office of the Curator in 1995, and had most recently been serving as acting Curator since the retirement of her predecessor, the White House said.

Source: Donna Hayashi Smith is new White House Curator, first AsAm in the post – AsAmNews

MRNA vaccine effective in treating glioblastoma brain cancer in small trial – UPI.com

…The vaccine teaches the immune system to see tumor cells as a dangerous virus, prompting a vigorous immune response against the cancer, researchers said.

One of the most impressive results was how quickly the injectable vaccine turns the immune system against a brain tumor, said senior researcher Dr. Elias Sayour, a pediatric oncologist with University of Florida Health who pioneered the new vaccine.

Source: MRNA vaccine effective in treating glioblastoma brain cancer in small trial – UPI.com

Orangutan seen treating wound with medicinal herb in first for wild animals | Primatology | The Guardian

The orangutan used leaves from a liana climbing vine known to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Photograph: Saidi Agam/Suaq Project/PA

The high intelligence levels of orangutans have long been recognised, partly due to their practical skills such as using tools to crack nuts and forage for insects. But new research suggests the primate has another handy skill in its repertoire: applying medicinal herbs.

Researchers say they have observed a male Sumatran orangutan treating an open facial wound with sap and chewed leaves from a plant known to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

It is not the first time wild animals have been spotted self-medicating: among other examples, Bornean orangutans have been seen rubbing their arms and legs with chewed leaves from a plant used by humans to treat sore muscles, while chimpanzees have been recorded chewing plants known to treat worm infections and applying insects to wounds.

Source: Orangutan seen treating wound with medicinal herb in first for wild animals | Primatology | The Guardian