Category Archives: News to use

Useful news for all to advance knowledge of the world and how it works

California again shatters single-day coronavirus case record: more than 42,000 cases – Los Angeles Times

Source: California again shatters single-day coronavirus case record: more than 42,000 cases – Los Angeles Times

Boris Johnson has a habit of delaying tough choices. In a pandemic, it’s lethal | Boris Johnson | The Guardian

He promised Britain respite after months of soul-numbing social quarantine. It was his seasonal gift to the nation and he hates the idea of taking it back. He also hates taking responsibility for his actions. Typically, the prime minister’s preferred outcome involves two incompatible things: a simulation of normal Christmas and a health service that is not overwhelmed in January and February, which are its busiest months even in non-pandemic years. The government’s message is characteristically confused – here is a special dispensation to do something you are strongly advised not to do. Source: Boris Johnson has a habit of delaying tough choices. In a pandemic, it’s lethal | Boris Johnson | The Guardian

FDA approves genetically engineered pigs – The Verge

(Let’s hope and pray that they have really done their homework… why? Pigs-swine are a major vector for diseases that transmit to humans – The diseases associated with swine include ringworm, erysipelas, leptospirosis, streptococcosis, campylobacterosis, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, balantidiasis, influenza and infection with pathogenic E. coli  to name a few.)

Source: FDA approves genetically engineered pigs – The Verge

Broken societies put people and planet on collision course, says UNDP – Petchary’s Blog

The report lays out a stark choice for world leaders – take bold steps to reduce the immense pressure that is being exerted on the environment and the natural world, or humanity’s progress will stall.

“Humans wield more power over the planet than ever before. In the wake of COVID-19, record-breaking temperatures and spiraling inequality, it is time to use that power to redefine what we mean by progress, where our carbon and consumption footprints are no longer hidden,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.

Source: Broken societies put people and planet on collision course, says UNDP – Petchary’s Blog

Update on new SARS-CoV-2 variant and how COG-UK tracks emerging mutations – COG-UK Consortium

The variant described today in the House of Commons contains a novel set of mutations associated with a lineage spreading rapidly in the South East of England (and more widely) that is the subject of ongoing investigations by the UK Public Health Agencies, coordinated by Public Health England and supported by COG-UK. This variant carries a set of mutations including an N501Y mutation in the receptor binding motif of the Spike protein that the virus uses to bind to the human ACE2 receptor.

Source: Update on new SARS-CoV-2 variant and how COG-UK tracks emerging mutations – COG-UK Consortium

V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker | CDC

V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on your answers, someone from CDC may call to check on you and get more information. And v-safe will remind you to get your second COVID-19 vaccine dose if you need one. Source: V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker | CDC