Lab-grown blood cells administered to humans for the first time
In a world-first clinical trial, lab-grown red blood cells have been transfused into humans. If successful, its continuation will bolster supplies for those with rare blood types and improve treatment for people who require regular transfusions. You’ve heard of lab-grown meat, but what about lab-grown human blood? For the very first...
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How will nations at COP27 discuss climate change recovery funding?
Funding for loss and damage will take centre stage at COP27, the UN Climate Change Conference. In the past year, catastrophic flooding overwhelmed both Pakistan and Nigeria, wildfires scorched dozens of countries, and extreme heat waves blanketed large parts of the planet. These events killed thousands of people, destroyed essential infrastructure, and destabilized entire economic sectors. In...
Eleven actions you can take today to impact COP27
You can speak up to urge world leaders at COP27 to take the urgent climate action we need to see. If “big, nebulous, and dry” sum up your thoughts on COP27, you’re not alone. Like a lot of political summits, conferences, and round-tables, the UN Climate Change Conference — taking place...
Stormzy and Adidas launch #Merky FC to improve football diversity
UK artist Stormzy has announced a new collaboration with Adidas. #Merky FC will be a programme ‘committed to enhancing and protecting diverse representation in the football industry’. Stormzy has just launched a new programme called #Merky FC to boost and protect diversity within the footballing industry, both on and...
African Gen Zers to benefit from YouthConnekt summit
Last week, Rwanda hosted its annual YouthConnekt Africa summit. The continental initiative looks to empower young people by investing in their ideas, innovations, and initiatives. The YouthConnekt Africa summit was initiated by the Rwandese government in 2012 to focus on improving youth employment, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement through tech...
Russia passes law banning ‘LGBT propaganda’ among adults
The controversial bill outlaws any promotion of ‘non-traditional sexual relations,’ representing a toughening of an existing 2013 legislation which makes providing information about homosexuality to children a criminal offence. On Thursday, Russia’s parliament approved by 397 votes to none a bill that makes any expression of an LGBTQ+ lifestyle almost...
Opinion – Elnaz Rekabi deserves her status as Iranian hero
Despite claims that her missing hijab was an accident, Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi has been greeted by fervent crowds after competing in an international tournament. After she competed at an international climbing tournament without her hijab, concerns were mounting for missing climber Elnaz Rekabi. Those close to Rekabi said they had been unable to make contact with her after her appearance at the climbing competition in South Korea, where the absence...
Scientists have discovered a new ecosystem in the Indian Ocean
Named ‘The Trapping Zone,’ the newly discovered ecosystem is teeming with activity. It appears to be an oasis for supporting life, located 500m below the surface of the Indian Ocean. It’s not every day that we hear news of an entirely new ecosystem being discovered, but it looks like scientists and ocean lovers have just gotten lucky. While recently exploring the depths of the Indian Ocean, marine biologists aboard the Nekton...
Iranian leaders have vowed tougher action against ‘rioters’
Following a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations that began after a young woman died in police custody, there are rumours that over 15,000 people now face execution for protesting. For two months, mass protests have swept Iran, defying a deadly crackdown by security forces. Deemed the most serious challenge to the country’s authorities in decades, the anti-government demonstrations began in response to the death of Zhina ‘Mahsa’ Amini. On September 13th, the 22-year-old...
Wild salmon are dying in massive numbers due to drought
Thousands of salmon have been discovered dead in Canada after the stream they rely on to spawn dried up due to prolonged drought. Biologists worry these events will occur more frequently as the climate crisis worsens. Last week, at least 65,000 salmon were found dead on a creek bed in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The nearby community of Bella Bella say they are preparing for more devastating natural events...
