As we kick off the week at Squirrel News, we’re exploring a major advancement in in vivo gene therapy, Norway’s decision to raise the minimum age for social media use to protect young people, and how hybrid workers are discovering a new purpose in life through agriculture.
First patient receives in vivo CAR T gene therapy in medical milestone
Interius BioTherapeutics has administered the first durable in vivo CAR therapy in a clinical setting. The patient was treated with INT2104, a lentivirus-based gene therapy designed to introduce a CAR transgene – marking a new way to treat certain blood cancers by creating targeted immune cells directly in the body.
Norway to increase minimum age limit on social media to 15 to protect children
Norway is to enforce a strict minimum age limit on social media of 15 as the government ramped up its campaign against tech companies it says are “pitted against small children’s brains”.
A new generation eager to enjoy the benefits of both urban and rural living are mixing digital work with hands-on agricultural experiences. Thanks to a combination of tech – plus flexible work arrangements – it’s possible for workers to create a hybrid lifestyle.
New child safety feature in iOS 18.2 blurs and reports nude content to Apple
Apple’s latest iOS 18.2 introduces a child safety feature designed to blur nude images and report them to the company – a big shift from the controversial CSAM initiative it paused in 2021. Unlike that earlier feature, this update doesn’t leave any backdoors for law enforcement access.
Canada to cover the cost of contraception and diabetes medication
Canada’s parliament has approved a bill that will fully cover the cost of contraception and diabetes medications for its citizens: the first step toward a publicly funded national pharmacare programme. According to government estimates, one in five Canadians faces difficulties affording prescription medications.
Research shows high satisfaction among trans teens receiving gender care
A study released on Monday in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that transgender adolescents who have sought out medical interventions – such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy – report high levels of satisfaction with their care.
German e-tractor hopes to reduce operating costs and carbon footprint
In the agricultural market – where electric battery-powered tractors remain a rarity compared to their diesel counterparts – Thaddaeus and Johanna Baier are hoping to shift the norm with greener alternatives.
UK river restoration project celebrated as a success
One year post-completion, a river restoration initiative in the UK is being considered a model of success. The project could serve as an example for addressing the challenges posed by increasingly severe weather conditions.
The metropolitan area of 22 million people was spared from a disastrous water-system failure thanks to a mix of well-timed rainfall, swift political action, and hidden underground water reserves.
