In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a bold approach to treating drug users in California, a gene therapy breakthrough restoring vision to patients, and how an initiative in a Kenyan slum is protecting its grandmothers from sexual violence.
Recovering users are tested three times a week by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and paid approximately $7 for each negative result – with 92% of tests showing that the individual has not used.
Experimental gene therapy restores sight to patients who can’t see colour
The treatment – which involves injecting CRISPR therapy directly into the eyeballs of visually impaired patients – has vastly improved most volunteers’ vision.
Doctors are using virtual reality worlds to make difficult procedures easier
Children undergoing unpleasant or uncomfortable procedures at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles can choose to be surrounded by animals and adventurous landscapes rather than medical personnel.
Zurich is blazing a trail for recycled concrete in new public buildings
The Swiss city recently introduced new legislation which states that recycled concrete must be used in the construction of new buildings – with many other cities following suit.
England bans Botox-style injections and dermal lip fillers for under-18s
The move has been celebrated by both healthcare practitioners and mental health advocates, who argue that the pursuit of the perfect “Instagram-ready” face often comes with serious side effects.
Idle taxis are being used to grow food for out-of-work drivers in Thailand
The vehicles have been temporarily repurposed as small vegetable plots, with the aim of feeding those hit by a drop in tourism due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Kenya’s elderly women are learning Taekwondo to defend themselves
A community centre in Korogocho is teaching grandmothers the ancient practice in the hopes that it will allow them to protect themselves against sexual attacks.
