Insert In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about sign language-equipped ambulances reducing barriers to care in England, a significant decline in tetanus-related fatalities, and the construction of a wildlife corridor in the Amazon rainforest.
Sign language ambulance improves emergency response and accessibility
As of May, every ambulance in the North East of England is now equipped with an iPad featuring the SignVideo app, enabling first responders to communicate more effectively with Deaf and BSL patients. This innovation promises improved interaction during emergencies, potentially saving more lives.
World sees significant decline in tetanus-related fatalities
Tetanus, a bacterial infection that causes paralysis and can be fatal, once claimed over 250,000 lives annually in the early 1990s. By 2019, the number of deaths had plummeted to fewer than 35,000 per year – largely thanks to widespread administration of the combined diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines.
Claudia Sheinbaum elected as Mexico’s first female president
Former energy scientist Claudia Sheinbaum has been voted in as Mexico’s first female president. Sheinbaum has pledged to uphold the progress initiated by her predecessor, Mr. López Obrador, particularly by expanding the welfare programmes that have significantly boosted his popularity.
Construction begins on world’s largest wildlife crossing after 30 year-wait
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, like other similar projects, will offer a safe route for wild animals to traverse a massive freeway in California, protecting them from the dangers of traffic.
At-home saliva test shows promise in detecting prostate cancer
New research suggests that at-home saliva tests are more effective than standard blood tests at identifying men at higher risk for prostate cancer. These tests can detect genetic factors that predispose men to the disease, which claims approximately 12,000 lives annually in the UK.
Trial results for new lung cancer drug are ‘off the charts’, say doctors
More than half of patients with advanced forms of disease who took lorlatinib as part of a recent study were still alive after five years with no progression.
Plastic-eating fungus thrives in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
While this alone won’t significantly reduce the vast amounts of plastic entering our oceans, P. album can break down UV-exposed carbon-based polyethylene – the most prevalent plastic used in consumer products like water bottles and grocery bags, and the most common plastic pollutant in our oceans.
How Black parents successfully removed police from Oakland schools
Prior to its passage, Black students made up 76% of arrests by school police in Oakland public schools, despite representing only 26% of the student population. The resolution marked a small victory against over-policing and the systemic criminalisation of Black and Brown youth.
Indigenous communities create wildlife corridor in world’s oldest rainforest
The ambitious project plans to plant 360,000 trees across 213 hectares (526 acres), connecting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. To date, 25,000 trees of 180 different species have been planted.
