Today at Squirrel News, we’re talking about how a world-first gene therapy is restoring hearing in deaf children, the DRC’s significant step towards improved maternal healthcare, and a surprise announcement from the Kenyan government marking November 13th as a national tree-planting public holiday.
Breakthrough gene therapy restores hearing in deaf Chinese children
A specially engineered virus designed to introduce replacement DNA into the inner ear cells responsible for sensing vibrations is able to relay sound signals to the brain. As a result, several children who have been deaf since birth are now able to hear.
DRC offers free maternity care to cut death rate among mothers and babies
Pregnant women across the Democratic Republic of the Congo are to be offered free healthcare in an effort to cut the country’s high rates of maternal and neonatal deaths. Women in 13 out of 26 regions in the country will, by the end of the year, be entitled to free services during pregnancy and for one month after childbirth.
Parkinson’s patient able to walk 6km without problems after spinal implant
The first patient to receive a spinal implant to treat advanced Parkinson’s disease has described experiencing “a rebirth” after the treatment allowed him to walk again without falling over. The implant aims to restore normal signalling to the leg muscles from the spine, helping patients to walk more normally.
Hong Kong’s ban on single-use plastic tableware to take effect in April 2024
Following legislative approval, Hong Kong has greenlit a ban on disposable plastic tableware in restaurants. To facilitate a smooth transition, environmental authorities have launched an online platform offering guidance and support for businesses to navigate the eco-friendly changes.
Cigarette-style climate warnings on food could cut meat consumption, says study
The research, by academics at Durham University, found that warning labels including a graphic image – similar to those warning of impotence, heart disease or lung cancer on cigarette packets – could reduce selections of meals containing meat by 7-10%.
Community fridges are tackling hunger and climate change together
An innovative solution that arose to address the pressing challenges during the pandemic continues to quietly and effectively address food insecurity while combatting food waste. Across the US, dedicated volunteers are stocking community fridges with prepared meals, surplus food, and more.
Midwest’s tiny wetlands: a shield against the Gulf of Mexico’s “dead zone”
Compact, purpose-built wetlands on agricultural lands serve as a crucial defense against excess nutrient runoff into water bodies, making a significant difference in the battle against the Gulf of Mexico’s “dead zone”.
Kenya makes 13th November nationwide tree planting day a public holiday
The announcement comes as part of Kenya’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. Current forest cover stands at about 7%, but the government has set aside more than $80m this financial year as part of its effort to increase it by over 10%.
