Road safety records in Oslo and Helsinki, lifesaving HIV medicine, LGBT visibility in Argentina

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In this issue of Squirrel News, we discuss the introduction of a revolutionary HIV prevention drug to England’s NHS, record low levels of pedestrian fatalities in Helsinki and Oslo, and the first transgender news anchor on Argentinian television.

Helsinki and Oslo cut pedestrian deaths to zero in 2019

Neither city recorded any pedestrian fatalities in 2019, after years of campaigning and legislative action.

Source: The Guardian

The NHS will make the HIV prevention drug PrEP available for free in England

The drug can cut the transmission rate of HIV by up to 99%, and can potentially improve tens of thousands of lives.

Source: Global Citizen

A woman in Argentina has become the country’s first transgender news anchor

In what was hailed as a breakthrough moment for the LGBT community, Diana Zurco started as co-anchor of Public Television on Monday evening.

Source: AP News

An Italian hospital is saving the lives of COVID-19 patients by 3D printing valves for reanimation devices

As the industrial supply chain is currently impacted by the outbreak, the hospital is directly printing lifesaving valves for their intensive care unit.

Source: 3D Printing Media Network

A brain implant which detects and reduces harmful nerve cell activity is being trialled in patients with Parkinson’s disease

The technique might be able to reduce movement difficulties and improve quality of life for those with the neurodegenerative disorder.

Source: New Scientist

Ten of thousands of Canadians are helping vulnerable fellows citizens through the Caremongering movement

Participants are assisting high-risk members of their communities with basic tasks in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Source: BBC News

The Dutch city of Utrecht will build a car-free district for 12,000 people

The forward-thinking measures will further improve the Utrecht’s reputation as one of the most eco-friendly cities in Europe.

Source: The Guardian

Australia’s largest supermarket chain has introduced opening hours exclusively for elderly and disabled customers

Woolworths is introducing the new policy in an attempt to protect those most at risk of contracting COVID-19 amid pandemic induced panic-buying.

Source: Global Citizen

A new report suggests that London’s trees are saving the city millions of pounds every year

The 8.4 million trees remove approximately 2,240 tonnes of pollutants from London’s atmosphere annually – a process which would otherwise cost 126 million pounds.

Source: Citylab

California man sets up toilet paper exchange in an attempt to combat stockpiling

Jonny Blue’s initiative in Encinitas is supporting those most affected by mass hoarding of essential supplies.

Source: AP News

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