US Doctors Successfully Edit Genes of Infant with Severe Disorder

A recent report has revealed that over 100 brands of store-bought rice in the United States contain dangerously high levels of arsenic and cadmium. According to Jane Houlihan, research director for Healthy Babies, Bright Futures, these heavy metals are linked to serious health issues such as diabetes, developmental delays, and heart disease. The report highlights that one in four rice samples exceeded the FDA's 2021 limit for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal, which is set at 100 parts per billion. The study noted that rice is the leading source of arsenic exposure for young children aged 0 to 2, surpassing infant cereals. Heavy metal contamination raises significant concerns for children’s development, leading to cognitive problems and lifelong health risks, as emphasized by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The USA Rice Federation contends that U.S. rice has some of the lowest levels of inorganic arsenic globally but acknowledges ongoing collaboration with the FDA to ensure safety standards are met. Experts recommend cooking rice like pasta to reduce arsenic levels significantly and suggest more stringent labeling to inform consumers about the origins of rice products.

Concerns over the potential onset of a third world war are escalating as geopolitical tensions rise globally. This week, officials highlighted a series of interconnected conflicts spanning Kashmir to Gaza, revealing the diminishing relevance of traditional international norms. Notably, Fiona Hill, a policy analyst, suggested that the third world war has already begun, urging recognition of this reality amid increasing volatility. Former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband characterized the current geopolitical climate as an unprecedented moment of flux, comparable to the late Cold War era. He noted the strategic shifts prompted by a declining U.S. influence, particularly under the Trump administration, which has altered alliances and trust among nations. In Gaza, the Israeli military continues airstrikes while a blockade on essential supplies has persisted, drawing sharp criticism from international leaders including Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and French President Emmanuel Macron for violating humanitarian principles. Meanwhile, the U.S. appears withdrawn from active diplomacy in key conflicts, raising alarms about its long-term implications for global security.

A couple in Camden County, New Jersey, has been arrested after their 18-year-old captive managed to escape and report years of abuse, including being forced to live in a dog cage, according to local authorities. The prosecutor stated that Brenda Spencer, 38, and Branndon Mosley, 41, face multiple charges, including kidnapping and aggravated assault, following the victim's disclosure of her harrowing experiences after her escape on May 8. The victim, who was removed from school by Spencer approximately seven years ago, reportedly endured confinement in a dog crate for about a year and was later held in a padlocked bathroom. It was reported that she was only let out during family visits, while being beaten and facing sexual abuse by Mosley. In addition, detectives have learned that another 13-year-old girl lived in the same household under similar distressing conditions, also taken out of school years prior. The authorities described the living conditions as "squalid," where the victim was housed with animals and had limited access to sanitation. The case continues to develop as investigations proceed. ###