From polar bears to groundwater, nature is riddled with ‘forever chemicals’
Paris, France - They didn't exist a century ago but today PFAS "forever chemicals" contaminate the environment from groundwater to Antarctic...
Geostrategy
Middle East poised to lead global crypto surge as Bitcoin eyes $100,000
Geneva, Switzerland - A major new study released by The Lancet Neurology shows that, in 2021, more than 3 billion people worldwide...
Economy
World needs $41bn aid for vulnerable next year: UN
The annual appeal by UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations said that providing aid to the 183 million most vulnerable...
- The pandemic has forced 20 million people into extreme poverty, but the Omicron variant would cause more damage, said the UN
- It has asked donors for more fund as Covid-19, the climate crisis, and wars left millions of people helpless
Science
WHO warns of ‘toxic mix’ as EU chief mulls mandatory Covid jabs
Nations with high vaccination rates are also struggling to contain rising infection numbers of Covid-19.
- Dozens of countries have imposed travel restrictions mostly targeting southern African nations
- Omicron threatens the world’s recovery and lowered growth estimates from 5.7% to 5.6%
Economy
Saudi Arabia, UAE report first Omicron cases in Gulf
Saudi Arabi on Wednesday recorded its first case of Omicron variant infection, in a citizen its health ministry said had...
- The variant was first announced by South Africa but has since been discovered to have been present earlier in Europe
- It has prompted governments around the globe to reimpose travel restrictions, despite warnings from the WHO against such a move
Economy
Canada bans travelers from Egypt, Nigeria, Malawi over Omicron fears
All travelers flying to Canada need to be tested at the airport upon landing except for the US.
- All travelers flying to Canada need to be tested at the airport upon landing except for the US
- Unvaccinated people can no longer board airplanes or ride trains in Canada
Science
Pfizer already working on Covid vaccine targeting Omicron: CEO
Bourla likened the situation to the scenario earlier this year when Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech developed a vaccine...
- Bourla likened the situation to the scenario earlier this year when Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech developed a vaccine in 95 days against Delta which was not used
- On Monday, the World Health Organization warned the new Covid-19 Omicron variant poses a "very high" risk globally
Science
Suspected Omicron cases mild: leading S.Africa doctor
A South African doctor who raised the alarm over Omicron said Sunday dozens of her patients suspected of having the...
- Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South African Medical Association, told AFP she had seen around 30 patients who tested positive for Covid-19 but had unfamiliar symptoms
- The World Health Organization has designated it a variant of concern, and scientists are working to assess its behavior
Science
Merck pill can prevent grave Covid infections: US health panel
But the report, from an FDA advisory panel, cautioned that pregnant women should not use the drug, known as molnupiravir
- But the report, from an FDA advisory panel, cautioned that pregnant women should not use the drug, known as molnupiravir
- The preliminary FDA report confirmed the drug's effectiveness in patients with mild to moderate Covid or at risk of hospitalization
Science
B.1.1.529 is ‘variant of concern,’ as WHO names it Omicron
WHO says the new variant ‘has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning.’
- WHO said the Omicron strain was first reported officially by South Africa on November 24
- However, the first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on November 9
Science
Insulin out of reach for many 100 years after its discovery: WHO
The main barriers to accessing the lifesaving medicine, namely high prices, low availability of human insulin, a market dominated by...
- The main barriers to accessing the lifesaving medicine, namely high prices, low availability of human insulin, a market dominated by just a few producers, and weak health systems.
- Insulin is the “bedrock” of diabetes treatment, and WHO is working with countries and manufacturers to expand access to everyone who needs it
Geostrategy
Dr Abdullah Asiri chosen member of WHO panel on novel pathogen origins
Dr Abdullah Asiri, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister for Preventive Health, has been chosen as one of the members of the...
- Asiri, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister for Preventive Health, is one of the 28 members of the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens.
- Lebanese Dr Nada Ghosn is another expert from the Middle East chosen as the member.
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From polar bears to groundwater, nature is riddled with ‘forever chemicals’
Paris, France - They didn't exist a century ago but today PFAS "forever chemicals" contaminate the environment from groundwater to Antarctic...
Geostrategy
Company News
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US firms to pay $1.2bn to clear claims of contaminating water sources
Three major chemical manufacturers announced that they will pay nearly $1.2 billion to settle claims that they contaminated water sources...
Business
AstraZeneca’s new cancer medication Imjudo launched in UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- AstraZeneca has announced the launch of its revolutionary cancer medication, IMJUDO® (tremelimumab) in the UAE. The...
Science
PIF sets up firm Badael to curb tobacco use in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA- The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of Badael Company, which aims to develop, manufacture and...
Business
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Science
Saudi astronauts to conduct 11 experiments at Space Station
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -– Two Saudi astronauts will conduct 14 scientific and research experiments during their ongoing space mission. The...
- Besides 11 experiments in the microgravity environment, Ali Al-Qarni and Rayyanah Barnawi will participate in three interactive educational experiences with students in the kingdom
- The focus will be on conducting human research, cell sciences, and cloud seeding experiments in the microgravity environment.
Geostrategy
WHO unveils network to minimize spread of infectious diseases
The World Health Organization launched a global network to help swiftly detect the threat from infectious diseases, like COVID-19, and...
- The network will rely on pathogen genomics to analyze the genetic code of viruses, bacteria and other disease-causing organisms.
- The data gathered will feed into a broader disease surveillance system used to identify and track diseases, in a bid to contain outbreaks.
Business
MoFAIC, Burjeel Holdings ink MoU on healthcare services
ABU DHABI, UAE - UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and Burjeel Holdings have signed a Memorandum...
- MoFAIC said that it seeks to enhance the quality of life via comprehensive and proactive health and therapeutic services.
- Burjeel Holdings said their healthcare professionals are committed to ensuring the well-being of MoFAIC's employees.