Cancer, cardiovascular & autoimmune Vaccines expected by 2030

Apr 10 2023

The leading pharmaceutical company, ‘Moderna’ has said that it is confident that new vaccines for cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, and other conditions will be ready by 2030, potentially saving millions of lives.

Moderna, the company that created a successful COVID-19 vaccine, is working on cancer vaccines targeting different tumour types.

These vaccines work by identifying protein fragments on the surface of cancer cells that are not present on healthy cells and then creating pieces of mRNA to instruct the body on how to manufacture them.

This process results in a personalised vaccine for the patient.

The mRNA molecule teaches cells how to make proteins, and by injecting a synthetic form, cells can pump out proteins that trigger the immune response against disease.

The accelerated progress in mRNA technology seen over the past 12 to 18 months has been aided by the success of COVID-19 vaccines.

Moderna’s chief medical officer, Dr Paul Burton, said he believes the company will be able to offer personalised cancer vaccines and therapies for rare diseases in as little as five years.

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400 people stranded on boat in distress – Malta accused with orders ‘not to rescue’

Apr 10 2023

Sea-Watch International, a non-profit organization dedicated to search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean, has reported a distressing situation involving a boat carrying approximately 400 people. The organisation stated in a tweet that they had found the boat in distress, but two nearby merchant ships had been ordered not to rescue the passengers.

Instead, one of the ships was reportedly asked by Malta to only supply the boat with fuel according to the Tweet.

The situation is dire, with 400 people at imminent risk of death. Sea-Watch International has called on the European Union (EU) to act immediately and rescue the passengers. The organisation’s tweet emphasises the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action.

In a follow-up tweet, Sea-Watch International reported that a merchant vessel had supplied fuel and water to the boat, but had not rescued the passengers due to orders from Malta. The boat is currently struggling with 1.5-meter waves, posing a significant danger to the passengers.

The organization has once again urged the EU to take responsibility and rescue the passengers immediately. The situation highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean and the need for urgent action to protect the lives of those in distress.

Sea-Watch International is one of many organisations working to rescue migrants and refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean, often in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. The organisation’s efforts have been instrumental in saving countless lives, but the ongoing crisis requires a coordinated and comprehensive response from governments and international organisations.

The current situation with the boat carrying approximately 400 people is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address the root causes of migration and provide safe and legal routes for people seeking refuge.

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‘Coco’ becomes first dog treated for alcohol addiction

Apr 10 2023

A Labrador named Coco has become the first dog to be treated for alcohol addiction after his owner passed away, leaving alcohol within reach of the animals.

The male puppy arrived at Woodside Animal Welfare Trust in Devon suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms, alongside a companion who sadly passed away shortly after experiencing fits.

The rescue centre stated that it was their first time witnessing canine alcohol withdrawal. Coco received intensive care and sedation over the course of four weeks to aid his recovery.

While he is now physically healed, Coco is still experiencing anxiety and must undergo further rehabilitation before being adopted.

The rescue centre has urged pet owners to keep alcohol out of reach of animals, emphasising the dangers of addiction and dependence in animals.

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Lasse Wellander, ABBA’s long-term Guitarist, dies at 70 after battle with cancer

Apr 10 2023

Swedish musician Lasse Wellander, who played on some of ABBA’s biggest hits throughout the 70s and 80s, has died at the age of 70. Lasse had fallen ill with cancer, which had spread, and he passed away on Good Friday surrounded by his loved ones.

A statement from Lasse’s family, released on Sunday, read: “It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. Lasse recently fell ill with what turned out to be cancer that had spread, and early on Good Friday he passed away surrounded by his loved ones. We love and miss you so much.”

Lasse began playing guitar as a child and joined local bands in Nora, Sweden. He started recording with ABBA – Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – in October 1974, featuring on their hits “Intermezzo No.1” and “Crazy World”. The guitarist played on 24 of the pop group’s recordings and featured on all eight of their albums.

He toured with the band and performed in front of sold-out crowds in 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1980. When ABBA split for the first time in 1982, he went on to work with other Swedish artists.

In 2008, he was enlisted to work on the Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack, with the film starring the likes of Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. Lasse released his own solo album in 1981 and produced and released another 11 further albums in the years after. His last album, “Simple Ticket,” was released in 2006. He also released singles such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Merry-Go-Round,” and “Overdrive” last year.

In 2021, Lasse was involved in creating ABBA’s most recent album “Voyage,” which featured 10 new tracks from the band, delighting fans. The news of Lasse’s passing has left the music industry and ABBA fans heartbroken, with many taking to social media to share their condolences and pay tribute to the talented guitarist.

Lasse’s contribution to ABBA’s music will forever be remembered, and his legacy will continue to live on through his work with the iconic pop group.

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