A summary of important health news from the past week.
Chinese scientists use gene-editing techniques in humans for first time
By: James Griffiths & Serenitie Wang
Chinese scientists have used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique on humans. Genetically modified cells were injected into a patient with lung cancer. Scientists hope that this will "wipe out" the patient's cancer, and findings will eventually be released once they are ready.
78 People Die a Day From Opioid Overdose, Surgeon General Says in Landmark Report
By: Elizabeth Chuck and Eric Edwards
The first publication from the surgeon general on the current opioid epidemic states, "'Substance use disorders represent one of the most pressing public health crises of our time.'" Last year, drug overdoses killed almost 20,000 more people than car accidents in the U.S. This new report aims to change the cultural conversation about drug addiction to focus on medical solutions.
Sabra hummus products recalled over Listeria concerns
By: Ralph Ellis
On Saturday, the USDA stated that Sabra Dipping Co. has voluntarily recalled some of it's Hummus products due to concerns of listeria. The contaminated products were produced at a plant, before the date of November 8th, which found listeria monocytogens. The bacteria has not been found in any of the products that have been tested so far. However, recommendations have been to discard any products with a "best before" date through January 23, 2017. All recalled products can be found here: http://sabra.com/recall
Why Are Kids in Waycross Getting Cancer?
By: Brenda Goodman and Andy Miller
Within 60 days in 2015, four children were diagnosed with rare sarcoma cancers in the southeast town of Waycross, GA. This town has been the site of toxic plumes at a CSX railway site as well as two other active polluted sites in need of cleanup. Parents are concerned this pollution is related to these cancer incidents, however links between toxic substances and cancer are extremely difficult to establish.
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