A Texas judge has issued a temporary injunction exempting women with complicated pregnancies from the state's abortion bans. Judge Jessica Mangrum found that there was uncertainty regarding the medical exception to the abortion bans, and that a physician should be able to provide abortion care in the event of a physical emergent medical condition. The ruling is a victory for women's rights advocates, who have long argued that abortion bans should not be enforced in cases of medical emergencies.
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The CDC has recommended a new injectable drug, Beyfortus, to protect infants from the respiratory virus RSV. It is a lab-made antibody that helps the immune system fight off the virus and is the first of its kind to be approved by the CDC. It is recommended for babies up to 8 months old born during or entering their first RSV season, and infants between 8 and 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. It is expected to be available in the fall and will be given as a single shot.
Three women were seriously injured in a rare attack by a river otter in southern Montana on Wednesday night. The incident occurred while the women were floating on inner tubes in the Jefferson River near the town of Cardwell. One of the victims suffered wounds on her face and arms that were so severe that she had to be airlifted to a hospital. Officials are still investigating the incident.
The FDA has issued a warning about two batches of the contraceptive pill Tydemy, which may have reduced effectiveness due to decreased levels of ascorbic acid and high levels of a "known impurity." Consumers taking the pills are advised to continue but to also contact their health care provider for advice regarding an alternative contraceptive method. Lupin is asking consumers to return any unused pills from the recalled batches to their pharmacy.
At a hearing to determine if a Michigan high school mass shooter will receive a life prison sentence, a psychologist testified that the shooter, 17-year-old Ethan Crumbley, was a "feral child" who had been deeply neglected and was mentally ill. Videos of Crumbley in deep distress were played to illustrate his psychosis, and the psychologist said Crumbley's mental illness was a result of his environment and upbringing, but predicted he can be rehabilitated. No dates were disclosed for when the hearing will conclude.
The family of Henrietta Lacks has reached a settlement with Thermo Fisher Scientific after suing the company in 2021 for reaping billions of dollars from a racist medical system. HeLa cells, taken from Lacks in 1951, have been used in a variety of medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine and Covid-19 vaccines. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of consent and recognition of individuals' contributions to medical science.
Phoenix experienced a record-breaking heatwave throughout July, with temperatures reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) or higher for 31 consecutive days. Monsoon rains have cooled the area slightly, but temperatures are still expected to remain high. The National Weather Service has urged residents to take precautions to stay safe in the heat, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous activity, and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing.
Angus Cloud, best known for his role as Fezco in the HBO series "Euphoria," has died at the age of 25. His family announced the news in a statement, saying that he had been struggling with the loss of his father and that they hope his passing can be a reminder to others to not fight mental health issues in silence. His co-star Zendaya posted a tribute to him on Instagram, saying, "Rest in peace, Angus. You will be missed."