A recent study has shown that conservation efforts around the world are working to save species and slow climate change. The study, published in the journal Science, analysed hundreds of conservation projects globally and found that interventions such as the creation of protected areas and eradication of invasive species boosted biodiversity or slowed declines in most cases compared to taking no action at all. The lead author of the study warned, however, that with 44,000 species at risk of extinction, there is much work still to be done.
Meanwhile, the world’s first personalised mRNA cancer vaccine is being tested on British patients. The vaccine, which uses the same technology as Covid vaccines, aims to prevent melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. It has been described as “one of the most exciting developments in modern cancer therapy”. The jab is currently entering final-stage trials and is being used on patients who’ve had melanomas cut out. The vaccine helps the immune system to recognise and wipe out cancerous cells, thereby preventing the melanomas from growing back.
Further progress has been made in cancer research, with a new a prostate cancer screening trial called the £42m Transform programme set to reduce deaths by 40%. There is currently no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK, despite the disease killing 12,000 people annually. The trial aims to test new screening approaches including blood tests, MRI scans, and genetic testing to identify those at higher risk.
Lastly, the Goldman environmental prize – dubbed the ‘Green Nobel prize’ – has honoured a group of eco warriors who triumphed in David and Goliath battles with oil giants, coal firms and beef producers. The prize was founded in 1989 to celebrate activists making a difference to the planet, and has produced previous winners that went on to become government officials, heads of state and NGO leaders. This year’s recipients include grassroots leaders fighting to save the environment, including Mbuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu, Alok Shukla, Murrawah Maroochy Johnson, Teresa Vicente, Andrea Vidaurre, and Marcel Gomes
Read the full article on Positive News here: Read More