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Opinion: Hey Florida! Want to go to Mars? Here’s what it will do to your body

The president is eager “to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars.” Would you sign up for that mission? What would happen to your body in the three years you would be gone? As the United States continues to prioritize space travel, you might wonder why anyone would want to travel to Mars and whether it’s even ethical to expose humans to such extreme physiological conditions. The world is watching as the astronauts on the Boeing Starliner remain stuck in space until at least March due to a capsule malfunction. So many questions have arisen about the impacts of people spending extended periods of time in space, and we don’t have all the answers yet. However, because I study how spaceflight affects human physiology and performance, I have some ideas. The first 10 minutes of your journey will be exciting, but it’s the next months and years we really need to worry about. We have solved some of the problems but not all. After you lift off, the high g-forces will paste your body against the crew couch as you accelerate, but there’s really not too much to fear. A typical launch results in only about half the acceleration experienced by a fighter pilot in a tight turn. You might feel lightheaded, but astronauts have dealt with this for generations. Read the full article in the Tampa Bay Times here:

The Light That Lasts: Exploring the Meaning and Magic of Hanukkah

Hanukkah may not be the biggest holiday in Judaism, but culturally it’s one of the most recognizable — a celebration of resilience, identity, family, and (let’s be honest) some of the world’s finest fried foods. Behind the candles and the dreidels is a deeper story that continues to resonate across generations, especially in a time when conversations about cultural identity, belonging, and freedom are front and centre. Where It All Begins: A Miracle of Light in a Time of Darkness Historically, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem around 164 BCE after the Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, revolted against oppressive rule. When they reclaimed the Temple, tradition says only one day’s worth of purified oil remained — yet it burned for eight days. This “miracle of the oil” inspired the festival: eight nights of light triumphing over darkness, both literally and symbolically. Cultural Significance: A Celebration of Identity and Resilience Hanukkah stands as a powerful reminder of: Religious freedom — the right to practice one’s traditions openly Perseverance in the face of adversity The strength of cultural identity and community While it is not one of Judaism’s major holy days, its timing in the winter — often alongside Christmas — has made it a cornerstone of Jewish visibility in North America and worldwide. For many families, the holiday carries a warm mix of pride, heritage, and continuity: a chance to tell stories, honour ancestors, and reinforce cultural roots in a rapidly changing world. The Festive Side: Food, Family, Flame… and Spinning Tops Hanukkah traditions vary around the globe, but common themes include: Lighting the Menorah Each night, families add one more candle, filling homes with increasing brightness — a powerful metaphor for hope and persistence. Fried Foods Potato latkes, sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), fritters — all fried to commemorate the oil of the miracle. Dieticians everywhere look the other way. Dreidel Games The spinning top (nun, gimel, hey, shin) is tied to historical stories of Jewish children studying Torah in secret. Today it’s mostly about bragging rights and chocolate coins. Gifts and Gatherings Gift-giving is a more modern tradition in some regions, influenced by cultural exchange with North American holiday norms. Looking for an angle or Story? Hanukkah in a multicultural society — how Jewish visibility shapes community identity The Maccabees and modern conversations about resistance and resilience Evolving Hanukkah traditions across the global Jewish diaspora Food as cultural storytelling — the symbolism of oil in holiday cuisine The rise of public menorah lightings and interfaith holiday events How Hanukkah has been portrayed in pop culture — and why representation matters Why Hanukkah Still Resonates Today Hanukkah is more than a ritual of candles — it’s a celebration of survival, spirit, and cultural pride. In a world where communities continue to navigate questions of identity, inclusion, and tradition, the Festival of Lights offers a meaningful lens on perseverance and the enduring human drive toward hope. Connect with an expert today! Journalists exploring religion, culture, family traditions, or seasonal celebrations can connect with Hanukkah scholars, Jewish studies experts, cultural historians, and community leaders on ExpertFile for interviews and deeper insights. Find your expert here: www.expertfile.com

Why 48 Hours Outdoors Does More Than a Week of Scrolling Breaks

When people feel burned out from their phones, the default solution is often a “digital detox”: delete the apps for a week, set a screen-time limit, maybe move social icons off the home screen. Then work, group chats and FOMO pull them right back in. Personal Development Coach Mark Diamond, an expert in the Offline.now directory who ran a tech-free summer camp for 25 years, says the real reset button isn’t a slightly less frantic version of the same life. It’s 48 hours of real-world experience outdoors. “I’ve watched kids and adults go from wired and anxious to relaxed and connected in a matter of days — not because we lectured them about screens, but because they were hiking, cooking over a fire, laughing with friends, actually living,” Diamond says. “Nature gives your nervous system something it can’t get from a feed.” The science backs up what he sees at camp. A large meta-analysis of nature exposure in adults found that as little as 10 minutes in natural settings improves markers of mental health — including mood and stress — with larger benefits for longer doses of time outside. A broad review on nature and health reports that regular contact with green and blue spaces is associated with: Better mental health and reduced stress Improved cognitive function and attention Higher levels of physical activity Better sleep quality Experimental work using brain imaging has also shown that short visits to green spaces can boost positive affect and change patterns of brain activation in ways consistent with reduced rumination and improved emotional regulation, the opposite of what many people experience after long periods of doomscrolling. Diamond’s camp experience maps directly onto these findings: after even a weekend of tech-free outdoor time, he sees kids and adults become more patient, more playful and more able to tolerate “boredom”: a key ingredient for real focus and creativity. Offline.now integrates this into its digital balance approach by treating offline, outdoor experiences as a core intervention, not a reward you earn after perfect screen behavior. Instead of asking, “How can I use my phone less?” the question becomes, “What can I do offline that naturally displaces my screen time?” “You don’t have to move to the woods,” Diamond says. “Two days of walks, parks, backyard projects, or local trails can do more for your brain than seven days of white-knuckling your way through a ‘detox’ while you stay indoors thinking about your phone.” For journalists covering digital wellness, mental health, or lifestyle resets, this story connects the dots between nature research, digital fatigue, and why a simple 48-hour outdoor reset might be more realistic and more powerful than yet another all-or-nothing break from apps. Featured Expert Mark Diamond – Personal Development Coach and longtime director of a tech-free outdoor camp. He specializes in outdoor wellness, sustainable behavior change, and helping families and individuals swap abstract “detox” goals for concrete, nature-based experiences that restore mood, focus and connection. Expert interviews can be arranged through the Offline.now media team.

Playing "Ketchup": Kraft Heinz, Food Industry Work to Meet Evolving Consumer Trends

In September, the Kraft Heinz Company revealed its intention to split into two smaller entities—one focused on in-demand products, like shelf-stable meals, spreads and sauces, and the other on slower-growth businesses, such as the Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables brands. The move is among the latest in a series of breakups and spinoffs announced by major "Big Food" conglomerates, including Kellogg's, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. and Unilever, and experts speculate more divvying and downsizing are bound to follow. Beth Vallen, PhD, a professor in the Villanova School of Business who studies consumer behavior and food marketing, contends these demergers and restructurings are the direct result of a recent yet significant shift in shoppers' spending habits. "It is certainly a possibility that we are moving away from 'Big Food,'" says Dr. Vallen. "The companies are likely to be more agile as smaller entities, and the more targeted businesses will allow them to focus on their different market segments as we face increasingly complex consumer and macro trends in the food industry." Among the more noteworthy factors the professor cites are changes in how shoppers evaluate products and how often they make purchases, particularly amid rising costs, economic pressures and increased competition in the marketplace. When it comes to groceries, a LendingTree survey from earlier this year found that nearly nine in 10 Americans are reassessing what items they cart to the checkout lane. "Inflation and uncertainty have driven consumers to look for more value when they shop," says Dr. Vallen. "This might result in behaviors like switching to lower-cost alternatives, and along these lines, consumers are seeking out retailers with high-quality store brand offerings that might replace their typical, branded items. "Consumers are also shopping less frequently. This could be due to reliance on technology, like online grocery purchases, which requires more planning, as well as a desire to make groceries stretch between purchases to save money." Another development affecting the industry is a broader drive across the population toward health-conscious options and low-calorie meals, heightened to a degree by the rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. A recent KFF Health Tracking Poll evidences that these medications, which have been shown to promote weight loss, are taken by roughly one in eight American adults; and households with users are expected to account for more than a third of food and beverage sales by 2030. According to Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RDN, LDN, the director of the MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research at Villanova's M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the impact of these drugs' usage on consumers' eating habits should not be underestimated. "GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce appetite and food intake through multiple mechanisms, and evidence suggests both a reduction in snacking frequency and a shift toward healthier choices among users," shares Shenkman. "They report fewer cravings for sweet, salty and fatty snacks, particularly during the first 12 to 24 weeks of treatment. In addition, consumer surveys and clinical trials indicate increased intake of fruits, vegetables and water, and decreased consumption of processed foods and sugary beverages. "With millions of users and average daily reductions of 700 to 900 calories, demand for calorie-dense snacks could decline significantly." Among the brands and businesses at greatest risk, in Dr. Vallen and Shenkman's respective estimations, are "packaged and processed foods" as well as "sugary beverages and high-fat treats." In turn, with shoppers increasingly moving away from these "unhealthy" options and expressing an openness to dispensing with long-term staples, companies in the sector will need to emphasize adaptability in the coming years, making a conscious effort to understand customers' distinct preferences and needs. "Altogether, there are numerous trends that are seemingly pulling consumers in different directions—between health, taste, value and convenience," concludes Dr. Vallen. "Looking ahead, it will be important for firms to understand how these trends impact different consumers—and in different categories. Health likely means something different to Gen X and Gen Z and may vary further based on whether we are talking about a family dinner or a late-night treat. Taking efforts to understand consumer motivations will be crucial for companies to appropriately respond to current trends."

Decoding Crypto

As interest in cryptocurrencies move from the fringes to mainstream conversation and public policy debate, Derek Mohr, clinical associate professor of finance at the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester, offers a clear-eyed voice on the subject. Mohr specializes in financial innovation and digital assets, and he’s been in demand with reporters looking to understand the economics behind everything from “Bitcoin-powered” home heaters to gas stations offering discounts for crypto purchases. His message? Not everything that markets itself as a breakthrough actually adds up. For instance, some companies have pitched devices that promise to heat a home using excess energy generated from bitcoin mining. Mohr recently told CNBC the idea might sound clever, but that its practicality collapses under basic financial and engineering realities. “The bitcoin heat devices I have seen appear to be simple space heaters that use your own electricity to heat the room . . . which is not an efficient way to heat a house,” Mohr said. “Yes, bitcoin mining generates a lot of heat, but the only way to get that to your house is to use your own electricity.” Bitcoin mining, he explained, has become so specialized that home computers have virtually zero chance of earning a mining reward. Industrial mining farms operate on custom-built chips far more powerful than any consumer device. In other words, consumers who think they’re heating their homes and earning crypto are, in reality, just paying for electricity and getting no real mining benefit. A pragmatic voice in a volatile space Mohr’s research and commentary help explain not just what is happening in the crypto world, but why it matters for consumers, businesses, and regulators. Whether evaluating the economics of mining or the viability of crypto payments, he brings a steady, analytical perspective to a domain dominated by hype and fast-moving news cycles. For journalists covering cryptocurrency, fintech, and the future of financial transactions, Mohr is available for interviews on digital payments, bitcoin mining economics, crypto regulation, and emerging trends in financial technologies. Top contact him, reach out to University of Rochester media relations liaison David Andreatta at david.andreatta@rochester.edu.

Tinsel, Tears, and Turkey: How Seniors Really Feel About the Holidays

Ah, the holidays. That magical season when cinnamon fills the air, grandkids are glued to their phones, and you're wondering if it's too early to spike the eggnog. (Answer: it's 5 o'clock somewhere, and that somewhere is your kitchen.) For many older adults, the season is a cocktail of nostalgia, joy, and melancholy—served in a glass rimmed with memories of when the house was full, and the turkey wasn't store-bought. Dealing With The Ghosts of Christmas Past The holidays used to mean full houses, laughter echoing off the walls, and more food than a Costco freezer aisle. Now? Smaller gatherings, missing faces, and a nagging feeling that you're somehow in the way at your own celebration. There's a certain ache that comes with the holidays as we age. It's not just arthritis—it's memory. The people who made our holidays special might no longer be around, and while their photos still grace the mantle, their absence can hit harder than a fruitcake to the forehead. It's the quiet that gets you. The stillness of a home that used to hum with chaos. The microwave hums where the oven once sang. The Christmas card list has ghosted us—literally—replaced by e-cards that can't be hung on the fridge or hugged. And yet, despite the ache, many seniors keep the traditions alive. They polish the silver, bake the cookies, and set the table—because ritual matters. It's a way to say, I'm still here, and this still matters. Loneliness: The Fear No One Talks About Let's name the holiday elephant in the room. Yes, it turns out that one really is the loneliest number. It's that heavy feeling that sneaks in right around the time commercials start showing perfect families in matching pajamas (who, let's be honest, probably fought about those pajamas in the parking lot). The numbers tell a sobering story: A report by the National Institute on Ageing, finds that as many as 41 per cent of Canadians aged 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation and up to 58 per cent have experienced loneliness before. The holidays often bring additional pressure for many.  It's important to note, you don't have to live alone to feel lonely.  Seniors often fear being forgotten—left out of the group chat, the dinner invite, or even the conversation at dinner. Some feel like a burden, convinced their presence is more "obligation" than "invitation." That fear of irrelevance can creep up faster than fruitcake at a church bake sale. The internal dialogue doesn't help: "They're busy." "They have their own lives." "I don't want to be a bother." But here's the truth: you're not a bother. You're the keeper of stories, the family's living archive, and—let's face it—the only one who actually knows how to carve a turkey without creating a crime scene. The health stakes are real: According to a 2023 research report from the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness and social isolation have a profound effect on mortality, equal to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. That’s more impact than obesity or sedentary lifestyles. It's associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This isn't just about feeling blue; it's about actual health outcomes. When Depression Wears a Santa Hat Holiday depression doesn't always look like tears and tissues. Sometimes it's withdrawing from events, skipping meals, or not bothering to decorate. It's saying "I'm fine" with a smile that doesn't reach your eyes. A prominent research study of seniors in the UK over a 12-year period published in The Lancet,  confirms what many seniors experience: loneliness is a significant predictor of depression in older adults. The study found that higher loneliness scores were consistently associated with increased depression severity. The relationship works both ways—people with mental health conditions are more than twice as likely to experience loneliness. It can also show up physically—fatigue, poor sleep, or that vague feeling that something's just... off. The sparkle of the season fades under the weight of grief, change, or just the exhausting pressure to be merry when you're not feeling it. A few sad moments are natural. We all get a little misty when "White Christmas" plays for the 47th time. But if the blues linger past Boxing Day, it might be time for a gentle check-in—with a friend, a doctor, or someone who actually listens (not just nods while scrolling). Remember: asking for help isn't a weakness. It's wisdom. And honestly? It's badass. The Magic of Rituals and Traditions For seniors, traditions aren't just habits—they're anchors. The same decorations, the favorite songs, the "don't touch that, it's Grandma's angel" moment that happens every. Single. Year. Research shows that rituals and traditions provide crucial psychological benefits for older adults, including a sense of stability, purpose, and belonging. They offer structure and comfort during challenging times, helping seniors feel grounded and connected to their roots. Studies have found that maintaining traditions contributes to overall mental well-being and can even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.  These rituals offer stability in a world that keeps changing at warp speed (seriously, when did voice-activated ornaments become a thing?). But when traditions fade—when no one asks for the shortbread recipe or the ornaments stay boxed—it can feel like being erased in real time. So here's the trick: Evolve the traditions. Pass the torch, not the guilt. Let the grandkids lead carols (even if they insist on adding Mariah Carey). Use the good china. Pull out the silverware stored in the wooden case under the china cabinet that hasn't been opened since 1987. Keep the spirit alive, even if it looks different now. How Seniors Can Create a Joyful Holiday (Yes, Really!) Reach Out First: Don't wait for others to make the first move. Call, text, or—even better—show up with cookies. People are often grateful for the invitation but also afraid to impose. Be the one who breaks the ice. Host a Mini Gathering: Even if it's just tea with a neighbor, connection is the best seasoning of all. Bonus: smaller gatherings mean less cleanup and more actual conversation. Volunteer: Nothing lifts the spirit like helping someone else. Food banks, shelters, and local schools welcome extra hands. Plus, it's a great reminder that you're still needed—and you are. Laugh on Purpose: Watch old comedies. Tell those same stories (again). Laughter really is medicine—no prescription, no co-pay required. Decorate Anyway: Even if no one's visiting, do it for you. Light up your space, and your mood might just follow. And if the neighbors think you're overdoing it? Even better. What Families Can Do (Besides Show Up Hungry) Here's your holiday homework, families: Visit More, Scroll Less. You can't hug over FaceTime. And honestly, Grandma's WiFi probably can't handle it anyway. Listen Like It's a Gift. Because it is. Let seniors share their stories without rushing them or checking your phone. They're not just repeating themselves—they're reliving joy. (And yes, you've heard it before. Listen again.) Include Them in the Chaos. Let Grandma wrap presents, Grandpa set the playlist, or Aunt Sue take charge of... okay, maybe not the gravy. But give them a role. Purpose is the best present. Check In Regularly. A quick "thinking of you" text can mean more than an expensive gift. Though, to be fair, both are nice. Respect Their Pace. Big gatherings can be overwhelming. Sometimes small and meaningful beats loud and crowded. Not everyone wants to do the Macarena at Christmas dinner. (Looking at you, Uncle Bob.) Remember: the greatest present you can give an older adult is presence—yours. The Importance of Joy (and How to Find It Again) Joy doesn't always come in grand gestures. Sometimes it's hiding in the small stuff: • The smell of pine needles • The first snowflake (before it turns into gray slush) • That old ornament you swore you'd throw out • The laughter of family—even if it's at your expense Joy isn't found lying around like loose change. It's made. Sometimes it's coaxed out with a memory, a song, or a well-timed bad joke about Aunt Sue's lumpy gravy. And if all else fails, remember this: you've survived decades of holidays. Burnt turkeys. Broken ornaments. That unfortunate incident with the glue gun in 2003. You've earned the right to laugh through the tears and dance in your slippers if you damn well feel like it. The Real Gift The holidays remind us that connection—not perfection—is the true magic. For seniors, it's about being seen, heard, and loved. For families, it's about showing up, listening, and laughing together. Because one day, those elders' stories will become yours. And you'll want someone to care enough to hear them, too. So let's make this season count. Let's call more, visit more, and laugh more. Let's honor the past while making new memories. And let's remember that the best traditions aren't the ones that stay the same—they're the ones that adapt, evolve, and keep bringing us together. Now pass the eggnog. The spiked kind. Let's All Sit Under the Mistletoe and Sing the Retired Remix of "Jingle Bells" (To the tune of "Jingle Bells") Dashing through the snow, With a walker all in tow, To the mall we go, Moving nice and slow! Family's out of sight, Texting through the night, Oh, what fun it is to Zoom My grandkids once a night—hey! Chorus: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Oh, what fun it is to chat With friends who won't delay—hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, laughter saves the day, Lonely hearts can still feel joy— If love just finds a way. Happy holidays, everyone. May your turkey be moist, your family be present, and your eggnog be strong. Want more insights like this? Subscribe to my free newsletter here, where I share practical strategies, real-world stories, and straight talk about navigating retirement with confidence—not confusion. Plus, all subscribers get exclusive early access to advance chapters from my upcoming book. For Canadians 55+: Get actionable advice on making your home equity work for you, understanding your options, and living retirement on your terms. For Mortgage Brokers and Financial Professionals: Learn how to become the trusted advisor your 55+ clients—it's your opportunity to build lasting relationships in Canada's fastest-growing demographic. Sue Don’t Retire…Re-Wire! References & Resources for You or a Loved One On Loneliness and Social Isolation: • U.S. Surgeon General. (2023). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf • Medicare FAQ. (2024). Loneliness in Seniors Statistics: Combating Social Isolation. https://www.medicarefaq.com/blog/senior-loneliness-statistics/ • Mayo Clinic. (2023). Loneliness and Social Isolation Through the Holidays. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/loneliness-and-social-isolation-through-the-holidays/ On Depression and Mental Health: • Kok, R.M., & Reynolds, C.F. (2020). The association between loneliness and depressive symptoms among adults aged 50 years and older: A 12-year population-based cohort study. The Lancet Psychiatry. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(20)30383-7/fulltext • Cigna. (2021). The Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A Post-Pandemic Look at the State of Loneliness Among U.S. Adults. On Traditions and Rituals: • Oregon Counseling. Why Traditions Matter to Mental Health. https://oregoncounseling.com/article/why-traditions-matter-to-mental-health/ • Care365. Maintaining Traditions with Seniors. https://www.care365.care/resources/maintaining-traditions-with-seniors Additional Support: • National Council on Aging. Four Steps to Combat Loneliness in Seniors During the Holidays. https://www.ncoa.org/article/four-steps-to-combat-loneliness-in-seniors-during-the-holiday-and-beyond/ Emergency Services If the situation is urgent or someone is in immediate danger: Call 911. Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS) • Call: 1-833-456-4566 (available nationwide, 24/7) • Text: 45645 (evenings) • Chat: available at 988.ca

CorriXR Launches Bold Collaboration to Create First Inhaled CRISPR Therapy for Lung Cancer

CorriXR Therapeutics, ChristianaCare’s first commercial biotherapeutics spinout, has launched a major collaboration with InhaTarget Therapeutics and Merxin Ltd to develop an inhaled genetic therapy for lung cancer. The goal is to deliver a CRISPR-based treatment straight to tumors in the lungs to improve effectiveness and cut harmful side effects. A New Way to Treat Lung Cancer Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Squamous cell lung carcinoma, an aggressive form of non-small cell lung cancer, accounts for up to 30% of cases. More than 380,000 people are diagnosed each year, yet the five-year survival rate stays under 15%. Standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy often become less effective, and many patients develop resistance that leaves them with few options and rising toxicity. CorriXR is taking aim at this problem. Its CRISPR gene editing system targets NRF2, a key driver of treatment resistance. By switching off NRF2, the therapy has the potential to make tumors sensitive to chemotherapy again and give patients a chance at better outcomes. As reported in a recent paper in Molecular Therapy Oncology, researchers at ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute showed in preclinical lung cancer models that disabling NRF2 can resensitize tumors to chemotherapy with minimal off-target effects. “This partnership is about more than science. It’s about hope for patients,” said Eric Kmiec, Ph.D., founder and CEO of CorriXR Therapeutics and chief scientific officer at ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute. “Lung cancer patients deserve therapies that work and improve quality of life. By combining our CRISPR-based technology with inhaled delivery, we can target tumors directly and reduce systemic toxicity. Our goal is to make treatment simpler, more effective and less invasive.” How the Inhaled Delivery System Works The treatment will be given through inhalation using InhaTarget’s lipid nanoparticle formulation delivered by Merxin Ltd’s advanced inhaler platform. The goal is a non-invasive therapy that patients could use at home. “Combining our pulmonary drug delivery LNP platform with CorriXR’s groundbreaking science and Merxin Ltd’s device technology has the potential to reshape the landscape of lung cancer treatment. We are eager to advance work on this novel combination,” said Frédéric De Coninck, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of InhaTarget Therapeutics. Merxin Ltd’s technology is central to the approach. Its inhalers are built to deliver precise, consistent doses straight to the lungs. For this collaboration, Merxin Ltd is adapting its device to handle lipid nanoparticle formulations for the first time in a cancer treatment. “Our advanced inhaler technology is designed to ensure non-invasive, precise, consistent delivery of novel therapeutics,” said Philippe Rogueda, Ph.D., co-founder and chief business officer of Merxin Ltd. “We are excited to contribute to this vital effort and help bring innovative solutions to patients with lung cancer.” Why This Matters Patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma often face a fast-moving disease and few treatment choices. A therapy that can reach tumors directly, reduce toxicity and avoid resistance would mark a major shift. “This collaboration underscores the power of combining innovative science with practical delivery solutions,” said Kmiec. “Our CRISPR-based approach is designed to overcome one of the toughest challenges in oncology: treatment resistance. By partnering with experts in inhalation technology, we are moving closer to a therapy that is not only effective but accessible.” Studies will begin soon, with a substantial set of results on effectiveness and impact expected by spring 2026.

Republicans Rethinking Mamdani Scare Tactics

Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, wrote an opinion piece for the Albany Times Union: With Mamdani, Republicans should be careful what they wish for.