News Scan for Sep 13, 2022

WHO unveils first global framework for responsible life science useThe World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the release of the first global framework on the responsible use of life sciences, which addresses the accidental or deliberate misuse of biologic and other life sciences, including dual-use research.In a statement, the WHO said the goal of the guidance is to help countries manage oversight while speeding innovation and mitigating any potential negative impacts.

Soumya Swaminathan, MD, the WHO's chief scientist, said life sciences and technology have the capacity to improve health, societies, and the environment. "However, developments and advances in life sciences and associated technologies could pose risks caused by accidents during experiments, inadvertent and deliberate misuse."The guidance spans 186 pages and covers topics such as misinformation and disinformation, managing large health datasets, increasing capacity for biorisk management, and navigating challenges involving infectious disease research.According to the report, the guidance builds on earlier work by the WHO's science division, such as its dialogues with the research community, with much of the work spearheaded by three working groups formed at the first meeting in March 2021.

The groups also met last September, before posting a draft framework in February that was open to public feedback and comments.

The draft was peer reviewed by an external group.Sep 13 WHO statement WHO global guidanceUS pet shelters in 'crisis mode' after COVID-related drop in spay/neutersPet shelters across the United States are overcrowded, largely due to a falloff in spay/neuter surgeries and veterinarian shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, reversing a