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EpiPen Alternative, L.A. Earthquake, & Battery-Powered Bandages.
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Big Stories
FDA Approves Needle-Free EpiPen Alternative
The FDA approved a new epinephrine nasal spray called Neffy for treating severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
Neffy is the first needle-free option for emergencies, making it easier for people who are afraid of needles to get life-saving treatment. The FDA had previously delayed approval to compare Neffy with traditional injections.
Neffy is a single-use spray that goes into one nostril. If symptoms don’t get better, a second dose can be given in the same nostril. The approval is a big deal because it’s the first major change in how epinephrine is given in over 35 years. The new spray could also put pressure on EpiPen to lower its prices.
EpiPen costs $600 for a two-pack of injectors, despite costing just a few dollars to make. ARS Pharmaceuticals plans to offer Neffy in two-dose packs for $25 with insurance or $199 without insurance. It is expected to be available within eight weeks.
Iconic ‘Double Arch” Rock Formation Crumbles in Utah
The “Double Arch” rock formation, a well-known tourist spot in Utah’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, has collapsed.
The rock, also called the “Toilet Bowl” and “Hole in the Roof,” fell on Thursday, but no one was injured. The circular arch was a popular spot for cliff-jumping and boaters on Lake Powell.
The Double Arch was carved from Navajo sandstone that dates back 190 million years. Park superintendent Michell Kerns said that natural features like Double Arch have a lifespan and human interaction speeds up their decline. The exact cause of the collapse is unclear, but changing water levels and wave erosion likely contributed.
Glen Canyon Dam feeds Lake Powell, which has been at historically low water levels due to drought. Although the reservoir has seen some improvement in recent years, it is currently only 39 percent full.
U.S. Beefs Up Defenses in the Middle East
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to move quickly to the Middle East.
Austin made the moves because the U.S. believes Iran or its allies might attack Israel soon. The USS Abraham Lincoln was originally stationed in the Asia-Pacific region but will now head to the Middle East faster than planned.
The U.S. and other countries are concerned about increased tensions in the Middle East, especially after recent killings of key figures from Hamas and Hezbollah. The U.S. and its allies, including Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, have told Iran not to attack Israel and warned of serious consequences if they do.
The Pentagon said it is focusing on defending Israel and preparing for potential attacks. The USS Abraham Lincoln is carrying fighter jets and will arrive in the region by the end of the month.
The call comes a day after an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school killed at least 80 people and wounded 50 others.
Little Stories
A magnitude 4.4 earthquake hit Los Angeles on Monday afternoon. It was initially measured at 4.7, but the U.S. Geological Survey later revised it. The L.A. Fire Department reported no major damage or injuries within the city but people reported tremors as far away as San Diego and the Palm Desert region. (More)
Elon Musk’s interview with GOP nominee Donald Trump on his social media site X had major technical problems. The interview was supposed to start at 8 p.m. but was delayed by 45 minutes due to issues with the site, which many users couldn’t access. Musk later said that a big cyber attack on X caused the hiccup. (More)
Tropical Storm Ernesto has formed in the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to strengthen as it approaches Puerto Rico on Tuesday. Ernesto could become a major hurricane after it hits the Island. However, a dip in the jet stream should prevent Ernesto from threatening the U.S. East Coast directly. (More)
"Deadpool & Wolverine" has earned over $1 billion worldwide and is likely to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever, surpassing "Joker." Earlier this summer, Disney’s "Inside Out 2" also made over $1 billion, making Disney the only studio to have two $1 billion movies in the same year. (More)
New research from a retired NASA mission revealed a huge underground water reservoir on Mars. Scientists believe enough water is trapped in the Martian crust to cover the planet with a 1-mile-deep layer. However, reaching it would be tough for future astronauts, as it’s located 7 to 12 miles underground. (More)
Extra Credit
Northern lights and meteor showers awed stargazers worldwide.
Battery-powered bandages speed wound healing by 30%.
A man’s journey from Canada to Mexico on only public transit.
Today in weird food trends: horse milk ice cream.
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