Skimm’d while getting answers to our biggest health questions — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today
theSkimm Logo

Daily Skimm

Header Image
 

“Trying to keep things as positive as possible”

Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas on their decision to divorce. Spoken like the Queen in the North.

 
Top Story

No Sperm, No Egg, No Problem

The Story

Scientists have grown a human embryo model, sans sperm and egg.

How?

With stem cells. By restructuring human cells, Israeli researchers this year were able to produce a structure that looks like a real 14-day-old embryo. That age is key since it’s the legal threshold for typical embryo research in many countries. The embryo was even able to send off enough hormones to make a pregnancy test positive. Because so little is known about this timeframe, scientists believe this study can unlock some answers. 

What’s the endgame — making a full human?

No, that’s not allowed according to international law. Experts are hoping to use the study's findings to improve research about the early stages of pregnancy, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and miscarriage and infertility.So far, researchers have managed to create an embryo using this method in only 1% of cases. 

theSkimm

The first six weeks of pregnancy mark the highest risk of miscarriage. Scientists are hopeful that using a model human embryo could lead to additional scientific breakthroughs. Critics say there are ethical concerns around studying embryos, model or not, just as some state laws say life begins at conception.

 
And Also...This

Which country isn’t following the US’s lead...

Mexico. Yesterday, the country’s Supreme Court decriminalized abortion nationwide. The decision builds on a 2021 ruling that decriminalized abortion in the northern part of the predominantly Catholic country. One caveat, though: Abortion is still illegal in 20 Mexican states — so those states will reportedly need to revise their criminal codes. In the meantime, women in Mexico can still seek abortions in federal hospitals and clinics. The news comes as the country’s governing party tapped a woman yesterday — former Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum — as its presidential candidate in next year’s election. With the opposition party also having chosen a woman, Mexico is almost guaranteed to elect its first ever female president.


Who’s coming forward…

Jenni Hermoso. Yesterday, prosecutors said the Spanish soccer player filed a complaint against Luis Rubiales for sexual assault. The complaint comes days after Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation into Rubiales for planting an unwanted kiss on Hermoso. And is part of a broader reckoning over sexual harassment in Spain’s women’s soccer league, including the firing this week of the team’s coach. The latest: The New York Times yesterday released a report highlighting dozens of alleged instances of verbal abuse and sexism on the team, including accounts that say women got bedtime checks and were constantly monitored when together. The players are demanding higher wages, maternity, leave, and other benefits as supporters cheer them on under the rallying cry, Se Acabó (It’s Over).


Who’s always in the hot seat...

Hunter Biden.Yesterday, the special counselsaid he plans to indict the president’s son this month on a gun-related charge.He reportedly called it the “least of all the crimes” Hunter committed. Hunter’s attorney said they expect “a fair resolution”that is “based on the evidence and the law, not outside political pressure.”

Former President Trump. Yesterday,a federal judgesaid he’ll have to pay writer E. Jean Carroll damagesover defamation claimsafter he denied her claims that he sexually assaulted her.A trial will determine exactly how much he owes.

…Oh and speaking of Trump, a Colorado lawsuitis seeking to keep him off the state’s ballots under the 14th Amendment, which says anyone who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion”after taking an oath to support the Constitution is barred from holding office.


Who really said ‘it’s the climb’...

The Pennsylvania fugitive who crab walked out.


While Kim Kardashian is launching her acting career...

Many are sending Kourtney their support after her update.


While the Rolling Stones is giving us new music...

Drake gave the people bras — and a release date.

 
 
DRIVING, SIMPLIFIED
Together with Buick
Buick

Restless dogs. Inquisitive toddlers. Honking cars. These things can make driving a little bit stressful. The good news? Buick’s 2024 Encore GX helps make driving (and living) a lot simpler. It comes fully equipped with an available Rear Camera Mirror, which offers a wide and less obstructed backend view; available HD Surround Vision, which gives you a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings; and IntelliBeam, which automatically turns on the car’s high beams when needed.† Bottom line: This tech-forward SUV can help you get you where to need to go with confidence. Learn more.

 

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A drink mix that can handle everything from hard runs to hangovers.

This electrolyte mix has no sugar and plenty of salt to help you recover from all your activities faster. Oh, and Skimm’rs get a free gift with purchase.*


2. The secret to saving up to $2,000 on every. single. flight.

For the next 12 hours, Skimm’rs can get this club’s lifetime membership for $129 (normally $1,690). Then fly roundtrip to Paris or London from $298. Seriously.*


3. How to make mental health a priority without leaving home.

BettterHelp helps you meet your therapy match from the comfort of…basically anywhere. So you can spend less time in transit and more time on you. Plus, Skimm’rs get 25% off their first month.*


4. Ilia Beauty products deserve to be in your makeup bag — here's why.

We tested a few of the clean beauty brand's popular products to see if they live up to the hype. Short answer? Yup, they do.

 
Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Ahead of the game…Stephanie D (NY). She became the youngest board member of her local chapter of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. She also founded a team of runners and walkers to help raise awareness and fund research in honor of her mom, Sandra.

(Some) Birthdays…Skimm Mom Barbi Zakin (NY), Cal Roberts (NY), Jonathan Abelove (CA), Anne Brett (VT), Beverly Reeves (IL), Candice Goto (CA), Clarissa Reynolds (TX), Deirdre Bardolf (NY), Ellen Williams (CO), Felice Dhan (NJ), Hanna Lipman (FL), John Monte (CA), Jordan Ballou (MS), Katie Bull (MA), Kerri Davis (NY)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.