‘Historic’ Alzheimer’s Drug Offers Hope for Patients

New drug lecanemab attacks the protein amyloid, which grows between neurons to cause the disease. In 1,795 volunteers with early-stage Alzheimer’s, regular doses of lecanemab slowed the brain’s deterioration by around a quarter. But the drug shows promise only in early stages of Alzheimer’s, meaning early diagnosis is crucial. For researcher Tara Spires-Jones, any improvement is valuable. “Even though it is not dramatic, I would take it,” she said, calling it “a big deal because we've had a 100% failure rate for a long time.” Looking ahead to the next generation of treatments, leading Alzheimer's researcher John Hardy said lecanemab is “historic.” (Source: BBC)

Chinese Astronauts Get Comfortable in Orbit With More to Come

Spacecraft Shenzhou-15 and its three crew lifted off from the Gobi Desert Tuesday, arriving at China’s space station, known as the Celestial Palace, Wednesday. Their arrival marks the next stage in China’s ambitious space program. Ten previous missions built and equipped the station — the second manned orbiting outpost after the NASA-led International Space Station. The trio met the Shenzhou-14 crew on board, and during a one-week handover they’ll prove the Palace can sustain a crew of six. China’s space agency plans to launch two manned missions to the station per year and has widened the hunt for future astronauts. (Source: Reuters)

Balenciaga Apologizes but Passes the Buck Over Child Ad Campaigns

The luxury fashion giant issued an apology for two controversial campaigns after online backlash went viral last week. Balenciaga placed the blame on photographers and their photo shoot crews for the separate complaints: One campaign featured child models holding teddy bears decked out in BDSM gear, and a second used Supreme Court documents about child pornography as props. The brand has withdrawn the campaigns, citing “a series of grievous errors for which Balenciaga takes responsibility.” The fashion world is not so forgiving. Balenciaga creative director Demna was to be honored at next week’s Fashion Awards but has now been uninvited. (Sources: The Guardian, The Cut)

Buddhist Temple Left Unmanned After Failed Meth Tests

All four monks, including the temple’s abbot, in a village in central Thailand’s Phetchabun province have been dismissed and sent to rehab after failing urine tests for methamphetamine, police said. While it remains unclear why this particular temple was targeted for testing, it’s left locals unable to conduct regular religious practices like giving alms, though officials said replacement religious men will be sent to the area. Monks behaving badly is a common report in Buddhist-majority Thailand, including the sensational case earlier this year in which prominent monk Luang Pu Tuanchai was caught driving while intoxicated and carrying dozens of methamphetamine pills. (Source: Vice)

It’s a Man’s World Cup, but Women Are Running the Show

When Costa Rica takes on Germany in Thursday’s Group E match, it will be the referees making soccer history. Stephanie Frappart, Neuza Back and Karen Diaz will be the first all-female referee team in men’s World Cup history. Frappart, who will be the lead referee, has her fair share of firsts. The 38-year-old was the first woman to officiate a men’s World Cup qualifying match and in 2020 was the first to oversee a Champions League match. The pressure will be on: The match is crucial for underperforming Germany, who must win to have any chance of making the final 16. (Sources: SI, The Athletic)

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