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From sea to superfood: Filipino brand Mega Sardines earns global recognition for health and longevity

Roy Tomandao
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From sea to superfood: Filipino brand Mega Sardines earns global recognition for health and longevity

Is a Filipino Sardines Brand Possibly a Secret to Health and Longevity?

A Filipino sardines brand has captured international attention after receiving rare and prestigious recognition from one of the world’s leading wellness organizations. This recognition sparks renewed global interest in the humble fish as a key to better health, and possibly longevity.

It all began with a 2023 article published by Harvard University, advocating the benefits of “eating down the seafood chain,” with sardines taking center stage. The institution underscored the exceptional health value of sardines, describing them as one of the most nutrient-dense and metabolically friendly seafood options available. Harvard Health noted that sardines are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, yet contain virtually no carbohydrates. They’re also packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins B12 and D, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

Moreover, as small, low-food-chain fish, sardines pose a minimal risk of mercury contamination, a growing concern with larger fish species. The full article from Harvard can be accessed here.

Inspired by the Harvard study, the Medical Wellness Association (MWA), a U.S.-based global organization of over 6,000 health, wellness, and medical professionals, conducted a more in-depth investigation. Their focus: to determine if all sardines are created equal, or if certain brands offer superior health benefits based on how they’re processed after being caught.

Their findings led them to the Philippines, where Mega Sardines stood out above the rest.

Unlike many sardine brands that lease fishing fleets and endure long delays from catch to processing, Mega Sardines owns and operates its own fleet. This allows for strict control over hygiene and freshness protocols at sea. The company boasts an unparalleled “catch-to-can” process that takes less than 12 hours, a stark contrast to the industry standard of several days.

This innovation, according to the MWA, plays a crucial role in preserving the natural nutrients of sardines. As a result, the organization awarded Mega Sardines a groundbreaking honor: the title of “Superfood.” This marks the first time in MWA’s 30-year history that a seafood product has received such recognition.

“Mega Sardines can play a vital role in helping consumers around the world battle metabolic and cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Christopher Breuleux, President and Founder of the MWA. “It is truly a gift from nature for human health, and the processing is done with ultimate care and with an eye towards preserving freshness all the way to the dinner table. It is, indeed, a ‘Superfood’ everyone should increase their intake of.”

At the heart of this achievement is Mega Sardines founder William Tiu Lim, whose mission has always been to provide nutritious, affordable food options for Filipino families. For five decades, Tiu Lim has steered the company from a local sardine cannery to a global wellness brand.

“Today, Mega Sardines is no longer a fishing company, but a global wellness company. We want to help improve the wellness of the world’s consumers. This is a legacy and a mission worth fighting for,” said Tiu Lim, proudly holding the MWA certificate, an affirmation of his lifelong vision.

As consumers become more health-conscious and discerning about their food choices, sardines, especially those sourced and processed with care, are making a strong comeback on dinner plates worldwide.

So next time you’re planning a meal, don’t be surprised if the humble request, “Honey, please pass the sardines,” carries with it the promise of better health, and perhaps a longer life.

Photo caption: Mega Sardines top officials, Mega Prime Chairman William Tiu Lim (third from left), President Michelle Chan (second from left), and other officers join Medical Wellness Association founding board member Jim Lafferty during a photo op after recognizing Mega Sardines as a Superfood recently. 

Pope Leo appeals for church unity, rejects ‘autocrat’ role

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Pope Leo appeals for church unity, rejects ‘autocrat’ role

VATICAN CITY. Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV formally launched his papacy on Sunday with a passionate appeal for unity in a divided Catholic Church, vowing to honor its traditions, continue the social mission of his predecessor, and lead without becoming “an autocrat.”

The 69-year-old pontiff, born in Chicago and also a Peruvian citizen after years as a missionary, was elected on May 8 following a brief conclave that lasted less than 24 hours. A relative unknown on the global stage, Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 after a turbulent 12-year pontificate.

“I take up this mission with fear and trembling,” Leo said in his inaugural homily delivered in fluent Italian during the outdoor Mass at St. Peter’s Square, where an estimated 200,000 people gathered. “It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving, as Jesus did.”

Crowds lining the square and surrounding streets waved U.S. and Peruvian flags, claiming Leo as the first pope from both nations. Chants of “Viva il Papa” and “Papa Leone” echoed as the new pope waved from the popemobile.

In his first major address, Leo made repeated references to “unity,” using the word seven times and “harmony” four times. He also made a pointed effort to reach out to conservatives who had felt alienated during the Francis years.

“To the conservatives who might feel orphaned, I say: the rich heritage of the Christian faith will be preserved,” Leo declared, signaling a more inclusive tone while expressing continuity with the social concerns championed by Francis, such as poverty and environmental protection.

He promised not to rule with a heavy hand. Citing the apostle Peter, Leo said: “Peter must shepherd the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him. On the contrary, he is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters, and to walk alongside them.”

Many conservative Catholics had previously criticized Pope Francis for what they described as off-the-cuff and confusing remarks on sensitive issues like same-sex relationships. They also accused him of centralizing power and dismissing dissent.

Leo’s installation was attended by dozens of world leaders and dignitaries. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert who had previously clashed with Francis over immigration policy, led the American delegation alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Vance was seen shaking hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy before the Mass.

Later that day, Pope Leo met privately with Zelenskiy and was scheduled to receive Vance on Monday. In his final appeal after the Mass, Leo echoed Francis’ rhetoric on global conflicts, referring to Ukraine as “martyred” and urging a “just and lasting peace.” He also addressed the dire situation in Gaza, stating that residents were being “reduced to starvation.”

Leo has already outlined several papal priorities, including confronting the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and striving for peace both within the Church and globally.

Attending the Mass were the presidents of Israel, Peru, and Nigeria; the prime ministers of Italy, Canada, and Australia; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz; and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. European royalty, including Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, were also present.

As part of the ceremony, Pope Leo received two symbolic items: the pallium, a lambswool sash representing his role as a shepherd, and the Fisherman’s Ring, engraved with St. Peter holding the keys to Heaven. The ceremonial ring, which can seal papal documents, will be destroyed upon Leo’s death or resignation.

After the Mass, Leo embraced his brother Louis, who had traveled from Florida to witness the historic moment.

Dominic Venditti, a pilgrim from Seattle, shared his joy over the new pontiff: “I like how emotional and kind he is. I love his background.”

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, he does so amid both hope and expectation, aiming to reconcile a fractured Church while navigating a world gripped by conflict and change

Israel agrees to limited humanitarian aid into Gaza after nearly three-month blockade

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel agrees to limited humanitarian aid into Gaza after nearly three-month blockade

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. After nearly three months of a full blockade, Israel has announced it will permit a limited quantity of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, responding to growing international concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis and warnings of famine from global food security experts.

The decision, made public on Sunday, comes as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the country must act to avoid a starvation crisis that could undermine Israel’s renewed offensive against Hamas.

“A starvation crisis would jeopardize Israel’s new military offensive in Gaza,” Netanyahu said, as his Cabinet approved the plan to allow a “basic” amount of food into the besieged territory, home to over 2 million Palestinians. However, specific details regarding the timing and method of aid entry remain unclear. Israel’s military agency responsible for coordinating aid did not provide any further comment.

Israel began its total blockade of Gaza on March 2, cutting off all food, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance to pressure Hamas into accepting a new ceasefire proposal. The war resumed shortly thereafter, ending a fragile two-month truce. Since then, airstrikes and ground offensives have escalated sharply.

On Sunday, Israel launched what it described as “extensive” ground operations across both the northern and southern parts of Gaza. Hospitals and emergency services reported that airstrikes killed at least 103 people, including dozens of children. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported more than 48 deaths in southern Gaza, including 18 children and 13 women. In northern Gaza, strikes on homes in Jabaliya killed at least 19 people from two families, including seven children and a woman, according to Gaza’s civil defense and emergency medical staff.

Jabaliya resident Abu Mohammad Yassin, speaking amid the chaos, voiced deep frustration:
“When the Jews want a truce, Hamas refuses, and when Hamas wants a truce, the Jews refuse it. Both sides agree to exterminate the Palestinian people,” he said. “For God’s sake, have mercy on us. We are tired of displacement.”

The renewed Israeli assault has forced thousands to flee once again, many on foot or using donkey carts, as safe zones become increasingly scarce.

Israel’s military, which recently mobilized tens of thousands of reservists, said its ground operations aim to “dissect” the Gaza Strip and dismantle Hamas infrastructure. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Israel’s chief of staff, confirmed that recent strikes had killed dozens of militants and hit more than 670 targets. The military maintains that civilian casualties are a result of Hamas operating within densely populated areas.

Meanwhile, negotiations for a ceasefire remain at an impasse. Israel is demanding a temporary halt in hostilities tied to the release of hostages held by Hamas, while Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal and a concrete path to ending the war.

As conditions in Gaza deteriorate further, aid agencies and international observers warn that any delay in delivering food and medical supplies could deepen an already critical humanitarian catastrophe.

Dalawang suspek sa kidnap-slay kay Anson Que, arestado sa Boracay

Arman B. Cambe
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Dalawang suspek sa kidnap-slay kay Anson Que, arestado sa Boracay

MAYNILA. Arestado sa Boracay ang dalawang dayuhang suspek sa pagdukot at pagpatay sa negosyanteng Tsino na si Anson Que, kilala rin bilang Anson Tan, ayon sa ulat ng Unang Balita nitong Lunes.

Kinilala ng Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) ang mga suspek na bahagi ng mas malawak na imbestigasyon ng Special Investigation Task Group na pinangungunahan ni Police Lieutenant General Edgar Okubo.

Dinukot si Que at ang kanyang driver na si Armanie Pabillo noong Marso 29, at natagpuan ang kanilang bangkay noong Abril 9 sa gilid ng kalsada sa Rodriguez, Rizal.

Ayon kay Police Lieutenant Colonel Chitadel Gaoiran ng Police Regional Office (PRO) 4A, “The two bodies were placed in a nylon bag, tied with nylon rope, and their faces were wrapped with duct tape.” Kapwa naka-underwear lamang ang mga biktima at duguan ang kanilang ulo.

Lumabas sa autopsy na namatay sina Que at Pabillo dahil sa pagkakasakal.

Sa kabila ng pagbabayad ng ransom na aabot sa P200 milyon, pinatay pa rin ang negosyante.

Nauna nang naaresto noong nakaraang buwan ang tatlong suspek na sina Ricardo Austria David, Raymart Catequista, at David Tan Liao, na kasalukuyang nasa kustodiya ng PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG).

Ang dalawang bagong naarestong suspek ay sasailalim sa debriefing ng AKG bago i-turn over sa Bureau of Immigration para sa inquest bilang “undesirable aliens.”

Mga Itinuturong Utak, Ransom at Pondo

Isa sa mga unang naaresto, si David Tan Liao, ang nagsabing ang anak ni Anson Que na si Ronxian Gou o Alvin Que umano ang nag-utos ng pagdukot at pagpatay sa kanyang ama.

Sa paunang imbestigasyon, lumabas na si Alvin ang nakipagnegosasyon sa mga dumukot habang bihag pa si Que. Siya rin umano ang nagpadala ng ransom na P10 milyon sa isang cryptocurrency account noong Marso 31, at karagdagang P3 milyon sa parehong account noong Abril 2.

Ngunit, ayon sa PNP, “no corroborating evidence” ang nakita na mag-uugnay kay Alvin sa krimen kaya’t siya ay nilinis ng mga awtoridad.

Samantala, itinuturing naman ng PNP na ang mga itinuturong utak sa krimen ay sina David Tan Liao, Kelly Tan Lim, at isa pang hindi pinangalanang suspek.

Inialok ang P5 milyong pabuya para sa impormasyon sa ikaaaresto ng isa sa mga suspek, ngunit tinaasan ito sa P10 milyon. Ayon kay Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, ang pabuya ay para sa Chinese national na si Wenli Gong, na kilala rin sa mga alyas na Kelly Tan Lim, Bao Wenli, Axin, at Huang Yanling.

Sinabi rin ng PNP na dalawang casino junket operators, ang 9 Dynasty Group at White Horse Group, ang umano’y tumanggap at naglipat ng ransom na galing sa pamilya ni Que.

Ayon kay Fajardo, ang 9 Dynasty Group ay pinamumunuan ni Li Duan Wang o Mark Ong mula Fujian, China. Si Ong umano ay may mga negosyo sa Pilipinas na kinabibilangan ng sugal, remittance services, at isang hindi lisensyadong crypto exchange. Ang grupo ay sinasabing nagpoproseso ng pondo papunta sa mga crypto wallets nang walang lisensya mula sa Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at hindi rin rehistrado sa Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Ang ransom na pondo mula sa 9 Dynasty Group ay nailipat umano sa mga account nina Lin Tingyu, Deng Chengzhi, at Lin Ning. Samantala, ang White Horse Group ay naglipat naman ng pera sa mga account nina Luo Guohui at Nguyen Huy Dung.

Naitala rin na si Lin Ning ay naglipat ng pera sa isang account na nakapangalan kay Ni Qinhui, na naunang naaresto ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) noong Pebrero dahil sa hinalang espiya.

Ang ransom na nahati-hati sa iba’t ibang account ay inilipat pa sa iba pang mga account at kalaunan ay na-convert sa cryptocurrency wallets. Nahihirapan ang mga awtoridad sa pagsubaybay sa daloy ng pera sa crypto.

Gayunman, sinabi ni Fajardo na na-trace at na-freeze ng PNP ang bahagi ng ransom na ibinayad ng pamilya ni Que. Ayon sa kanya, umabot sa USD$205,942 o humigit-kumulang P11.40 milyon ang nahanap sa cryptocurrency wallet sa labas ng hurisdiksiyon ng Pilipinas.

Na-freeze ito sa tulong ng PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG).

Ngunit, malaking bahagi ng ransom, USD$1,365,113 o humigit-kumulang P75.58 milyon ang na-withdraw na umano gamit ang USDT account na naka-base sa Cambodia. Ang naturang account ay dati nang iniimbestigahan sa Estados Unidos dahil sa hinalang money laundering.

Samantala, ayon kay Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon noong Mayo 8, si Alvin Que ay nananatiling respondent sa kasong kidnapping for ransom with homicide habang nakabinbin ang mosyon para siya ay tanggalin sa kaso.

Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer

WASHINGTON. Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office confirmed Sunday, following concerns raised by recent urinary symptoms. The 82-year-old was found to have a nodule on his prostate, and after further evaluation, cancer cells were discovered to have spread to his bones.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” his office said in a statement. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

Biden’s prostate cancer was assigned a Gleason score of 9, which places it among the most aggressive types of the disease. The Gleason grading system, ranging from 6 to 10, assesses how likely the cancer will grow and spread. Scores of 8, 9, and 10 are considered high-grade and aggressive.

Prostate cancer that spreads to other areas of the body, most commonly to bones, is significantly more challenging to treat than cancer that remains localized. Metastatic cancer often resists full eradication due to the difficulty of reaching all tumor sites.

However, Biden’s cancer is hormone-sensitive, which gives doctors a key avenue for treatment by using therapies that cut off the hormones fueling tumor growth.

“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center. “Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy.”

Messages of support poured in from both allies and political rivals. Former President Donald Trump, a frequent political adversary, expressed sympathy on social media, saying, “we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Vice President Kamala Harris wrote online, “Joe is a fighter, and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”

Former President Barack Obama, who worked closely with Biden for eight years, praised his former running mate’s perseverance. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace,” Obama said.

Biden’s health had been a recurring concern during his presidency. After a widely criticized performance in a June debate while seeking reelection, he ended his campaign for a second term. Kamala Harris stepped in as the Democratic nominee but lost to Trump, who reclaimed the presidency after a four-year absence from the White House.

Despite his age and health issues, Biden remained defiant. In the recent political book Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, it was revealed that aides had allegedly concealed the extent of Biden’s physical and cognitive decline during his presidency.

This latest diagnosis adds to Biden’s history of health issues. In February 2023, he had a basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer, removed from his chest. In November 2021, doctors also removed a benign but potentially precancerous polyp from his colon.

Biden’s battle against cancer has long been personal. In 2015, his eldest son Beau died of brain cancer, a tragedy that led him to launch the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative during his vice presidency. In 2022, he revived the program as president to halve the cancer death rate in the U.S. over the next 25 years.

“This could be an American moment to prove to ourselves and, quite frankly, the world that we can do really big things,” Biden said at the time.

Mga natalong celebrity-politician, balik-entablado na

Venus L Peñaflor
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Mga natalong celebrity-politician, balik-entablado na

Nagsisimula nang magbago ang ihip ng hangin para sa mga celebrity-politician na hindi pinalad sa nakaraang halalan, at tila unti-unti na silang bumabalik sa mundo ng showbiz.

Matapos ang kanilang paglahok sa politika, marami sa mga kilalang personalidad ang ngayon ay abala na muli sa entertainment industry. Sa social media, makikita ang kanilang mga bagong pinagkakaabalahan at ang mga tanong ng kanilang mga tagahanga, kung babalik ba sila sa telebisyon at kung saang programa.

Isa sa mga napag-usapan kamakailan ay si Luis Manzano, na tinatanong ng kanyang mga followers kung alin sa mga dating game shows niya ang nais nilang balikan niya, Rainbow Rumble, Deal or No Deal, o Minute To Win It. Umabot na sa mahigit 1,700 ang comments sa post na ito, na patunay na sabik pa rin ang publiko sa kanyang pagbabalik-telebisyon.

Si Robi Domingo naman ay nagpakita ng interes sa pagbabalik ng “It’s Your Lucky Day,” ang pansamantalang ipinalit sa “It’s Showtime” noong ito’y masuspinde ng MTRCB. Ang kanyang asawa namang si Jessy Mendiola ay boto sa “Rainbow Rumble,” habang si Daniel Matsunaga ay pabor sa “Minute To Win It.” Si John Prats, sa kabilang banda, ay nais makita si Luis sa lahat ng nabanggit na game shows dahil aniya, mahusay naman talaga ito sa mga ganoong format.

Samantala, si Senador Bong Revilla ay mas pinipiling maglaan ng oras sa kanyang pamilya. Kani-kaniyang post siya sa social media ng bonding moments kasama ang kanyang mga apo, kabilang na ang anak nina Cong. Jolo Revilla at Angel, na si Lauren, at ang anak nina Gianna at Jed Patricio.

Tungkol naman sa showbiz comeback ni Senador Bong, wala pa siyang malinaw na sagot kung itutuloy ang season 4 ng kanyang action-comedy series na Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis. May producer na nais gumawa ng pelikula kasama siya, ngunit naghihintay pa sila ng tamang panahon at availability ng senador. Target umano nila itong isali sa Metro Manila Film Festival, pero aminado ang aktor-politiko na may pag-aalinlangan pa siya.

Sa kabilang dako, mainit na pinag-uusapan ngayon ang kumakalat na pahayag umano ni Willie Revillame ukol sa kanyang karanasan sa pulitika. Ayon sa post na inilathala sa Facebook, nawalan umano ng gana si Willie sa pagtulong matapos ang kanyang pagkatalo sa eleksyon.

Ito ang sinasabing pahayag ni Willie:

“As of now, kung tatanungin n’yo ko, hindi ko alam kung kaya ko pa ituloy ang pagtulong sa mahihirap. Feeling ko kasi walang kuwenta lahat ng aking ginawa.”

Dagdag pa umano ng ilang vlogger, pansamantalang mananahimik si Willie. Gayunman, hindi pa tiyak kung totoo nga ang mga salitang ito o bahagi lamang ito ng isang deepfake video.

Sa gitna ng usapin, maraming netizens at tagapakinig ng mga radyo ang nagbigay ng reaksyon:

“Kung tutulong ka, hindi boto ang kapalit. Ang pagtulong ay iba sa paggawa ng batas.”

Habang patuloy ang pag-usad ng mga showbiz personalities sa kanilang bagong yugto, kapansin-pansin na tila natututo na ang publiko na paghiwalayin ang kasikatan sa serbisyo publiko.

Ang tanong: Ito na nga ba ang simula ng pagtatapos ng ‘celebrity era’ sa pulitika?

Gene editing saved a sick baby and could help millions

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Gene editing saved a sick baby and could help millions

In a groundbreaking development in genetic medicine, a baby born with a rare and life-threatening genetic condition is now thriving after receiving a pioneering, personalized gene editing therapy. The case, detailed in a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, represents one of the first successful uses of a custom treatment designed to correct a tiny but critical mutation in the genetic code that otherwise proves fatal for half of the affected infants.

The infant, KJ Muldoon of Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed shortly after birth with severe CPS1 deficiency, a rare disorder estimated to affect about one in a million babies. CPS1 deficiency impairs the body’s ability to remove ammonia, leading to toxic build-up in the blood. Without effective treatment, many infants face dire outcomes. While liver transplants can sometimes help, the procedure is invasive and not always feasible.

KJ’s parents, Kyle and Nicole Muldoon, shared the difficult decisions they faced early on. “We were, like, you know, weighing all the options, asking all the questions for either the liver transplant, which is invasive, or something that’s never been done before,” Nicole recalled. Kyle added, “We prayed, we talked to people, we gathered information, and we eventually decided that this was the way we were going to go.”

Within six months, a team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine developed a custom therapy using CRISPR-based gene editing technology. Unlike earlier CRISPR methods that cut DNA strands, this therapy employs “base editing,” a technique that flips the mutated DNA “letter” to the correct one, reducing the risk of unintended changes.

Dr. Kiran Musunuru, a gene editing expert at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of the study, said, “This is the first step towards the use of gene editing therapies to treat a wide variety of rare genetic disorders for which there are currently no definitive medical treatments.”

The therapy was administered to KJ via intravenous infusions starting in February, using lipid nanoparticles to deliver the gene editor directly to liver cells. Dr. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, a gene therapy specialist at CHOP and study author, recalled the treatment day: “He slept through the entire thing.”

Following additional doses, KJ has shown remarkable progress. He is eating more normally, recovering well from minor illnesses, and requires less medication. His mother reflected emotionally, “Any time we see even the smallest milestone that he’s meeting – like a little wave or rolling over – that’s a big moment for us.”

Despite these encouraging signs, researchers caution that long-term monitoring is essential. “We’re still very much in the early stages of understanding what this medication may have done for KJ,” said Dr. Ahrens-Nicklas. “But every day, he’s showing us signs that he’s growing and thriving.”

The implications of this success extend beyond KJ’s case. Rare diseases affect an estimated 350 million people worldwide, most caused by genetic mutations. However, gene therapies often focus on more common conditions due to high development costs and market considerations.

Musunuru emphasized the potential for broader application: “The cost was not far off from the $800,000-plus for an average liver transplant and related care. As we get better and better at making these therapies and shorten the time frame even more, economies of scale will kick in and I would expect the costs to come down.”

Experts agree that this research sets a new benchmark. Senthil Bhoopalan of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, who was not involved in the study, called it “very exciting” and said, “This really sets the pace and the benchmark for such approaches.”

Carlos Moraes, neurology professor at the University of Miami, added, “Once someone comes with a breakthrough like this, it will take no time for other teams to apply the lessons and move forward. There are barriers, but I predict that they are going to be crossed in the next five to 10 years.”

This landmark case shines a hopeful light on the future of personalized gene therapies, offering the promise that even the rarest and most devastating genetic diseases may one day be treatable.

Source: New England Journal of Medicine; Interviews with Dr. Kiran Musunuru, Dr. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, and experts in gene therapy.

Cardinal Tagle shares his thoughts on Pope Leo XIV as a devoted missionary shepherd

Venus L Peñaflor
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Cardinal Tagle shares his thoughts on Pope Leo XIV as a devoted missionary shepherd

VATICAN CITY. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, offered a deeply personal reflection on the election of Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual atmosphere of the recent conclave, and the enduring legacy of the late Pope Francis in an exclusive interview with Vatican News.

Nearly a month after Pope Francis’ death and a week into the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Tagle recounted the powerful experience of the conclave and his impressions of the new pope, whom he had known for years. Seated beside Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, in the Sistine Chapel during the conclave, Tagle recalled the sense of spiritual intimacy as history unfolded before them.

“Let holy silence envelope Jesus and Peter,” Tagle said, describing the sacred moment Prevost reached the required number of votes. “It was holy resignation and holy fear combined.”

A Pope of Calm Wisdom and Missionary Warmth

Tagle praised Pope Leo XIV’s qualities of humility, deep listening, and thoughtful discernment, noting his capacity to lead without imposing, to decide without haste, and to engage others with “a calm warmth, shaped by prayer and missionary experience.”

“He is intellectually and culturally well-prepared, but without showing off,” Tagle said. “The Pope expresses his feelings and preferences without imposing them.”

Having first met the former Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine in Manila and later in Rome, Tagle emphasized the Pope’s spiritual depth and pastoral approach, which he believes are rooted in his religious order and global missionary background.

A Sacred Experience: Inside the Conclave

The Filipino cardinal, who also participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, underscored the spiritual gravity of such an event. He reflected on the difference between that conclave and the most recent one following the death of a reigning pontiff.

“A conclave is a liturgical event—a time and space for prayer, for listening to God’s Word, the stirrings of the Holy Spirit, the groanings of the Church, humanity and creation,” he explained. “It is for personal and communal purification of motivations, and for worship and adoration of God, whose will must reign supreme.”

Tagle emphasized that both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV were elected on the second day, a testament to the unity that can emerge from genuine spiritual communion.

A Son of St. Augustine After a Son of St. Ignatius

Cardinal Tagle drew connections between Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian roots and Pope Francis’ Jesuit background, suggesting a providential continuity.

“St. Augustine and St. Ignatius had many things in common,” he said. “They both had worldly careers and experienced a restlessness that led to adventurous pursuits.”

Israeli airstrike kills at least 24 in Gaza tent camp as ceasefire negotiations push forward

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israeli airstrike kills at least 24 in Gaza tent camp as ceasefire negotiations push forward

CAIRO. At least 24 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a tent encampment sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, according to local health officials on Sunday, May 18. The deadly strike occurred as Egypt and Qatar, with backing from the United States, hosted a new round of indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli military intensified its offensive across the enclave over the past 72 hours, with relentless bombing campaigns that have resulted in hundreds of deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry emphasized that despite a recent visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to the region, airstrikes continued to devastate Palestinian communities.

Hamas condemned the attack as a “new brutal crime,” blaming the U.S. for its continued support of Israel amid the conflict. In a statement issued Sunday, the group said the strike was a reflection of “the growing aggression and disregard for civilian lives.”

While the Israeli military did not immediately comment on the latest attack in Khan Younis, a prior statement confirmed that “extensive strikes” were underway in various parts of Gaza, describing them as part of efforts “to achieve war objectives.”

Despite international pressure for de-escalation, ceasefire talks being held in Doha have so far yielded no breakthrough. Sources familiar with the negotiations told Reuters that both parties remain firmly entrenched in their respective positions.

As the violence escalates, humanitarian agencies continue to raise alarms over the deteriorating conditions for civilians caught in the crossfire, particularly those already displaced and living in temporary shelters.

13 senador, umaasa sa senate president na independent, transparent, at competent – Lacson

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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13 senador, umaasa sa senate president na independent, transparent, at competent – Lacson

MAYNILA. Labintatlong incumbent at incoming senador ng ika-20 Kongreso ang nagpahayag ng kagustuhan na mamuno sa Senado ang isang Senate president na may integridad, kakayahan, at pagiging bukas sa publiko, ayon kay Senator-elect Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

“Napag-usapan namin ng ilang mga senador, yung mga incumbent ngayon at tsaka yung mga incoming. Ang aim namin is to have an independent, credible, and transparent 20th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines,” pahayag ni Lacson sa isang panayam nitong Sabado, Mayo 17, matapos siyang opisyal na maiproklamang senador.

Giit ni Lacson, mahalaga ang mga katangiang ito sa lider ng Senado, lalo’t may mga usaping pambansa na nangangailangan ng matatag at tapat na pamumuno.

“Kaya kung sino man ang masuportahan, ito lang ang ating pagdidiinan, kailangan independent tayo, kailangan transparent tayo, kailangan competent tayo,” dagdag pa niya.

Nang tanungin kung ilang senador na ng 20th Congress ang sumang-ayon sa usapin, sagot ni Lacson: “I lost track… At least 13.”

Ayon pa sa kanya, ang mga pag-uusap ay isinagawa nang “individually,” at wala pang pinal na desisyon kung sino ang susuportahang kandidato para sa Senate presidency.

Patuloy ang mga konsultasyon sa pagitan ng mga mambabatas upang masiguro ang isang matatag at maayos na liderato sa paparating na Kongreso.

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