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- First CRISPR gene therapy approved!
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Welcome, Tech enthusiasts.
The FDA just handed a pioneering gene editing treatment landmark approval — harnessing precision DNA snipping to override sickle cell deficiency.
Has the CRISPR revolution officially arrived in the medical world? Let’s find out.
In today’s tech rundown:
FDA greenlights landmark first CRISPR treatment
Snapchat+ tops $20M revenue
9 new products
Google shuts down Beeper’s Android-iMessage integration
Elon Musk reinstates Alex Jones to Twitter/X
Apple’s USB-C update rumored for Spring 2024
Read time: 3 minutes
TODAY’S HEADLINES
GENE EDITING
Image source: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
The Rundown: The FDA just approved the first ever CRISPR-based treatment in a landmark moment for gene editing — with the therapy set to treat debilitating sickle cell disease.
The details:
Called CTX001 or Casgevy, the one-time treatment involves using CRISPR to switch on the production of an alternate "fetal" hemoglobin protein that prevents sickling.
It works by cutting out the gene that normally shuts off fetal hemoglobin after birth — allowing it to resume circulating and blocking sickle hemoglobin's damaging effects.
In trials, over 90% of patients went 1+ years crisis-free after getting their edited stem cells infused back into the body post-chemo.
Why it matters: Now proven viable, expect a deluge of CRISPR treatments leveraging precision DNA editing to overcome conditions long thought untreatable. Let’s hope this moment kickstarts a healthcare revolution.
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SNAPCHAT
Image source: Snap
The Rundown: Snapchat's paid subscription quietly continued its explosive growth — passing $20M in monthly revenue for the first time in November amid climbing demand for perks like early AI access.
The details:
Snapchat+ revenue jumped 23% month-over-month to over $31M before commissions, its second-biggest increase ever.
The app now boasts over 5 million subscribers globally, with the top markets for spending including the U.S., UK, France, and Australia.
Features like expanded access to the ‘My AI’ chatbot and ‘Dreams’ AI selfies, along with new visual filters, continue to attract fresh sign-ups.
The relevance: While Snapchat may have fallen out of favor with older social media users, there looks to still be serious demand from the younger demographics. And those younger audiences are showing a surprising willingness to pay for digital life enhancements and new AI features.
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SNIPPETS
Apple shut down Beeper Mini, an app designed to integrate iMessage with Android, citing concerns over security and user privacy exploitation.
Elon Musk conducted a poll on X, and following a majority "Yes" vote, controversial conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been reinstated after a five-year ban.
A Bluetooth SIG database listing suggests the imminent launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 fitness tracker.
Apple is rumored to update its Mac accessories with USB-C ports by the spring of 2024, signaling a further retreat from its Lightning connector.
Ford's upcoming collaboration between its F-150 Lightning pickup and Resideo smart thermostats will demonstrate using the EV's battery for powering home AC when grid rates are high.
The Raspberry Pi OS now includes an easy-to-toggle dark mode, protecting your vision during extended use.
Amazon filed a motion to dismiss the FTC's antitrust lawsuit alleging it uses unfair monopolistic tactics — arguing a lack of evidence the company’s practices actually raised prices or harmed consumers.
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THAT’S A WRAP
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