Yes. Musk's brain chip company is designing a “fully implantable” chip that lets you control a computer or mobile device with…your brain. The goal: help paralyzed people walk again and cure other neurological injuries or diseases. Last year, Musk said that the company had asked the FDA to greenlight human clinical trials for the device and expects to plant the first chip in human brains by April. But until then, Neuralink has mainly focused on animal testing — with monkeys dying in the process. Now, following a federal investigation over ethical concerns, the company is facing another investigation.
From?
The Department of Transportation (DOT). Yesterday, a medical ethics org accused the company of violating federal hazardous laws. The groups says that back in 2019, while researchers were testing the device on primates at UC Davis, the implants were removed from the brains of “infected” monkeys and were transported without “safely packaging” them. The DOT says that the implants, carrying dangerous pathogens, could have caused serious health issues in infected humans. Think: bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and severe brain damage. Still, no comment from Musk or his company, but a UC Davis spokesperson says the university abides by all biohazard and lab safety regulations.
theSkimm
It’s been three years since COVID reminded the world just how dangerous pathogens can be. Now, the pressure is on for one of the world’s richest people to ensure that his company has been doing everything it needs to protect human safety.
Nicaragua. Yesterday, more than 200 political prisoners from Nicaragua, including one American, landed in the US. The prisoners included a mix of political leaders, priests, journalists, and activists who had been found guilty of treason. It comes as the largest country in Central America has been dealing with a struggling economy and an authoritarian leader who’s cracked down on dissent. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said the plan was to expel criminals who undermined Nicaragua’s independence. Sec of State Antony Blinken said the release was a “constructive step" in addressing human rights abuses in Nicaragua amid a strained diplomatic relationship with the US.
Next steps: Under Ortega, the freed individuals would no longer be considered Nicaraguan citizens. But in the US, they will receive humanitarian protection under the Biden admin's new process and may eventually be able to apply for asylum.
Where things are getting worse…
Turkey and Syria. Yesterday, the death toll rose to more than 20,000 people making it the world’s deadliest earthquake in more than a decade. Tens of thousands are injured. About 380,000 people are homeless. And the death toll is expected to rise. Rescue teams are racing against the clock to find trapped survivors, but the UN says chances are “diminishing fast” in the freezing cold temperatures. Meanwhile, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan — who called it “the disaster of the century” — is facing criticism over the government's weak infrastructure and what many are calling a slow response. Erdoğan admitted to facing problems in the beginning, but says that things are now “under control.”
Who Austin Powers — and everyone else — will miss…
Burt Bacharach. This week, the legendary composer died at 94 of natural causes. Bacharach was behind dozens of top hits throughout his 70-plus-year career, including “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” Dionne Warwick paid tribute to her “dear friend” and “musical partner.” Brian Wilson remembered Bacharach as a “giant in the music business” whose “songs will live forever.”
Who’s taking a seat at the table...
Black women. A new report found that S&P 500 companies tapped more Black women for boards than in the past 15 years. Between 2021 and 2022, 12% of board directors for some of the world’s top companies were Black women — up from 2% in 2008. Experts say companies are finally realizing leadership needs to reflect their base.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to taking care of yourself. So, we teamed up with Nike Women to investigate the science behind some notoriously “bad” habits that might actually be good for you.
First up: procrastinating
It gets a bad rap. But some experts believe that waiting ’til the last minute can actually boost happiness and creativity. Seriously. Because when you’re avoiding one thing, you’re likely to turn to something more fulfilling — which equals a happier and more creative you. One proactive way to procrastinate? Get outside and move in Nike Go Leggings. They’re squat-proof and supportive in allll the right places. Making them your go-to for walking the dog or running a 10-miler. Don’t wait.
Spotlight On: Black Maternal Health
Most pregnancy-related deaths in Black women are preventable. And Black doulas can play a critical role in improving the health outcomes of Black mothers, babies, and families. We spent a day in the life of Eve, a doula and birth educator, to see how she is changing the conversation around Black maternal health, one birth at a time. Watch it here.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A nighttime moisturizer your face won’t wanna sleep without. This super-charged dream cream works the graveyard shift to get you brighter, smoother, more hydrated skin. Bonus: Its blend of chamomile, lavender, and rose is oh-so-calming. Plus Skimm’rs get a free† full-sized tube with code SKIMM.*
2. Foolproof housewarming gifts under $50. We’ve got everything from personalized decor items to cute but functional gifts they’ll use all the time. Score.
3. Our review of OXO's bestselling kitchen and home products. Owning a few simple gadgets that only make your life easier? The best. Grab these OXO classics and prepare for convenience at your fingertips.
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
†Just pay shipping and handling.
On Our Radar
Up to 50% off at Lelo. Yes, their sex toys are a great addition to your time spent in bed, but they're also mighty pretty. Can you say heart eyes?
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.
Cool as a cucumber…Janine (H). As a licensed therapist, she launched the podcast “Calm and Connected” to help adults navigate everyday mental health issues and learn healthy coping skills.
(Some) Birthdays…Skimm Grandma Bernice Zakin’s 105th birthday (NY), Lois Beckley (WA), theSkimm's Caitlyn Martin (MA), Jesse Draper (CA), Danielle Dueno (NY), theSkimm's Maggie Labonte (NY), Rick Whitley (AR), Grace Son (CA), Rebecca Porche (GA), Kathrin Russette (WA), Karolyn Leslie (AK), Kaycee Lee Quinlan (AZ), Carol Galler (MI), Johnny Walker (ID), Ciara O’Sullivan (NY), Carolyn Flemming (TX), Andrea Stooksbury (JAP), Monique Woodland (FL)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Answer: C. Today’s subject line (Tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday comes afterwards) is a lyric from Rebecca Black’s “Friday.” It’s been 12 years since Black graced us with the best Friday anthem of our generation. And if nostalgia is your theme today, Paramore released its first album in nearly six years. But if singing in your car at max volume isn’t your speed, there’s also the latest “Magic Mike” movie for all the lawbreakers up in the house tonight.
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Photos by Photographer/Collection via Getty Images, Brand Partners
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So much of our world has shifted recently — including how we work. And with a hard-to-read job market, we get it if you feel off-balance. theSkimm is here to help with that. theSkimm February 8, 2023
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help us unlock a match for poetry! Dear Friend, We're halfway to our goal! An Academy board member has pledged to match any gifts made TODAY, up to $20000. Your special gift in support of all the
Donald Trump Trial Myths, Debunked. And while we're at it, why you shouldn't keep your hotel key card next to your phone. Not displaying correctly? View this newsletter online. TODAY'S
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