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Saudi Arabia warns of penalties for helping border security violators

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry says people who help border security violators can face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to one million riyals.

“anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security system into the Kingdom, or transports them within it, or provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service in any form, exposes themselves to penalties”
Ministry of InteriorSaudi government department

Women’s share of Saudi Arabia’s workforce rises to 37%

Saudi Arabia’s minister of human resources said women’s share of the labor market has risen to 37%.

Saudi Shura Council urges Najran University to approve all academic programs

The council called on Najran University to approve all its educational programs quickly and build partnerships that help prepare students for the job market.

Saudi Civil Defense promotes 1,036 personnel

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense has promoted 1,036 personnel to the next ranks across various specializations, following a directive from the interior minister.

Saudi minister says daily life is normal as security readiness rises

Saudi Media Minister Salman Al-Dosari said the country is preparing for different scenarios while daily life continues normally. He urged people to rely on official information about security operations.

Saudi minister says kingdom is stronger against Houthi threat as Riyadh speeds projects

Saudi Arabia’s information minister said the kingdom was more united in confronting the Houthi threat and that Riyadh was accelerating major development projects.

Saudi court overturns salary deductions from visually impaired employee

An appeals court upheld a ruling overturning salary deductions from a visually impaired employee who could not use a fingerprint attendance scanner.

A Saudi appeals court upheld a ruling cancelling salary deductions from a visually impaired employee.

The case involved an employee in Medina whose employer cut his pay because he had not recorded attendance using a fingerprint scanner.

He said travelling repeatedly to the scanner was difficult because of his visual impairment.

The employer had previously exempted him from the fingerprint system, and his supervisor confirmed that he attended work regularly.

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Saudi commerce minister appoints nine members to Makkah chamber board

Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi appointed nine members to the Makkah Chamber of Commerce board for a four-year term starting Oct. 24.

Saudi Commerce Minister Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi issued an order appointing nine members to the Makkah Chamber of Commerce board.

The four-year board term is reported to take effect.

Tamakkun is aimed at social security beneficiaries, orphans and people with disabilities

A headline identifies social security beneficiaries, orphans and people with disabilities as groups served by Tamakkun; no further details are provided.

Name
Tamakkun
Intended group
Social security beneficiaries
Intended group
Orphans
Intended group
People with disabilities

Teaching master’s applications close Tuesday for new graduates

The National Institute for Professional and Educational Development is closing applications for its teaching master’s program on Tuesday. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and at least a very good grade.

Saudi media regulator opens fine-payment plans for private and nonprofit outlets

Saudi media establishments can apply to pay regulator-issued fines in installments until December 30, 2026. Plans require the creditor’s approval and a formal agreement.

World

MI5 chief says Iran is seeking to target UK military sites

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target military sites in Britain. A suspected plot at RAF Fairford is under investigation, and seven men have been arrested and released on bail.

“The incident at RAF Fairford “is not unique. There have been other examples, not just in the U.K. but around the world,”
Ken McCallumMI5 director general

Explosives spill from truck carrying mortar grenades in Granada

A truck carrying mortar grenades and other explosives spilled part of its load onto the A-4002 in Granada. Authorities activated a pre-emergency phase and closed the road.

Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing

Two cargo ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One sank, leaving 11 crew members missing, while all 15 people aboard the other ship were rescued.

Ukraine investigates whether missile malfunction caused MiG-29 crash

A Ukrainian MiG-29 crashed in Odesa region in August 2026. Investigators are examining whether a missile malfunction caused the crash; the pilot ejected safely.

Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt three Yandex data centers

Drone attacks damaged three Yandex data centers in Russia, disrupting the company’s cloud and consumer services. Yandex has not given a reliable timeline for restoring full service.

Two stolen Renoirs recovered in France as police suspect another heist was planned

French investigators recovered two Renoir paintings worth about €4.2 million from behind a wall after the September theft. Four men face preliminary charges, and police said they feared another museum robbery was imminent.

Russia arrests Japanese journalist on suspicion of spying in Sakhalin

Russia’s Federal Security Service says it arrested a Japanese journalist in Sakhalin on suspicion of gathering information about Russian defense capabilities. The journalist was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody.

Russia says it arrested a Japanese journalist in the Sakhalin region on suspicion of spying.

The man worked for Japan’s Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, but Russian officials have not named him.

Russia’s Federal Security Service alleges he gathered information about the country’s defense capabilities for a Japanese intelligence agency.

It says he was preparing to leave Russia when arrested, then was flown to Moscow and placed in custody.

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Saudi-led coalition warns civilians before reported strike on Sanaa oil site

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Yemen’s capital before a planned operation. Houthi media later reported that the site was hit.

The Houthis seized strategic territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast.

The Houthis have attacked Saudi airports and oil facilities, according to the Straits Times.

The Saudi-led coalition urged civilians to leave the Yemen Oil Company's Sabah central station in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation.

Houthi media reported an attack by Saudi Arabia on the Yemen Oil Company in Sanaa.

Researchers search Nikumaroro for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane

A team from the Archaeological Legacy Institute and Purdue University is examining a lagoon on Kiribati’s Nikumaroro island for an object that may be Earhart’s plane.

Team size
17 members
Island
Nikumaroro, Kiribati
Object under investigation
Taraia Object
Aircraft sought
Lockheed Electra 10E

US threatens to halt intelligence sharing and weapons channel over Ukraine strikes

The Trump administration warned Ukraine it could suspend intelligence sharing and the PURL weapons channel unless Kyiv stops attacks on Russian energy facilities. The warnings came as Trump announced an energy ceasefire.

US administration Ukraine

Strikes on Russian energy sites

The administration reportedly demanded that Kyiv halt strikes on Russian energy facilities.

Ukraine said it was willing to respect an energy ceasefire, but wanted details and said it should cover energy infrastructure on both sides.

Ceasefire terms

Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire.

Zelensky said the announcement was news to him and that Ukraine was awaiting details from the American side.

NATO commander says alliance is ready to respond to any attack

General Alexus Grynkewich said NATO would block, blunt and, if needed, break an attack on alliance territory. He said conflict with Russia is not inevitable.

Business

South Korean ship completes Arctic shipping trial

The PanStar Acro returned to Busan after a trial voyage through the Arctic, testing a route to Europe that took less time than the Suez Canal route.

“The PanStar Acro, which embarked on a trial voyage along the Arctic shipping route on August 22, docked at Jaseongdae Pier in Busan Port”
South Korean oceans and fisheries ministryGovernment ministry

South Korea’s early October exports hit a record, led by chips

South Korea exported $26.1 billion in goods in the first 10 days of October, up 102% from a year earlier. Chip exports rose 170.9% and made up 46.7% of the total.

Lotte to present mobility businesses at Japan trade event

Six Lotte companies will showcase mobility technologies and services at Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2026 in Chiba from Oct. 13 to 16, seeking global business partnerships.

Intel and Broadcom CEOs warn funding could limit AI growth

The CEOs of Intel and Broadcom said access to capital could become a bigger constraint on AI expansion than shortages of chips or power, despite strong demand for computing infrastructure.

Hyundai Green Food adds care support for employees’ older relatives

Hyundai Green Food has partnered with Careling to offer employees discounted home care, free hospital accompaniment and advice for caring for older family members.

LG Innotek executive receives Silver Tower Order for production innovation

Cho Ji-tae was honored for using AI to improve production and strengthen exports. He now leads LG Innotek’s semiconductor substrate business.

Hong Ra-hee to give Lee Jae-yong Samsung shares worth about 2.6 trillion won

Hong Ra-hee plans to transfer 11.158 million Samsung Electronics shares to chairman Lee Jae-yong, worth about 2.6 trillion won. The transfer is scheduled for November 12.

Hong Ra-hee plans to transfer Samsung Electronics shares to chairman Lee Jae-yong in a family transaction.

Samsung Electronics disclosed that the gift involves 11.158 million shares worth about 2.6 trillion won, based on the stock’s October 13 closing price.

The transfer is scheduled for November 12.

Once it is completed, Lee’s stake in Samsung Electronics is expected to rise from 1.58% to 1.75%.

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Actor Park Kyung-hye applies for long-vacant public rental housing

Park Kyung-hye says she applied for a public rental home in Seoul that had been vacant for at least six months and is offered below market rates.

Park appeared in a video published on Hyeri’s YouTube channel and said she had applied during the second recruitment round.

Park had described her studio and her unsuccessful applications for youth rental housing on television.

Three news outlets published reports about Park’s application and the rental program.

South Korea to create 3 trillion won fund for overseas construction projects

South Korea plans a 3 trillion won fund to help companies win overseas construction work, with more support for projects that combine development, building and maintenance.

Fund size
3 trillion won
Announced by
Lee Hyoung-il, deputy prime minister and finance minister
Announcement date
October 12, 2026
Planned project model
Development, construction and maintenance

APR shares slide on forecast for weaker-than-expected third-quarter profit

APR shares fell sharply in Seoul trading after an analyst forecast that its third-quarter operating profit would miss market expectations, despite revenue expected to meet them.

Shoe retailer Shoemarker joins Baemin’s shopping service

Shoemarker will begin selling shoes through Baemin’s shopping service on Oct. 14, starting with 30 stores in the Seoul metropolitan area. Baemin plans to expand the service to 50 stores by year-end.

Science & Tech

Apple launches HomePod Mini 2 with Siri AI support and new features

Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini 2, its first update to the small speaker since 2020. It costs $149, comes in five colors and goes on sale October 30.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio.”
Kaiann DranceApple vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

SpaceX launches more than 6,300 pounds of cargo to the space station

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched from Florida on Tuesday with science, supplies and the final pair of roll-out solar arrays for the International Space Station. It is due to arrive Thursday.

Honey bee stingers use two pistons to pump venom continuously

Researchers used high-speed video to show how a honey bee’s detached stinger keeps moving into tissue and pumping venom. The mechanism could inspire less invasive medicine-delivery pumps.

Apple unveils fourth-generation Apple TV 4K with A19 chip and Siri AI

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI and support for four-speaker surround sound. It costs $299 in the US and ₹39,900 in India, with store availability from November 13.

Apple has unveiled the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, a streaming box for televisions, with a faster processor and new voice features.

The device uses an A19 chip that Apple says is 50% faster than the previous model’s processor, with twice the graphics performance.

Its three built-in microphones let users speak to Siri from across the room, and Siri AI can answer questions about what people are watching; its launch support in India is English only, with no Hindi.

The box also adds smart-home controls and lets users pair up to four compatible Apple speakers for surround sound.

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Apple launches smart home accessories with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple unveiled cameras, a door lock, thermostats and sensors for its Home app, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The collection is set to begin arriving in December.

Apple unveiled the Apple Home Collection in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Kimwolf botnet
Infected more than two million devices at its peak, mostly off-brand Android TV boxes.
Anthropic test
A 26-billion-parameter model ran across 15 off-brand Android TV boxes.
Test speed
The boxes collectively ran inference at 0.39 tokens per second.
GLM-5.2 trials
Spread to all 8 nodes in 4 of 5 trials.

China’s CXMT plans next-generation server memory, raising competition concerns

Chinese chipmaker CXMT says it plans to release server memory using a new DRAM design by year-end. Experts say mass-production quality and yields remain unproven.

CXMT and its supporters Skeptics of CXMT’s production readiness

Technology strategy

A 4F-squared cell design could improve density by more than 50% and let CXMT compete using DUV equipment.

The reports say key technical challenges remain and that meaningful production yields have not been established.

Timing and impact

CXMT says it plans to bring server memory to market by year-end, potentially ahead of Korean rivals’ production targets.

Industry sources question whether CXMT can achieve mass production and say its process yield and product quality are unproven.

GitLab fixes maximum-severity flaw that could let attackers run server code

The flaw could let attackers run code on affected GitLab servers without logging in. GitLab urges users of self-managed systems to install patched versions.

Sports

Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in Durban Test

Australia took a 1-0 series lead with a 214-run win in Durban. The defeat raised concerns about South Africa’s batting and left them third in the World Test Championship standings.

“a few of the guys need to step up”
Shukri ConradSouth Africa coach

Hazlewood leads Australia to 1-0 lead over South Africa

Josh Hazlewood took eight wickets as Australia won the first Test in Durban. Kagiso Rabada is nearing a return for the second Test in Gqeberha on October 18.

Litton century gives Bangladesh a 479-run lead over Afghanistan

Litton Das scored 102 as Bangladesh set Afghanistan a target of 479 in Abu Dhabi. Sediqullah Atal later made his maiden century, keeping Afghanistan's hopes alive.

Ayush Mhatre suffers Grade 4 hamstring tear

Mumbai vice-captain Ayush Mhatre tore his right hamstring while batting against Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy. He is expected to be out for about a month.

Australia lead South Africa by 139 runs on day four in Durban

Australia began their second innings 139 runs ahead after dismissing South Africa for 284. Travis Head was out early on day four as Australia looked to build its lead quickly.

Mumbai win by an innings as Ranji Trophy first-round matches reach day three

Mumbai beat Chandigarh by an innings and 155 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets for Saurashtra and KL Rahul fell for one for Karnataka.

Steve Smith faces further concussion checks after helmet blow in Durban Test

Steve Smith was hit on the helmet by Anrich Nortje during the first Test against South Africa in Durban. He missed fielding duties and is expected to have further checks.

Steve Smith was struck on the helmet by a short-pitched ball from South African bowler Anrich Nortje during the first Test in Durban.

Smith had an on-field concussion assessment and was cleared to continue batting, later scoring 27 runs.

He did not take the field when South Africa began its second innings.

Australia said he would be assessed further, with another check expected within 24 hours.

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Ollie Pope withdraws from Afghanistan Premier League draft

England batter Ollie Pope has withdrawn from the draft for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League, amid debate over the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls. David Willey and Will Smeed have also pulled out, according to reports.

The ECB stopped arranging bilateral cricket with Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power.

BBC Sport reported that Pope had withdrawn from the APL draft independently of Rob Key’s view.

The APL draft was scheduled to take place.

The inaugural Afghanistan Premier League was scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates.

Bethell and Archer return for England’s Australia tour

Jacob Bethell is fit after a knee injury and Jofra Archer returns to England’s squads for the November tour. Uncapped Thomas Rew and Eddie Jack are included for the T20 matches.

ODIs
Three matches, beginning 13 November 2026
T20 internationals
Five matches, ending 2 December 2026
Uncapped T20 players
James Coles, Henry Crocombe, Eddie Jack and Thomas Rew
Bethell
Returning after a knee injury sustained in July

Shaun Pollock proposes pink balls in day Tests to reduce lost play

Shaun Pollock says pink balls could let daytime Test cricket continue in fading light. Ashwell Prince argues that traditional Tests should keep using the red ball.

Shaun Pollock Ashwell Prince

Use of pink ball

Pink balls should be considered for daytime Tests to allow play to continue in fading light.

Pink balls should be reserved for day-night Tests; traditional daytime Tests should use red balls.

Agreement between captains

Teams may need to accept pink balls when bad light threatens to cost playing time, even in high-stakes matches.

Differences in teams’ experience with pink balls could make it difficult to get both captains to agree.

Australia ends South Africa’s unbeaten Test run in Durban

Australia beat South Africa in Durban, ending the hosts’ unbeaten run. Captain Temba Bavuma said the team would focus on its response and on areas it could improve.

Entertainment

Brazilian axé singer Netinho dies at 60

Netinho, whose 1996 hit “Mila” helped make him a leading axé singer, died in Salvador after a return of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“Artista extraordinário, talentoso, sensível e inovador, Netinho construiu uma trajetória marcada pela alegria, pela música e por um carisma inconfundível”
Netinho's teamArtist's representatives

Bryan Cranston mourns Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died at 34

Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, who played his son on Breaking Bad, remembering his acting and disability advocacy. Accounts differ on whether his death was officially confirmed as suicide.

Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to host weekly midterms podcast

Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch “High Stakes” on Oct. 14, discussing U.S. political issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The weekly series will run as part of Swisher’s podcast for New York magazine.

RJ Mitte’s Breaking Bad role widened disability representation on screen

RJ Mitte, who died at 34, played Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad and advocated for people with disabilities. His work helped make disabled actors more visible in television.

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

Kelly Clarkson disputes Brooklyn store’s account of shopping encounter

Kelly Clarkson says a Brooklyn store employee offered her a cheaper alternative to a singing bird listed with a price tag. The store says the bird is a wall fixture and was not for sale.

Lucian Piane, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ composer, dies at 46

Lucian Piane, a composer and guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” died at 46 after being struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California, according to authorities.

Composer and guest judge Lucian Piane has died at 46.

He was known for his work on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” where he wrote music, helped contestants and appeared as a guest judge.

Piane was struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California, on Oct.

12.

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Kacey Musgraves Fires Back at Kristi Noem Over Texas Senate Candidate

After James Talarico appeared at Musgraves’ Dallas concert, Kristi Noem criticized the singer’s support for him. Musgraves replied with a jab about Noem’s account of killing her dog.

James Talarico attended Kacey Musgraves’ concert at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Talarico thanked Musgraves on social media, and Noem posted that she preferred Ella Langley and Ken Paxton.

Musgraves replied to Noem on X with a reference to Noem’s account of killing her dog, Cricket.

Sean Combs Taken From Fort Dix for Treatment of Head Injury

Sean Combs was taken from Fort Dix prison for treatment of a head injury early Saturday and returned before sunrise. How he was injured has not been confirmed.

Facility
Fort Dix federal prison, New Jersey
Reported departure
Around 1 a.m. Saturday
Reported condition on return
Conscious and able to speak
Injury
Head injury; circumstances unknown

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

Selma Blair’s defense Prosecution and court

Intent

Her lawyer said the incident was not intentional and that missed medication, a head injury and altitude left her severely confused and disoriented.

Blair faces charges alleging she assaulted a police officer and a nurse; the allegations have not been established in court.

Celebrity treatment

Not stated.

Judge Kahn said Blair should not receive special treatment because she is a celebrity.

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

Health

BioNTech cancer vaccine misses one goal in pivotal trial

BioNTech’s experimental mRNA vaccine for head and neck cancer failed to meet one of two primary goals in a pivotal trial.

“support continued evaluation”
Özlem TüreciBioNTech co-founder and chief medical officer

A transfer RNA may help restore drug sensitivity in prostate cancer

Researchers found that restoring a specific transfer RNA made treatment-resistant prostate tumors sensitive to androgen receptor-targeting drugs in experimental models.

Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

Racist abuse against NHS staff from minority backgrounds is increasing

Nearly three in 10 NHS staff from ethnic minorities say patients have harassed, intimidated or assaulted them. The NHS says it will strengthen prevention and security.

Small trials suggest semaglutide may reduce some measures of alcohol use

Two small clinical trials found promising but mixed signs that oral and injectable semaglutide may reduce some measures of alcohol use. Larger studies are needed.

Mexico’s military health system faces medicine supply pressure

Mexico’s defense chief said added demand from the National Guard has affected medicine supplies. He cited higher supply figures than official documents reported for prescription filling.

DEA proposes strict controls on concentrated kratom compounds

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances, while Michigan lawmakers consider whether to ban kratom or regulate its sale.

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances found in some concentrated products.

The proposal would place the substances in Schedule I, the federal category for drugs considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States.

Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia and is sold in the United States in products such as powders, capsules and liquids.

It is marketed for pain relief and other uses, but as an herbal supplement it does not face the same safety testing rules as prescription medicines.

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Pope Leo XIV to have lung nodule removed after early-stage detection

Pope Leo XIV is due to be admitted to hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule found at an early stage. The nodule’s size and whether it is cancerous have not been disclosed.

Pope Leo XIV announced during the Angelus prayer that doctors had found a nodule in his lung and that he would have surgery.

According to Corriere della Sera, the Pope underwent a check-up for what was thought or hoped to be inflammation, and the nodule was found.

The Pope kept his scheduled engagements, according to Folha, and cancelled his other commitments through October 20.

The Pope is expected to be admitted to hospital; the surgery date has not been announced.

The expected post-operative hospital stay is about one week.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.

Study population
More than one million women
Lab tests analyzed
More than 300 million
Study cohorts
United States and Israel
US dataset
52 of 90 lab tests showed statistically significant sudden changes

Beam shares early data on rare-disease gene-editing therapy

Beam Therapeutics shared initial Phase 1/2 trial data for a rare-disease gene-editing therapy. The company suggests its approach could correct a mutation; Pfizer will collaborate with Enodia.