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German labour minister Bärbel Bas quits after stepdaughter’s death and political attacks

Bärbel Bas is leaving her posts as Germany’s labour minister and an SPD co-leader, saying she needs time to grieve and faced political attacks. She will remain a member of parliament.

“After my stepdaughter’s death, I realised that I need time to come to terms with my grief”
Bärbel BasLabour minister and SPD co-leader

Saxony-Anhalt CDU considers leaving chamber to block AfD votes

CDU politicians have proposed that their state lawmakers leave the chamber during the first two rounds of December’s vote for minister-president, to prevent suspicions of secret votes for the AfD candidate.

German minister proposes taxing AI revenue to fund job-market changes

Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger says taxes on AI revenue in Germany could help pay for retraining and new jobs as the technology changes work.

Hape Kerkeling likens support for AfD to a hunger for blood

Hape Kerkeling commented on the AfD’s success, saying that people who want lions in an arena also want to see blood.

Heino receives €7,500 settlement over AfD election campaign use

The AfD’s Uckermark district branch agreed to pay singer Heino €7,500 after using his name in election campaigning without permission. The dispute is now settled.

Pistorius says army digital radio project is advancing despite delays

Germany’s defence minister says tests of the army’s digital communications system are showing progress, though integrating the equipment into vehicles remains behind schedule.

EU court ruling may make some travel time count as work

The European Court of Justice said journeys to changing job sites can count as working time when workers are under their employer’s direction. The ruling could affect pay, but the court did not decide what workers must be paid.

The European Court of Justice ruled that some trips to job sites count as working time under EU rules.

The case involved workers at a Spanish landscaping company who met at a fixed base and travelled together to changing work locations; their outbound trip was paid, but the return trip was not.

EU law recognises working time and rest time, but no separate category for travel time.

The key test is whether workers are under their employer’s direction and cannot use the time freely during the journey; whether they drive or ride along generally does not matter.

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Radikale Töchter sue German government over democracy project funding halt

The NGO has sued the German government over the cancellation of about €290,000 in funding for its democracy project, which it says should still go ahead.

The Federal Agency for Civic Education gave the project provisional approval, and the NGO began work.

Cesy Leonard launched a petition criticizing Merz’s remarks; it gathered 250,000 signatures.

The agency rejected the project’s funding.

Agency legal experts wrote that there were no grounds to reject the appeal and that a lawsuit had a very high chance of success.

Agency vice-president Volker Ullrich described the decision in an email as ultimately political.

Reports said Radikale Töchter had sued the federal government at the Administrative Court of Cologne.

Alexander Schweitzer to replace Bärbel Bas as Germany’s labour minister

Bärbel Bas has resigned as Germany’s labour minister and SPD co-leader. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier plans to appoint Alexander Schweitzer on Tuesday, pending his oath in parliament.

Incoming minister
Alexander Schweitzer
Outgoing minister
Bärbel Bas
Appointment
Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Appointing official
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Bavaria asks court whether states should set inheritance tax rules

Bavaria is challenging national inheritance tax rules at Germany’s Constitutional Court, arguing that states should have more power over rates, tax-free allowances and property valuations.

Bavarian state government Federal government

Who should set the rules

Bavaria says the Länder should have authority over inheritance tax rules.

The federal government sets the rules under the current national law; Chancellor Friedrich Merz has previously rejected Bavaria’s call for regionalisation.

Tax allowances and rates

Bavaria argues that allowances and rates should be adjusted for inflation and that allowances should account for regional property prices.

The federal government’s position on these specific arguments is not stated.

Klingbeil says pension reform remains on schedule after Bas resigns

Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil defended former Labour Minister Bärbel Bas, saying the coalition’s pension reform is on schedule and will proceed under her successor, Alexander Schweitzer.

World

Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible families whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel up to $14,000 in Beirut and $12,000 elsewhere in Lebanon.

“the money that Hezbollah is promising does not exist”
Tommy PigottU.S. State Department spokesman

Teenager killed and 24 injured in blast during hike in northern Israel

A teenager was killed and 24 people were injured when suspected unexploded Hezbollah munition detonated during a school hike near Israel’s border with Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia reports new missile and drone threats as Riyadh airport stays shut

Saudi Arabia reported new incoming drones and missiles on Monday after deadly Houthi attacks. King Khalid International Airport remains closed while authorities check its safety.

Singapore advises citizens to defer all travel to Saudi Arabia

Singapore’s foreign ministry advised citizens to postpone all travel to Saudi Arabia after missile and drone attacks hit airports and other infrastructure. It urged those already there to avoid high-risk areas.

Netanyahu seeks probe into anonymous sources for Gaza documentary NAZA

Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an investigation and prosecution of anonymous Israeli military sources in NAZA, a film alleging the army used AI targeting systems in Gaza.

Bus-truck crash in western Turkey kills 11 and injures 27

A tour bus and a timber-laden truck collided near Akhisar in western Turkey on Sunday. Authorities said 11 people died and 27 were injured; the crash is under investigation.

Turkish presenter Serap Belovacıklı faces investigation over social media post

Prosecutors in Istanbul opened an investigation into Sözcü TV presenter Serap Belovacıklı over words in a social media post. She is due to give a statement on Wednesday.

Turkish prosecutors opened an investigation into presenter Serap Belovacıklı over language in a social media post.

Belovacıklı works for Sözcü TV, and the investigation is being handled by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul.

It concerns a section of Turkey’s criminal code on publicly insulting a group based on characteristics such as religion, gender or region.

Belovacıklı said she had been replying to someone who insulted her and her family, and removed her post within an hour because she felt its wording did not reflect well on her.

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Wong urges Palestinian Authority to hold delayed elections without delay

Penny Wong has urged the Palestinian Authority to hold elections after postponing them until September 2027, saying further delays weaken prospects for a two-state solution.

The most recent Palestinian elections were held, and Hamas won an overwhelming majority.

Abbas also postponed elections, according to the SMH.

Australia recognised Palestinian statehood after Abbas gave commitments that included holding democratic elections.

The Palestinian Authority announced that elections scheduled for November would be delayed until September 2027.

Wong urged the Authority to hold elections without delay, while Coalition and pro-Israel voices called for accountability.

UK says Iran was highly likely behind RAF Fairford security incident

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard almost certainly directed a suspected plot near RAF Fairford. Britain has sanctioned two people and says further sanctions may follow.

Location
RAF Fairford, southern England
Incident date
September 27
Arrests
Seven men were arrested and later released on bail without charge
Sanctions
Two Iranian nationals

Attack on Riyadh airport kills one, injures 11, Saudi authorities say

A projectile struck a domestic terminal at King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, killing a Pakistani resident and injuring 11. The airport has been hit four times in five days.

Saudi-led coalition and Saudi authorities Houthis

Attacks in Yemen

The Saudi-led coalition said it was continuing strikes on Houthi launch sites.

The Houthis said Saudi airspace was a military zone and blamed Saudi Arabia for strikes on Sanaa.

Pakistani resident killed and 11 injured in Riyadh airport attack

Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said an attack on King Khalid International Airport killed a Pakistani resident and injured 11 others. Damage and facility safety checks are ongoing.

Business

JP Morgan raises Apple price target to $360 despite iPhone demand concerns

JP Morgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360, saying reported iPhone 18 Pro production cuts may reflect normal adjustments. It expects the iPhone Duo to help offset a delayed base-model launch.

“there is nothing beyond the typical production adjustments Apple makes every year.”
JP Morgan analystsAnalysts

Warner Music sues Ray-Ban owner over alleged use of its music in ads

Warner Music Group sued Luxottica and affiliated companies, alleging they used at least 427 Warner works in social media marketing without licenses or payment.

Starbucks denies plans to buy Chipotle

Starbucks said it is not planning to buy Chipotle, contradicting a Financial Times report that it had been working on a possible offer. Starbucks shares rose after the denial, while Chipotle shares fell.

Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 18 Pro parts orders amid weaker demand

Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to reduce parts production for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. One account puts October order cuts at 15% to 20%.

Mike Tomlin shares a 12-year Minecraft city project

The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach has launched a YouTube channel to show a sprawling city he built in Minecraft over 12 years.

Sushi-Con 2026 draws crowds to New York expo

More than 60 companies took part in Sushi-Con 2026 in New York, where visitors sampled Japanese foods and watched a bluefin tuna-cutting show.

Bumble reportedly in advanced talks for a $1bn takeover

Bumble shares rose almost 50% after a report that technology holding company Ithaca is in advanced talks to buy the dating app firm for around $1bn.

Bumble, a dating app company based in Texas, is reportedly in advanced talks to be bought by technology holding company Ithaca for around $1bn.

A deal could be announced as early as this week, according to the report.

Bumble shares rose almost 50% on Monday after the news, giving the company a market value of more than $580m.

That is still far below its value of more than $14bn after it listed on the Nasdaq in 2021.

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Kalshi traders expect US inflation to stay high after a likely 2026 peak

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to remain elevated, with September CPI forecast at 3.6% year over year. They see limited odds of new highs this year.

An unexpectedly hot CPI reading of 3.8% led Kalshi markets to anticipate a possible peak of 4.8% in May.

Year-over-year inflation peaked at 4.2%, according to CNBC.

Year-over-year CPI rose 3.4%, according to CNBC.

Reports said Kalshi traders expected September CPI to rise 3.6% year over year.

UnitedHealth raises its profit forecast again as turnaround efforts advance

UnitedHealth raised its profit forecast again as its turnaround efforts gathered pace. No forecast figure or further details were provided.

Company
UnitedHealth
Forecast
Profit forecast raised again
Publication date
October 13, 2026

Poll finds most Americans think Trump is profiting from presidency

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Donald Trump is illegally profiting from the presidency or acting unethically, an AP-NORC poll found. The White House rejects the accusations.

Critics of Trump White House

Ethics and legality

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults believe Trump is illegally profiting from the presidency or acting unethically but not illegally.

The White House dismisses accusations that Trump and his family business are benefiting financially from his office.

Priorities

Most Americans think Trump is more focused on adding to his personal wealth than helping the country.

Not stated.

AI Cited in Nearly 192,000 US Job Cuts Since 2023

Nearly 192,000 US job cuts since 2023 have been attributed to AI, including 120,100 in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures based on employment data.

Science & Tech

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.

“Attacking equipment that is essential to the preservation of fresh products and the food supply of the French people is extremely serious and unprecedented. It is unacceptable.”
Dominique SchelcherCoopérative U chief executive

Vercel Sandbox flaw could let AI agents leak sensitive data, researchers say

Researchers say a flaw in Vercel Sandbox could let AI agents bypass network restrictions and send sensitive data outside approved systems. Vercel is looking for a patch.

Cyberattacks target refrigeration systems at more French supermarkets

After an attack disrupted Danfoss systems at hundreds of French stores, hackers targeted a Dixell-equipped supermarket near Bordeaux. Staff stopped the temperature rise before any goods had to be discarded.

Hackers Accessed Meta GitHub Repositories, Affecting About 1,500 People

Hackers used a Meta employee’s stolen credentials to access company GitHub repositories. About 1,500 people are being notified that some personal data was included.

Ivanti warns of actively exploited Connect Secure security flaw

Ivanti urged customers to patch a high-severity flaw in its Connect Secure remote access gateway after detecting limited exploitation. The flaw can let attackers run commands on affected devices.

CISA adds five exploited software flaws amid China-linked espionage concerns

CISA added five vulnerabilities in widely used software to its exploited-flaws catalog and warned that China-linked actors have used them to steal sensitive information. U.S. federal agencies had until October 11 to fix or remove affected software.

Norway fines Microsoft-owned Xandr $9.6 million over Grindr data sharing

Norway’s data protection authority fined Xandr a record 92 million kroner for sharing Grindr users’ sensitive data with advertisers without verifying consent. Xandr has three weeks to appeal.

Norway fined Microsoft-owned ad company Xandr 92 million kroner, about $9.6 million, over its handling of Grindr users’ data.

The case involves users of Grindr in Norway, a location-based dating app that primarily serves the LGBTQ+ community.

From July 2018 to April 2020, Xandr helped run advertising auctions that could relay users’ personal information to thousands of companies.

The shared data could reveal users’ sexual orientation, and advertisers could use it to target ads.

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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.

GitLab released patched versions 19.4.2, 19.3.5 and 19.2.8.

BleepingComputer reported that GitLab warned users to patch the vulnerability.

Help Net Security and The Hacker News published reports on the flaw and patches.

DDoS attack disrupts Canonical websites for more than four hours

A second DDoS attack this year disrupted Canonical’s public websites for a little over four hours. Launchpad and the Snap Store stayed online, and no one claimed responsibility.

Duration
A little over four hours
Affected sites
ubuntu.com, canonical.com, the Ubuntu blog and developer site
Services still online
Launchpad and the Snap Store
Confirmation date
October 8

Ahold Delhaize takes systems offline after cybersecurity incident

The grocery group disconnected some systems to contain a security issue, disrupting online orders and services at brands in the US, Netherlands and Belgium. Its stores remain open.

Ahold Delhaize Customers and local media reporting disruptions

Service impact

The company said its stores were open and serving customers, and that its ability to serve them had not been affected.

Local reports described disruptions to deliveries, online orders, websites and customer service.

Docker fixes critical flaw that let attackers use users’ access tokens

A Docker Hub flaw let attackers use some users’ tokens to access and alter container images. Docker fixed it and says it found no evidence of exploitation.

Sports

Rams tackle Alaric Jackson punches Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after OT loss

After Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a postgame exchange at midfield.

“It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game,”
Bradley ChubbBills linebacker

49ers lead Week 6 NFL power rankings as several 0-5 teams struggle

The 49ers remain No. 1 in one Week 6 ranking, while the Vikings rise and the 0-5 Chargers, Titans and Dolphins sit near the bottom.

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons’ overtime loss to Baltimore with a rib injury. He said he hopes to return next week, but further tests are planned.

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison to have knee surgery

Anton Harrison will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after an injury against Philadelphia. His absence could last three to five weeks or the rest of the regular season.

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player

Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter against Seattle after a late hit on quarterback Sam Darnold led to a sideline confrontation and a headbutt to Ernest Jones IV.

Deebo Samuel expected to miss multiple weeks with hamstring injury

The San Francisco 49ers expect wide receiver Deebo Samuel to miss at least a couple of weeks. Nick Bosa could return from a calf injury against Washington in Week 6.

Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Houston becomes official after physical

Harrison passed his physical and is now a Houston Texan. The Texans sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick for the receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has officially joined the Houston Texans after passing his physical on Monday.

The 24-year-old wide receiver was traded from the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him fourth overall in the 2024 draft.

Houston sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick, and received Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Harrison reunites with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former teammate at Ohio State.

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Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson expected to miss weeks with ankle sprain

Henderson has a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks, but he does not need surgery. He was injured in New England’s win over the Raiders.

Henderson injured his ankle during New England’s win over the Raiders.

ProFootballTalk reported that Henderson had a high-ankle sprain and was expected to miss multiple weeks.

Dan Campbell says Lions fans helped lift team in 45-21 win in Arizona

Detroit beat Arizona 45-21 on the road, and coach Dan Campbell praised Lions fans for making themselves heard at the Cardinals' stadium.

Final score
Lions 45, Cardinals 21
Game date
October 11, 2026
Venue
State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Lions coach
Dan Campbell

Two players ejected after opening-kickoff fight in London

Jacksonville’s Bryan Thomas Jr. and Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were ejected after fighting during the opening kickoff. A 90-yard Jaguars return for a touchdown was called back because of penalties.

NFL playoff projections shift after the season’s first five weeks

Early projections put the Patriots and 49ers among the stronger playoff contenders, while the Cowboys and Chargers face weaker odds. The 14-team postseason begins in January.

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.