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New Energy Partnership to Be Announced in Calgary

  Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, seen here together last month, have been discussing a potential agreement focused on the energy sector for months.  Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith are expected to unveil a major energy deal in Calgary this Thursday, according to a source familiar with the matter. The agreement is anticipated to focus on advancing clean energy initiatives while balancing Alberta’s traditional oil and gas strengths. Carney, who has been a vocal advocate for sustainable finance and climate-conscious investment, is set to join Smith in highlighting how the deal could position Alberta as a leader in energy transition. While details remain under wraps, the announcement is expected to emphasize collaboration between government and industry, aiming to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen Canada’s role in global energy markets. The Calgary event underscores the growing importa...

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Revolutionary Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Deaf Toddler

 

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, an 18-month-old toddler named Opal Sandy has regained her hearing thanks to a pioneering gene therapy trial. Born deaf due to a rare genetic condition affecting the OTOF gene, which is responsible for producing a protein essential for hearing, Opal’s prospects for natural hearing were bleak. However, the innovative treatment at Cambridge University Hospitals in England has opened up a world of sound for her.

The procedure involved the infusion of a working copy of the OTOF gene into Opal’s right ear, a process that took a mere 16 minutes. Remarkably, within weeks, Opal began responding to loud noises, and after 24 weeks, she could hear whispers, indicating a near-normal level of hearing restoration.

Opal’s case is part of the Chord trial, which is recruiting more children from the UK, Spain, and the US to undergo similar treatment. The trial is being closely monitored, with participants followed up for five years to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of the therapy.

The success of this gene therapy is a beacon of hope for many suffering from genetic deafness, signaling the dawn of a new era in medical science where conditions once thought incurable are now within the realm of treatment. Opal’s story is not just a personal victory; it’s a milestone in genetic medicine, showcasing the incredible potential of gene therapy to change lives.

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