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Atypical mad cow disease detected

An atypical case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly referred to as mad cow disease, was detected in a slaughterhouse in South Carolina. This marks the seventh case of mad cow disease in the United States since 2003. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said that it did not enter slaughter channels and that trade will not be impacted.

Possible antidote discovered for world’s deadliest mushroom

Scientists may have discovered an antidote for death cap mushrooms, the worlds deadliest mushroom. A dye used in medical imaging was administered to poisoned mice four hours after exposure and mouse survival increased from 10% to 50%. Death cap mushrooms are especially deadly because they closely resemble straw mushrooms which are common in Asian cuisine. Death cap mushrooms account for 90% of mushroom deaths worldwide.

New opioid reversal agent approved

Nalmefene hydrochloride nasal spray (Opvee) has won FDA approval for emergency treatment of opioid overdoses. Opvee is more effective than Narcan because it lasts 11 hours rather than 2 hours. Experts anticipate it will be available in the last quarter of 2023.