State Department’s Communications Review and Advancements in CRISPR Technology
Uncovering Communications: A State Department Initiative
A recently unveiled document orchestrated by senior State Department official Darren Beattie indicates a comprehensive investigation into staff communications within a specialized office addressing online disinformation. This effort targets an extensive list of individuals, both public and private, who have frequently been objects of scrutiny from the political right.
In early March, Beattie shared this document with approximately a dozen State Department employees, outlining a directive to obtain emails and other pertinent records related to influential figures and organizations. Notable subjects of this probe include journalist Anne Applebaum of Atlantic, former cybersecurity official Christopher Krebs, and the Stanford Internet Observatory—along with individuals like conservative commentator Bill Kristol who have openly criticized former President Donald Trump and his circle.
The extensive nature of these requests has been described by some officials as resembling a “witch hunt,” raising concerns about the potential risks to the privacy and safety of those involved.
CRISPR Technology: The Approval of Genetically Edited Pigs
In a noteworthy advancement for agricultural biotechnology, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the use of CRISPR-modified pigs in food production. This landmark decision marks a significant step in the application of gene editing technologies within the food industry.
The pigs, developed by the British company Genus, were engineered to be resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), a disease known to severely affect livestock, especially within factory farming environments. The successful implementation of CRISPR technology promises to enhance animal welfare and increase food security by addressing health issues in swine populations.
These genetically edited pigs are now on the brink of entering the food supply, potentially revolutionizing aspects of animal farming and food production.