Good news to lift you up!

June 25, 2025

Hello dear Good News community,

From cancer treatment to climate action, researchers are finding smarter ways to reduce waste and make better use of our existing resources. A new DNA-based method developed in Madrid and Cambridge can predict how tumours will respond to chemotherapy, preventing ineffective treatments before they begin. Meanwhile, a global study shows that recycling food waste,can reduce emissions and free up farmland. In a promising laboratory experiment, scientists have also turned plastic waste into paracetamol. Enjoy the read!

Enjoy reading, Bianca

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New DNA test predicts chemotherapy response before treatment begins

Researchers from Madrid and Cambridge have developed a method that can be used to determine whether tumours will respond to three common chemotherapies before treatment begins. This is based on an analysis of the tumour DNA. In 20-50 per cent of cases, chemotherapy has no effect. Source: NEWS MEDICAL

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Beaches stay cleaner where plastic bags are banned

A new study shows: Where plastic bags are banned or subject to a charge, volunteers find up to 47 per cent fewer of them on beaches. The study is based on data from 45,000 US clean-up campaigns between 2016 and 2023. Source: CBS NEWS

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Food waste recovery could cut emissions on a massive scale

A global study shows that turning food waste into compost, biogas or animal feed can massively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The biggest impact is achieved by refeeding animals, which lowers feed demand and frees up farmland. In the US, diverting waste from landfill could offset emissions equivalent to those produced by 9 million cows. Source: ECO WATCH

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Plastic to painkiller: Bacteria turn waste into paracetamol

A research team has shown that Bacteria can produce the active ingredient paracetamol from plastic waste — at least in a laboratory setting. It remains to be seen whether the recycled medicine works reliably and can be produced on an industrial scale. Source: THE GUARDIAN

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How Montecito stopped the next mudslide

After the deadly mudslide of 2018, the citizens of Montecito built debris basins, installed nets and launched response systems. These measures prevented new debris flows in 2023, establishing the town as a model for climate resilience. Source: BBC

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Central Asia: Turning climate promises into action

At Eco Expo 2025, Central Asian nations joined forces on climate solutions. Kazakhstan pushed for regional unity, South Korea planted trees and trained locals, and China upgraded irrigation systems. Together, they turned green pledges into progress. Source: EURONEWS

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Best regards,

Bianca Kriel & Selina Mahoche