## Genetically modified bacteria convert plastic waste into Parkinson's drug

Authored by heise.de

The researchers used genetically engineered "E. coli" bacteria for this purpose.

The process developed by the Scottish scientists uses lightweight packaging made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the base material.

The researchers have set themselves the task of reusing this plastic waste and making something meaningful out of it.

The process developed by the scientists begins with the breakdown of plastic waste into its main component, terephthalic acid, as a raw material.

Genetically engineered "E. coli" bacteria then ensure that the carbon molecules of the acid are rearranged.

Using these "programmed" biological reactions, the bacteria synthesize L-DOPA (also known as levodopa), a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, from the fragments.

The scientists view their method as an example of how plastic waste can be reused with the help of biotechnology. »

### Paid Sick Days Bill Passes both Houses of the Virginia General Assembly

Authored by virginiainterfaithcenter.org

Richmond, Va. – Two bills that will provide workers with up to five days of paid sick leave have passed the Virginia General Assembly.

This bill will ensure workers across Virginia have access to paid sick days.

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy believes providing paid sick days for workers is a moral imperative. »

### Top US counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigns over Iran war

Authored by bbc.co.uk

At the National Counterterrorism Center, Kent reported to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and oversaw the analysis and detection of potential terrorist threats from around the globe.

Following Kent's resignation on Tuesday, Gabbard backed Trump's decision to go to war with Iran.

President Trump's second term, however, has seen far less turnover than his previous tenure at the White House between 2017-21. »

### Indonesia bans elephant riding in landmark welfare move

Authored by worldanimalprotection.org

The call follows a government directive that requires all conservation and tourist facilities to cease elephant riding activities and shift towards ethical, observation‑based experiences.

Why elephant riding harms elephants Elephant riding is widely recognised by animal welfare scientists and experts as harmful.

A shift towards ethical wildlife tourism The directive aligns with a growing global expectation that tourism should be responsible and humane. »

### Musk says taxing billionaires 100% barely dents the debt. Bernie says 5% puts $3,000 in your pocket

Authored by fortune.com

“Even if you tax every billionaire in America at 100%, it barely makes a dent in the national debt,” Musk wrote on X in 2023.

“In the end, the government will be forced to tax everyone to pay the debt.”.

Sanders agrees—but he’s not looking to tax billionaires for all their worth and he’s not trying to eliminate the debt. »

## In pictures

## Also in the news

#### Top counterterrorism official Kent resigns over Trump’s Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat

#### Ray Dalio warns a 'final battle' for the Strait of Hormuz is coming

#### Trump Is Dismantling US Democracy at a Speed 'Unprecedented in Modern History': Watchdog

#### Jensen Huang says gamers are 'completely wrong' about DLSS 5 — Nvidia CEO responds to DLSS 5 backlash

#### The Disappearing Off-Ramp in Iran