Lifeboat Foundation: Safeguarding Humanity
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2025 FDA approvals

Lots of interesting information! The Zevaskyn (“a first cell-sheet-based gene therapy”) approval for treating epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is particularly uplifting. Back in high school, I knew someone with EB. It is a devastating disease. On the less happy side, an AAV9 therapy and an oncolytic virus therapy were rejected this year. [ https://www.nature.com/articles/d41573-026-00001-z](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41573-026-00001-z)

The US FDA approved 46 new drugs in 2025, despite a tumultuous year at the regulatory agency.

Washing machine filter captures microfibers as small as 20 micrometers in size

A single laundry load containing synthetic clothing can release thousands of plastic microfibers from nylon, acrylic and polyester materials. Lab testing of an SA-made washing machine filter at Flinders University shows it can be a useful new way to help protect waterways from polyester and other synthetic microparticles.

Flinders researchers are also developing a novel approach to enhance nanoplastic capture on cellulose filters using a plasma polymer coating.

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 mm wide, and they break down further to nanoparticles.

Scientists just found the best places to look for ancient life on Mars

Mars once had sprawling river systems that rivaled major watersheds on Earth, and scientists have now identified the biggest ones for the first time. Researchers mapped 16 massive drainage basins where water likely flowed long enough to support life. Even though these areas cover just 5% of ancient Martian terrain, they account for a huge share of erosion and sediment movement. That makes them some of the most promising places to search for ancient life.

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