Ministers in Britain are considering whether to exclude Chinese companies from operating in the country to safeguard health data from foreign misuse, with concerns raised by senior Tories about Labour’s stance on protecting the UK’s genomics sector. Genomics, a field focusing on genetic material, holds promise for advancements in medical technologies, but worries persist about potential exploitation of genomic data. Chinese biotechnology firms BGI Group and MGI Tech are under scrutiny, following previous security issues with Chinese tech companies like Huawei and TikTok’s parent company.
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British backpacker among five dead in Laos after ‘drinking methanol served as free shots’
British backpacker Simone White from Kent died after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, becoming the fifth tourist to pass away in the Vang Vieng area. Four other individuals, including an Australian, American, and two Danes, also died from the incident. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the death of 19-year-old Bianca Jones and stated that other travelers were hospitalized due to consuming contaminated alcoholic drinks. Full Article
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