In partnership with

Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Friday, 5:13 AM

May 23, 2025

Good morning news friend! Discover the turning points of today that are shaping the future ahead. 📰🌟

Click here to read the poll results and comments from our previous edition. Over 7,589 people gave their opinion about the rise in antisemitic attacks, the GOP’s tax bill and more!

Can’t see all 6 articles in this email? Gmail sometimes crops our emails, click here to view full edition.

Harvard's International Enrollment Axed

The Trump administration has barred Harvard University from enrolling international students, affecting around 6,800 individuals, over 27% of total enrollment.

The Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard's certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, citing campus safety and alleged antisemitism. Harvard labeled the decision as unlawful and retaliatory, posing risks to its academic mission.

Recently, the administration also cut $2.6 billion in federal grants to the university. DHS demands for records on foreign student activities intensified tensions, with Secretary Kristi Noem warning that other universities may face similar repercussions if compliance is not met.

Sources: Bloomberg, AP News, Reuters, WallStreetJournal, FinancialTimes

Ex-McKinsey Partner Sentenced for Opioid Records Destruction

Martin Elling, a former McKinsey partner, was sentenced to six months in prison for obstructing justice by deleting records related to McKinsey's promotion of OxyContin.

He pled guilty to charges concerning his actions in 2018 amidst ongoing lawsuits against Purdue Pharma, which manufactures OxyContin. Elling was aware of the potential legal consequences, as indicated by his communications with colleagues regarding the deletions.

In addition to prison time, he will serve two years of supervised release with 1,000 hours of community service. McKinsey has faced over $1.5 billion in fines related to its opioid crisis involvement, including a $650 million settlement in December 2024.

Sources: NYTimes, Reuters, FinancialTimes.

U.S. Drug Prices Surge for Rare Disease Treatments

A Reuters analysis reveals that the median annual list price for new drugs in 2024 exceeded $370,000, up from $180,000 in 2021.

Of the 45 analyzed drugs, 72% target orphan diseases, rising from 51% in 2019, with over 40% being oncology treatments. Notable launches include Lenmeldy at $4.25 million and Miplyffa over $1 million annually.

Despite efforts to control prices, costs continue to rise, with experts noting high development costs due to limited patient populations. The FDA approved 57 new drugs in the past year, but total sales are projected at $60 billion, highlighting the need for discussions on drug pricing and access.

Sources: Reuters, Qz, Seekingalpha.

Banking Giants Embrace Crypto

America's largest banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo, are exploring a joint stablecoin initiative to compete with the cryptocurrency market.

Discussions are in early stages, involving companies like Early Warning Services. Stablecoins, pegged to the U.S. dollar, facilitate quick, low-cost transfers, particularly for cross-border payments.

Despite potential benefits, concerns about security, regulation, and the impact on traditional bank deposits persist. The initiative aligns with regulatory developments, such as the GENIUS Act.

Smaller banks may also consider forming stablecoin groups, reflecting a changing landscape where traditional finance and crypto converge.

Sources: Reuters, Trt, Decrypt, WallStreetJournal

Contact Lenses Grant Night Vision

Researchers have created innovative contact lenses that allow wearers to see infrared light, enabling night vision even with eyes closed.

The lenses use engineered nanoparticles to convert infrared light (800-1600 nanometers) into visible colors—blue, green, and red—without needing a power source. In experiments, mice showed improved vision in dark settings. Human participants detected flashing infrared signals and identified their direction, with enhanced clarity when eyes were closed.

Currently, the lenses only capture high-intensity infrared light, but future advancements may improve sensitivity. Applications include military uses and secure information transmission, potentially transforming interaction with the environment.

Sources: SciTechDaily, EurekAlert, NewScientist, Sciencealert.

PLT012 Breaks Down Metabolic Barriers to Immunity

Recent research highlights PLT012, an innovative antibody that targets CD36, a lipid transporter utilized by tumors to suppress immune responses.

By blocking CD36, PLT012 disrupts tumors' metabolic manipulation, restoring immune functionality. In preclinical studies, it showed effectiveness against hepatocellular carcinoma and colon cancer liver metastases, enhancing immune responses and working synergistically with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Human studies revealed a 45% increase in CD8+ T cell activity and an 82% decrease in Tregs. PLT012 has received orphan drug status from the FDA for liver cancers and shows promise as a new class of metabolic immunotherapy for various tumor types.

Sources: Drugtargetreview, BioSpace, Medicalxpress, SciTechDaily

“Considering that we all enter the world the same way and leave in the same condition, we spend an awful lot of time in between trying to show that we are so different from other people.”

Did you know we also write in-depth deep dives? They are long, packed with insights, and have received rave reviews. If you’re up for a detailed, action-packed read, check them out:

• AI Chip Cold War

• Consumer Spending Trends

• Rare Earths and National Security

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️