PETA claims monkey died ‘painful death' at OHSU research center, requests investigation
In a sent to the director of the National Institutes for Health's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, PETA urged the Division of Compliance Oversight to probe the Oregon National Primate Research Center.
Feds add Portland site to list of properties up for 'accelerated disposition'
Located on Oregon Health and Science University's West campus in Beaverton, the facility has been accused of ignoring the symptoms of a Japanese macaque that died from sepsis last October. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited this incident in its inspection report from March 4.
The a technician neglected to notify a veterinarian when the 4-year-old female monkey was found 'lying down multiple times' the day before her death.
'The failure to report unexpected signs of illness/distress such as repeatedly lying down to ensure timely delivery of veterinary medical care directly impacted the welfare of this animal,' USDA wrote.
The department further noted that several other animals spent 96 hours in an enclosure that did not meet regulators' minimum space requirements.
Harassment in Vancouver: Hypnosis, witchcraft, scare tactics
Amy Meyer, associate director of PETA's primate experimentation campaigns, argued the facility is likely in noncompliance with NIH's Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
'We urge your office to thoroughly investigate the failures detailed in the USDA inspection report and assess whether OHSU has complied with its obligation to self-report problems in its laboratories,' Meyer wrote. 'Prompt and decisive action is warranted to address these apparent violations and to help prevent future lapses in oversight and animal welfare.'
The facility has received plenty of backlash from animal rights activists and, in response, researchers held an of their work just a few weeks ago. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has asked OHSU to close the center in response to the pushback, but the institution contends it is committed to providing humane treatment.
TriMet warns of 'drastic' service cuts without funding boost in Oregon transportation package
The university also 'implemented measures to prevent a recurrence' of the death at the center of PETA's complaint, according to its statement to KOIN 6.
'Dozens of highly trained veterinary professionals engage with these animals daily to ensure their ongoing safety, enrichment, health and well-being,' OHSU said. 'These dedicated individuals develop strong bonds with the animals entrusted to their care — often for many years, and, in some cases, decades – so, the unexpected death of any animal is distressing, and their passing is grieved.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Schools brace for MAHA changes to lunches
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is taking aim at school lunches in a move advocates say is unrealistic without devoting more federal resources to K-12 students. While some schools can only afford to buy frozen meals that are heated up and served, the Trump administration is looking for freshly cooked meals that will take more employees and ingredients to put together. The MAHA Commission was required to send over recommendations to the White House by Tuesday to combat childhood chronic diseases, a document experts and advocates are eagerly awaiting. But three people familiar with the matter told CNN the report will not be released immediately to the public, keeping schools on their toes as it is expected to impact their food. 'We're guessing at this point what we think that the report is going to say around school nutrition, but we have a few hints. RFK Jr. has said that school lunch programs have deteriorated. He's mentioned how many ultraprocessed foods are in school meals. He's suggested that school meals are poisoning children. … I think we're all pretty much anticipating something around that,' said Meghan Maroney, campaign manager for federal child nutrition programs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has railed against school lunches before, saying the ultraprocessed food and food dyes are hurting student health. He has moved to ban artificial food dyes from the nation's supply chain and has pushed fast food chains to cook their food in beef tallow over seed oils. 'We need to stop poisoning our kids and make sure that Americans are once again the healthiest kids on the planet,' Kennedy said in April. He has celebrated states such as Utah, West Virginia and Arizona, where certain dyes and processed food were banned from school lunches. But other moves by the Trump administration, advocates argue, have been counterintuitive to helping schools produce fresh meals. The U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) in the spring ended two programs, totaling $1 billion, that helped schools buy food from local farmers and producers. USDA is in charge of the nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program. 'They are being asked to create healthy and appealing meals on very slim budgets, and there have been things that have been happening recently that have taken away even more of their resources,' said Alexis Bylander, director of child nutrition programs and policy at the Food Research & Action Center. 'I think what this really comes down to is, are the recommendations going to provide enough resources so that schools really can enhance the quality and appeal of the meals that they are serving?' she added. In Oklahoma, Ryan Walters, the state superintendent of public instruction, has already been working on implementing the MAHA agenda in school food, saying schools can no longer serve food that is ultraprocessed or grown with pesticides and processed snacks in vending machines. The districts are expected to overhaul the foods without additional room in the budget. 'What we're seeing with the MAHA movement as it's applied in our state is lots of talk about restriction and what people can have and what choices they can make, but not a lot of talk about making sure people have access to the healthy things they need or the resources they need to not be food insecure … because, ultimately, if you don't have access to enough food, nutritious or not, your health outcomes are worse than if you do,' said Chris Bernard, CEO and president of Hunger Free Oklahoma. Along with changes to food costs, schools would have to pay for more employees to make the food and, in some cases, would need to acquire equipment to be able to handle making fresh food for hundreds of students every day. The Hill has reached out to HHS for comment. Some are hoping for a definitive set of markers to build upon for what types of food should be served and what the cost will be. 'When we establish that baseline, then we can move from it, then we actually have something that we can achieve goals and we can achieve targets with,' said Gregory Bundschoks, founder for the Foundation of Healthy Schools. He added that there needs to be 'consistency' for businesses trying to make a profit while also remaining within the new mandates. Advocates note school food is the healthiest many students eat and, for some, it might be the only full meal they get in a day. While schools have partnered with some nonprofits to help bring fresher meals to their students, not every district is able to afford it. According to USDA, in 2023, 1 in 5 children were unsure where their next meal would come from. Black, Latino and single-family households were more likely to be food insecure. 'I do think school meals are one of the last remaining universal public school services that are reaching every child, nearly in America … so making school the ideal environment to shape their wellness behavior, and a lot of that starts with food,' said Alexina Cather, director of policy and special projects for Wellness in the Schools. 'As we see increasing rates of food insecurity, food again at school becomes one of the places that kids can be guaranteed a nutritious meal if we put that energy and effort into making sure that's a nutritious meal,' she added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Cosmopolitan
6 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
Matcha is the trending drink of the moment: The truth on its side effects as shortage panic kicks in
Has anyone else noticed... that things are looking pretty green of late? It seems that matcha, a type of green tea, in all its various forms (be it an iced latte from Blank Street to an infused doughnut or a homemade recipe on TikTok) is everywhere. So much so, there is even rumoured panic about a shortage of the green tea in some popular chain stores, including (according to one distressed Reddit thread) some Starbucks cafés. This shortage is something that experts are warning could become a bigger problem when Trump's now-infamous tariffs fully kick in and due to Japan – where matcha originates – struggling with intense heat that is damaging some crops. Plus demand for matcha globally has soared 7% in the last year alone and according to data from Grand View Research, the market is set to be worth over $7 billion (£5 billion) by 2030. But where has all this hype around the Japanese green tea suddenly come from? And is its cult status as a wellness ingredient that's better for you than coffee actually legitimate? We asked two experts in the matcha field for the full truth on our newfound obsession… The steadily rising interest in Japan as a tourist destination over the last few years certainly has something to do with it, along with matcha itself being so gosh darn aesthetically pleasing – which lends itself well to social content. Plus, we're living in a world where wellness is more of a priority than ever, leading us to seek out healthier ingredients. Rania Salman, a registered dietitian and nutritionist verified on Doctify, a healthcare review platform, feels matcha's links to wellness are a big draw too. "People are looking for natural ways to boost their health and wellbeing, and [matcha's] striking green colour and links to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies add to its appeal," she explains. "Plus, it's incredibly versatile, from lattes to smoothies and even baking." It's not just a phase either, according to Olivia Minicucci, MS, RD, Dietician at popular matcha brand PerfectTed that launched in 2021, "Matcha isn't a passing fad. It's a habit-forming ingredient that delivers tangible benefits people can feel and as consumers prioritise clean, functional drinks over quick, synthetic fixes, its place in everyday life will only continue to grow." Their products are now stocked in the likes of Joe & the Juice and Black Sheep. For some brands and outlets, unfortunately the answer is yes. "Recent months have seen major shortages of ceremonial-grade matcha, resulting in widespread supply issues and the largest price increase in matcha's history," reveals Minicucci, who adds that luckily PerfectTed has remained largely unaffected. Teddie Levenfiche, the brand's co-founder adds, "Matcha supply constraints have been challenging, but we've been able to maintain consistent supply thanks to our efforts in building the strongest matcha supply chain in the world – rooted in long-standing relationships with our farmers and continued investment in strengthening our network." Not just delicious and pleasing to look at, matcha brings with it a whole new set of words, with many touting 'ceremonial grade' as the best option for drinks. But, err, what the heck actually is that? Salman explains that it's all to do with the age of the tea leaves. "Ceremonial grade matcha is made from the youngest, most tender tea leaves. It's finely ground to a smooth powder with a vibrant green colour and a subtle, sweet umami flavour. This type is meant to be whisked with water and enjoyed on its own," the expert notes, whereas culinary grade is derived from older leaves, with a stronger and more bitter taste. As the descriptor 'culinary grade' unsurprisingly notes, this type of matcha is better suited to baking (matcha cookies, anyone?). "While it's more affordable, it doesn't quite match the delicate flavour or the quality of nutrients found in ceremonial grade matcha," Salman says. Ceremonial grade also tends to be sourced more sustainably, so if that's important to you, this is something to keep in mind – however, there's a real lack of regulation in the space, details Minicucci. "Ceremonial grade might sound like a fixed standard - but the truth is, there's no global regulation around what qualifies. Any brand can put it on a label, whether or not their matcha meets the benchmarks that experts actually use to assess quality. That's why it's so important to shop with trusted brands." 'Better' is a pretty subjective word, admittedly, so it depends what you're looking for in a beverage. Much like coffee, matcha contains caffeine so it'll still put a pep in your step, but unlike coffee, it's less likely to cause jitters or an anxiety spike if you consume too much. Minicucci explains, "Matcha and coffee work in different ways due to their distinct caffeine profiles and other compounds. When it comes to caffeinated release, the caffeine in coffee is absorbed quickly, leading to a fast, often intense spike, followed by a potential 'crash' when its effects wear off. "A standard cup of coffee contains around 95mg of caffeine. Matcha, on the other hand, contains less caffeine per serving (about 60mg per cup), but the caffeination it provides tends to be more sustained and gradual due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness." Salman adds that matcha is also rich in antioxidants "which support cell health and may help reduce stress." On the other end of the spectrum (and in defence of flat whites the world over), coffee has its own great antioxidants that are linked to reduced risks of conditions like Parkinson's disease and type 2 diabetes, Salman shares. "Ultimately, whether matcha or coffee is better comes down to your personal caffeine tolerance, which effects you want, and your taste preferences." Just a final FYI, how you prep your matcha can make a huge difference to the taste and intensity of it, shares Salman. "Using more powder or hotter water will increase the caffeine content and change the flavour." If you're new to the matcha scene, she advises starting small – and keeping in mind that if you're mixing in syrups, sweeteners or certain milks, the calorie count can jump up pretty easily. Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ascletis Announces ASC47, a Muscle-Preserving Weight Loss Drug Candidate for Treatment of Obesity, Demonstrated Greater Efficacy with Tirzepatide than Semaglutide in a Preclinical Model
- The combination of ASC47 low dose with tirzepatide in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice resulted in an 87% greater reduction in body weight compared to tirzepatide monotherapy. - ASC47 low dose in combination with tirzepatide demonstrated statistically significantly greater increase in efficacy than ASC47 low dose in combination with semaglutide, 87% vs 55%, respectively, in the DIO mouse model. - The combination of ASC47 low dose with tirzepatide also restored the body composition of obese mice to the level of healthy non-obese mice. At the end of treatment, the percentage of total muscle mass over the total body weight of obese mice treated with the combination of ASC47 low dose with tirzepatide was similar to healthy non-obese mice, 60.4% vs 62.0% respectively. HONG KONG, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672, "Ascletis") announces encouraging efficacy results from its study in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice combining ASC47, a first-in-class muscle-preserving weight loss drug candidate for the treatment of obesity, with tirzepatide. ASC47 is an adipose-targeted, once-monthly subcutaneously (SQ) injected thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) selective small molecule agonist, discovered and developed in-house at Ascletis. ASC47 possesses unique and differentiated properties to enable adipose targeting, resulting in dose-dependent high drug concentrations in the adipose tissue. The objective of the DIO mouse study was to compare a low dose of ASC47 (9 mg/kg, single dose) combined with tirzepatide (3 nmol/kg, SQ, once daily) against tirzepatide monotherapy (3 nmol/kg, SQ, once daily). The treatment duration in the DIO mice was 14 days. Results showed that the combination of ASC47 low dose with tirzepatide was superior to tirzepatide monotherapy, with an average total body weight reduction of 38.1% compared to 20.4%, achieving 87% more relative weight loss compared to tirzepatide monotherapy (Table 1). In comparison, the combination of ASC47 low dose with semaglutide demonstrated statistically significantly lower efficacy (p=0.006) in the DIO mouse study, showing a 55% greater reduction in body weight compared to semaglutide monotherapy. Table 1. ASC47 low dose demonstrated greater efficacy with tirzepatide than semaglutide Group Dosing Total body weight changefrom baseline Greater body weightreduction of combinationvs monotherapy Obese mice treatedwith tirzepatide Tirzepatide, 3 nmol/kg, SQ, QD -20.4 % - Obese mice treatedwith ASC47 lowdose combinationwith tirzepatide ASC47, 9 mg/kg, SQ, a single dose + tirzepatide, 3 nmol/kg, SQ, QD -38.1% (p<0.0001 vs tirzepatide monotherapy) 87 % Obese mice treated with semaglutide Semaglutide, 30 nmol/kg, SQ, QD -23.1 % - Obese mice treated with ASC47 low dose combinationwith semaglutide ASC47, 9 mg/kg, SQ, a single dose + semaglutide, 30 nmol/kg, SQ, QD -35.9% (p<0.0001 vssemaglutide monotherapy 55 % Note: Treatment duration: 14 days for tirzepatide monotherapy and ASC47/tirzepatide combination therapy; 28 days for semaglutide monotherapy and ASC47/semaglutide combination therapy; Obese mice: diet-induced obese mice; SQ: subcutaneous; QD: once daily. The combination of ASC47 low dose with tirzepatide also restored the body composition of obese mice to the level of healthy non-obese mice. At the end of treatment, the percentage of total muscle mass over the total body weight of obese mice treated with ASC47 low dose and tirzepatide (60.4%) was similar to healthy non-obese mice (62.0%), indicating healthy weight loss. Tirzepatide monotherapy was unable to restore body composition to healthy levels. "These preclinical data build upon a body of evidence demonstrating the potential of ASC47 as an important therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity." said Jinzi Jason Wu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis, "With topline data in participants with obesity from the combination study of ASC47 with semaglutide coming soon, we look forward to the combinations of ASC47 with other incretin drugs including tirzepatide in future clinical trials." About Ascletis Pharma Inc. Ascletis Pharma Inc. is a fully integrated biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases. Utilizing its proprietary Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Structure-Based Drug Discovery (AISBDD) Platform and Ultra-Long-Acting Platform (ULAP), Ascletis has developed multiple drug candidates in-house, including its lead program, ASC30, a small molecule GLP-1R agonist in development as a once-daily oral tablet and once-monthly subcutaneous injection for weight management. Ascletis is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange ( For more information, please visit Contact： Peter VozzoICR Healthcare443-231-0505 (U.S.) Ascletis Pharma Inc. PR and IR teams+86-181-0650-9129 (China)pr@ View original content: SOURCE Ascletis Pharma Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
