In 2022, France introduced a groundbreaking strategy to combat endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting one in ten women of reproductive age worldwide. Central to this initiative was the promotion of the ‘Endotest,’ a saliva-based diagnostic tool developed by French start-up Ziwig. Marketed as a revolutionary solution leveraging artificial intelligence and microRNA technology, the test promised to simplify and expedite the diagnosis of endometriosis, which currently requires invasive surgical procedures. However, despite significant government backing and financial investment, questions linger about the test’s efficacy and broader applicability. Researchers have raised concerns about the limited scope of studies supporting the Endotest, with some arguing that the participant samples may not be representative of the general population. While the French Health Authority (HAS) has acknowledged the test’s diagnostic performance, it has also called for further research to confirm its clinical utility. Critics have pointed out the disproportionate funding allocated to the Endotest compared to other endometriosis research avenues, such as improving ultrasound interpretation. Patient advocacy groups like Endomind have campaigned for broader access to the test, but some patients and experts remain skeptical, questioning whether the Endotest truly represents a significant advancement in endometriosis care. Ziwig’s leadership defends the test, citing published research and ongoing efforts to validate its effectiveness through peer-reviewed journals. As the debate continues, the Endotest remains a focal point in France’s broader efforts to address the challenges of diagnosing and treating endometriosis.
博客
-
US lists Caribbean countries in 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report
The United States Department of State has unveiled its 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, highlighting the status of several Caribbean nations in combating human trafficking. The report underscores that ‘trafficking in persons’ and ‘human trafficking’ are interchangeable terms describing crimes where traffickers exploit individuals, including children, for forced labor or commercial sex. The State Department emphasized that any involvement of minors under 18 in commercial sex acts constitutes a crime, irrespective of coercion or fraud. The report categorizes countries into tiers based on their adherence to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) standards. The Bahamas, Guyana, and Suriname were placed in Tier 1, signifying full compliance with TVPA standards. Tier 2 includes Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Belize, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago, which are making significant efforts toward compliance. St Lucia and Barbados were placed on the Tier 2 Watch List due to increasing trafficking cases and insufficient actions. Saint Maarten, Venezuela, and Cuba were relegated to Tier 3 for failing to meet minimum standards and lacking significant efforts. Haiti, along with Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, was classified as a ‘Special Case.’ The report also outlined potential consequences for Tier 3 countries, including restrictions on foreign assistance and opposition to multilateral development bank loans. The TVPA defines severe forms of trafficking and aligns with the UN TIP Protocol, ratified by over 180 countries, to combat this global issue.
-
Youth-led group tackles mental health stigma with peer-to-peer support
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Nowell Lewin Jr, a 23-year-old law student and farmer, is spearheading a transformative movement to address mental health challenges and suicide in Jamaica. Armed with determination and a phone, Lewin founded the Global Integration Society, a youth-led mental health advocacy group dedicated to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental illness in the country.
-
PNP appoints Shameel Brown as chair of OT Fairclough Trust Fund
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) has unveiled Shameel Brown as the incoming chair of the OT Fairclough Trust Fund Grants Board, marking a significant transition in leadership. Brown takes over from Richard Azan, a Member of Parliament, who has been lauded for his dedicated service in steering the board towards its mission of empowering party workers through various opportunities.
-
US judge temporarily halts mass layoff of Voice of America employees
In a significant legal development, a U.S. federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s plan to terminate more than 500 employees of the Voice of America (VOA). The decision, issued on Monday by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, suspends the layoffs that were scheduled to take effect on September 30. The move comes as part of an ongoing legal battle over the administration’s efforts to restructure government-funded media. Kari Lake, a senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has been leading the charge to reduce the workforce, arguing it is a necessary step to dismantle what she describes as a ‘bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy.’ However, Judge Lamberth ruled that Lake’s actions were ‘arbitrary and capricious and not in accordance with law,’ and emphasized the need for USAGM to fulfill its statutory mandate. The court also expressed concerns that the defendants lacked a plan to comply with an earlier injunction issued in April. The USAGM, established during World War II, plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and countering propaganda through entities like VOA, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia. President Trump has frequently criticized VOA, accusing it of being overly critical of his administration and undermining its editorial independence.
-
WATCH: Vox pop on mental health
As Suicide Prevention Month concludes on Tuesday, Jamaicans have voiced their perspectives on the island’s approach to mental health challenges. In a series of interviews, opinions varied widely. Some individuals expressed concern that mental health issues are often overlooked until they escalate into crises, while others emphasized the need for greater support in schools to alleviate stress among students. When discussing personal coping mechanisms, many highlighted simple yet effective activities such as listening to music, journaling, gardening, and spending quality time with friends as their preferred methods of relaxation. The discussions underscore the growing recognition of mental health as a critical issue in Jamaica, though many believe more proactive measures are necessary to address it comprehensively.
-
Central Bank of Bahamas says economy grew at moderate pace in August
The Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBB) has reported that the domestic economy experienced moderated growth through August 2025, aligning closer to its medium-term potential. While tourism output slowed due to constraints in the high-value stopover segment, the cruise sector remained resilient, buoyed by robust earnings and foreign investments in onshore private destinations. However, the unemployment rate rose in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a decrease in employed individuals and an increase in labor force participation. Monetary trends for August were marked by a contraction in banking sector liquidity, as domestic credit growth outpaced deposits, and external reserves declined due to net foreign currency outflows. Tourism sector earnings also slowed compared to 2024, primarily due to accommodation capacity constraints in the stopover segment. Official data revealed a 3.3% decline in total arrivals for July 2025, with sea passengers decreasing by 3.8% and air traffic by 0.9%. The short-term vacation rental market saw a 1% increase in room nights sold, but occupancy rates declined. The average daily room rate (ADR) for entire place listings rose by 11.8%, while hotel comparable listings saw a 1.1% increase. Labor market conditions worsened in the first quarter of 2025, with the unemployment rate climbing to 10.8% and youth unemployment reaching 20.9%. External reserves decreased to $74.7 million in August, with the central bank’s net foreign currency outflow to the public sector widening. The CBB forecasts slower economic growth in 2025, driven by tourism sector performance, ongoing foreign investments, and global trade uncertainties.
-
Prosecutors recommend over 11 years in prison for ‘Diddy’ in prostitution case
Federal prosecutors are pushing for a substantial prison sentence of over 11 years for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs following his conviction on prostitution-related charges. According to People magazine, Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution after a highly publicized federal trial. While he was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, prosecutors argue that his actions warrant a significant penalty. In a sentencing memorandum, they emphasized the gravity of his crimes, stating that similar cases have resulted in sentences exceeding a decade. They are recommending a term of at least 135 months, just over 11 years. The memorandum also portrays Combs as ‘unrepentant,’ citing a history of abusive behavior. Testimony from his former partner, Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura, was referenced to highlight his past misconduct. This recommendation starkly contrasts with the defense’s request for a sentence of no more than 14 months. Combs has already spent over a year in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024 and was denied bail both before and after the trial. Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to deliver the sentence on Friday, October 3, while also considering a defense motion to overturn the conviction.
-
30+ Fashion Show & Expo returns for third staging in Portmore
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The highly anticipated 30+ Fashion Show and Expo is gearing up for its third edition, set to take place on November 22 at the ALIV Night Club in Naggo Head, Portmore. The event will commence at 4:00 pm with a mini-expo showcasing a diverse array of exhibitors specializing in beauty, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, nails, and fashion.
-
67-year-old man mowed down on North Coast Highway
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Authorities in Trelawny are investigating a tragic incident that claimed the life of a 67-year-old pedestrian on Monday night. Patrick Jackson, a renowned wood carver from Salt Marsh, Trelawny, was struck by a Toyota Voxy while attempting to cross a section of the North Coast Highway near Bogue Gate. The accident occurred around 10:30 pm, and Jackson was rushed to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. This incident marks the 19th road fatality in Trelawny since the beginning of the year, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. The police are urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise greater caution to prevent further tragedies.