Major US stock indices closed higher on Monday, with Nvidia and AMD leading the gains. Nvidia’s stock rose over 4% on bullish sentiment from Goldman Sachs ahead of its earnings release. AMD surged nearly 4.5% after acquiring ZT Systems, a provider of AI infrastructure. Alzamend Neuro soared over 188% on news of a Phase II clinical study for its PTSD treatment.
Nikola Corporation’s stock plummeted after announcing a securities purchase agreement and a mixed shelf offering. Meanwhile, Alzamend Neuro surged 262% on news of a partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital for a Phase II clinical study of its PTSD treatment. Other notable movers include Virax Biolabs, Applied DNA Sciences, and Sonder Holdings.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering whether to approve MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This decision could be a significant moment for the future of psychedelic medicine, particularly for veterans who have reported significant relief from their PTSD symptoms using MDMA-assisted therapy. The FDA is expected to make a decision by August 11th, and the impact on veterans and the healthcare system could be profound.
Scientists have discovered that slow-acting molecules called neuropeptides, not fast-acting neurotransmitters, are the primary messengers controlling the brain’s fear circuit. This finding challenges conventional understanding and could lead to new treatments for anxiety and PTSD.
Veterans in Florida raise concerns about the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System no longer approving their requests for community care, cutting them off from their longtime mental health providers. They express frustrations with the VA’s quality of care and the impact it has on their well-being. The VA denies any policy changes or budget cuts but emphasizes expanded facilities and increased hiring, leading to fewer veterans qualifying for community care.
The Ontario government is introducing new legislation to grant wildland firefighters and investigators the same presumptive WSIB coverage as municipal firefighters for cancers, heart injuries, and PTSD. The province also aims to extend presumptive coverage to include skin cancer for firefighters and fire investigators, while reducing the service time needed for compensation from 15 to 10 years. These changes build on previous advancements made through the Working for Workers Acts, which have expanded presumptive occupational cancer coverage for firefighters and fire investigators and reduced the mandatory employment period for primary-site esophageal cancer.
A mix-up at a California car dealership resulted in an innocent driver being arrested at gunpoint after the dealership mistakenly reported his loaner car as stolen. Jamie Rodgers, the driver, was pulled over by police and held at gunpoint for over 10 minutes before authorities realized the mistake.
Will Young opens up about the toll Strictly Come Dancing took on his mental health, revealing he suffered panic attacks “24 hours a day” during his 2016 stint. Now recovered, Young expresses regret for not experiencing the show at his best and hints at a potential return with a male partner. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s new album takes a subtle swipe at ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn by name-checking his favorite pub, sparking an influx of fans to the establishment. In other news, Gwyneth Paltrow remains unfazed by a musical based on her ski trial collision, Ayda Field reveals her husband Robbie Williams’ peculiar bathing habits, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock enjoys a solo getaway in Morocco.
The Manitoba government has announced funding for three counselors to provide mental health support to first responders, including law enforcement officers, paramedics, and firefighters. This initiative comes in the wake of the recent death of a Winnipeg firefighter who died by suicide. The government aims to reduce the stigma associated with post-traumatic stress and make it easier for first responders to seek help.
