| Johnson & Johnson takes over its contractor plant, cases soar in India, and trials begin for a low-cost vaccine. Here's what you should know: Headlines Johnson & Johnson takes over the Baltimore plant where doses were ruined Last week, 15 million Johnson & Johnson doses had to be thrown out after a contract manufacturer's plant in Baltimore accidentally mixed up its ingredients with those of the AstraZeneca shot, which it was also making. Now, Johnson & Johnson has announced that it will assume full responsibility for manufacturing at the plant, and AstraZeneca will move its operations elsewhere. None of the ruined doses were shipped out, and Johnson & Johnson will work closely with the FDA to secure authorization of the plant. Cases reach record highs in India as the country tries to boost vaccinations and avoid full lockdown On Monday, there were 103,558 new infections in India, making it one of just a few countries (including the US) to record more than 100,000 new cases in a day. Despite the recent surge, much of the country remains open as officials try to avoid a full lockdown and the accompanying economic constriction. India is the world's biggest vaccine producer and has started rerouting some of its exports in order to vaccinate more of its own population. To date, nearly 80 million doses have been administered, but that's still less than 5 percent of the population. Trials begin for a Covid vaccine that could be manufactured like a flu shot Clinical trials for a new vaccine that could be mass produced worldwide at a low cost are beginning in Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam. Called NVD-HXP-S, the vaccine uses a modified version of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein dubbed HexaPro and can be manufactured in chicken eggs, the same way that billions of flu shots are made each year. This first phase of clinical trials will run through July, and getting through the final phase will take several more months. But if this vaccine proves safe and effective it will be a huge boon, especially for low- and middle-income countries. Daily Distraction Even in the face of digitalization and a pandemic, independent video game stores are making ends meet by finding and serving a community of gamers seeking comfort during precarious times. Something to Read Amid rising vaccination rates and more talk of an impending return to "normal," venture capitalists are hitting the gas on investments. Call it "hot startup" summer. Sanity Check The bad news: There's no denying that eating beef is bad for the planet. The good news: Turns out, plant-based meat is pretty good! One Question What do I need to know about virus mutations? All viruses mutate over time, as they spread from person to person. The novel coronavirus is no exception, but recently several new strains have emerged that seem to be more infectious. The good news is that, so far, the vaccines we have are still effective enough at protecting against these new variants. And not all variants are cause for alarm. As scientists boost genetic sequencing to trace these and other mutations more effectively and vaccination drives continue, the advent of these strains means it's more important than ever to abide by social distancing and masking guidelines. Covid-19 Care Package 📦 The Covid-19 virus can linger on objects for as little as a few hours or as long as a couple of days, depending on the surface. Here's a look at the research. 😷 If you're planning to go out in public anytime soon, you're going to need a mask. Here are the best ones you can buy, or how to make one at home. 🧼 It's not just your hands that need washing—your gadgets, clothes, and home need it too. Here's how to properly disinfect your stuff. 💻 Whether or not you're a work-from-home pro, here's how to stay productive without losing your mind. 😔 It's hard not to be anxious about a global pandemic, but here's how you can protect yourself and your family without spiraling and how to not hate the loved ones you're quarantined with. ✂️ It may still be a while before you can see your hairstylist, so here's how to cut your hair at home, plus other ways to keep yourself lookin' fresh. 🦠 Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. | 
[New post] Xenoblade Chronicles 3 updated to Version 1.1.1 (patch notes)
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