In today’s Good News, scientists use a plant that grows like a weed to develop a potentially game-changing sustainable plastic alternative. And in Poland, a popular social media influencer raises an astonishing $67 million for cancer research during a star-studded livestream lasting more than a week.

Catherine Garcia
The Week Digital

A new endometriosis ultrasound simulator aims to teach doctors how to spot the condition, which often takes years to diagnose, if it’s identified at all. Endometriosis is an often painful disease where tissue similar to uterine lining grows in the abdomen or pelvis. The ultrasound simulator, designed by Sweden’s Surgical Science, includes a feature that can help detect deep endometriosis, which causes scar tissue. In testing, 92% of clinicians reported an increased understanding of endometriosis diagnosis.

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Australia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, “marking a significant milestone” in the global fight against “neglected tropical diseases,” said the World Health Organization. Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness and spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces and flies carrying eye and nose discharge. Australia is the 30th country to eradicate the disease, thanks to decades of targeted public health campaigns in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The new material kills viruses without harsh chemicals

A Polish influencer raised $67 million for cancer research during a nine-day livestream. The 23-year-old, who goes by the name Latwogang, was joined by Polish musicians, actors and athletes, including speed skater Vladimir Semirunniy, who donated his silver Olympic medal to the cause. The initial goal was to raise $137,000 for the Cancer Fighters charity.

A nontoxic, eco-friendly alternative to plastic has been created from hemp plants. The new material is highly stretchable and heat-resistant, and “very few, if any, plastics made from natural resources have this quality,” said study co-author Gregory Sotzing of the University of Connecticut. Hemp, a non-psychoactive type of cannabis, has the potential to replace bisphenol-A, a “known endocrine disruptor” found in processed plastics. Large-scale production is far off, but the breakthrough offers a sustainable path forward for plastic alternatives.

Most major airlines are increasing the price of checked bags — but you can still find ways to save

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