Good morning, it's Saturday, June 6, and scientists this week have edited human embryos with unprecedented precision.
Also in today's Digest: the fatal front-yard stabbing of a veteran Hollywood actor (Quick Hits), a concert-saving stranger (Humankind), America's most dysfunctional zoo (Etc.), and much more.
PS—Did someone forward you this email? Join 4.7 million insatiably curious readers here. Feedback is a gift, and we read every email. Let us know how we're doing at hello@join1440.com. |
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Scientists have edited the DNA of early human embryos with a new level of precision for the first time, using an upgraded gene-editing technology that avoids the unintended damage seen in earlier versions. The development suggests it may one day be possible to correct disease-causing mutations before birth.
The work, led by scientists from Columbia University, was conducted on lab-grown embryos intended for research, not for implantation. It builds on CRISPR-Cas9, a tool that works like molecular scissors, snipping DNA at targeted locations to remove or replace faulty genes (visualize how it works). A newer approach—base editing—allows scientists to swap individual DNA letters without fully cutting the strand. The refinement can reduce mutations that occur during DNA repair and could open the door to treating diseases caused by single-letter genetic errors, such as sickle cell.
The breakthrough heightens concerns about using the gene-editing technology to enhance traits. In 2019, a Chinese scientist was sentenced to prison for secretly editing embryos to make them HIV-resistant in the first known case of gene-edited babies (w/audio). |
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May jobs report doubles expectations.
Estimates suggest 172,000 jobs were added to the US economy last month, far surpassing analyst expectations of around 85,000. Openings rose to the highest level in two years, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%. (More) |
New York Knicks take 2-0 lead in NBA Finals.
It marks the team's 13th straight playoff win, with the series heading back to New York for Monday's Game 3 (ABC, 8:30 pm ET) as the Knicks seek their first title since 1973. The Knicks won 105-104 last night after San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama missed a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer. (More) President Donald Trump is expected to attend Monday's game. |
Xavier Becerra (D) advances in California gubernatorial race.
The state's former attorney general won second place in Tuesday's primary, 26% to 20%, over billionaire Tom Steyer. Becerra will face Steve Hilton (R), who finished first with 27% in the open primary. (More) See how every California county voted here.
... Meanwhile, the race for Los Angeles mayor remains too close to call. Incumbent Karen Bass (D) finished first (35%) and will advance to the general election, while influencer Spencer Pratt (R) leads Nithya Raman (D), 29% to 23%, with 64% of votes counted. (See live results) |
Suspect arrested in stabbing death of 81-year-old actor James Handy.
Michael Gledhill, the 44-year-old son of Handy's girlfriend, called police shortly after the attack that unfolded in the actor's front yard. Gledhill has been charged with murder. Handy appeared in films including "Jumanji" and "Top Gun: Maverick." (More) |
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Ted Lasso" star Anthony Head dies at 72.
His family said the British actor, best known for playing Rupert Giles in "Buffy" and Rupert Mannion in "Ted Lasso," died from complications of pneumonia. In the UK, Head became recognized as the face of a long-running series of Nescafé Gold Blend commercials involving a romantic storyline. (More) Watch the commercials here. |
Internet traffic from bots passes human traffic on the web for the first time.
Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince says bots now account for more than 57% of total HTTP requests (humans are around 42%), driven by a boom in AI agents. The crossover was originally anticipated at the end of 2027. (More) |
The 158th Belmont Stakes, final leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, set today.
The race (FOX, 7:00 pm ET) features a rematch between Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and runner-up Renegade. Renegade enters as the 2-1 morning-line favorite in a nine-horse field. (More) Who are the horses running the race? (More) |
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Routine date night becomes real-life rom-com when Virginia man takes over drive-in movie screen for surprise proposal to his girlfriend. (More) |
A father's heartfelt message to his daughter's new husband turns a wedding reception into a tearjerker. (More, w/video) |
Wisconsin trooper adopts kitten he saved after it was thrown out of a moving vehicle. (More) |
A 21-year-old audience member at "La La Land" concert steps in for sick pianist and helps save the show. (More, w/video) |
Second-grade teacher's end-of-year tradition sends students into summer with their heads held high. (More, w/video) |
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Dear readers—Starting next week, we'll feature stories about dads and fatherhood for the rest of June. Share a memory, lesson, or note of gratitude here for a chance to be featured, and enjoy our final sampling of submissions about mothers. |
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"I love this memory of my mom. She was Filipina and they have a saying, 'Amoy Awraw,' meaning you smell like the sun. I would hear this from her after coming in from playing outside as a kid. It was like her way of saying that I must’ve had fun while playing. I think of this and her after being outside working in the yard or garden." |
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— Jennifer C. in Washougal, Washington |
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"I grew up in India, a child of missionary parents. When I graduated from high school at age 16, I flew to America for college. In those days, people dressed up to fly. My dear sacrificial, frugal mother used my Dad's suit to repurpose it for a little suit for me, and I will never forget that frugality, love, and sacrifice (of both my mother and Daddy). MANY such experiences were mine with her as my magnificent, amazing mother. She absolutely filled my heart and always loved very sacrificially." |
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— Mardi B. in Macon, Georgia |
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"I had always prepared a gourmet dinner for my mom on Mother's Day. I would usually get the day off work so I could prep all day, creating a multitude of special dishes. The year she died (in March 2012, after a long illness), I scheduled myself to work that Mother's Day to keep myself busy and without reminders of my mom. My daughter unexpectedly dropped by work that afternoon with flowers and a pair of Wonder Woman-emblazoned sneakers. Her thoughtfulness on a day that I had dreaded was a bright spot—and I still have the sneakers!" |
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— Jill P. in Brea, California |
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Humankind(ness) is a reader-built corner of joy. If these stories made you smile—share our email (copy URL here). |
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⚽ 1440 Explores ... Soccer, the World Cup, and FIFA |
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Soccer is the world's most popular sport—and it's run by a Swiss organization with no real oversight, a tiny voting committee, and billions of dollars flowing in every four years. For decades, nobody looked too closely. Then came Qatar. And the FBI. Watch the episode here or click below. |
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"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." |
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