Panama Ports Deal, Woolly Mice, and the Physics of Clapping

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Panama Ports Deal

A group of investors led by American asset management giant BlackRock has agreed to buy majority stakes in two strategic ports at both ends of the Panama Canal. The nearly $23B deal places two of the four major ports along the 51-mile canal more firmly within US influence. 

The US purchase comes after President Donald Trump expressed concerns about potential Chinese influence over the Panama Canal's operations. In addition to acquiring Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison's 90% ownership in Panama's Balboa and Cristóbal ports, the BlackRock consortium will gain control of more than 40 ports in 23 countries, including Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, and Pakistan.

The Panama Canal (see overview) is a vital trade route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the US is its largest user, accounting for roughly 70% of its shipping traffic. The US built and operated the canal from its opening in 1914 until ownership was transferred to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed in 1977. Last year, the canal made nearly $5B in revenue. See its history here (w/video). 

A 'Woolly Mouse' is Born

De-extinction company Colossal Biosciences genetically engineered a shaggy, light brown mouse with fat deposits as part of its effort to revive the extinct woolly mammoth. The experiment, published in a paper not yet peer-reviewed, shows the company’s ability to edit multiple genes in an attempt to achieve a single expressed trait—in this case, cold tolerance. Further tests will demonstrate whether the changes are effective in colder climates.

Scientists focused on mouse genes related to hair expression with links to the mammoth’s genome. Each mouse received different combinations of edits, but some saw up to eight genes edited using three distinct techniques. In most cases, the gene was edited to shut off its typical expression, as with the hair-regulating gene FGF-5 (fibroblast growth factor 5), which allowed the fur to grow long. See video of the mice here.

Colossal, currently valued at $10B, was founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Ben Lamm and geneticist George Church to develop a method to recreate extinct species, including the mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger.

US Gunmakers Challenged

The US Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday in a $10B lawsuit filed by Mexico against US gun manufacturers, alleging they are complicit in supplying firearms to drug cartels. The lawsuit claims 70%-90% of guns recovered in Mexico originate from the US. The justices, who appeared skeptical of Mexico's claims, will decide whether to dismiss an appeals court ruling that allowed Mexico to sue the companies.

Mexico argues gun manufacturers knowingly profit up to $170M from sales to traffickers who smuggle weapons into the country, where strict laws make civilian gun purchases nearly impossible. The case is brought by Smith & Wesson and wholesaler Witmer Public Safety Group—six other companies were dismissed in August—who claim protection under a federal law barring lawsuits for criminal activities involving their products. A ruling favoring Mexico could weaken legal protections for gunmakers and expose other industries to similar liability suits.

Mexico has since said it may expand the lawsuit, arguing the companies are enabling terrorism following the Trump administration's designation of six Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. A ruling is expected by late June.

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