9.7.2023

Escaped Murderer in Pennsylvania

The manhunt for convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante enters its eighth day today as police continue to search the area around Chester County Prison 30 miles west of Philadelphia. The 5-foot-tall, 34-year-old Brazilian has been credibly spotted four times since he escaped last Thursday, prompting school closures in two districts.

Cavalcante was sentenced to life in prison last month for the 2021 murder of his former girlfriend in front of her two young children; he is also wanted for homicide in Brazil. Authorities released a video of the inmate scaling two close walls in a corner of an outside exercise area, which they believe brought him to the roof (a method reportedly used by another escapee in May). Police shifted the search area by several miles to the south Monday night after a trail camera recorded Cavalcante near a public garden.

Police have directed residents to lock their doors as Cavalcante is considered armed and dangerous. There is a $10K reward for any tips leading to his capture. 

Synthetic Embryos Developed

Scientists have created human embryo-like structures grown solely from stem cells capable of developing outside of the womb for more than a week, according to research published yesterday. The breakthrough, performed without the use of sperm or fertilized eggs, is expected to enable the study of the earliest stages of embryonic growth. 

Known as embryogenesis, the first eight weeks of gestation involve a number of complex interacting processes (see 101)—issues during this early period may lead to critical conditions or diseases later in development. Despite its importance, studying the earliest stages has been challenging due to technical limitations and ethical concerns.

Researchers reported the new structures displayed functions and cell types very similar to naturally fertilized embryos—commercial pregnancy tests used on the samples returned positive results. The study was capped at the gestational equivalent of 14 days, the point at which naturally fertilized embryos begin to develop the precursor to organs. 

'Hackney Diamonds' Album

The Rolling Stones yesterday unveiled details of their upcoming album, "Hackney Diamonds," in a livestreamed event with late-night host Jimmy Fallon (see here), marking the band's first original studio album in 18 years. The 12-track album will be released Oct. 20 and will feature guest appearances from Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder. 

The surviving members of the iconic British group—Mick Jagger, 80, Keith Richards, 79, and Ronnie Wood, 76—also premiered the music video for their new single, "Angry," starring 25-year-old actress Sydney Sweeney, known for her role in the HBO series "Euphoria." Watch the music video here. 

The announcement comes two years after drummer Charlie Watts passed away at the age of 80. Two of the 12 tracks on the new album feature Watts since they were recorded in 2019, while the rest feature drummer Steve Jordan, whom Watts selected as his replacement.

"Hackney Diamonds," a reference to East London slang for shattered glass, will be the Rolling Stone's 31st studio album. The group has been active for over six decades since forming in 1962. 

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