Around Maryland

It’s been 20 years since the Human Genome Project produced humanity’s genetic instruction manual and opened the door to a new kind of medicine that can precisely identify diseases and treatments. Today, while not yet widespread in general practice, genetic medicine is on the rise, and one of its main objectives is the prevention of disease.

Blood loss is a leading cause of death for people critically injured, yet most emergency responders to the scene of a car crash or other trauma can do little more than try and stem the flow of blood and rush to a hospital. State Medevac helicopters recently began carrying whole blood for transfusions in the field, and Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services announced Thursday that it has become the first local jurisdiction in the state to carry whole blood on some of its emergency trucks, hoping to improve more people’s chances of survival.

The Maryland attorney general’s Securities Division has filed a cease-and-desist order against a group of cryptocurrency companies for allegedly violating state law. The companies, collectively known as “Abra,” offered and sold unregistered securities, made untrue statements and omitted material facts, and engaged in dishonest or unethical practices, according to the order filed in late July. Notably, the order alleges that Abra failed to disclose and misrepresent its own solvency, or ability to pay its debts.

New guidelines surrounding artificial intelligence in the classroom have been put forward by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. UNESCO released its “Guidance on Generative AI in Education and Research” on Thursday, unveiling a call to its 193 member states to consider an age limit of 13 for using AI in school. This is currently the age limit to use ChatGPT, an AI app, and is the limit set by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of the United States of America. This law prohibits companies and online platforms from providing services to children.

After a brawl near the Bethesda Metro stop following a recent high school football game, Montgomery County Public Schools said backpacks will be banned from games and students will be required to present their school IDs for admission. The decisions — announced late Wednesday — came after a spate of violent altercations Friday after a game between rivals Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Walter Johnson high schools.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore is building a dental surgery center in downtown Baltimore to alleviate the long wait times for patients who need medical care. The University System of Maryland Board of Regents finance committee on Wednesday approved UMB’s plan for a $29.5 million renovation to the School of Dentistry building at 650 W. Baltimore St., to build an ambulatory surgery center and replace aging equipment throughout the 105,000-square-foot building.

Comcast and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Thursday announced the launch of a Digital Navigator program that will utilize trained students to get more Baltimore-area residents and CCBC students connected to the internet at home, while also teaching digital literacy skills and how to use devices.