AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial Brazil volunteer dies, trial to continue

13 Sept 09:54 Key points summarised by AI

A volunteer in the AstraZeneca and Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine trial in Brazil died, prompting immediate scrutiny.
Brazilian health authority Anvisa and Oxford University confirmed the trial would continue, stating safety assessments found no concerns.
Reports suggest the deceased volunteer was part of the control group, receiving a meningitis jab, not the COVID-19 vaccine, which allowed the trial to proceed without suspension.
The Federal University of Sao Paulo, coordinating the trials, affirmed no serious vaccine-related complications have been recorded among participants.
Brazil, experiencing a severe COVID-19 outbreak, plans to purchase the UK vaccine, while its President rejected a competing Chinese vaccine.

The Buddha Comes Home

Yesterday 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is a vibrant annual festival of the Shan (Tai Yai) people in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, celebrating the Buddha's return from Tavatimsa heaven after Buddhist Lent.
The festival's centerpiece involves families constructing intricate miniature palaces, also called Chong Para, from bamboo, paper, and lights, placed outside homes and temples as offerings.
For three days and nights, the quiet mountain town comes alive with folk music, traditional dances like the Shan bird dance, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, showcasing deep-rooted Shan culture.
Beyond the celebrations, Chong Para reinforces family bonds, preserves traditional crafts, and offers visitors an authentic immersion into the unique cultural heritage of Mae Hong Son.