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Genetic Testing Firm 23andMe Faces Data Breach: Protecting Your Genetic Privacy

23andMe data breach raises concerns about genetic privacy and user data security.

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In a shocking revelation, genetic testing company 23andMe has announced that hackers have gained unauthorized access to nearly 7 million customer profiles. This data breach raises concerns about the security and privacy of personal genetic information. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the incident, discuss the potential implications for affected users, and explore the measures 23andMe has taken to protect customer data.

The Breach and Its Impact:
According to 23andMe’s filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, approximately 14,000 user accounts were breached by the hackers. The compromised information includes users’ ancestry reports, zip codes, birth years, and a subset of family tree information from 1.4 million DNA relatives’ profiles. Additionally, the hackers were able to access 5.5 million profiles that utilize the DNA relatives feature, which allows users to find genetic relatives.

The Significance of Genetic Privacy:
Genetic testing has gained popularity in recent years, providing individuals with insights into their ancestry, health predispositions, and other valuable genetic information. However, this breach highlights the importance of safeguarding such sensitive data. Genetic data is deeply personal and can reveal not only an individual’s health risks but also information about their family members. Therefore, protecting genetic privacy is crucial to prevent misuse and potential harm.

Implications for Affected Users:
The breach raises concerns about the potential misuse of personal genetic information. Hackers with access to this data could exploit it for various purposes, including identity theft, targeted marketing, or even discrimination based on genetic traits. Additionally, the compromised family tree information may impact the privacy and security of users’ relatives who are connected through DNA matches.

Actions Taken by 23andMe:
As a response to the breach, 23andMe has emphasized that they are standing by the reported number of breached accounts. They are actively notifying affected customers and have implemented additional security measures to protect customer data. However, the company has not disclosed the identity of the hackers or provided further details about the breach.

Protecting Your Genetic Privacy:
In light of this incident, 23andMe customers and individuals considering genetic testing should be proactive in protecting their genetic privacy. Here are a few important steps to consider:

  1. Regularly monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your 23andMe account for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access. Change your password regularly and ensure it is strong and unique.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA for an added layer of security. This will require an additional verification step, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, before accessing your account.
  3. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Stay vigilant against phishing emails or messages impersonating 23andMe. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information unless you are certain of the source’s authenticity.
  4. Review privacy settings: Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings offered by 23andMe and make informed choices about how your genetic information is shared and accessed.
  5. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest security practices and news related to genetic testing. By staying informed, you can better protect yourself from potential risks and make informed decisions about your genetic data.


The data breach at 23andMe serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal genetic information. As genetic testing becomes more prevalent, individuals must be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their genetic privacy. While 23andMe is working to address the breach and enhance security measures, customers should remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their sensitive genetic data.

News on WIRED : https://www.wired.com/story/23andme-credential-stuffing-data-stolen/

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Lifestyle

National Recycling Day: Easy, Fun and Good for the Environment

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How to make every day recycling day

(Family Features) With so many mixed messages, recycling can feel confusing, but the truth is simpler than you might think. Recycling isn’t just for today – it’s a year-round commitment to a healthier planet.

In honor of National Recycling Day, consider these facts about recycling from the experts and tips to make a difference.

Recycling Is Real
Americans recycle more than 6 billion pounds of plastic every year. Among the plastics recycled, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) remains a responsible material choice. PET is the world’s most recycled plastic, with more than 1.8 billion pounds of PET bottles and containers recovered in the U.S. annually. Since PET bottles can be made from 100% post-consumer recycled content, each recycled bottle contributes to a circular economy where materials are continuously reused instead of wasted.

Recycling PET Plastic is Better for the Environment
Countless others from academics, researchers and industry experts show plastics, such as PET specifically, often have a lower environmental impact. In fact, glass bottles produce three times the greenhouse gas emissions compared to PET bottles, and making an aluminum can produces twice the emissions, according to Life Cycle Assessment studies. Producing PET also uses less energy and water and lowers acid rain and smog potential. Using and recycling PET is a more responsible, more eco-friendly choice than banning plastic outright.

Recycling Saves Energy
Recycling PET bottles requires less energy than producing new glass bottles or aluminum cans. Every PET bottle you recycle helps conserve resources and supports a more responsible production cycle.

Not All Plastics are Created Equal
PET is a superstar among plastics because it can be recycled repeatedly without losing strength or quality. It’s also an inexpensive, lightweight and shatter-resistant package that preserves and protects the food and medicine people place in their bodies.

Recycling Can be Easy
Recycling services can be accessible, with many communities across the U.S. offering easy ways to recycle. Today more than 73% of all U.S. households have access to recycling, according to The Recycling Partnership.

By staying informed, choosing packaging that’s easily recyclable and recycling consistently, you can help build a more sustainable future every day. Visit recyclecheck.org to find out where you can recycle in your community.

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5 Recycling Tips

  1. Know your plastics. Look for the No. 1 recycling symbol – inside three arrows forming a triangular shape – to identify polyethylene terephthalate (PET), helping ensure your recycling efforts are impactful.
  2. Recycle PET plastic packaging over bans. Choose products packaged in PET bottles where possible, as recycling PET reduces reliance on resource-heavy materials and greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. See recycling as energy conservation. PET bottle recycling uses significantly less energy compared to producing new glass bottles or aluminum cans.
  4. Think of recycling as an investment. Every PET container you recycle contributes to a circular economy and more sustainable world.
  5. Get involved within your community. Connect with local recycling programs and stay updated on your area’s recycling guidelines by visiting recyclecheck.org.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Space and Tech

NASA Coverage of the Upcoming Progress 90 Cargo Resupply Mission

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The unpiloted Roscosmos Progress spacecraft pictured on Feb. 7, 2023, from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA

Excitement is building as NASA prepares for the upcoming launch of the Progress 90 spacecraft, a critical mission that will deliver essential supplies to the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS). With a launch scheduled for 7:22 a.m. EST on Thursday, November 21, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, this unpiloted Roscosmos cargo spacecraft will transport nearly three tons of food, fuel, and vital equipment to the Expedition 72 crew.

Tune In for Live Coverage

NASA is offering live launch coverage starting at 7:00 a.m. EST on the day of the launch, available on NASA+ and their official website. This is a fantastic opportunity for space enthusiasts and curious minds alike to witness firsthand the relentless efforts of international space collaboration. Not sure how to catch the excitement? NASA has made it easy! Their live coverage can be accessed through various platforms, including social media, so you won’t miss a moment of this thrilling event.

Mission Timeline

Following the launch, the Progress 90 spacecraft will embark on a two-day journey to the ISS, a remarkable feat of engineering and logistics. It is scheduled to autonomously dock at the space-facing port of the Poisk module on Saturday, November 23, at 9:35 a.m. EST. Make sure to tune in for NASA’s coverage of the docking process, which will begin at 8:45 a.m. that same day. Observing the intricate choreography of rendezvous and docking showcases the ingenuity of modern space missions.

Before Progress 90 arrives, it’s important to note that the previous Progress 88 spacecraft will undock from the Poisk module on Tuesday, November 19. Although NASA will not stream this undocking event, it marks another step in efficient cargo operations at the ISS.

What Happens Next?

Once docked, the Progress 90 spacecraft will remain attached to the ISS for approximately six months, providing continuous support to the crew. When it completes its mission, the spacecraft will carry away any used supplies and cargo, ensuring a tidy and efficient living environment aboard the station. It will then safely re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, disposing of invaluable trash generated during the mission.

The Role of the ISS in Space Exploration

For over 24 years, NASA has played a key role in maintaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit, enabling groundbreaking research and scientific exploration that simply cannot be achieved on our home planet. The ISS serves as a unique laboratory that allows for experiments in microgravity, helping scientists make discoveries that will not only benefit life on Earth but also pave the way for future space exploration.

The station is poised to support NASA’s ambitious goals for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and expand our presence in the solar system. Ultimately, this sustained effort will guide us toward the dream of human exploration of Mars.

Join the Journey!

As we look forward to another exciting chapter in space travel with the Progress 90 mission, we encourage everyone to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, watch the launch, engage with fellow enthusiasts online, and marvel at the boundaries that humanity is pushing through science and collaboration. Space is within our reach, and every mission takes us one step closer to understanding our universe!

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Together, let’s celebrate the spirit of exploration and the collaborative advances in human innovation that make missions like this possible. See you on launch day! 🌌🚀✨

Get breaking news, images and features from the space station on InstagramFacebook, and X.

Learn more about the International Space Station, its research, and its crew, at:

https://www.nasa.gov/station

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/


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recipes

Keep Your Kitchen Clear with an Ooey-Gooey Appetizer for Guests

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(Culinary.net) Prepping for Thanksgiving gatherings is plenty of work on its own, and when family and guests can’t stay out of your way in the kitchen, you’ll need the perfect appetizer as a distraction. This Loaded Spinach Dip offers a little something for everyone with ooey-gooey goodness and just the right touch of bacon.

Find more shareable holiday appetizers by visiting Culinary.net.

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Loaded Spinach Dip

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 8-10

  • 16 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 10 ounces thawed spinach
  • 14 ounces drained canned artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
  • 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • pretzel bites, toasted baguette slices, crackers or veggies, for serving
  1. Heat oven to 375 F.
  2. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo and sour cream. Add spinach, artichoke hearts, bacon, Parmesan and mozzarella. Mix in garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. Spoon into oven-safe skillet or baking dish and bake 20-25 minutes. Serve with pretzel bites, toasted baguette slices, crackers or veggies.

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At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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