US President Donald Trump held a press conference to announce the connection between the use of Tylenol, a popular pain and fever relief medicine during pregnancy and autism. Trump in the press conference also suggested Leucovorin, as a potential treatment for autism symptom.

Read: Tylenol And Autism: Trump Announces Link Between The Two, Science Does Not Back Him

What Is Leucovorin?

It is known as folinic acid, a form of folate, also an essential B vitamin or B9, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for counteracting the toxic effects of certain cancer drugs. It can counteract methotrexate that blocks body's use of folate.

The drug is also used to enhance the effects of chemotherapy drugs and to treat specific types of anemia.

How Is Leucovorin Administered? Who Makes Leucovorin?

The drug can be administered orally or intravenously. While it is manufactured by dozens of companies, notes US FDA, on Monday itself, FDA published a notice to the Federal Register ahead of Trump's press conference to approve a version of Leucovorin manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline or GSK.

GSK had previously withdrawn from FDA's consideration when it stopped making the drug. However, as per the FDA notice, "The FDA is working with GSK, the innovator of Wellcovorin (leucovorin calcium), on a process to include the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of these drug products for adults and pediatric patients with CFD (cerebral folate deficiency)."

Is Leucovorin Effective For Autism?

As per the FDA notice, leucovorin calcium, branded as Wellcovorin by GSK is sent for approval for patients with cerebral folate deficiency, which is a neurological condition that affects folate, an essential vitamin for brain health, transport into the brain.

The FDA notice mentions that individuals with CFD have been "observed to have developmental delays with autistic features".

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MF, MPH said that in over two decades, the US has "witnessed a tragic four-fold increase in autism". He further noted: "Children are suffering and deserve access to potential treatments that have shown promise. We are using gold standard science and common sense to deliver for the American people.”

George Tidmarsh, MD, PhD, Director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said that FDA is collaborating with GSK to broaden the existing Wellcovorin label and is committed to "finding and treating the root causes of autism".

Read: Trump's Claim On Linking Tylenol And Autism Is Unscientific, According To Doctors

Why Leucovorin Is Considered To Treat Autism?

Doctors have been using leucovorin off-label for autism, repurposing the drug beyond its original approval, reported Reuters.

Research from SUNY Downstate Medical Center and others suggests that as many as three-quarters of children with autism may have genetic variations or autoimmune issues that interfere with folate processing in the brain.

Smaller studies have linked these problems to more severe autism symptoms and found that leucovorin treatment may help improve speech, social interaction, and irritability. Still, the Autism Science Foundation cautions that the research is in its early stages, and more evidence is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Read: Trump Suggests Changes In Childhood Vaccines, Says It Is Based On What He Feels

A 2016 study published in Molecular Psychiatry, which was a randomized controlled trial suggested that this specialized form of folate can improve communication and language skills in some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

A June 2020 study published in the Seminars in Pediatric Neurology suggests folate (vitamin B9) plays a vital role in brain development and function, helping with DNA synthesis, methylation, and neurotransmitter production. Some children with autism struggle with folate metabolism, particularly in transporting folate into the brain, a condition known as cerebral folate deficiency.

Another 2020 study published in October in Seminars in Pediatric Neurology suggests that in many cases, the immune system produces antibodies that target the folate receptor alpha (FRα) on brain cells. These folate receptor autoantibodies (FRAA) block folate entry into the brain, resulting in low brain folate levels even when blood levels are normal. While only about 5–10% of the general population carries these antibodies, research suggests that 50–70% of children with autism may have them. This disruption is thought to significantly affect speech and cognitive development.

However, Dr. David Mandell, a professor of psychiatry and autism expert at the University of Pennsylvania, told Reuters that leucovorin might well be a possible treatment for some children with autism, "but the evidence we have supporting it... is really, really weak."

As Delhi's air quality levels and pollution continues to worsen, and people struggle to breathe, countries like Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Canada issued advisories for their citizens travelling to the capital city. However, the capital city's crisis continues to remain ignore, though CM Rekha Gupta did hold a review meeting on the same on Monday, with a follow-up scheduled on Thursday.

Singapore Travel Advisory On Delhi's Air Pollution

Singapore High Commission issued an advisory, which stated:

On 13 December 2025: The Indian Central Pollution Control Board invoked Stage 4, the highest level, of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the Delhi National Capital Region. Under GRAP 4, construction and industrial activities are heavily restricted, and schools and offices are encouraged to shift to hybrid format. The Delhi authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, especially children and those with respiratory or cardiac ailments, and to use masks if stepping out. In this regard, the High Commission urges Singapore nationals in the Delhi National Capital Region to pay heed to this advice.

We also note that given the low visibility, flights to and from the Delhi National Capital Region are likely to be affected. The Indira Gandhi International Airport and several airlines have issued advisories. Travellers should take note of this, and check with the respective airlines for updates.

UK And Canada Too Issue Advisories On Delhi Pollution And Its Impact On People

UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned that air pollution could lead to serious health threats for those living in northern India, especially between the months of October and February. The UK advisory also stressed on the health of pregnant women and people with any heart or respiratory. The advisory noted that they must seek medical advice before travelling to India.

The statement read: Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. If you’re pregnant or have a respiratory or heart condition you may wish to consult a medical practitioner before you travel.

Canada too issued a similar notice, advising, especially those who are already struggling with respiratory issues and to continuously monitor air quality levels. The notice also highlighted the pollution that is caused by fog and smoke trends that are increasing in urban areas like Delhi, especially during the winters.

The advisory read: Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in urban areas and cities such as Delhi. It’s typically at its worst in winter. In rural areas, air quality can be affected by agricultural burning. Dust storms also occur across northern India. Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions.

As of today, Delhi's air quality remained in "very poor" category, and the AQI stood at 342 at 8am, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. The 24-hour average AQI was logged at 412 under the "severe" category on Tuesday evening when Delhi's quality peaked to record the fourth severe air day in the month of December.

A Pennsylvania nursing home caught on fire due to an apparent gas explosion. The Silver Lake Nursing home in Pennsylvania's Bristol Township caught on fire, and videos show flames erupting from the building, and debris scattered around the area. The Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the that there are so far two deaths, with 21 people found injured. Many have been rescued, yet rescuers believe that five people are unaccounted for.

What Happened At The Silver Lake Nursing Home?

At 2.15pm is when the flames could be seen from the gas-related explosion. PECO confirmed that crew had started to respond around 2pm itself after they received reports of a gas odor. The explosion had occurred when the crew were on the scene.

“While crews were on site, an explosion occurred at the facility. PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents,” the utility said in a the statement.

State Rep. Tina Davis told the Associated Press. "I saw smoke and I saw car after car after car was a fire truck or ambulance from all over the city, from all over."

Davis says that there were talks of using a nearby school as a temporary evacuation area.

Also Read: Birthday Celebrations Gone Wrong When A Hydrogen Balloon Exploded, Leaving The 33-year-Old Birthday Girl With First And Second Degree Burns

How Are Burn Injuries Treated?

Burn injuries are first classified before the treatment. Their classification decides the treatment the burn will require. There are for classifications of burns:

First-degree or superficial burns: They only affect the outer layer of the skin or the epidermis. In these injuries, the burn site is red, painful, dry, and has no blisters.

Second-degree or partial thickness burns: They are only the burns of epidermis and part of the lower layer of the skin, the dermis. The burn site looks red and blistered and may be swollen and painful.

Third-degree or full thickness burns: Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. They could also go to the innermost later of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue. The burn site could look white or blackened and charred.

Fourth-degree burns: They burn through both layers of the skin and underlying tissue as well as deeper tissue, and could possibly reach muscle and bone. There is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

The right way to treat a burn depends on its depth and how much of the body it covers. While minor, superficial burns can be managed at home, deeper or larger burns may need medical attention. Keep these essential guidelines in mind:

Do's:

• Remove the source of the burn immediately – For example, take off clothing soaked in hot liquid to prevent further damage.
• Run cool water over the burn – This helps soothe the skin, except in cases of certain chemical burns.
• Keep the burn clean and protected – Cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage when possible.
• Seek medical help – If the burn is deeper than a superficial layer, larger than your hand, or full-thickness, see a doctor.

Don’ts:

• Use home remedies like bleach or butter – These can make the burn worse.
• Apply ointments or creams on deep burns – They can trap heat and worsen the injury.
• Put ice on the burn – It can cause more damage to the skin.
• Pop blisters – This increases the risk of infection.

Former Senator Ben Sasse shared on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The former two-term senator, now 53, revealed in a long social media message that he learned about the illness last week. “This is a hard note to write, but since many of you have already sensed something, I’ll get straight to it: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and I am going to die,” Sasse wrote. He went on to describe advanced pancreatic cancer as “brutal” and called it a death sentence, adding that mortality is something everyone carries.

“I’m fortunate to have incredible siblings and half a dozen friends who are truly like brothers to me. As one of them said, ‘Yes, you’re on the clock, but all of us are.’ Death is a cruel thief, and none of us escape it,” he added.

The Nebraska Republican also wrote, “I’ll have more to share. I’m not giving up without a fight.”

Ben Sasse Diagnosed With Stage 4 Cancer

Former senator and former University of Florida president Ben Sasse announced on Tuesday, Dec. 23, that he has been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer, as per CNN News.

In the deeply personal message, the former Republican lawmaker from Nebraska described the diagnosis as a “death sentence,” while expressing appreciation for the steady support of his family and close friends.

Ben Sasse: What Happens In Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer?

Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, also known as metastatic pancreatic cancer, means the disease has spread beyond the pancreas to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or the lining of the abdomen. At this advanced stage, the cancer is generally considered incurable, and care focuses on prolonging life and easing symptoms like pain, weight loss, and jaundice through palliative treatment, with the goal of preserving quality of life, as per Cleveland Clinic.

Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer: How Do Pancreatic And Prostate Cancer Survival Rates Compare?

Pancreatic cancer has a far poorer survival outlook than prostate cancer, largely because it is usually detected late and has fewer effective treatment options. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer that has not spread survive at least five years, while pancreatic cancer is often found at an advanced stage, where long-term survival is uncommon.

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer makes up about 3 percent of all cancers in the United States but accounts for roughly 8 percent of cancer-related deaths. Most patients are diagnosed at Stage 4, and the disease is widely regarded as largely incurable. Prostate cancer, by contrast, is the second most common cancer among men, and the majority of those diagnosed do not die from it. The five-year relative survival rate for non-metastasized prostate cancer is 97.9 percent, dropping to about 38 percent once it spreads. These figures highlight how early detection and effective treatment options make prostate cancer far more survivable than pancreatic cancer.

Recent news has included diagnoses such as Ben Sasse’s terminal pancreatic cancer, as well as public figures like John Eimen, who died from prostate cancer. These cases draw attention to the difficulty of detecting pancreatic cancer early, since there are few reliable screening tools before symptoms appear. Prostate cancer, in contrast, often progresses slowly, and with regular screening and multiple treatment options, many men live for decades after diagnosis.

Ben Sasse: What Treatment Options Is Ben Sasse Pursuing For Stage-Four Pancreatic Cancer?

While treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, and in rare situations surgery are available, stage-four pancreatic cancer is still considered largely incurable. The absence of effective early screening contributes to delayed diagnosis, and although a small number of patients, such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, have lived longer following surgery, these cases are rare. Well-known individuals including Alex Trebek and Aretha Franklin also battled the disease, which remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States.