An investigation found that about one-third of pregnant women get blood tests for genetic disorders in fetuses. These usually happen in the first or second trimester. For Down syndrome, the test is 99% accurate. But not for other tests. Earlier this year, The New York Times released a report finding high rates of false positives for genetic disorders and other microdeletions. Now, the FDA’s reportedly confirming it: positive results for rare genetic disorders could be wrong in 70-98% of cases.
That’s…a large majority.
Right. Problem, because people are making health decisions on this information. Sometimes that means more invasive, expensive follow-up tests that carry a higher risk of miscarriage. Some women have even terminated their pregnancies because of the information. Another problem: the tests aren't actively regulated by the FDA.
And why in the world not?
Technically, they’re considered “lab-developed tests,” not diagnostic tests. Confused? So is Congress. It’s now considering a bipartisan bill that would give the FDA authority to regulate these tests like it does others. More info could come later this year.
theSkimm
Blood tests can help rule out genetic conditions. But false positives can have real and damaging health consequences. Patients deserve reliable data — and FDA regulation could help provide that.
Rust Movie Productions. Yesterday, New Mexico fined the production company nearly $137,000 for firearms safety failures on the set of “Rust.” Last year, Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun while on set, killing the cinematographer and injuring the director. Criminal investigations are already underway and Baldwin and other producers are facing a wrongful death lawsuit. Now, investigators allege producers knew that firearm safety procedures weren’t followed and failed to intervene. The production company says it is planning to appeal.
Who people are talking about…
A$AP Rocky. Yesterday, the 33-year-old rapper was arrested at LAX Airport in connection to a shooting last year. The rapper — whose legal name is Rakim Mayers — was charged with assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly shooting at an acquaintance in Hollywood, who sustained a minor injury. The attack allegedly happened around 10:15pm in November, following an argument between the victim and others. The news comes as A$AP Rocky’s girlfriend — aka Rihanna — is expecting their first child together. Now, the rapper has been released on a $550,000 bond.
Not the first arrest: In 2019, A$AP Rocky was found guilty of assault in Sweden, following his alleged involvement in a street fight. He was detained for around a month before his release.
What’s taking a swing at Russia and Belarus…
Wimbledon. Yesterday, the tournament said it’s banning Russian and Belarusian players from the June event to "limit Russia's global influence." That includes men's world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev and women's world No. 4 Aryna Sabalenka. The Kremlin called the ban “unacceptable.”
Steamer, skillet, saucepan, stockpot, dutch oven, roasting rack…the list of ‘essential’ cookware goes on and on. And makes our wallets — and overstuffed cabinets — hurt. Enter: Our Place. Their versatile pieces come in gorgeous, gorgeous colors that’ll brighten up your chef-ing space. The best part? You can save big if you buy them during the spring sale happening *checks watch* right now.
You can file “bladder leaks” under “things people don’t tend to talk about out loud.” But according to the National Association for Continence, over 25 million American adults have a leaky bladder. Docs typically recommend doing kegels to help leave leaks in the past. Unfortunately, many people struggle to do them correctly.
Enter INNOVO’s smart shorts. With the press of a button, they do 180 perfect kegels for you. So your pelvic floor muscles get stronger. Psst…87% of women who used INNOVO for 12 weeks or less are living leak-free. Head here to get them delivered to your door.
PS: We Skimm’d everything you need to know about bladder leaks — including what you can do if you have ‘em. Read up.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A cult-fave illuminator that’ll give you a compliment-inducing glow. No judgment if you wanna keep your secret (aka this vitamin C-rich brightening serum) to yourself. Especially since it feels like nothing but looks like everything. Aaand tends to sell out. PS: Skimm’rs get 15% off.*
2. Eco-friendly products that look super chic. Hello, gorg sustainable alternatives that’ll make it easy to live just a lil’ greener. We're adding to cart and helping Mother Nature. Psst...we also have sustainable gift ideas for the person in your life who's looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Tons of Mother's Day gifts she'll absolutely adore. We rounded up splurge-worthy things to split with siblings, practical gifts she'll actually use, and items under $50. Thank us later.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Wanderlust together…Sharon R (CA). She launched an app that makes it easy for travelers to stay connected to their friends from all over the world. Check it out here.
(Some) Birthdays…Ali Goldberg (PA), Debbie Turtletaub (NJ), Kelly Zimmerman (WI), Vinutha Lakshminarayanan (IL), Julie Powell (MA), Marion Schloemer (NC), Rebecca Ernest (DC), Maggie Thomas (PA), Olivia Miller (OH), Tracey Mulrooney (NY), Laura Sheinin (AZ), Alison Hatfield (MA), Alexandra Buchan (VT), Brianne Dimmitt (GA), Krysta Lowry (TX)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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theSkimm Loyalty Program
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We launched our new Loyalty Program and you’re invited to join. Engage with our content, earn points, and use those points to unlock rewards. Think: swag, exclusive content, sweepstakes, and more. Start earning and get in on it here.
Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
