Breakthrough Discovery in the Fight Against Deadly Bacteria

KOBE, May 01 (News On Japan) - Kobe University announced on March 30th that it has discovered a molecular compound, termed "Mn007," that can inhibit infections caused by the necrotizing fasciitis-inducing bacterium known as Group A Streptococcus, commonly referred to as flesh-eating bacteria.

Due to its potentially lethal nature—with a mortality rate of up to 30%—this bacterium has been notoriously dubbed as a flesh-eating bacteria.

The research group is optimistic that this discovery may lead to the development of a new treatment.

Source: ANN

City of Los Angeles names May 17 Shohei Ohtani Day

or as long as Shohei Ohtani plays for the Dodgers -- which will be at least for the next decade -- May 17 will be known as “Shohei Ohtani Day” in Los Angeles County. (MLB)

Two Die After Consuming Toxic Plant

Two residents of Sapporo who died earlier this month likely succumbed to food poisoning caused by mistakenly consuming toxic autumn crocus, according to the Sapporo City Health Department. The department confirmed on May 17 that the deaths were indeed due to poisoning from this plant.

Japan Approves Joint Custody After Divorce

A revised Civil Code introducing 'joint custody' for children after divorce has been passed by the Diet. This marks the first time in 77 years that Japan has reviewed the approach to post-divorce custody.

'Challenge to Democracy': Tokyo Police Arrest Three Tsubasa Party Leaders

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested three leaders of the political group 'Tsubasa Party' on suspicion of violating the Public Offices Election Act by disrupting the speeches of other candidates during a House of Representatives by-election in Tokyo's 15th district. Investigators view this as a "challenge to democracy" and plan to pursue a thorough investigation.