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A genetic mutation called ALDH22, predominantly found in East Asians, has been linked to the "Asian glow," a skin reddening reaction to alcohol.

About 8% of the global population, roughly 560 million people, carry this mutation which originated in Southeast China thousands of years ago. Approximately 45% of East Asians experience this flushing when drinking, leading some to use antihistamines to mitigate symptoms or avoid alcohol entirely. Stanford Medicine researchers found that ALDH22 carriers are more vulnerable to acetaldehyde, increasing the risk of liver damage, cancer, and vascular issues.

This mutation significantly elevates the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and esophageal cancer, especially with even moderate alcohol consumption. Despite antihistamines alleviating skin flushing, they don't lower acetaldehyde levels, posing risks by masking alcohol toxicity signals. To combat misconceptions, Che-Hong Chen established the Taiwan Alcohol Intolerance Education Society, raising awareness about ALDH2 deficiency and its consequences, even leading to the creation of National Taiwan No Alcohol Day in 2019.

• Dr. Hyochol Ahn, the University of Arizona College of Nursing's inaugural Asian American dean, has officially assumed his new role, preparing over the summer to welcome students for the upcoming semester. Dr. Ahn has ambitious plans, aiming to increase nursing enrollment by 10% and implement cutting-edge nursing simulation education, incorporating artificial intelligence and nursing engineering technology to support students in their career endeavors.

• A 66-year-old business owner and mother of nine, Laura Ann Carleton, was tragically shot and killed in Lake Arrowhead, California, allegedly due to her display of a Pride flag at her clothing store. The shooter, 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi, reportedly made disparaging remarks about the flag before the fatal shooting. Ikeguchi, who had expressed disapproval of the LGBTQ+ community on social media, was later located and killed by deputies. California Governor Gavin Newsom and San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe denounced the shooting as a hate crime, with LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD highlighting a disturbing rise in anti-LGBTQ+ threats and attacks.

• Thai-Danish model Anntonia Porsild clinched the title of Miss Universe Thailand 2023 at the MCC Hall in Nonthaburi, representing Nakhon Ratchasima province. The first and second runners-up, Kirana Jasmine Chewter of Thai-British heritage and Praveenar Singh-Thakral of Thai-Indian heritage, also had mixed backgrounds. Porsild, who struggled with the Q&A segment during the pageant, will go on to represent Thailand at the upcoming Miss Universe competition in El Salvador. Born to a Thai mother and Danish father in India, Porsild has a diverse international background, having lived in various countries and previously winning the Miss Supranational 2019 pageant, making history as the first Thai-descendant contestant to achieve this title.

• Charles Martinet, the iconic voice actor behind Mario for 27 years, has retired from his role as Mario's voice. Nintendo made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and revealed that Martinet will now serve as Nintendo's Mario Ambassador, engaging with fans worldwide to share "the joy of Mario." Martinet expressed his gratitude to fans for their support over the years and, along with Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, will release a special video message in the future. Martinet began voicing Mario in "Super Mario 64" in 1996 and has been the English voice for the character since, with a cameo role in the recent "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."

• “Roblox” players can now throw BLACKPINK themed parties. 
   
• The video game “Mortal Kombat 1” will have audio narration for the visually impaired. 
   
• Big Hit has refuted claims of plagiarism on Jungkook’s song “Seven.” 
   
• Jelly Belly has boba tea flavors. 
   
• Popeyes is aiming for a major expansion plan in China.