News and Prophecy Staff

With the thawing “northeast passage,” sea travel has increased through the Arctic. “Last year 46 ships sailed the route. More than 400 are expected this year.” Some estimate that the trading power of this Arctic passage could rival the Suez Canal—linking trade between Europe and Asia (The Times, September 17, 2013). At the same time, “The Russian Navy is moving to establish a ‘constant presence’ in the region, according to the military.

Nations spy on other nations—they have for a very long time—and most national leaders understand this (BBC, October 26, 2013). However, this fact does not make it acceptable to those being spied upon, nor does it make it right. In recent weeks, it has become clear that the U.S.

For several years, scientists have used a person’s own stem cells to slowly grow replacement organs in an artificial environment (Live Science, September 24, 2013). Simple organs like skin, tracheas and bladders, with a person’s own DNA, have been grown and transplanted into patients—with no rejection effects! Regenerative medicine is now developing 3D printers to rapidly make new organs.  The goal is to make complex organs like hearts, livers, and kidneys (ibid.).

A new Sunday Assembly “community group” recently began in London with the goal of encouraging people to “do good” to others. (The Times, September 16, 2013). Its “service” includes singing, music and taking up donations.

Last week during the annual Haj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti reminded pilgrims from all over the Islamic world, “to avoid divisions, chaos and sectarianism, without explicitly speaking of the turmoil in some Arab countries. ‘Your nation [the greater Muslim community] is a trust with you. You must safeguard its security, stability and resources,’ he said… ‘You should know that you are targeted by your enemy... who wants to spread chaos among you...