(Just two World Cup-related links, I promise.)
BRAZIL
A Brazilian paraplegic made the first kick of the World Cup using a robotic exoskeleton. It was cool, but they had promised much more.
MALAYSIA
Seventeen transgender women were arrested in Malaysia for allegedly violating the law against “men posing as women.” They were fined about US $300 and sentenced to seven days in a male prison (6 months if they can’t pay the fine), where they’ll be at risk of violence.
MEXICO
Scientists have mapped the genetic relationships between Mexico’s indigenous groups and discovered a stunning amount of diversity. This knowledge could help determine disease risk and influence diagnostics in these populations.
SAUDI ARABIA
In the “cradle of Islam,” a growing number of people are quietly declaring themselves nonbelievers.
AUSTRIA
The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster was denied official recognition as a religion.
Featured Image: The no-longer-psychic Panda cubs from Chengdu
re Malaysian Transgendered Women. Back in the late 70’s the transgendered were largely ignored by society and Government. But modern Malaysia now takes a much harder Islamic line on all things, such that homosexuality and transgendered peoples have to live more secretive lives, especially if they happen to me Muslims.