Extra Journaal News Bulletin – August 3, 2026

Rotterdam's Erasmus MC hospital will begin conducting DNA tests on premature babies in its intensive care unit starting Monday to prevent antibiotic-induced hearing loss. The test is designed to identify whether a baby carries a specific genetic variant that makes them highly susceptible to deafness when treated with the antibiotic gentamicin, a commonly used drug for infections in premature newborns. Gentamicin is effective and widely administered, but in patients with this particular genetic mutation, it can cause permanent hearing damage. By screening babies before treatment, doctors can adjust their approach and use alternative medications where necessary. The initiative represents a significant step forward in personalized neonatal care, potentially sparing a number of children from lifelong hearing impairment. Erasmus MC is among the first hospitals in the Netherlands to implement this type of preventive genetic screening in a neonatal ICU setting.

Dutch researchers have found that the coral reefs surrounding Bonaire have suffered a dramatic decline over the past five decades, with living coral now covering only about five percent of the seabed. This represents a drop of more than 90 percent compared to historical levels, marking a severe deterioration in reef health. Bonaire has long been celebrated as one of the Caribbean's premier diving destinations and maintains a protected marine park around the island. The findings highlight a broader crisis facing coral ecosystems across the Caribbean, driven by factors including climate change, rising sea temperatures, pollution, and disease. The sharp decline poses serious risks not only to marine biodiversity but also to Bonaire's tourism economy, which is heavily dependent on the health of its reefs. Researchers are urging urgent action to address the root causes of coral degradation before further irreversible damage occurs.

The historic Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad, Curaçao, has been removed to undergo a major renovation project. The floating pontoon bridge, which connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts of the capital, is one of the island's most recognizable landmarks and a key pedestrian crossing over St. Anna Bay. The removal marks the beginning of a significant restoration effort aimed at preserving the 19th-century structure for future generations. During the renovation period, residents and visitors will need to rely on the nearby Queen Juliana Bridge or ferry services to cross between the two sides of Willemstad. The project underscores Curaçao's commitment to maintaining its UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, of which the bridge is a central feature. No official timeline for the completion of the renovation has been immediately reported, but the works are expected to cause notable disruption to daily foot traffic in the area.