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Mice with human immune cells are a new way of testing anti-cancer drugs targeting the immune system in pre-clinical studies. Using their new model, a Kobe University research team successfully tested a new therapeutic approach that blindfolds immune cells to the body’s self-recognition system and so makes them attack tumor cells.

By NATION REPORTER

EXPELLED Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa should be prosecuted for the criminal offences of forgery, perjury and fraud which he has brazenly committed in the face of Zambians and failure to do so is an indictment on the integrity of government and the rule of law.

By ROGERS KALERO

THE UPND does not deserve a second term because it has failed Zambians in all ways in finding solutions to the worsening poverty and hunger in communities but is instead concentrating on scheming to annihilate opposition political parties, the Patriotic Front has said.

By DARLINGTON CHILUBA

POLITICS has some of the most colourful language and can be forgiven for extending the dictionary into complex lingual spheres that appeal so uniquely to domestic politics of given nations.

Words like kleptocracy, for instance, were infused into common language to explain political systems were patronage and corruption were the order of the day.

Kleptocratic systems are able to thrive in both dictatorships and democracies when parliament, or the legislature, is captured. These systems are especially adept at manipulating the public and typically rely on giving the appearance of frugal and disciplined leadership.

Such systems normally give the impression of orderly politics and economic prudence while cautiously controlling information that reaches the public.  

These systems of political patronage tend to undermine meritocracy because decisions are based on personal interests such as regional or familial connections than ability to perform.

In a one-party state, for example, parliament is composed of only members of the ruling party who hold allegiance to the appointing authority by relation or connection, more than merit.

Their nominations or election into parliament would be based on their obedience to the seat of power than performance or acceptance by their constituency.

Another ruse of familial political systems is the savage obliteration of perceived enemies usually under the guise of global themes such as anti-corruption or anti-terrorism.

In these political systems, power and economic advancement are relational and often, even the judicial system performs more of a political than judicial function.

Access to political power is narrowed through stringent restrictions that promote those familiar to the seat of power. Economic restrictions are tighter in order to control the flow of money.

Controlling capital is a means of denying political opponents access to money that would fund a call for regime change. Such a scenario is just as applicable to a multi-party system as it is to repressive systems.

This is where democracy meets its real test because the presence of a multi-party legislative system can expose weaknesses in governance structures that dissuade meritocracy.

In essence, what is the purpose of a multi-party parliamentary system if there is no evidence of economic development at constituency and district levels? Who would parliament be representing if familial priorities override needs of the constituency?

Parliament is the ideal creation of representative politics. Representation, therefore, cannot be defined by one person or created to the service of a single person.

Representation, in a political sense, is meant to be diverse without attempting to silence any region or group. When politics is multifaceted, economic opportunity and commerce become liberalised so that they ably attend to competing challenges of the country.

Patronage might be difficult to eliminate, altogether but it becomes minimised or takes on a less lineal structure if multi-culturalism exists in a democratic system.

In this respect, a democratic legislature is essential to the social-economic advancement of country. Even where a particular group is dominant, political activity in a democracy ensures that power is always exchanged at some point through electoral cycles. The politics of “my type” or “my kind” ceases to be dominant nationally.

A decades-long decline in smoking prevalence in England has nearly ground to a halt since the start of the pandemic, according to a new study led by UCL researchers.

Body dissatisfaction at age 11 is linked to increased risk of depression by age 14, finds a new longitudinal study led by UCL researchers.

Researchers at Sinai Health have unearthed vital information about the relationship between insulin levels after eating and long-term heart and metabolic health. The research upends the notion that insulin surge following food intake is a bad thing.

Improving the mental health and wellness of Black Americans requires acknowledging and confronting systemic racism underlying the U.S. political, social, and health care systems that create and maintain racial inequality in every aspect of life for Black people in the US.

The personal yet global struggle with mental health may be more visible now than ever before. Yet many people still find it difficult to access the support they need.

UK organizations responsible for protecting the public from prescription-only drug adverts are putting patients at risk from the harms of weight loss drugs by not enforcing the law, reveals an investigation published by The BMJ.