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A more refined approach to the precise removal of brain tumors is on the horizon. The long-anticipated advancement is made achievable through the adaptation of tumor imaging processes employing positron computed tomography. Recent findings in Nature Communications are the result of collaborative efforts undertaken by health care and scientific institutions in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a tissue that is utilized in babies to maintain body temperature. In adults, BAT is increasingly drawing the attention of researchers, especially in the context of obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Activating BAT could represent a promising therapeutic pathway to achieve metabolic improvement in the fight against the obesity pandemic.

People often experience headaches and body pain after a lack of sleep, but the mechanisms behind this phenomenon are unclear. A new study led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a founding member of Mass General Brigham (MGB) and published in Nature Communications reveals that a certain chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, plays a major role.

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) has developed a novel organ-on-a-chip device for measuring electrical resistance across endothelial barriers. This chip had carbon-based, screen-printed electrodes incorporated into a multi-layered, microfluidic chip fabricated by a simple and cost-effective method.

POLICE must be commended for acting swiftly to curb what could obviously turned into a blood bath in Lusaka’s Chibolya Township where five innocent people were axed by hoodlums.

In two publications in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, Anneliene Jonker (TechMed Center) highlights the importance of health care for rare diseases, and the innovation needed in that. The personalized medicine program manager shows how drug repurposing can be a solution for rare diseases, as well as how developments in innovative therapies for rare diseases are influenced by personalized medicine.

A team of epidemiologists and neurologists from Karolinska Institutet, Tilburg University and the University of Gothenburg has found a possible genetic link between synesthesia and autism. In their study, reported in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, the group studied the genes of identical twins to learn more about the roots of synesthesia.

Studying the brain remains one of the most challenging endeavors in neuroscience. Researchers have explored various methods for live imaging and stimulation of deep brain activity. One such method is multiphoton excitation using pulsed infrared (IR) light. This type of light is weakly absorbed by tissues and can penetrate through the bone and deep into organs like the brain. However, it has its limitations to produce focused images and to control cellular activity with precision.

Post COVID-19 condition does not appear to be linked to direct viral invasion of the brain or active brain damage. This has been shown in a study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg. Searching for abnormal biomarkers among the participants yielded no hits in either blood or cerebrospinal fluid samples.

…as Katongo is set to lead Chipolopolo legends against Malawi legends  

By MICHAEL MIYOBA 

SPORTS federations must reflect on the success and failures recorded during the 59 years of the country’s independence, says Zambia Sports Fans Association Patron Peter Makembo.

Makembo noted that it is unfortunate that after 59 years of independence, the country has continued to struggle at various international championships such as the World championships, the Olympics and the Africa Cup of Nations.

He encouraged athletes to work hard to achieve great results for the country at major championships.

“As we celebrate our independence, we need to reflect on what we have done right and wrong in the last 59 years. Sports always plays a key role to unite us as a country especially when results are in our favour,” Makembo said.

“That is why we encourage all stakeholders to come up with a perfect plan that will improve our performances at international championships. We have the 2024 Olympic qualifiers taking place in different regions. We need to ensure that more athletes qualify so that we can have a high chance of producing gold medal winners,” he said.

Makembo also urged the Chipolopolo boys to target winning a second Africa Cup trophy after qualifying for the delayed 2023 AFCON which will take place in January 2024 in Ivory Coast.

Meanwhile, former Chipolopolo captain Christopher Katongo will lead the Chipolopolo legends who will face off with Malawi legends at the newly refurbished David Kaunda Stadium in Chipata.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed that the match slated for October 28, 2023 will serve as a post-independence birthday gift to football fans as well as cement the friendhip between Zambia and Malawi.

Katongo will lead the Zambian legends team comprising mostly of 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning squad.

Other notable stars who will feature in the match organised by the FAZ in Eastern Province includes midfielder Chisamba Lungu, defender Chintu Kampamba, Hichani Himoonde, Kalililo Kakonje and Felix Katongo. 

Former Malawi defender now Flames coach Patrick Mabedi will captain the Malawi legends squad that will consist of players that featured at the 2010 AFCON that includes goalkeeper Simplex Nthara and James Sangala. 

Former midfielder Joseph Kamwendo and forward Russell Mwafulirwa, Fisher Kondowe, Elvis Kafoteka, Allan Kamanga and Harry Nyirenda have also made the squad. 

The match will kick-off at 15 hours and will be preceded by a contest involving the Eastern Province U17 team and their Lusaka Province counterparts at 13 hours.