Posts in category: Uncategorized

The first mapping of the heart’s crucial ion channels reveals a surprisingly extensive network of proteins. This understanding is the first step towards more precise treatment for patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

…Zambia may face challenges in refinancing maturing debt 

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

THE Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS) 2023-2025 has indicated that Zambia may face challenges in refinancing its maturing debt in the absence of a strategic approach.

According to the MTDS published recently by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, this could potentially lead to higher borrowing costs and disruptions in debt servicing.

As at end of the first quarter of 2023, Zambia had a total external debt stock of US$14 billion owed to a collection of private, bilateral, and multilateral lenders.

Government in the MTDS indicated that a comprehensive strategy enabled optimisation of its borrowing terms, aligned debt maturities with cash flow projections, and diversified funding sources.

Additionally, according to the strategy, the absence of an MTDS could hinder the ability of Government to effectively manage its debt portfolio.

“The lack of a well-defined and sustainable MTDS creates several problems and vulnerabilities for a nation’s fiscal health. One key issue is the increased risk of debt accumulation and unsustainable debt levels.

“This lack of strategic planning can result in increased borrowing costs, and a heightened vulnerability to financial crises,” according to the strategy.

Government has, therefore, put in place the MTDS which served as a roadmap for managing a country’s debt over a medium-term horizon, typically spanning three to five years.

The MTDS is a crucial component of effective public financial management.

The MTDS highlighted that addressing these challenges required the development and implementation of a comprehensive and sustainable strategy.

“This involves conducting thorough debt sustainability analyses, setting clear debt management objectives, establishing robust reporting mechanisms, enhancing transparency and accountability in debt-related decision-making, and fostering a culture of fiscal discipline.

“By adopting a strategic approach to debt management, Zambia can mitigate risks, maintain fiscal stability, and create a conducive environment for sustainable economic growth,” the strategy stated.

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The Noelin family of secreted proteins bind to the external portion of AMPA glutamate receptors and stabilize them on the neuronal cellular membrane, a process necessary for transmission of full-strength signals between neurons, according to a study in mice from the National Eye Institute (NEI) and the University of Freiberg, Germany. Without this external, stabilizing protein network, the AMPA receptors are no longer retained at the synapse, leading to weak, short-lived synaptic signals.

The Neolithic Tyrolean Iceman “Ötzi” has been studied thoroughly in the past. But the latest installment, in which researchers have generated a high-coverage genome to learn more about his genetic history, still offers some surprises. A report in the journal Cell Genomics on August 16 shows Ötzi had dark skin, dark eyes, and a balding head.

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have found that molecules in vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower help to maintain a healthy barrier in the lung and ease infection.

A new article in the Journal of Healthcare Leadership advocates for the integration of culinary medicine programs into health care and medical education.

ZAMBIA’S Champions League envoys Power Dynamos have arrived in South Africa ahead of this weekend’s clash against African Stars of Namibia. Power are marking a return to the Champions League and find themselves playing a preliminary round tie against African Stars with the first leg set to take place in Johannesburg. The Namibians are using […]

Increasing the rate of paid maternity leave, so it is tied to prior earnings, rather than just increasing the time off work, could lead to better and fairer outcomes for Australian families.

Trust your gut? Your doctor likely will, too. Probiotics engineered to sense and report signs of bowel inflammation could deliver firsthand knowledge of your system’s inner workings—provided they are not killed or dispersed in the process.

The COVID-19 pandemic took disinfecting to new heights. Now, a new study examining a commonly used item might convince you not to let your guard down just yet.