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One of the most popular strategies to increase energy efficiency and reduce pollution in homes—which are responsible for approximately 10% of greenhouse gas emissions—is the transitioning from gas to electric stoves. An international team of researchers investigated the health and environmental impacts of a program in Ecuador that put induction stoves in 750,000 households.

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it will make sure that the 23 Copper Queens players get their dues promised to them by FIFA as soon as the funds are made available.

The Copper Queens players who represented the country at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand are expected to pocket US$30, 000 each after exiting the competition at group stage level following two defeats to Japan and Spain before the historical win over Costa Rica. 

FAZ President Andrew Kamanga said FAZ is conscious of the anxieties that the FIFA-promised US$30, 000 has caused among the soon-to-be beneficiaries.

Kamanga is hopeful that the players will use the huge allowances from FIFA wisely. 

“It is our prayer that the girls will keep their feet on the ground in the face of this rare remuneration. In a small way we have exposed them to financial literacy training to help them make quality decisions on spending their money,” Kamanga said. 

Kamanga noted that after competing at the World Cup, the Copper Queens will now focus on forthcoming WAFCON and Olympic qualifiers. 

He confirmed that FAZ is conducting a review of the team’s FIFA World Cup experience that saw them lose two and win one match in Group C. 

On the Chipolopolo boys who will commence preparations for the September 9 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros, Kamanga said, “It may be a formality match, but we will ensure that we use it to prepare for the November round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

He said FAZ will also use the October FIFA window to play two international friendly matches.

Meanwhile, Kamanga has hailed soccer fans for contributing to the success of the Carling Black Label Samuel “Zoom” Ndhlovu Charity Shield which was scooped by Forest Rangers who defeated Power Dynamos 3-0 after the fans picked the starting elevens for the two sides. 

“It was exciting to see fans get involved in selection as they always raise dust with selection. It was not so much the result but the thrill of having fans directly involved in a match. I believe after the Charity Shield experience fans may have a totally different perception of what it takes to pick a team for coaches. Special thanks to Zambian Breweries for having sponsored the Charity Shield and made it memorable,” Kamanga said. 

“Oh my God, he’s bored,” said Simone Haller, Ph.D., who jokingly recalled seeing a colleague’s neutral facial expression during a recent presentation. The situation was a unique moment for Haller, who studies bias and emotional reactions alongside Joel Stoddard, MD, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Physician-scientists from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine recently conducted a large-scale analysis to assess the impact of a newly introduced equation used to evaluate one’s heart failure risk. The study, published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure, showed that the new and old kidney function equations had comparable values in predicting the risk of heart failure.

Over the past decade, suicide rates have increased by 30% for Black Americans. By contrast, in a similar time frame, epidemiological data reveals a decrease in suicide trends for white Americans. A new study, led by University of Houston psychology doctoral student Jasmin Brooks and directed by professor of psychology Rheeda Walker, examines the role of mindfulness, a robust coping mechanism, on the association between impulsivity and suicidal risk within a sample of Black emerging adults.

Dr. Heather Sandison, a leading expert in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) care, has recently published a groundbreaking study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, highlighting significant improvements in cognitive function among individuals with cognitive decline. The study is the second to employ a multimodal, individualized care plan and offers further hope for managing and potentially reversing cognitive impairment.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a computational model that makes it possible to predict each woman’s genetic risk of developing breast cancer based on her genetic profile. The research was based on a large-scale international study that included genomic data of about a quarter of a million women with and without breast cancer, and applied its findings to about 2,000 Israeli women. The team of researchers explain, “Our method will allow the health system to move to a personalized early detection policy—when those who are identified as being at high risk will be tested from a younger age and more frequently. Focusing the screening tests using the model may save lives and will save health system resources.”

“Resilience factors,” such as engaging in more activities, expanding one’s social network, and increasing the use of technology, can lower the risk of loneliness among the elderly, new research finds.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a form of cognitive ability loss that can precede Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. People with MCI have some trouble with memory and thinking, but can largely lead independent lives.

July 2023 was the hottest month on record, with cities like Phoenix experiencing record-breaking heat waves for weeks on end. A new study finds that ongoing extreme heat can worsen cognitive decline among vulnerable groups—particularly Black older adults and those living in poor neighborhoods.