Latest news with #Medicine
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
NWU welcomes plans for academic hospital in North West
Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has lauded Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's announcement that plans are in place to add to the country's ten academic hospitals. Minister Motsoaledi made this announcement during his budget vote presentation to the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday. There are currently no academic hospitals in the North West, Mpumalanga or the Northern Cape, although proposed projects in these regions are in the preliminary stages of development. The NWU is in the advanced stages of constructing the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, and Prof. Tyobeka says that aligning this project with the proposed academic hospital in the North West would greatly benefit the citizens of the province. The first intake of NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine students is scheduled for 2028. 'South Africa faces many healthcare challenges, and it is heartening to see that the public healthcare system, on which almost 90% of South Africans rely, is a high government priority. But more than a priority, healthcare is a promise to our citizens that we must keep. Therefore, I am elated by the Minister's pronouncement regarding plans in the pipeline to establish additional academic hospitals, one of which is earmarked for the North West Province,' said Prof Tyobeka. 'This development strongly supports our NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, which is presently under construction. Whilst not wishing to pre-empt any formal decisions, we are hopeful that government will strategically locate this hospital in Mahikeng or within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, in close proximity to our NWU Mahikeng Campus. Such a move would significantly enhance the university's capacity to broaden the footprint of our NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine beyond the Kenneth Kaunda and JB Marks Districts, thereby improving equitable access to high-calibre healthcare professionals and clinical expertise across the province.' The integration of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine with a future academic hospital in the North West holds immense promise not only for advancing medical education, but also for transforming healthcare access and outcomes in the province. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
DW
a day ago
- Health
- DW
COVID-19 pandemic sped up brain aging, says study – DW – 07/22/2025
A British study has found the COVID-19 pandemic aged people's brains by almost six months, regardless of infection status. A new study has found that living through the COVID-19 pandemic aged people's brains, regardless of whether people were infected. The research adds to growing data about the pandemic's long-term impact on global health and brain development. The study showed that the pandemic accelerated brain aging by 5.5 months on average. Changes were most noticeable in older people, men, and in those from more disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Brain age relates to cognitive function and can differ from a person's actual age. Someone's brain age can be delayed or advanced by diseases like diabetes, HIV, and Alzheimer's disease. Premature brain aging can affect memory, sensory function, and emotional function. The authors say the brain aging they observed may be reversible. "The pandemic put a strain on people's lives, especially those already facing disadvantages. We can't yet test whether the changes we saw will reverse, but it's certainly possible, and that's an encouraging thought," said the study's senior author Dorothee Auer, a neuroscientist at University of Nottingham, UK. Frank Slack, Director of HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine and the Cancer Research Institute at Harvard Medical School, US, said the "work is a tour de force showing in a large population that COVID had severe effects on brain health, especially in males and the elderly." Slack was not involved in the study. The study was published today in The study aimed to investigate the adverse effects ofCOVID-19on physical and cognitive brain aging using brain imaging and cognitive testing. The researchers analyzed brain scans from healthy adults taken before and after the pandemic as part of the UK Biobank study. "[This] gave us a rare window to observe how major life events can affect the brain," said Stamatios Sotiropoulos, a neuroscientist at University of Nottingham and the study's co-lead author. First, the researchers used brain scan data from 15,334 healthy people to train a machine learning algorithm that could accurately estimate their brain age. They then used the model to predict the brain age of 996 healthy adults before and after the COVID pandemic. One group of participants had scans before and after the pandemic began, while a comparison group only had their scans taken before the outbreak. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The study revealed that the brains of participants from the pandemic group had aged an average 5.5 months faster than the control group, even when matched for a range of health markers. Jacobus Jansen, a neuroscientist at Maastricht UMC, Netherlands, said the surprising result was that "aging is independent of actual COVID-19 infection." However, only participants who were infected by COVID-19 showed a drop in cognitive abilities like mental flexibility and processing speed. This may suggest that the pandemic's brain aging effect without infection may not cause noticeable cognitive symptoms. The next question researchers are aiming to answer is how the pandemic had long-term effects on people's cognitive health. Other studies have suggested certain genetic factors could make some people more predisposed to COVID-related brain aging. "[In 2022], we described premature aging in the brains of severe COVID. Unfortunately, all of the patients we examined had passed away from COVID, precluding detailed follow-up and analysis of brain architecture over time," Slack said. "It will be interesting to start to ask whether the aging effects seen in this study are related to the gene expression changes we saw in our study," Slack said. Neuroscience studies suggest there are ways to slow down brain aging and reduce the risks of cognitive decline. Exercise, for example, is a known protective factor in brain aging, which is why "it would be valuable to assess the contribution of changes in exercise patterns during the pandemic, alongside psychological stress, within their model," said Maria Mavrikaki, a neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School, US, who was not involved in the study. Other studies suggest that brain aging can be slowed down by lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, staying physically and mentally active, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep promotes healthy brain aging. These small changes can add up, so making them part of your routine can support your brain function in the future. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Times
Junior doctors and dentists earn £10,000 more than other graduates
Medicine and dentistry graduates earn nearly £10,000 more than the average university leaver after 15 months, figures show. The average salary for those in full-time paid employment who graduated in 2023 was £28,500, up from £27,500 the year before. Science graduates had an average salary of £29,500, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa). The annual survey named medicine and dentistry as the most lucrative degree subjects. Graduates in those fields recorded the highest average salary, at £37,900. The lowest was for graduates from media, journalism and communication subjects, at almost £25,000. Fewer new graduates are in full-time employment or full-time further study than the year before, the figures show. Slightly more are unemployed than in the previous year's cohort. Female graduates were less likely to be unemployed than male graduates but more likely to be in part-time employment. Among graduates in full-time employment, more men than women reported earning salaries over £33,000. • British doctors chasing jobs will get priority over foreigners Overall, 59 per cent of graduates from 2023 were in full-time employment 15 months after leaving, compared with 61 per cent in 2022 and 2021, but higher than the years immediately pre-pandemic. Five per cent were in full-time further study, down from 6 per cent the year before. Six per cent of graduates were unemployed, up from 5 per cent the year before. Similar numbers in both years were travelling, caring for someone, retired, doing voluntary work or working part-time. Of British graduates working in the UK, 76 per cent were in high-skilled jobs (82 per cent of science graduates and 72 per cent of others). This ranged from 97 per cent of medicine and dentistry graduates to 49 per cent of those who had studied agriculture or food-related courses. Ten per cent of all employed graduates were in low-skilled work and another 5 per cent in elementary occupations, those involving simple and routine tasks. A further six per cent were engaged in administrative or secretarial jobs and 5 per cent in sales and customer service. Most respondents felt their current 'activity' was meaningful and 74 per cent said it fitted with their future plans. Only 65 per cent said that they were using what they had learnt during their studies. More than 358,045 graduates provided usable responses to the agency for its annual graduate outcomes survey. • A thousand applications to get a job: the graduate grind Charlie Ball, head of labour market intelligence at the Jisc, which provides technology advice to universities, said: 'Since 2022, the job market has been flat. There's a small trough at the end of 2024, around the time this graduate cohort was surveyed. So we'd expect the outcomes to be slightly, but not inordinately, worse than the last cohort.' Eighty-eight per cent of graduates were in work or study, down from 89 per cent the previous year and 90 per cent in 2021, which Ball described as 'disappointing but not a sign of a significant labour market downturn'. He added: 'You would expect a slight rise in postgraduate study rates. This is generally counter-cyclical, in that it goes up as the graduate labour market dips. This doesn't seem to have really happened this time around, possibly because graduates don't themselves perceive the jobs market to have got notably worse.' Medicine and dentistry £37,924 Veterinary science £33,750 Engineering and technology £31,975 Mathematical sciences £31,450 Computing £30,998 Media, journalism and communications £24,925 Design, creative and performing arts £24,993 Psychology £24,988 Law £25,305 Biological and sports science £25,988
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Unsafe gains: 14% of Indian protein powders have toxins, 70% mislabelled
In a wake-up call for India's growing fitness and wellness industry, a peer-reviewed study has revealed that 70 per cent of 36 popular protein supplements sold in India were mislabelled, while 14 per cent were found to contain dangerous toxins including heavy metals, pesticides, and fungus-derived aflatoxins. The study, titled 'Citizen's Protein Project' and published in the journal Medicine, was a self-funded initiative by researchers and concerned citizens to investigate what exactly goes into the most widely consumed protein powders in the Indian market. What's wrong with the protein powder you're consuming? The study, which involved laboratory testing of 36 protein powder samples, was conducted by researchers from Rajagiri Hospital (Kerala) and a US-based technology entrepreneur. Key findings include: 70 per cent samples misrepresented their protein content 14 per cent samples were contaminated with aflatoxins (toxic compounds produced by moulds/fungus) 8.3 per cent were found to be contaminated by pesticide residues According to the study, most of the samples were contaminated with heavy metals: - Arsenic was detected in 13.9 per cent of the samples - Cadmium in 27.8 per cent samples - Lead in 75 per cent samples - Copper in 94.4 per cent samples - None of the protein powder contained mercury or thallium Ingredients such as green tea extract, curcumin, garcinia cambogia and ashwagandha, which can be damaging for the liver in large doses, were present in several formulations. A wide variety of other types of industrial solvents, such as alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, and esters, were also detected in various samples. Certain brands contained more than the labelled or advertised protein content, raising concerns of protein/amino-spiking with low quality ingredients. Health Implications Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can lead to serious health problems such as liver damage, kidney dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, and even carcinogenic effects. The World Health Organisation states that there is no safe level of Pb exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies aflatoxins as potentially carcinogenic for humans. "Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can gradually accumulate in the body over time, damaging vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and brain. This build-up may lead to complications such as nerve damage, memory loss, and even organ failure. Pesticides disrupt hormonal balance, weaken the immune system, and potentially raise the risk of certain cancers," Dr K Sridhar Srinivasan, senior consultant for Internal Medicine at CARE Hospitals, told Business Standard. "Aflatoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain fungi, are particularly hazardous. Prolonged exposure to aflatoxins can severely harm the liver and significantly increase the risk of developing liver cancer," he added. Gaps in regulation and quality control According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the India protein market size is estimated at $1.52 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach $2.08 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.52 per cent during the forecast period of 2025-2030. Despite the growing market, the industry remains poorly regulated in India. Unlike pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements are not subject to strict pre-market approval. The Citizen's Protein Project report states that similar to the United States Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) does not approve herbal and dietary supplements (HDS). The safety of contents must be assured by the manufacturer, while the content and labelling are scrutinised by the FSSAI based on test results submitted by the manufacturer, that are not made public and remain non-transparent. The authors of the study have urged stricter enforcement by regulatory bodies like FSSAI, calling for: routine third-party lab testing transparent labelling practices mandatory disclosures of ingredient sources Adding to the discourse, Dr Srinivasan said, "All supplement brands should go through independent lab testing, and if they are found to be unsafe or mislabelled, they must face heavy penalties. There should also be a central database or website where consumers can check which brands are tested and approved. The FSSAI must ensure that labels clearly mention test certifications and ingredient details." What can consumers do? For now, experts advise buyers to remain cautious. Buy only from trusted and certified brands. Always check for FSSAI approval and lab certifications. Avoid products promoted only by celebrities or influencers without medical backing. Whenever possible, try to get protein from natural food sources like milk, pulses, eggs, fish, nuts, etc. Before starting any supplement, it's best to talk to a doctor or dietician to know if it's really needed.
Herald Malaysia
7 days ago
- Health
- Herald Malaysia
Colombo working on national autism plan
Dissanayake's secretary, Dr Kumanayake, has tasked officials with presenting a proposal. The instructions are part of the Prajashakthi government programme for the equitable distribution of benefits in society. Autism (DSA) is increasingly recognised in Sri Lanka. The Ayati Trust centre in Ragama has reached 14,000 children with disabilities in five years. Jul 17, 2025 By Melani Manel Perera A proposal for a comprehensive plan to establish a national mechanism to support children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This is what President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's secretary, Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, asked officials last week. These instructions were given during a discussion held as part of the national 'Prajashakthi' programme, launched earlier this month as a key initiative of the current government. It aims to empower citizens and ensure the equitable distribution of economic benefits throughout society, with a special focus on rural communities. The programme will be implemented by ministries and affiliated institutions, with coordination from the Presidential Secretariat. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognised in Sri Lanka, although awareness and services have historically been limited. Estimates of prevalence are unclear due to a lack of comprehensive national data, but several reports suggest an increase in diagnoses, partly due to greater awareness and the spread of diagnostic practices. Despite this, many families still seek help from religious or traditional healers due to deep-rooted cultural beliefs. Acceptance of neurodiversity is still limited but is slowly improving with education. According to the Ayati Trust centre in Sri Lanka, approximately 1 in 93 children has been diagnosed with autism. People with autism often face significant social stigma, misconceptions and delays in accessing diagnosis and support. Established in January 2020, the Ayati Trust in Ragama (born out of the Faculty of Medicine at Kelaniya University) is Sri Lanka's first national centre for children with disabilities, including autism. Its service has reached over 14,000 children, who have received assistance over five years. Typically, 100 children are seen per day and around 175-200 attend the clinics every weekday. From its example, some key challenges have been identified, such as limited awareness and stigma in society. The social stigma surrounding autism remains significant, especially in rural areas. Limited knowledge about autism leads to late diagnosis and limited support. Furthermore, early diagnosis is difficult to achieve due to a lack of trained professionals and resources. Services are mainly concentrated in Colombo and a few medium-sized urban centres. Furthermore, rural communities often do not have access to diagnostic tools, speech therapists and behavioural interventions. Finally, traditional schools are often not equipped to deal with people with autism. There is a shortage of teachers for special education and inclusive education programmes. There are a few well-equipped private schools, but they are expensive and limited in number. In addition, therapy (speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA, etc.) is often expensive and requires long-term intervention. Most families pay out of their own pockets, making prolonged intervention inaccessible to many.--Asia News
