Medical Research

NUST hosts cancer genomics conference in Windhoek

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has opened a three-day cancer genomics conference in Windhoek, running from 24 to 26 September. Under the theme “Harnessing Functional Genomics in Cancer Research: Opportunities for Diagnosis and Treatment,” the event brings together international experts, local clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to explore the role of genomics in improving cancer diagnosis and treatment across Africa. Professor Lamech Mwapagha, from NUST’s Department of Biology, […]

24 September, 2025

Health / Medical

SA Medical Association Concerned Over Trump’s PEPFAR Funding Halt

The South African Medical Association has expressed concern at US president Donald Trump’s decision to halt funding for foreign sites supported by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and all other research funding. Pepfar contributes 17-percent of South Africa’s HIV response funding, with the remainder funded through domestic resources and the Global Fund. The association’s chairperson, doctor Mvuyisi Mzukwa, says the abrupt nature of this decision, coupled with its […]

12 February, 2025

Health / Medical

New blood tests may spot Parkinson’s before symptoms appear

Researchers have identified a biological signature of Parkinson's disease they hope could lead to a simple blood test for the condition at least seven years before symptoms appear. Scientists have screened blood samples from people with Parkinson's and detected eight key proteins or "biomarkers" common to those with the condition. Based on these proteins in the blood, artificial intelligence could identify potential Parkinson's patients several years in advance. Parkinson's is […]

19 June, 2024

Health / Medical

WHO says vaccine patches could revolutionise measles prevention

A vaccine patch could be a safe and effective alternative way to protect young children against measles, a trial by the World Health Organisation in The Gambia has suggested. Dr. Birgit Giersing, team lead at the WHO vaccine product and delivery research unit to UN News that the patches could be a major breakthrough in protecting vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.

13 May, 2024

Health / Medical

Medical science has made great strides in fighting TB, but reducing poverty is the best way to end this disease

By Tom Nyirenda, Stellenbosch University Every year, 10 million people fall ill with tuberculosis. Even though the disease is both preventable and curable, it kills 1.5 million people each year, making it the world’s deadliest infectious disease. Over 25% of these deaths occur in African countries. The World Health Organization has developed a strategy to reduce TB deaths by 95% by 2035. It’s a monumental task. […]

26 March, 2024

Health / Medical

Musk’s Neuralink publishes brain implant trial results

Elon Musk says Neuralink’s first human trial participant can control a computer mouse with their brain, nearly one month after having the company’s chip implanted. The CEO of Future Today Institute, Amy Webb told CNN that it’s alarming that the study was initially published on Twitter (X), instead of a medical journal. We asked a local Psychologist Dr. Shaun Whittaker for his take on the matter.

21 February, 2024