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15/01/2023 ---- 19/01/2023

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19.01.2023
THEME: HEALTH

Ultrasound treatments are being proven effective against neurodegenerative disorders

With more than 80 billion interconnected neuronal cells, the human brain is one of science's yet unsolved big mysteries. It is arguably the most irreplaceable organ of our body, the virtual space in which our existence occurs. The brain is at the base of most neurological diseases associated with ageing. Although the exact science remains opaque, scientists and doctors recently demonstrated that ultrasounds could attenuate or reverse some neurological conditions. With the advancement of brain diagnostic technologies and ultrasounds, these methods are increasing efficacy. Soon, they will help treat many common diseases - such as essential tremors.

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder which causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. The condition can affect almost any body part. Still, the tremors typically occur in hands even during simple tasks such as eating, drinking or writing. The tremor is usually more prominent on one side of the body and can worsen with movement. It's most common in people 40 and older, affecting 25 million worldwide. Dr Jeff Elias - from the UVA neurosurgery clinic in Virginia - is a pioneer in treating essential tremors using ultrasound waves. Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive therapeutic technology that sends sound waves to specific brain parts. Targeting precise structures deep in the brain can restore the function of faulty circuits, and it has been demonstrated - in some cases - to stop and cure essential tremors.

Focused ultrasound is currently regarded as an alternative treatment for patients that are irresponsive to conventional ones. However, it does have several advantages compared to other methods. The therapy would involve a diagnostic phase where the patient undergoes MRI and CT scans so doctors can use the resulting images to map the brain's structure and the target. Before receiving high-intensity, focused ultrasound, patients must have their heads shaved since air can sometimes get trapped in hair and disturb the therapy. There are reports of patients who got rid of any tremor after only 44 seconds of focused ultrasounds. But the range of applications continues beyond this particular disease. There are more than 170 clinical uses including for neurodegenerative disorders and tumours of the brain, breast, lung, and prostate, and the field is growing. Today, focused ultrasound technology is used globally in various stages, including clinical trials and approved regulatory use.

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17.01.2023
THEME: WORLD

In Peru' there are escalating and violent protests against the government

The year 2023 started with a certain political turmoil in South America. The transition of power in Brazil was far from smooth, with ex-president Bolsonaro's supporters trying to overthrow the new government of Lula - who won the elections in October 2022. A different but equally problematic process is now ongoing in Peru', where violent protests erupted in late 2022 and escalated these days into large manifestations against the government.

Protests began after Congress removed President Pedro Castillo on December 7, who was arrested and sentenced to 18 months of pre-trial detention on rebellion charges. Voters elected Castillo from a crowded field of candidates in 2021, following years of political crises and during a pandemic that hit Peru harder than most countries. He is a former teacher and union leader who had never held elected office before becoming president. He came from rural Peru and positioned himself as a man of the people. Many of his supporters hail from poorer regions, hoping Castillo would bring better prospects to the country's rural and indigenous people. Castillo's supporters had high hopes he could bring better representation to the poor, standing up to elites. Once in office, however, his support tumbled amid corruption scandals, party infighting, and congressional opposition. Castillo struggled to govern, naming five prime ministers and more than 80 ministers during his short presidency. Once embroiled in multiple corruption investigations, he tried to illegally dissolve Congress ahead of a planned impeachment vote. He was impeached and removed from office and is currently accused of crimes of rebellion and conspiracy, which he has denied. Still, Castillo retained supporters, who see him as a victim of political elites and a widely unpopular and corrupt Congress. After his removal, the vice president, Dina Boluarte, ascended to the job as Peru's sixth president in five years.

His supporters started manifesting days after his removal, demanding his release in what some have described as a "national insurgency". Airports and highways became the site of some clashes, and hundreds of foreign tourists were stranded in the country. As a result, in December, a state of emergency was imposed by Boluarte's government, suspending several constitutional rights, such as freedom of movement and assembly. Troops were deployed on the streets. To date, dozens have died in clashes with security forces. The authorities are using firearms, justifying the use of force with the alleged protesters' use of improvised explosives and weapons. The government is now extending this emergency state for the next month. Several top ministers have resigned since protests began. The former Minister of Labor, Eduardo García Birmisa, resigned on Thursday, calling Peru's president to apologize and hold general elections, according to the letter on his Twitter account. Former Minister of Interior Victor Rojas Herrera and Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations Grecia Rojas Ortiz resigned the following day. Despite mounting political pressure, Boluarte has said she has no intentions of leaving office. In the meantime, Lima was braced for new rallies this week as thousands of demonstrators mobilized Monday towards the capital. More significant protests are now foreseen in the capital Lima in the next few days.

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