Research identifies millions of unique genetic variants and establishes first national genomic reference Egypt has announced the results of its largest-ever whole-genome sequencing study, marking a significant step in the development of precision medicine and genomic research, reports Sada El-Balad, a partner of TV BRICS. The study, which analysed the complete genetic sequences of 1,024 Egyptian citizens across 21 governorates, provides the country with its first comprehensive national genomic reference. The findings were confirmed by Minister of Higher Education and…

A landmark legal battle that could redefine how South Africans face death is now before the courts, as DignitySA launches a constitutional challenge to legalise medically assisted dying. The organisation has approached the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, seeking to overturn South Africa’s long-standing common-law prohibition on assisted dying. At the heart of the case is a fundamental question: should individuals enduring unbearable and irreversible suffering have the legal right to choose how and when they die? DignitySA’s application…

New personalised design improves clarity and cuts distortion by over 17% Researchers from Perm National Research Polytechnic University, together with leading medical institutions, have developed an advanced design for bone conduction hearing implants that significantly improves sound transmission and reduces distortion. The innovation addresses a long-standing limitation in existing devices, which often rely on standardised metal fittings that fail to account for individual anatomical differences, as reported by the official website of the University. This can result in poor contact…

A new study by the University of Pretoria (UP) has uncovered serious concerns about the way medical schemes conduct forensic audits on physiotherapists, warning that the process is often harmful, coercive and lacking accountability. UP on Tuesday, told the media that the research, led by Lesley Meyer from the University’s Department of Physiotherapy, highlights how audits meant to safeguard funds are instead leaving practitioners traumatised, financially strained and professionally stigmatised, often without proof of wrongdoing. Forensic audits are designed to…

As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Month under the theme “Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real,” the Centre for Community Impact (CCI) has launched a large-scale health programme aimed at supporting sex workers across the country. The initiative focuses on comprehensive prevention, treatment, care and support services for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and gender-based violence (GBV). The programme will be rolled out across eight provinces, reaching 18 districts nationwide. The intervention comes at a…

Whole Exome Sequencing reduces wait time for diagnosis from 7 years to up to 6 months and is expected to benefit 13 million Brazilians A new innovative genetic test is now available in the Unified Health System (SUS), according to an announcement by the Ministry of Health, reported by Metrópoles, a partner of TV BRICS. The medical evaluation, known as Whole Exome Sequencing, incorporates high technology and aims to diagnose rare genetic diseases. Patients are expected to receive their results…

The Southern African Development Community has released its 2025 sexual and reproductive health scorecard, showing both progress and ongoing challenges across the region. The report, launched in Johannesburg on Tuesday, tracks how 16 member states are performing on key health and gender equality targets linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. It uses a traffic light system to measure progress on 20 indicators, including HIV infections, maternal health and access to family planning. The scorecard shows that several countries have made…

Breakthrough microfluidic technology strengthens BRICS momentum in biomedical innovation Scientists in St. Petersburg have developed a high-precision microchannel sensor capable of detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) – key biomarkers associated with ageing and the development of cardiovascular and neurological diseases – with up to two times greater accuracy than conventional analytical methods. The research introduces a microfluidic device designed to significantly improve the speed, sensitivity and reliability of oxidative stress assessment, as reported by the Russian Academy of Sciences. Reactive…

The achievement is the result of the development of an innovation ecosystem and targeted support for Iranian knowledge-based companies Iran has obtained licences for six new cell therapy products and has risen in the global ranking in regenerative medicine from 12th to 7th place. Some of these products represent advanced technologies and have export potential, as reported by Nour News, a partner of TV BRICS. The report notes that 148 advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are currently licensed worldwide, seven…

Russian doctors develop method to restore sense of smell in people with post-COVID syndromePreliminary results show that patients begin to recognise smells better from the seventh session Otorhinolaryngologists at the I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) have developed an olfactory training programme for people with post-COVID syndrome. This was reported by the university’s press service. “Today, there are neither medicinal nor surgical treatment methods for patients with post-COVID loss of smell. Olfactory training is the only…