Author: Publisher
Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, is advancing the future of maternal and child healthcare through groundbreaking research in precision nutrition. The studies demonstrate how a mother's diet during pregnancy can influence not only pregnancy outcomes but also the long-term health of her child.Researchers from Sidra Medicine's Precision Nutrition Laboratory have published two new studies that uncover how maternal nutrition shapes foetal development through epigenetic changes—biological mechanisms that regulate how genes are expressed without altering DNA itself. The findings reinforce growing evidence that nutrition during pregnancy plays a fundamental role in determining a child's health before birth and may influence disease risk later in life.Dr Annalisa Terranegra, head of the Precision Nutrition Laboratory, Translational Medicine Department, Sidra Medicine, said: ‘Nutrition is one of the earliest and most powerful influences on human health, beginning long before birth. Our research shows that what a mother eats during pregnancy can leave measurable biological signatures that influence foetal development and potentially shape health across the lifespan. By understanding these mechanisms, we are moving closer to delivering personalised nutritional recommendations that help prevent pregnancy complications and give every child the healthiest possible start in life.’The first study, published in npj Science of Food, examined the relationship between maternal nutrition and preterm birth. Researchers found that women who delivered prematurely consumed significantly lower amounts of protein, vitamins, and essential minerals than mothers who delivered full-term pregnancies.The study further identified distinct epigenetic changes in both the placenta and umbilical cord blood, particularly in genes involved in fetal development and immune function. These findings suggest that inadequate protein intake during pregnancy may contribute to biological changes associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and could eventually support earlier identification of at-risk pregnancies.The second study, published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, focused on gestational diabetes mellitus, one of the most common pregnancy complications worldwide. Researchers found that mothers diagnosed with gestational diabetes consumed significantly higher amounts of saturated fat while having lower levels of vitamin D and folate compared with healthy pregnancies.The research also revealed widespread epigenetic changes affecting genes involved in insulin regulation and glucose metabolism, including the gene ZFP57, suggesting that maternal dietary patterns may influence a child's future metabolic health and susceptibility to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.Clinically, these findings underscore the potential value of early nutritional assessment and targeted dietary intervention in pregnant women at risk of gestational diabetes to help improve maternal outcomes and support long-term metabolic health in their children.Sidra Medicine is also investigating how the type and quality of dietary fats consumed during pregnancy may influence early brain development and the future risk of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Dr Ibrahim Mamoun Ibrahim, senior attending physician, Endocrinology, and lead for Diabetes in Pregnancy, Sidra Medicine, noted: ‘Gestational diabetes is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, but it is also one of the most preventable when women receive the right support at the right time. These findings reinforce that nutrition is far more than lifestyle advice—it is an integral part of medical care during pregnancy.’ Source link
This picture taken on Thursday shows a woman reacting as protesters storm the Department of Home Affairs offices during a demonstration calling for the removal of…
As large fires burn out of control across parts of Europe and North America this summer, the smoke they generate travels further – across countries and…
CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani speaks during the 76th FIFA Congress at Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada, on April 30, 2026. (Reuters) North American football chief Victor Montagliani is “making moves” towards challenging Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency in next March’s election, The i Paper reported on Friday, citing sources.The report comes amid growing scrutiny of Infantino, who is facing the first significant challenge to his leadership after FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup drew widespread opposition from major regional confederations.Infantino said in April he would seek a fourth term as FIFA president, with the election for the 2027-2031 cycle scheduled to take place in Morocco on March 18 next year.The Swiss-Italian executive had enjoyed strong backing from national federations until this week when plans to create a $20-billion subsidiary linked to football’s flagship tournament triggered a shift in sentiment among some stakeholders.Reuters has contacted CONCACAF for comment.At a meeting on Thursday, CONCACAF’s 41 member associations rejected FIFA’s proposal but stopped short of backing UEFA’s call for a boycott, while the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said it would review the plan before deciding its position.The North American, Central American and Caribbean confederation said members had expressed “deep concerns” over the lack of due process, a compressed timeline and the absence of review or approval by FIFA’s relevant governance bodies. Related Story Source link
Career Assistance, Research and Education (CARE) organised a CV Clinic and Interview Masterclass themed “First Impression Matters – Secrets to Interview Success and CV”, aimed at equipping job seekers and professionals with essential skills to enhance their career opportunities.The programme was inaugurated by Youth Forum vice president Rashad Mubarak. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the importance of being well-prepared to face the challenges of the evolving job market. He emphasised that a professionally prepared CV, a strong first impression, and confident interview performance are crucial factors for career success. He also encouraged youth to continuously develop their professional skills and effectively utilise available opportunities.During the Interview Masterclass, Shabeer Hameed shared practical guidance on successfully navigating different stages of the interview process. Through mock interviews and interactive practical sessions, participants gained hands-on experience in handling common interview scenarios. He also addressed key areas such as communication skills, confidence building, personal presentation, and understanding employer expectations.Shamseer Abubacker conducted a session on preparing professional CVs, explaining practical approaches and modern methods for designing effective resumes. The CV Clinic provided participants with individual reviews and valuable suggestions for improving their CVs. The interactive Q&A session was also highly beneficial for the attendees.The programme was attended by job seekers, fresh graduates, and professionals from various fields. Participants appreciated the practical knowledge, guidance, and training provided, which helped them improve their career readiness and build confidence to compete in the job market. CARE is an initiative actively working among the Indian community in Qatar in the areas of career development, education, research, and skill enhancement. Through career guidance programmes, professional training sessions, CV clinics, interview preparation workshops, and educational initiatives, CARE aims to empower youth and professionals and support them in achieving their career goals.Raqeeb Melattur and Thameem Ameer led the coordination of the programme. The event was widely appreciated as a valuable initiative that provided practical knowledge, confidence, and career guidance for those preparing to enter the job market and those seeking professional growth. Source link
Children play in a fountain to cool off during a heatwave in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. (Reuters) Republic of Korea recorded its highest temperature yesterday since modern weather observations began, as a prolonged heatwave pushed temperatures above 40C (104F) for a third straight day in parts of the country.The record was set in the southeastern city of Yangsan, where temperatures reached 41.4C at 1:40p, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The reading surpassed the previous national record of 41.0C set in Hongcheon in August 2018.Yangsan has now recorded temperatures above 40 C for three consecutive days amid an intense heatwave affecting much of the country. The KMA has issued its highest-level heatwave warning for parts of South Gyeongsang Province, including Yangsan, while heatwave advisories and warnings remain in effect across most of South Korea.”KMA data records using the ASOS observing system began in 1973, and the 41.4C measured in Yangsan is the highest temperature observed in our records since then,” a KMA spokesperson said. The KMA said the extreme heat across the country was caused by the simultaneous influence of the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High pressure systems, which have covered the Korean Peninsula like a lid, trapping heat and allowing temperatures to build across much of the country while limiting cloud cover. Forecasters are also monitoring Typhoon Dolphin in the western Pacific, whose eventual track could influence weather conditions over the Korean Peninsula next week, although its impact on the ongoing heatwave remains uncertain. Source link
Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of…
Former England Test captain Ben Stokes, who announced his shock retirement in late June. England cricket chief Rob Key has left the door open for a dramatic international comeback by former Test captain Ben Stokes, who announced his shock retirement in late June.Key, the managing director of men’s cricket for the England and Wales Cricket Board, was speaking a day after the ECB confirmed Stephen Fleming as the new head coach of the Test team.The appointment of the former New Zealand skipper, alongside a return to the Test captaincy for Joe Root, comes after a turbulent few weeks for England.First, Stokes announced he was quitting international cricket during play in the third Test against New Zealand — the visitors won the match to clinch the series 2-1.The Durham all-rounder, 35, had been dropped for the second Test after breaking a team curfew at a London nightclub, the latest in a series of off-field incidents involving England players.Two weeks later coach Brendon McCullum was axed as the red-ball coach, bringing the curtain down on the “Bazball” era of ultra-attacking Test cricket he had led alongside Stokes.McCullum, another former New Zealand captain, remains in charge of England’s white-ball teams. HEADLINE-GRABBING RETURN FOR STOKESSpeaking at Lord’s on Friday, Key said he would not rule out a headline-grabbing return for Stokes, with a home Ashes series against Australia looming in 2027.Asked if Fleming had floated the idea, he said: “We haven’t got round to that at the moment, but it would be a great story.”Pressed on Stokes giving any indication of a change of heart, Key added: “No, he hasn’t but I wouldn’t be surprised. Anything’s possible with Ben.”No (bridges have been burned)… not at all. Not as far as I’m concerned.”Fleming will not arrive in Britain until September, meaning he will not take charge of the three-match Test series against Pakistan, that starts in August.But Key played down concerns over Fleming’s delayed start.”My job is to get the best person,” he said. “It wasn’t a stipulation for any of the candidates that you had to be there for Pakistan.”Had that been the case, that would have limited the field drastically.” Related Story Source link
FIFA president Gianni Infantino suffered a serious blow on Friday as his senior advisor quit over the plan to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup, calling it a “bad deal” for the sport.”It is a bad deal for FIFA’s member associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game,” wrote Carlos Cordeiro, a former head of the US Soccer Federation Source link
US President Donald Trump announced that a historic agreement was reached for the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, expressing his gratitude to Qatar and the mediators for their efforts in reaching this agreement. In a post on his official Truth Social account, Trump said: “Today, the Board of Peace reached a historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. This is a monumental step toward lasting peace and security.” He added: “The agreement will be implemented through carefully structured phases; and upon completion of disarmament, Israeli forces will withdraw.” The US President expressed his gratitude to Qatar, saying: “I would like to thank the mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye for their important efforts, and especially my outstanding team who made this historic breakthrough possible.” Trump described the agreement as “a major historic achievement in the implementation of the Trump 20-point plan” to end the war, and announced that an international stabilization force will work with a new Palestinian police force to assume responsibility for Gaza Source link