World
US surgeons perform first-ever whole eye transplant
Surgeons in New York, United States, have performed the first-ever whole eye transplant on a human.
Before now, doctors have only been able to transplant the cornea, the transparent layer forming the front of the eye.
The recipient of the eye, Aaron James, is a 46-year-old who survived a work-related high-voltage electrical accident that destroyed the left side of the face, nose, mouth and left eye.
To encourage healing of the connection between the donor and recipient optic nerves, the surgical team at NYU Langone Health, harvested adult stem cells from the donor’s bone marrow and injected them into the optic nerve during the transplant.
This was done in hopes that they would replace damaged cells and protect the nerve.
The transplant surgery took 21 hours.
The surgeons said six months since the surgery, the grafted eye has shown important signs of health, including well-functioning blood vessels and a promising-looking retina.However, the transplanted eye is presently not communicating with the brain through the optic nerve.
Eduardo Rodriguez, the surgeon who led the team, said the doctors were initially just planning to include the eyeball as part of the face transplant for cosmetic reasons.
“The mere fact that we transplanted an eye is a huge step forward, something that for centuries has been thought about, but it’s never been performed,” he said
“If some form of vision restoration occurred, it would be wonderful, but the goal was for us to perform the technical operation and have the eyeball survive. Whatever happens going forward will be monitored.”
Rodriguez said transplantation of a viable eye globe opens many new possibilities, even if sight is not restored in this case.
He added that other research teams are developing ways to connect nerve networks in the brain to sightless eyes through the insertion of electrodes, to allow vision.
“If we can work with other scientists that are working on other methods of restoring vision or restoring images to the visual cortex, I think we’re one step closer,” he said.
World
Nigerian lady Clara Chizoba Kronborg certified as world record holder for longest interviewing marathon
The Guinness World Records (GWR) has certified Clara Chizoba Kronborg, the Nigerian social media entrepreneur, as the holder of the longest interviewing marathon.
Kronborg broke the world record for the longest interviewing marathon with a time of 55 hours 24 seconds.
The Nigerian lady, who grew up in Onitsha, held the marathon between March 8 to 10 wherein she interviewed 90 people of various nationalities and occupations.
The conversations were centred on how each guest achieved success in their respective field.
Kronborg was permitted a five-minute break for each hour which she could use to take a nap, bath, or change her clothes.
Speaking about her motivations, Clara said she attempted the record because of her passion for success and to “amplify the voices of hardworking women using their stories to inspire others”.
“This record attempt was about bringing together diverse individuals, sharing their inspiring narratives, and forging meaningful connections on a global scale,” she said.
“I am committed to amplifying voices, particularly those of hardworking women, and using their stories to inspire others facing similar challenges.”
Clara revealed that one of her toughest challenges during the exercise was the pain she battled from her monthly flow.
“Even worse, my period started the same day, and I was already having intense menstrual cramps,” she added.
“At some point, I was literally dripping pee and period stain, but I persevered and kept my eyes on the goal. To anyone who ever reads this, once you find your purpose, go after it with everything you’ve got.
“Recalling everything I went through physically, mentally, financially, emotionally – it feels so unreal.
“I am extremely proud of this accomplishment because I know lives have been touched and changed.
“This achievement is dedicated to all those who dare to dream and persist, regardless of the challenges they face.”
In an official statement on Wednesday, the GWR certified Clara as the current world record holder.
The previous record was 37 hours 44 minutes by Rob Oliver (USA) in 2022.
In December, Amuda Mariam completed a 100-hour marathon to set a new record for the longest television talk show.
World
10 killed as two military helicopters collide in Malaysia
Two Malaysian military helicopters collided and crashed during a training session on Tuesday, killing all 10 crew onboard, the country’s rescue agency said.
Footage shared online showed several helicopters flying low in formation over the Lumut naval base, located about 160 kilometres (100 miles) from the capital Kuala Lumpur.
The helicopters were participating in a flypast rehearsal ahead of Naval Day celebrations in May.
One chopper was seen clipping the rear rotor of another, causing both to go into a tailspin and crash.
“The two helicopters collided during flight training,” said Suhaimy Mohamad Suhail, senior operations commander from the fire and rescue department, adding that all 10 crew members on board were confirmed dead by medical officers.
The two aircraft involved were a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec and an AgustaWestland AW139, the rescue agency said.
Photos showed the Eurocopter model heavily mangled in the wreckage on the naval base stadium track with rescue personnel surrounding it as well as various debris.
The AgustaWestland helicopter crashed at the naval base’s swimming pool area.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent his condolences to the families of the victims, saying “the nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy”.
“I was informed that an immediate investigation will be carried out by the Ministry of Defense, especially TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy), to find the cause of the crash,” he said.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also shared condolences.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also shared condolences.
“Queen Zarith and I feel very sad over the loss of national heroes in this tragedy,” he said in a social media post.
World
Israel launches counterattack on Iran
Oil prices have surged by nearly 4 percent as Israel launched a missile attack on a target in Iran, according to international media reports.
Explosions were reported in Isfahan province in central Iran, where the country’s nuclear plant is located.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later announced that there was no damage to the plant.
Israel had promised a response to missile and drone attacks by Iran last weekend.
Iran had launched the attacks in response to the April 1 strike that killed its senior security officials at its embassy in Syria apparently carried out by Israel.
A US official told ABC News that Israel carried out a strike inside Iran, confirming reports of the explosion by the Asian country’s media.
There were also reports of blasts in Iraq and southern Syria.
Commercial flights we re-routed as parts of the Iranian airspace were closed.
Iran says it activated its air defence systems.
Israel is not planning further attacks and Iran is not going to retaliate either, according various officials quoted by the media.
Brent crude price is now over $90 per barrel, up from $87 before the strike.
-
News5 days ago
FAAN reopens Lagos airport runway after Dana Air incident
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Skiibii’s ex-lover DJ Dorcas Fapson reacts after Nickie DaBarbie accused singer of engaging in money rituals
-
Business1 week ago
Elon Musk threatens to suspend X accounts doing engagement farming
-
Celebrities1 week ago
Nickie Dabarbie calls out Skiibii for attempting to use her for money rituals (Video)
-
World1 week ago
Israel launches counterattack on Iran
-
Politics1 week ago
‘You’re not following procedure’ — Drama as Ondo guber hopeful confronts Ododo over APC primary
-
News5 days ago
Nigeria Air: EFCC vows to arraign Sirika over alleged contract fraud
-
Education5 days ago
UNN suspends, probes lecturer attempting to sexually assault female student