Day: May 22, 2025

Categories : NeurologyTags :

Study Sheds Light on How Autistic People Communicate

On By ModernMedia
Photo by Peter Burdon on Unsplash

There is no significant difference in the effectiveness of how autistic and non-autistic people communicate, according to a new study, challenging the stereotype that autistic people struggle to connect with others.

The findings, published in Nature Human Behaviour, suggest that social difficulties often faced by autistic people are more about differences in how autistic and non-autistic people communicate, rather than a lack of social ability in autistic individuals, experts say. 

Researchers hope the results of the study will help reduce the stigma surrounding autism, and lead to more effective communication support for autistic people.  

Direct communication

Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability, and influences how people experience and interact with the world. 

Autistic people often communicate more directly and may struggle with reading social cues and body language, leading to differences in how they engage in conversation compared to non-autistic people. 

Story sharing

The study, led by experts from the University of Edinburgh, tested how effectively information was passed between 311 autistic and non-autistic people. 

Participants were tested in groups where everyone was autistic, everyone was non-autistic, or a combination of both. 

The first person in the group heard a story from the researcher, then passed it along to the next person. Each person had to remember and repeat the story, and the last person in the chain recalled the story aloud. 

The amount of information passed on at each point in the chain was scored to discern how effective participants were at sharing the story. Researchers found there were no differences between autistic, non-autistic, and mixed groups.  

Increased awareness

After the task, participants rated how much they enjoyed the interaction with the other participants, based on how friendly, easy, or awkward the exchange was.  

Researchers found that non-autistic people preferred interacting with others like themselves, and autistic people preferred learning from fellow autistic individuals. This is likely down to the different ways that autistic and non-autistic people communicate, experts say.  

The findings confirm similar findings from a previous smaller study undertaken by the same researchers. They say the new evidence should lead to increased understanding of autistic communication styles as a difference, not a deficiency.   

Autism has often been associated with social impairments, both colloquially and in clinical criteria. Researchers have spent a lot of time trying to ‘fix’ autistic communication, but this study shows that despite autistic and non-autistic people communicating differently it is just as successful. With opportunities for autistic people often limited by misconceptions and misunderstandings, this new research could lead the way to bridging the communication gap and create more inclusive spaces for all.

 Dr Catherine Crompton, Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences

Categories : Expert Opinion Surgeries & ProceduresTags :

SA Surgeon Breaks Down the Deep Plane Facelift Surge Amid Global Aesthetic Trends

On By ModernMedia
Professor Chrysis Sofianos

Kris Jenner’s “new face” has everyone talking – and it’s widely speculated to be the result of a deep plane facelift, a procedure now dubbed the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. Let’s not even get into how Khanyi Mbau’s face broke the internet. The demand for natural-looking, sophisticated facial transformations has reached an all-time high, both globally and here in South Africa.

A global weight loss boom, fuelled by miracle diabetes drugs, has led to an unexpected side effect: the ‘O weight loss face’, marked by hollowed cheeks, sagging jowls, and prematurely aged skin. In turn, this phenomenon has sparked a significant rise in demand for advanced facial rejuvenation, and particularly the deep plane facelift – what experts term ‘the facelift that lifts where it matters most’.

“One of the most common complaints I hear from patients is, ‘I finally have the body I wanted, but my face looks 10 years older,’” says Professor Chrysis Sofianos, one of South Africa’s leading plastic surgeons and experts in deep plane facelifts.

The Gauteng-based specialist notes that he has seen a meteoric increase in consultations from patients seeking to reverse the facial deflation and laxity caused by rapid weight loss.

“This is just one instance where the deep plane facelift truly shines, as it restores natural facial harmony by lifting and repositioning deep tissues, not just tightening the skin. By addressing the deeper structural changes caused by significant weight loss, this approach delivers far more natural outcomes and a timeless look.

The Facelift No One Can See

What sets the deep plane facelift apart? Unlike traditional facelifts that only address the skin’s surface, the deep plane technique lifts beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer of tissue to reposition and support the foundational structures of the face. This approach not only rejuvenates the face more effectively than other techniques, but also avoids the tell-tale ‘pulled’ look, offering a more subtle, organic-looking transformation.

Professor Sofianos further enhances his results with the Vertical Restore method, lifting facial tissues vertically – in harmony with the way gravity naturally impacts the face over time. This technique provides holistic rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, neck, and brow, with results that restore youthful contours and expressions.

“Only a handful of surgeons currently offer this breakthrough procedure, and I can confidently state that the deep plane facelift is the gold standard for natural, long-lasting revitalisation.”

According to Professor Sofianos, deep plane facelifts offer several major advantages compared to conventional facelifts:

  • Superior, long-lasting results: By repositioning deeper facial structures rather than merely tightening the skin, the deep plane facelift offers longer-lasting, more authentic outcomes.
  • Natural look and movement: The technique avoids excessive skin tension, ensuring the face remains expressive and vibrant – even in motion.
  • Comprehensive rejuvenation: From sagging jowls and hollow cheeks to neck laxity, the deep plane facelift addresses multiple problem areas in one single, unified procedure.

The Ultimate One-Stop Shop for Aesthetic Excellence and Care

Professor Sofianos’s practice is not only a leader in surgical innovation but also a complete one-stop destination for all aesthetic needs. His clinic offers a full suite of surgical and non-surgical procedures – from advanced facial surgeries to injectables, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, and body contouring. Each treatment is bespoke and delivered with meticulous care to ensure natural, balanced, and long-lasting results.

What truly sets Professor Sofianos apart, however, is his absolute commitment to patient care. Every facelift is supported by a holistic pre- and post-operative care programme, designed to optimise recovery and results.

A signature component of this is the integration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is included as standard in his facelift packages. HBOT begins around 7–10 days after surgery, dramatically improving oxygen delivery to tissues, speeding up wound healing, reducing bruising and swelling, and significantly shortening overall healing time.

As a result of these additional post-surgical interventions, the typical recovery period is two to three weeks, with most patients able to resume social activities within a month. With comprehensive aftercare – including HBOT and nutrient therapies – patients benefit from accelerated healing and refined results that continue to improve for several months post-surgery.

“The success of a procedure isn’t just about the surgery itself, but about guiding patients through a complete journey from start to finish,” he explains. “My patients receive comprehensive, full-spectrum care – including pre-operative preparation, expert surgical techniques, post-operative hyperbaric therapy, scar management, and continuous follow-ups. It’s this level of commitment that ensures optimal outcomes, supporting patients through every step of their transformation and helping them feel comfortable and secure throughout.”

A Lasting Solution for Facial Rejuvenation in the Weight Loss Era

As weight loss medications continue to help patients address issues with weight management and obesity, experts predict that the demand for facial rejuvenation will only rise.

“This trend has created both challenges and opportunities for plastic surgeons, and in many ways is reshaping our field in real time. The good news for patients is that we’re at the beginning of a new chapter in aesthetic medicine – where a combination of sophisticated surgical techniques and aftercare procedures are helping people achieve what was once thought impossible: natural-looking transformations that truly turn back the clock.”

For those seeking to restore their youthful appearance with confidence and discretion, the deep plane facelift offers an unmatched, cutting-edge solution – delivered with precision, artistry, and unparalleled care by Professor Chrysis Sofianos and his dedicated team.

Categories : Cancer New Compounds and TreatmentsTags :

Scientific Breakthrough: Price of Costly Cancer Drug can be Halved

On By ModernMedia
Source: Unsplash CC0

Taxol is one of the most commonly prescribed chemotherapy drugs for breast, ovarian, cervical, and lung cancer. Yet producing the drug is complex, costly, and environmentally burdensome, as it currently relies on a complicated chemical semi-synthesis. For 30 years, scientists around the world have tried to understand how taxol, a natural compound derived from the Pacific yew tree, forms in nature. Decoding this process would allow for biotech-based production. But the final steps remained unknown – until now.

A research team from the University of Copenhagen has succeeded in finding the two missing pieces: They have identified the enzymes responsible for the two critical final steps in the biosynthetic pathway that makes Taxol active as a drug.

“Taxol has been the Holy Grail in this research field for decades because it’s an exceptionally complex molecule. But with the discovery of the final two enzymes, we now fully understand how it’s formed. This has allowed us to develop a biotechnological method to produce taxol in yeast cells,” says Sotirios Kampranis, Professor at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and senior author of the study published in Nature Synthesis.

The method involves cloning the taxol-producing genes from the yew tree and inserting them into yeast cells. These engineered yeast cells then become host organisms or micro-factories with the full recipe to produce taxol.

Affecting women in developing countries

The research team from the University of Copenhagen has applied for patenting the method and is in the process of launching a spin-out company to manufacture biosynthetic Taxol. 

“Using this method, we can produce Taxol cheaper than current conventional methods. Looking ahead, once we refine the process further, we expect to be able to reduce the cost by half,” says Assistant Professor and first author Feiyan Liang.

Lower prices are especially crucial as ovarian cancer is on the rise globally. The prevalence of the disease is expected to increase by over 55% by 2050, with the vast majority of cases in low and middle-income countries. The number of women dying from ovarian cancer is projected to rise by nearly 70% in the same period.

Currently, taxol costs more than USD20 000 per kilogram, making it one of the most expensive active pharmaceutical ingredients in use.

“We see increasing demand for Taxol in many developing countries, where the high price is a major barrier. We hope our work will contribute to lower-priced drugs so that more people can have access to cancer treatment,” Feiyan Liang says.

Much more sustainable

The new method is not only more cost-effective but also more sustainable than chemical synthesis. One advantage is that the procedure does not involve harmful chemicals and solvents common in chemical production. Another advantage is that it allows the use of more crude, less purified extracts from yew needles as starting material – much cheaper than the ultra-pure inputs required in chemical semi-synthesis. On top of that, the materials can be recycled.

“We want to show that it’s possible to build a biotechnological drug production that is both sustainable and low-cost. There are very few examples of that today, but we now have the foundation to make it happen,” says Sotirios Kampranis. 

TWO TREES PER TREATMENT

  • Taxol was originally extracted from the inside bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia), but as the taxol content in the bark is very low, harvesting it meant removing all the bark and as a result of this killing the tree.
  • Yew trees take 70 to 100 years to mature. Producing just one treatment required about two trees, making this method highly unsustainable. It was abandoned years ago, though wild yew trees are still under pressure in some regions.
  • Today’s most common method involves harvesting a similar compound from yew needles for chemical synthesis, but the cost of this process is still high, which is why the average price of taxol exceeds USD 20 000 per kilogram (source: pharmacompass.com).

Source: University of Copenhagen – Faculty of Science

Categories : Expert Opinion Medical IndustryTags :

SA Healthcare: Primary Care is Key

On By ModernMedia
Lungile Kasapato, Chief Executive Officer of PPO Serve

The South African commercial health sector is at a critical juncture, grappling with a severe imbalance that threatens its sustainability and the accessibility of quality care. The dominance of the hospital sector and the deficient state of primary care, are creating an unsustainable system that demands urgent reform, says Chief Executive Officer of PPO Serve, Lungile Kasapato, speaking at the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) conference, held in Cape Town from 10-14 May.

“Primary care in the South African commercial health sector is underpowered, compared with a dominant hospital sector, that is pulling the system off-kilter, as a consequence,” Kasapato said.

She identifies a weak and disjointed primary care system as a key driver of this imbalance, underfunded by limited out of hospital benefits and exacerbated by the fee-for-service payment model, which incentivises fragmented care and counterproductive competition. This model leads to GPs competing with specialists for limited out-of-hospital benefits, hindering the collaborative approach needed for optimal patient outcomes.

“Incentives exist to deliver high volumes of covered services, rather than those which will produce the best outcomes and value,” she explains, highlighting the misalignment of financial incentives that the patient, and the medical scheme, needs.  

The problem is further compounded by managed care models, which Kasapato suggests can inappropriately shift clinical accountability to funders who lack direct patient interaction. She is also wary of the conflicting roles of scheme administrators, who can profit from being both payers and providers, undermining the “not for profit” ethos of medical schemes and stifling innovation.  

Kasapato stresses the crucial role of payers in strategically purchasing care from professionals working in multidisciplinary care teams. By doing so, payers foster healthy competition among these teams, with performance measured by outcomes and efficiency. She points to the contracting model between Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) and PPO Serve’s The Value Care Team as an example, which involves a monthly global fee, adjusted for patient risk. Significant additional fees are linked to performance.  

The effectiveness of this approach has been demonstrated in a three-year pilot with GEMS, which resulted in a 29.6% reduction in medical admissions and a 7% decrease in patient bed days, along with a 39% increase in flu vaccine uptake amongst at-risk patients. “That’s not just better care – it’s better use of every rand spent,” she said, highlighting the financial benefits of improved care co-ordination.  

Kasapato proposes a fundamental shift towards healthy partnerships built around multidisciplinary GP-led teams. This is the approach of The Value Care Team, which emphasises co-ordinated care delivery. In this approach, clinical teams, allied health workers, alternative care facilities, and community-based organisations are integrated, with care co-ordinators guiding patients through the system. This structure aims to reduce waste, minimise unnecessary hospitalisations, and prioritise preventative care.

“Teams work together to deliver quality, efficient care within local resources, including collaboration with allied health workers, alternative care facilities and community-based organisations,” explains Kasapato.

Looking ahead, Kasapato stresses the urgency of addressing unhealthy competition and rebalancing the system to ensure long-term sustainability and progress towards universal healthcare. She cautions against short-sighted solutions like discounted fee-for-service networks and scheme-led managed care, which offer only temporary relief.

“After decades of imbalance, we’ve found ourselves in a situation where the vast majority of people living in South Africa cannot afford to access our badly structured healthcare resources,” says Kasapato.

Instead of sustaining a flawed system with solutions like isolated telehealth and pharmacy nurse clinics, Kasapato is calling for a fundamental transformation; “Let’s stop propping up a system in need of transformation and focus our efforts on partnerships that strengthen primary care delivery, bringing it into balance with hospital-based care and addressing the major challenges that the commercial sector is facing.”

Categories : Cardiovascular Disease Lab Tests and ImagingTags :

Spotting Blood Clots Before They Strike

On By ModernMedia
Thrombophilia. Credit: Scientific Animations CC4.0.

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have found a way to observe clotting activity in blood as it happens – without needing invasive procedures. Using a new type of microscope and artificial intelligence (AI), their study shows how platelet clumping can be tracked in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), opening the door to safer, more personalised treatment.

“Platelets play a crucial role in heart disease, especially in CAD, because they are directly involved in forming blood clots,” explained Dr Kazutoshi Hirose, an assistant professor at the University of Tokyo Hospital and lead author of the study in Nature Communications. “To prevent dangerous clots, patients with CAD are often treated with antiplatelet drugs. However, it’s still challenging to accurately evaluate how well these drugs are working in each individual, which makes monitoring platelet activity an important goal for both doctors and researchers.”

That challenge pushed Hirose and his collaborators to develop a new system for monitoring platelets in motion, using a high-speed optical device and artificial intelligence.

“We used an advanced device called a frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) microscope, which works like a super high-speed camera that takes sharp pictures of blood cells in flow,” said co-author Yuqi Zhou, an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Tokyo . “Just like traffic cameras capture every car on the road, our microscope captures thousands of images of blood cells in motion every second. We then use artificial intelligence to analyse those images. The AI can tell whether it’s looking at a single platelet (like one car), a clump of platelets (like a traffic jam), or even a white blood cell tagging along (like a police car caught in the jam).”

The research team applied this technique to blood samples from over 200 patients. Their images revealed that patients with acute coronary syndrome had more platelet aggregates than those with chronic symptoms – supporting the idea that this technology can track clotting risk in real time.

“Part of my scientific curiosity comes from the recent advances in high-speed imaging and artificial intelligence, which have opened up new ways to observe and analyse blood cells in motion,” said Keisuke Goda, a professor of chemistry at the University of Tokyo who led the research team. “AI can ‘see’ patterns beyond what the human eye can detect.”

One of the most important findings was that a simple blood drawn from the arm – rather than from the heart’s arteries – provided nearly the same information.

“Typically, if doctors want to understand what’s happening in the arteries, especially the coronary arteries, they need to do invasive procedures, like inserting a catheter through the wrist or groin to collect blood,” said Hirose. “What we found is that just taking a regular blood sample from a vein in the arm can still provide meaningful information about platelet activity in the arteries. That’s exciting because it makes the process much easier, safer and more convenient.”

The long-term hope is that this technology will help doctors better personalise heart disease treatment.

“Just like some people need more or less of a painkiller depending on their body, we found that people respond differently to antiplatelet drugs. In fact, some patients are affected by recurrent thrombosis and others are suffering from recurrences of bleeding events even on the same antiplatelet medications,” said Hirose. “Our technology can help doctors see how each individual’s platelets are behaving in real time. That means treatments could be adjusted to better match each person’s needs.”

“Our study shows that even something as small as a blood cell can tell a big story about your health,” Zhou added.

Source: University of Tokyo