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Meet the scientist conducting inclusive genetic research to transform healthcare in the Caribbean – Essence

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Photo source: CariGenetics

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In a world where scientific progress often overlooks diversity, Dr. Carika Weldon stands out as a pioneer determined to revolutionize genetic research in the Caribbean. As the founder and CEO of the company CariGenetics— the first-ever women-founded genomics company based in the Caribbean — Dr. Weldon has spearheaded a movement to be sure that the advantages of precision medicine reach Caribbean communities and the diaspora. Its mission is to fill the gap in health care by tailoring advances to the unique genetic makeup of individuals of Caribbean descent. “The genetic diversity of the Caribbean is a treasure trove of information,” Dr. Weldon explained.

“Our goal at Carigenetics is to understand how our unique genetic makeup influences health outcomes and to use this knowledge to improve the well-being of Caribbean communities.” Founded in 2022, the Bermuda-based company specializes in genomic research to address common health issues in the Caribbean, including sickle cell, breast and prostate cancer. Weldon’s goal is to harness the power of precision medicine, which emphasizes tailoring health care to individual patients based on their unique genetic profiles, lifestyle and other aspects. This approach contrasts with the traditional, one-size-matches-all model, which goals to provide more targeted and effective therapies.

Dr. Weldon explains: “Precision medicine focuses on understanding an individual’s specific needs, which allows us to save time, optimize resources and solve problems faster. This not only leads to better patient outcomes, but also translates into savings for the healthcare system.” One of the most groundbreaking CariGenetic initiatives, the so-called A genome-wide pilot study of breast cancer in the Caribbean, is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. The study focused on understanding the genetic aspects contributing to higher cancer mortality rates in the region. It could pave the way for targeted, personalized therapies that would save countless lives.

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Meet the scientist leading inclusive genetic research to transform healthcare in the Caribbean
Photo source: CariGenetics

This landmark study successfully recruited 102 participants, performed whole-genome sequencing locally, analyzed all 102 samples and started to discover latest genetic trends in breast cancer, marking 4 major milestones for the broader Caribbean community. Dr. Weldon, a Bermuda native, said she founded CariGenetics with the mission of empowering local scientists, reducing dependence on outside labs and constructing trust in the community for genetic testing. “The first problem, therefore, is that all the medicines currently on the market have been designed based on European genetic data covering only 15% of the world’s population. This means that 85% of the world, including us in the Caribbean, has no access to medicines,” she added.

The second point she explained is the history of exploitation and misuse of Black people in the name of science. For example, in the Tuskegee Experiment, which began in 1932, black men were secretly denied treatment for syphilis in order to monitor the progression of the disease. They “died, went blind, went mad, or experienced other serious health problems” due to the untreated disease. Similarly, in 1951, Henrietta Lacks’ cells were collected without her consent, which contributed to quite a few breakthroughs in medicine, including methods of treating cancer. However, her contributions weren’t appreciated during her lifetime.

These abuses have deepened long-standing deep mistrust between Black communities and the medical community, underscoring the urgent need for ethical reforms and inclusive research practices. “A history of abuse, like that of Henrietta Lacks and Tuskegee, has led to a lack of trust. If we had more black scientists and doctors, we could prevent such injustices,” Dr. Weldon said.

CariGenetics goals to increase the representation of individuals of African descent in genetic research by specializing in the wealthy genetic diversity of the Black Caribbean population. The organization also strives to empower local Black scientists and community members to actively participate in this work. Addressing the historical distrust resulting from the unethical treatment of Black communities in science, CariGenetics is working to change this narrative and rebuild trust through inclusive and ethical research practices.

This focus began with Dr. Weldon’s journey from emerging neuroscientist to CEO of CariGenetics. Dr. Weldon stated that from an early age she was fascinated by the intricacies of the human brain. She initially dreamed of becoming a neuroscientist, but her passion ultimately led her in a special direction. Dr. Weldon’s path took a decisive turn when she pursued a level in medical biochemistry in the UK, where she faced setbacks, including rejection from Oxford University. But her determination never wavered. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, fueled by a deep curiosity about the “why” behind medical testing and genetic mechanisms, laying the foundation for her future work.

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The turning point got here when Dr. Weldon learned of Iceland’s pioneering efforts in population genetics. Iceland’s success in sequencing the genetic material of its population inspired it to ask: “Why cannot we do something like this in Bermuda and the Caribbean? “We are genetically diverse and can provide unique insights,” shared Dr. Weldon with ESSENCE. This spark of inspiration later guided her scientific work and fueled her vision for CariGenetics.

This spark of inspiration later guided her work as a researcher at Oxford, where a groundbreaking study on African genetic material was published in 2019 found that individuals of African descent had 10% more genetic variability than the standard human reference genome, which was mainly Eurocentric. This highlighted the urgent need for more inclusive genetic testing.

Meet the scientist leading inclusive genetic research to transform healthcare in the Caribbean
Photo source: CariGenetics

Dr. Weldon’s commitment to the Caribbean region deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic when she returned to Bermuda to lead research efforts in the country as a scientific advisor to the Prime Minister and Laboratory Director of the Government COVID-19 Laboratory.

Her experience highlighted glaring gaps in the scientific infrastructure in the Caribbean, further fueling her desire to bring cutting-edge genomic research home. “With the pandemic, I noticed that we’d like more scientists and genetic research in the Caribbean. We were to this point behind that we had to send samples to one lab in Trinidad for the entire region. I wanted to create something sustainable, so I founded CariGenetics to give attention to the genetic makeup of the Caribbean,” he says

One of CariGenetics’ most progressive approaches involves the use of bio-NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to provide participants with ownership of their genetic data. This cutting-edge technology gives individuals control over their information and the ability to monetize it.

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Dr. Weldon is prepared to make a difference through her work at CariGenetics. Her immediate goal is to expand research beyond the initial breast cancer study to include prostate cancer and expand that research to the Caribbean. By identifying latest genetic markers related to breast cancer and other cancers common in Caribbean populations, Dr. Weldon goals to facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis.

Her vision is to use these discoveries to tailor medical therapies specifically for Caribbean communities. This approach reflects successful models akin to a recent study in England that identified a novel genetic mutation in the local population, leading to the development of targeted screening protocols. Dr. Weldon wants to replicate this model in the Caribbean by improving preventive care and treatment. The initiative also goals to expand its reach, with plans to establish partnerships and conduct research in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Saint Lucia, in addition to other Caribbean countries.

The goal of this expansion is to construct a sturdy network of clinicians and researchers dedicated to improving health care outcomes for the Caribbean population. “Genetic testing may also help us move away from a one-size-matches-all approach to medicine, but we also need to engage and construct trust in our communities. That’s what CariGenetics is for,” Dr. Weldon said.

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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

I am a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what people can expect from a health response from sexual assault

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Estimated one in five women and one in 16 men In Australia, she experienced sexual violence.

After such a traumatic experience, it’s comprehensible that many are usually not sure in the event that they wish to report it to the police. In fact, Less than 10% Australian women who experience sexual assault, if he gives a police report.

In Australia it’s No closing date After notifying the sexual assault to the police. However, there are strict time frames for collecting forensic evidence, which can sometimes be a very important a part of a police investigation, no matter whether it begins.

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This implies that the choice whether to undergo a medical forensic examination should be taken quite quickly after the assault.

I work as a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what you can expect for those who present a medical forensic examination after sexual assault.

A team of specialists

There are about 100 sexual assault services in Australia, providing 24-hour care. As with other healthcare areas, there are additional challenges in regional and rural areaswhere there are sometimes further distances from travel and deficiencies.

Sexual assault services in Australia are free, whatever the status of Medicare. To find the closest service, you can call 1800 respect (1800 737 732) or Full stop australia (1800 385 578) who can also provide immediate support for telephone counseling.

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It is very important to call the local sexual assault service before appearing. They can provide victims to experience information and advice to stop delay and make the method as helpful as possible.

Consultations often occur within the Hospital Emergency Department, which has a designated forensic apartment or within the Specialist Forensic Service.

The victim-over is seen by doctor or nurse Trained in the sphere of medical and criminal care. There is a sexual assault, crisis worker or social employee to support the patient and provides advice on advice. This known as “Integrated answer“With medical and psychosocial employees working together.

In most cases, the victim’s survival might also have the presence of his own support person.

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Depending on what the victim is wants, the doctor or nurse will take the history of the robbery to conduct any medical care which may be needed (e.g. emergency anticretation) and conduct the examination.

Sexual assault services are all the time very conscious dishes to victims of selection in the sphere of medical forensic examination. If a person presents a sexual assault service, he can receive advice and medical care without undergoing forensic examinations if he doesn’t wish to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cglbtgia0ek

Sexual assault services include all sexes.

Collecting forensic samples

Samples collected during a medical forensic examination can sometimes discover the DNA of the perpetrator or intoxicants (alcohol or drugs that can be relevant to the examination). . Possibility window Collecting these samples can be as short as 12 hours or as much as 5-7 days, depending on the character of the sexual assault.

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In most Australia, an adult who has experienced a recent sexual assault, you can offer a medical forensic examination without submitting a report for the police.

Depending on the condition or territory of the forensic samples, you can often store for 3 to 12 months (as much as 100 years in Tasmania). This allows victims of time to survive definitely whether or not they wish to release them to the police for processing.

A health care provider or nurse will take samples using a sexual assault investigation kit or “rape set”.

Collecting these samples may include taking swabs to detect DNA from external and internal genital areas and wherever DNA transfer may occur. This may come from skin cells during which the perpetrator affected the victim’s snack or from body fluids, including sperm or saliva.

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A health care provider or nurse conducting the examination is minimized by re -traumatization, providing information, elections and control of the victim at every stage of the method.

The victim-overhang can often have a support person with him.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

What about sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy?

During the consultation, the doctor or nurse will address all fears about sexually transmitted infections (sti) and pregnancy if concerned.

In most cases, the danger of sexually transmitted diseases is low. But check tests for 1-2 weeks by way of infection, reminiscent of chlamydia and gonorrhea, and after 6-12 weeks In the case of infections reminiscent of syphilis and HIV, it is normally advisable.

Emergency contraception can be provided (sometimes called “in the morning after a pill”) prevent pregnancy. It can be downloaded as much as five days after sexual assault (however the faster) with pregnancy tests advisable after 2-3 weeks.

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Everything has improved over time

When I was a younger doctor at the tip of the 90s, taking foreheads were often chargeable for an busy international trainee and gynecology on the Emergency Department, which regularly managed many patients and had a small training in the sphere of criminalistics. Usually there was no supporting advisor.

Anegdotically each the doctor and the patient were traumatic through this experience. Studies show that when specialized integrated services are usually not provided, a sense of powerlessness of the victim They are enlarged.

But the way in which we conduct medical forensic examinations after sexual assault in Australia has improved through the years.

Thanks to practices focused on the patient and the appointed criminal and advisory staff, the patient’s experience is believed Strengthening position than for re -traumatizing.

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A sign before the Australian police station.
Less than 10% of Australian women who experience sexual assault, in the event that they even submit a police report.
Melissa Meehan/AAP

Our research

In latest studies published in Australian Journal of General PracticeMy colleagues and I studied the experience of medical criminal examination from the angle of a victim.

We analyzed 291 patients who provide sexual assault services in New South Wales (where I work) for 4 years.

About 75% of patients said that the study was calming and one other 20% said it was high-quality. Only 2% said it was traumatic. Most (98%) stated that they’d recommend a friend present within the service of sexual assault in the event that they were in a similar situation.

While patients talked positively in regards to the care received, many commented that the sexual assault service was not visible enough. They didn’t know learn how to find it and even existed.

We know that many victims’ victims don’t present a sexual assault service or undergo a medical forensic examination after sexual assault. So we must do more to extend the visibility of those services.

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Milan Fashion Week rejects the classics – essence

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“It’s boring, boring, boring,” said the deceased André Leon Talley from Milan Fashion Week in an interview with 1998 with Videofashion. His own words: “You can go for a week of concerts in a city like Milan, and you sit there and want to jump from the shelf until you reach Gucci.” Italian fashion, like Italian culture, is kind of conservative in comparison with the remainder of the fashion capitals, apart from brands corresponding to Moschino, Versace and Roberto Cavalli, where there are more.

New York is full of life and democratic. London is normally suggestive, filled with creative genius. Paris transfers fashion to the highest heights. And a city whose fashion is usually in comparison with Milan, large for craft – and Flash – is understood for designers who bored fashion fanatics, but they’re sublime. It can be filled with family businesses corresponding to Prada and Fendi. I mean, give it some thought, all of us love pasta, since it is reliably tasty, pizza is the default when nobody in the room can resolve what to eat, and it’s rare that any of those disappoints the palate. In this fashion I see Milan Fashion Week. You know what you’ll get and it should be nice.

The prospects have now opened a bit, and designers corresponding to Maximillian Davis and Matthieu Blazy Zhuzs Up Italian trick, corresponding to Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta. Several other designers have also strengthened the energy of the week with more vivid clothes. But let’s bring it back to Talley. What is “boring” in fashion now? In this fashion, people dress, and “quiet luxury” remains to be guilty. It seems that Milan programs this season help to initiate an era that claims that it energy energy again: easy with a funny return.

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Jil Sander’s clothes bloom

Milan Fashion Week imprints the classics
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD via Getty Images

With the exception of 1 blue and one red leather look and a buffed pink dress with columns, the colours in the Jil Sander collection are quite neutral. These are the details they like: double stripes that don’t beg to be noticed, fur at the top of the shirt and coat collars and on the sleeves, sporadically feathered dress and sweater. The collection began with the honest participation of its clothes, which flicker with fringes, giving it an actual party atmosphere. The lace cover worn on white organza and high black shoes caused a distinct approach to an office dressing, wherein explicit, girlish femininity can coexist with elegant improvement. Many women can look and run with them, like men, with their close bags, nonchalan skirts and Rockstar shoes. This program was the final presentation of the husband and wife’s duo who’re apparently Ending their time in the brand: Luke and Lucia Meier (they began running the house in 2017).

Marni animated runway

Milan Fashion Week imprints the classics
Victor Virgin/Gamma-RPHO by Getty Images

When there have been rumors about who would take over Chanel after the VIARD VIARD leaving the brand, I used to be hoping that one in all Jeremy Scott was real. Because fashion desperately needs humor. Nowadays, every little thing is so tense and few people seem funny. Except for, say, Jonathan Anderson and Francesco Risso in Marni. Ready to wear the brand this season, it looked as if it would a mix of ideas in other concert events over the past few seasons, making a sort of carrying a horse.
There was a kamea from such a classy Tracee Ellis Ross-I can not give you a greater casting decision. The neck of the curly sweater of the follicle captivated me. In combination with it there have been brown suede pants and glossy, multi -colored Oxfords, which delivered to mind shoes with a faucet. The pink bubble rubber coat had buttons, a collar and a breast pocket. Another coat, blue, had gray fur. Apart from the fabrics and color, they enlivened these clothes, these are prolonged proportions, which is all the time fun. This is a miserable thing that makes you ought to watch again.

Fendi celebrates a mode century

Milan Fashion Week imprints the classics
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD via Getty Images

Fendi celebrated a centenary with a program that she threw light on why it was so heralded. The tailoring was liquid, daring prints, and the coats beautiful. And we now have Silvia Venturini Fendi to thank. Many stories were told here. There is, in fact, the history of the House of Craft Fur Production, which took shape in coats with a collar with out a collar, long vests and steles. Deep shades in eye-catching productions emphasize wealth-aestly and economically-we are going to have the ability to with Fendi.

General coats and sick ladyiste dresses, cut out, were smooth butter, quality people have recently loved the brand. Sneaky cardigans, skirts, dresses and sweater have been decorated with drags and countless shapes. The dolls took place and hung from the bags. This created a set that spoke with a consumer and culture, not only to himself. The advantage of the brand was that it didn’t depend on her archives. It was not on the nose together with his references. Instead, it remained fresh, next to other collections, but was expected one step over them

Burberry is on itself

Milan Fashion Week imprints the classics
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD via Getty Images

Daniel Lee’s works in the cult British label people query the brand’s evolution and what means to stay faithful to its history. Industry and its viewers have two minds: some imagine that the home is flourishing when it draws from its heritage, only barely improving him to keep up significance; Others have a more progressive perspective, observing, fairly exactly that fashion is the most when the brands are approaching friends. Christopher Bailey and Riccardo Tisci’s Burberry hit many as unknown. The recent, sometimes dizzying ideas of those designers apparently “did not work”, and on this desire that folks would feel as in the event that they knew the brand again.

Enter: Lee, who joined the label from Bottega Veneta, and whose clothes are easier on the eye, like the current Bottega. His Fall 2025 collection had a really desirable appearance of the same colours, a big sweater dress, a rather glitter leather coat in navy blue blue and other “oooos”, but often “Aaah”. In many respects, clothes sell, adapting to other elements in the collection and translating well into real life, life that’s interesting and dressed as such.

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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Odra situation around the world: less vaccinations and more explosions

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The US has registered their first death from the Oder since 2015. This week, because a baby who was not vaccinated died in the Odra eruption in Texas.

Usually, most American cases are delivered to the country by individuals who traveled abroad. Until now, Texas officials have reported 124 cases. New Mexico reported nine.

Experts point to a decrease in vaccination indicators from the Odra around the world since the Covid-19 pandemic. In the United States, most of the states are currently below 95% of the vaccination threshold for preschoolers – the level needed to guard the community from the Oder’s explosions.

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Great Britain reported 2911 confirmed cases of the Oder in 2024, the highest variety of cases recorded yearly, from 2012.

The cases of the Odra in the United States last yr were almost twice as much as for all 2023, raising concerns a few child virus preventive. Health officials confirmed the cases of measles in a minimum of 18 states in 2024, including New York, Philadelphia and Chicago.

“Odra is a threat everywhere anywhere,” say American Center for Disease Control on its website.

Here is a brief have a look at the global situation of the Oder.

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Are the Odra explosions common outside the USA?

According to the World Health Organization, about 10.3 million people were infected in 2023 and 107,500 died. Most of them are unvaccinated people or children under the age of 5. Cases were most frequently partly of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where the income is low and health services insufficient.

In places where measles were largely eliminated, cases spread by travelers from other countries.

While the measles related to the Odra decreased barely in 2023, the variety of epidemic increased. The primary explosions took place in 57 countries in 2023, including India and Indonesia, Russia, Yemen and Iraq. The largest variety of cases in 2023 was 311,500 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What is the impact of vaccinations?

The global childhood vaccination rate has dropped in recent times, to 83% in 2023 from 86% in 2019, partly as a consequence of vaccination and healthcare disturbances as a consequence of pandemic.

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WHO estimates that vaccinations have helped to forestall over 60 million deaths around the world in the years 2000–2023, as shots increase to extend arrows for more people. In 2000, it’s estimated that 800,062 people died of measles. Before introducing the vaccine in 1963, the primary epidemics caused about 2.6 million deaths a yr.

Odra is so infectious that 95% immunity is required to forestall an epidemic, says WHO. In other words, he infects about 9 out of 10 people revealed in the event that they shouldn’t have immunity.

What international efforts are in the means of stopping an epidemic?

WHO and others support the effort called “Agenda Immunization 2021-2030” to press the Odra elimination.

Independent experts announced America -free America in 2016, but this status was lost in 2018 as a consequence of the Odra epidemic in Brazil and Venezuela. Experts say that reduced vaccination indicators undermine efforts to completely eliminate the disease.

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Global health organizations and other groups have increased their efforts to speed up vaccination programs and closure of gaps in prevention.

Shaboozey's

(Tagstranslat) receiving measles

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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