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The South African
08-08-2025
- Science
- The South African
South African-born scientist named Britain's Astronomer Royal
Professor Michele Dougherty, bestowed with the role of Astronomer Royal to the British monarchy is South African, and the first woman to receive this honor. According to a UKZN media statement the honorary title of Astronomer Royal will see Dougherty advise the monarchy on matters of astronomy. No woman has served in this position since its inception in 1675. A professor in space physics at the Imperial College of London, Dougherty was born in Johannesburg, raised in Durban and educated at the Gordon Road Girls' School and Mitchell High School. Dougherty was unsure what career path to pursue on completing high school so took the advice of her late father and registered for a Bachelor of Science degree at UKZN (former University of Natal). Dougherty was drawn to the world of astronomy due to the influence of her father, Professor Brian Dougherty, a civil engineering academic at UKZN. In her formative years, she recalled building a telescope to view the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. Little did she know she would take the lead in the field of astronomy. In 1997 she took charge of the magnetometer aboard the Cassini/ Huygens mission to Saturn. And, in 2023 she was responsible for the same task for the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer for the European Space Agency. Taking on the reigns from her predecessor, Lord Martin Reese, Dougherty plans to 'focus on outreach, engaging the public on the wonder of astrology and science, and its potential to provide real returns for the UK economy.' Reflecting on her university education, Dougherty recalls taking on the challenges of university-level science. Excelling in mathematics and biology at high school, Dougherty had limited pure science knowledge. Hence, navigating through pure science at university proved tough. The help of her father and much perseverance led to Dougherty concluding her honors in physics and a PHD in applied mathematics over seven years. 'My education opened up opportunities that would not have opened up otherwise,' said Dougherty. Used to being in career scenarios where minority women representation was the norm, Dougherty ensured that every opportunity she obtained was based on her qualification and not because she was a woman. With this in mind she hopes her role as Astronomer Royal would encourage other women to pursue leadership roles in the science. Dougherty often visits South Africa to spend time with her family and as a contributor to projects like the Square Kilometre Array. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
On Mounjaro, US comedian Rosie O'Donnell shows off weight loss: Is the drug safe for 60-plus women?
American comedian and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell, 63, stunned everybody with her weight loss transformation post, looking visibly slender from her plump self that viewers have been used to. She made an admission too, that she had been on the weight loss drug tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro. 'I can't believe this is me now,' she captioned the photo. In an earlier interaction on social media, she had said, 'I've lost more weight. I am on Mounjaro for my diabetes and one of the side effects is you lose weight.' Apart from medication, she also switched over to home-cooked meals, avoided sugar and drank more water. What makes her two-year journey unique is the fact that she started on her weight loss journey after 60. The question is should a 60-year-old, post-menopausal woman start on a regime of Mounjaro? 'Yes, it is perfectly safe to start Mounjaro at that age,' says Dr Richa Chaturvedi, endocrinologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi. Mounjaro or tirzepatide, which is now available in India, mimics the function of natural hormones GIP and GLP-1. It has a double effect, of increasing insulin secretion in response to food intake and improving glucose control and weight loss. It is officially approved for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss in people with obesity or overweight plus related health conditions. Current clinical trials have shown similar efficacy and safety profiles for all test cases over the age of 18. However, due to age-related metabolism and co-morbidities, older patients may need a more customised approach. 'It is safe for people over 60 but we generally do not prescribe it for those over 70 because there are limited studies on this,' says Dr Anoop Misra, chairman, Fortis C-DOC for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, New Delhi. He advises caution. 'Tirzepatide should not be used by people with type 1 diabetes, severe kidney or liver disease, personal or family history of thyroid cancer and severe gastrointestinal disorders like pancreatitis,' he says. Also a protocol would depend on what other medication the patient is on. A UK study by Voy and the Imperial College of London has shown that women over 55 outperform even younger people on weight loss drugs. That's because they tracked their health better. 'If taking Mounjaro at a late age, make sure that the patient has a high-protein diet to stabilise blood sugar and preserve lean muscle mass. If the elderly lose muscle mass, they become more prone to falls and broken bones. Rapid weight loss can cause bones to lose density and strength. This has to be coupled with strength training. Some squats, lunges, calf raises and weight routines should be done other than walking,' says Dr Chaturvedi. As these drugs can induce stomach paralysis, users, according to her, should have enough water as dehydration can cause the elderly to feel faint and fall.
