Latest news with #UniversityofRome
Sharjah 24
26-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
ICCROM launches 2nd phase of online training course
Building on the success of the course's inaugural phase in 2024, the current phase focuses on cultivating specialists in structural conservation, its theories, and advanced techniques. The aim is to equip participants with essential skills for practical heritage preservation. Furthermore, the training stands out for its participatory approach, catering to a wide range of professionals - including architects, conservationists, engineering students and graduates, heritage site managers, and urban planners. Each plays a vital role in contributing significantly to protecting our historical sites and ensuring their longevity for future generations. Upon completion of the course, participants will gain: ● Methodologies for preserving the historical value of heritage structures while enhancing structural integrity ● In-depth knowledge of advanced structural assessment and diagnostic techniques ● Proficiency in applying structural calculus and modeling in conservation contexts ● Practical skills for designing and implementing targeted structural interventions ● Insights from real-world case studies addressing complex conservation challenges The course emphasizes that professionals can protect cultural heritage while respecting the environment by adopting sustainable conservation practices. 'This course offers more than just an educational opportunity; it serves as a crucial response to the urgent need for enhanced skills in heritage preservation in the Arab region,' said architect Anwar Sabik, the course manager and Programme Officer for Training and Field Projects at the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah. 'The course combines technical skills with practical applications, utilizing case studies to create a comprehensive learning experience for conservation professionals.' 'This type of specialized training is particularly valuable in the Arab region, where many historic structures and cultural heritage sites face threats from natural disasters, human aggression, and neglect and require urgent structural intervention. The expertise gained from this training will be instrumental in safeguarding these irreplaceable assets.' The training is led by esteemed experts Dr. Marwan Al-Heib and Engineer Ayman Hazrallah. Dr. Marwan Al-Heib has over 41 years of experience in civil engineering and risk assessment. He is a project manager, teacher, and researcher at the University of Lorraine in France and an expert in the restoration and preservation of historic sites and buildings using advanced technologies and numerical modeling for historic buildings in many countries, including Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, France, Oman, Saudi Arabia, etc. Engineer Ayman Hazrallah is a professional architect and engineer with extensive structural and seismic design expertise, and specializes in consolidating and restoring historical, artistic, and monumental buildings. He is an architecture graduate with a specialization in Structural Engineering from the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and earned a master's in architectural design from the same institution. The training course is designed to be dynamic, featuring a variety of activities such as lectures and practical examples. Participants will be able to address their questions to structural conservation specialists and other like-minded experts, promoting a significant learning environment. To ensure all questions are addressed, there will be a dedicated session at the end of the course for attendees to engage further. This course is part of the training and capacity-building programme at the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah. The program aims to equip professionals with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for preserving and managing cultural heritage sites. The programme offers a master's degree in cultural heritage conservation management in collaboration with the University of Sharjah. Also, it provides seasonal training courses that focus on hands-on experience. These courses cover various aspects of conservation, including techniques, materials, and management strategies, ensuring that participants can effectively apply their learning in real-world scenarios.
News18
21-04-2025
- Health
- News18
Microplastics Found In Human Ovaries For The First Time
Last Updated: April 21, 2025, 14:14 IST 'We are at the beginning of understanding how microplastics affect female reproductive health," said Professor Luigi Montano, lead author of the study and a researcher at the University of Rome. What we've found is both concerning and deeply consequential. The potential implications for fertility, hormonal health, and long-term reproductive outcomes in women cannot be overstated, he said. Plastic is ubiquitous – from water bottles and food packaging to textiles and aircraft components. Its convenience and durability have made it indispensable, but these very properties allow it to persist in the environment, eventually breaking down into microscopic fragments known as microplastics. These particles, less than 5 millimetres in diametre, have already been detected in human organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, and even the brain. But until now, the female reproductive system had remained relatively unexplored territory. Microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Once inside, they can travel through the bloodstream and embed themselves in vital tissues. According to a Times of India report, these particles can act as carriers for a host of toxic chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known endocrine disruptors. Montano likened microplastics to a 'Trojan horse", silently delivering toxic payloads to critical systems of the body, including the ovaries. Advertisement The detection of microplastics in the follicular fluid raises urgent questions about their role in female reproductive disorders. Follicular fluid not only supplies nutrients to the maturing egg but also helps regulate the hormonal signals required for successful ovulation and fertilisation. Any disruption in this process could hinder egg development, lower the chances of conception, and increase the risk of infertility. Animal studies have already linked microplastics to ovarian dysfunction, reduced egg maturation, and altered ovarian tissue structure. In humans, the hormonal disruption caused by plastic-associated chemicals could contribute to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular menstrual cycles, thyroid disorders, and reduced fertility. Montano's research forms part of a broader investigation into the effects of plastic pollution on human reproduction. His team has previously found microplastics in human urine and semen. These findings have strengthened concerns over a sharp global decline in sperm quality over the past eight decades. While male fertility issues have been widely studied, this new research underscores that women are equally at risk. According to data cited by TOI, semen concentration among men has plummeted from 113 million/ml in 1940 to just 66 million/ml in 1990. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has adjusted its own reference values downward over time, from 60 million/ml in 1980 to 15 million/ml in its latest 2021 guidelines. This downward trend parallels the rise of industrial plastic production and environmental plastic pollution. But the threat does not end with fertility. Scientists warn that microplastics may cause chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and hormonal imbalances that extend beyond reproductive health. There is growing concern about the long-term risks to pregnant women and fetuses, as microplastics may cross the placental barrier, leading to developmental complications such as low birth weight or neurodevelopmental delays.
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Bioscience Institute unveiled revolutionary BIOXPACE Protocol at Dubai Derma 2025
Bioscience Institute, a global leader in cutting-edge stem cell and regenerative medicine technologies, participated in the 2025 Dubai Derma Conference, which took place this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre. With a focus on advancing the future of longevity medicine, Bioscience Institute showcased its pioneering BIOXPACE protocol, a breakthrough approach in addressing the molecular drivers of aging and skin degeneration. As a spin-off of the prestigious University of Rome, Bioscience Institute is recognized for its innovative work in genomics, stem cell therapy, and regenerative medicine. At Dubai Derma 2025, the institute highlighted the BIOXPACE protocol, a revolutionary method designed to combat genotoxicity —the primary driver of aging. This approach strengthens DNA repair mechanisms, prevents stem cell exhaustion, and promotes healthier aging by targeting the root causes of skin aging, inflammation, and tissue degeneration. "BIOXPACE is not just a treatment, but a revolution in understanding how aging impacts our skin and overall health," said Giuseppe Mucci, CEO of Bioscience Institute. "Through genomic sequencing and stem cell therapies, we are offering a solution that addresses the core causes of aging at the molecular level, rather than merely managing symptoms. Our goal is to empower individuals with personalized, preventive care to enhance the longevity and vitality of their skin and bodies." The BIOXPACE protocol is designed to reverse the effects of genotoxic caused by environmental stressors, poor diet, smoking, and other lifestyle factors that accelerate the aging process. Through cutting-edge cfDNA sequencing, stem cell therapy, and exosome, Bioscience Institute has created a unique platform for identifying genetic markers that signal early signs of aging and skin degeneration. This technology empowers individuals to take control of their skin and overall health with precision-based interventions tailored to their specific genetic makeup. At Dubai Derma, attendees will have the opportunity to: Discover the science behind BIOXPACE and its application to prevent premature aging of the skin. Learn about genotoxicity-free food supplements and their role in enhancing skin health and DNA repair. Experience live demonstrations of advanced regenerative treatments for skin rejuvenation and aging prevention. Explore Bioscience Institute's comprehensive range of personalized therapies to combat the degenerative effects of aging. Bioscience Institute invites all healthcare professionals, dermatologists, and longevity enthusiasts to visit the institute and lab in Healthcare city for in-depth insights into how the BIOXPACE protocol is reshaping the future of skincare and aging management. About Bioscience Institute: Bioscience Institute, founded in 2007, is a pioneer in cellular and molecular biology, specializing in genomics, stem cell culture, and regenerative medicine. With state-of-the-art facilities in Italy and the UAE, the institute is at the forefront of developing advanced personalized therapies to counteract the effects of aging and degenerative diseases. Its research focuses on cfDNA sequencing, stem cell therapy, and exosome, offering innovative solutions for regenerative medicine and longevity.
