The Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications center (SESAME) in Jordan

The facility which costs USD 90 million is located in the Jordanian town of Al-Balqa and is funded by member states with support from UNESCO and the European Union. Initial funds for the building and site were offered by the government of Jordan. That coupled with annual contributions including pledges of USD 5 million each from member states of Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan and the Palestinian Authority cover for staff and other operational costs[1]. The European Union through CERN has also pledged 5 million dollars alongside grants from UNESCO and IAEA. The funds provided by IAEA were used for training scientists and engineers[2]. Similarly, substantial contributions were provided by Italy amounting to 3.56 million dollars till date which have been used to procure equipment and build a hostel for SEASME[3]. Founded on the model of Europe’s state of the art physics research laboratory, OPEN SESAME is the Muslim world’s only leading synchrotron.[4] ^[5]    The project signaling the dawn of a new era of scientific collaboration is modeled and conceptualized around CERN, the world’s largest and most powerful particle collider located in Geneva.

What is SESAME?  

The synchrotron is a particle accelerator that can be used to analyze and study almost anything from environmental pollutants to human body tissues. The principle behind it is that it uses a light source that scientists can use to gather information about the structural and chemical properties of the materials at the molecular level. Globally, there are around 60 synchrotrons driving scientific research and functioning as incredible tools in medicine and engineering but SESAME is the first one in the Middle East where expert physicists and researchers practice advanced science and research.

The synchrotron is a large machine about the size of a football field that is used to accelerate electrons at a high speed. The 130 meter accelerator shoots electrons propelling them at high energy and guiding them through a circular tube. They are shot like cannon balls travelling almost at the speed of light. The resultant beam is directed towards an area where the experiments are performed. Each beam line has a specialized wavelength that can be used to analyze a broad variety of materials that are otherwise invisible to the human eye. The synchrotron has wide applications in the fields of chemistry, biology, electronics, medicine, engineering, and archeology.

The idea of the project, led by British physicist Prof Sir Chris Llewellyn Smith, was conceptualized almost 20 years ago and faced obstacles of varying nature along the way.

The Middle Eastern synchrotron faced a host of obstacles due to the complex nature of the project. The plan faced financial and technical delays almost at its onset. The hurdles were further aggravated due to regional sensitivities, governmental hostilities and miniscule science and research budgets of the member states. Iran’s contribution of 5 million dollars as part of its individual pledge faced delays due to international sanctions on banking. Iran’s Atomic Energy Agency is also an observer on the SEASME council. Despite such immense challenges, the venture still managed to materialize in the form of a world class interdisciplinary research laboratory.

What exactly does SESAME do?

Today, SESAME is capable of generating of up to 20 beamlines but scientists have initially planned to work with three.

The first is an X-ray light that has applications in environmental research and can be employed to identify potential sources of environmental pollution.

The second is an infrared light that can be used to study the structural and chemical properties of cells and their proteins.

The third MX (Macromolecular Crystallography – a radiation technique used to study biological molecules) can be used to study the structural characteristics of viruses in order to develop effective drugs against them. Efforts are underway to introduce an imaging beamline to study archaeological or cultural heritage artefacts.

The project open to international and Middle Eastern researchers in universities and scientists, has already received 55 proposals to use the first two beamlines. In Jordan, an advanced research center has been established to study globally relevant problems pertaining to the environment and public health. A project to determine the causes of soil pollution in the Jordan River Valley spearheaded by scientist Messaoud Harfouche and other collaborators from Egypt and Jordan is underway. Similarly researchers are probing the causes and environmental factors linked to cancer which is on the rise in the Middle Eastern region.

In addition, an advanced training program was initiated to train scientists and engineers from the region to impart critical knowledge about the accelerator technology and its uses. Sesame has successfully conducted 30 trainings in the Middle East and other countries and has trained 750 scientists and engineers about the applications of synchrotron technology. The program also offers opportunities of international exposure and collaboration where around 105 research students and scientists were given the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of using the radiation sources by spending up to two years at other synchrotron radiation facilities in Europe, USA and Asia. This program enjoys the support of IAEA and the European Union.

The region’s first synchrotron and the only one being powered by renewable energy holds tremendous potential for advancements in research and technology for future generations. It is the transformative power of science that has enabled scientists and researchers from countries like Iran and Israel to work together despite tensions between their regional countries.

The facility will serve to usher in a new era of scientific knowledge and discovery in this part of the world fostering international scientific collaborations, promoting the development of industrial processes and providing individuals with an environment for scientific research and collaboration. SESAME aspires to reverse the brain drain in the region by promoting research in fields ranging from medicine and biology, through materials science, physics and chemistry to healthcare, the environment, agriculture and archaeology.

Along with this, SESAME also fosters scientific and technological capacity building in the Middle East and neighboring regions. Enhanced scientific links are being developed to nurture a culture of peace through collaboration on scientific advancements.

[1] http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ON-Jordan-inaugurates-regions-first-synchrotron-1705177.html

[2] http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ON-Jordan-inaugurates-regions-first-synchrotron-1705177.html

[3] http://www.sesame.org.jo/sesame/images/News/SESAME-Opening/Souvenir_Booklet.pdf

[4] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39927836

[5] https://phys.org/news/2017-05-sesame-science-centre-inaugurated-jordan.html

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely, dark place. For Pakistani tech entrepreneurs, that seems to be literally true (what with power shortage amounting to 12 hours a day sometimes). Pitted against this lack of funds, mentorship, and resources, is Punjab Information Technology Board’s Plan9 – Pakistan’s first national tech incubator.

Power shortage alone begs the question whether a technology incubator can be successful in a Pakistani environment. Besides, can we count on technology to solve our local problems?

PITB Chairman Dr. Umar Saif, certainly thinks so. “Technology is reshaping the world. Tech startups are solving global problems locally,” he says. And how does he regard Plan9’s role in this ecosystem? “Plan9 is contributing towards an ecosystem whose aim is to promote tech entrepreneurship in Pakistan. It is playing a pivotal role in providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs who often have to succumb in the face of hardships due to lack of resources and opportunities.” Dr. Saif is hopeful that Plan9 will bridge the gap between academia, industry and the government through technology.

Plan9 Core Team

While Plan9 is not Pakistan’s first technology incubator, it is certainly so far the most consistent and visible one and the first national initiative of its kind. Launched in 2012, Plan9 was awarded a grant of 180 million rupees by the Punjab government to realize its aim: which is to provide an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and business development in Pakistan.

Each cycle, entrepreneurs are invited to apply as an incubatee. After filling an online application, teams are shortlisted to present their business ideas at a Launchpad. A Launchpad is a three day event held at Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, for the selection of teams for incubation at Plan9.  A board of advisors, including PITB Chairman Dr. Umar Saif, PASHA President Jehan Ara, Google Pakistan Country Consultant Badar Khushnood, among others, rates and shortlists applicants on the merit of their ideas and their potential as a tech startup.

An incubation cycle is six months long. Successful applicants are provided free office space, laptops and the chance to work in an environment with uninterrupted power supply and internet access. A team can include anywhere between 2 to 5 members. Each team member of the incubated team is also granted a monthly stipend of Rs 20,000 for financial assistance for the entirety of their incubation cycle.

Through various workshops, trainings and mentorship sessions, the Plan9 team helps each project focus on the attainability of its goal. In a short time Plan9 has developed a large network of mentors who help train and mentor incubated teams. Among them are names such as Hussein Kanji, Partner at Hoxton Ventures; Saad Khan, Partner at CMEA Capital; Naeem Zamindar, CEO Wateen; Jazib Zahir, CEO Tintash; and Fadi Bishara, Founder Blackbox. Encouraging an environment conducive to innovative thinking, these mentors allocate their time to develop and shape the understanding of incubated teams through their sessions.

Angel Investors Club

All incubated startups have the opportunity to pitch their business/product ideas to Plan9 Angel Investors Club. The Angels Investors Club is comprised of investors who are hopeful of advancing technological developments in Pakistan. The club comprises of visionaries such as Syed Babar Ali; PITB Chairman, Dr. Umar Saif; CEO Sofizar, Zafar Khan; CEO Angels Den, Bill Morrow; and Thal Industries Director Farah Khan among others. To date the club has invested 500,000 USD in various startups incubated at Plan9.

How has this innovative approach, to realizing Pakistan’s entrepreneurial spirit, proved to be fruitful? For one, this relatively young incubator has become a beacon of hope for young entrepreneurs all over the country. More importantly, within the short span that it has been functioning, several Plan9 incubatees have successfully launched their projects for both Android and Apple devices, such as Groopic, Technolsys, and Locpro. Additionally, the mobile app helpline, Appography has been selected for the BlackBox 2014 Spring Program in Silicon Valley. Apart from announcing a Fellowship program, which invites individuals to intern with Plan9 and its incubated teams, Plan9 has also recently opened its offices for freelance developers, thereby providing a viable space for freelancers to co-work and engage in meaningful conversations.

Among Plan9’s most successful incubated companies, are names like Eyedeus Labs, Hometown, Kickstoro, Technolsys Labs, MyBizPakistan and Appography. What sets these startups apart from most? “Passion, team strength and focus”, says Plan9 Marketing and PR Manager, Hafsa Shorish. “Each incubatee is given similar resources to work with. Those who bring commitment and passion to their work have a greater chance to succeed. If a team is in sync with its visions and goals, it will go far.”

Eyedeus Labs is one such success story. Groopic, their first product, was launched in 2013 and has become a favourite with many. Groopic allows users to take photographs which also includes the photographer. Hometown is another success story to come out of Plan9 incubation. With the aim to bridge the gap between local craftsmen and consumers, Hometown offers exquisite handcrafted leather shoes to consumers.

Plan9 has clearly set an example for other aspiring incubators to follow a successful model. However, Plan9’s success has limitations as well. Government support – both organizational and financial – has played a very critical role in the establishment and sustainability of Plan9. And while the results achieved by incubatees are impressive, they have largely been non-financial and it is not clear if a private-sector entity can sustain this level of support without a direct financial outcome associated with it.

With the establishment of Plan 9 as an innovative working space for young entrepreneurs, it is hoped that more incubation centers are opened in other parts of Pakistan, in order to engage the youth. More than anything, Plan 9 ensures that tech entrepreneurship is no longer a lonely, dark place, rather, a lively hub of the nation’s brightest minds.

“I am so impressed to see what a single man has done to change the world around him.” (Jane Schaller, Executive Director, International Pediatric Association).

A seed is sown into the ground. It is nourished with water and sunlight and soon, begins inching up to new heights. Its journey from a sapling to a full grown tree is laboriously long, with the obstacles of wind, water, air and snow, among others, descending upon it from time to time. Yet, it reaches fulfillment, courageously facing all obstacles in its path and emerges victorious. Such is the story of a young Turkish man, Ihsan Dogarmachi, who began with a two-room outpatient clinic in a slum area of Ankara in 1954. It eventually became the Ankara University Institute of Child Health, the leading Children’s Hospital in Turkey, and today bears his name. Seldom are born such men of power. Men, who battle all odds and rebuild themselves along the way.

Ihsan Dogramachi in his younger years

His endeavor to be a doctor from an early age, propelled Dogramachi to search for the best avenues to acquire education, that would aid him in fulfilling his dream. On the advice of his fried Vahit, the son of the former Mayor (Şehremini) of İstanbul, Dogramachi decided to apply to a university in Vienna, in order to pursue his academic interests. His motivation for medicine was so strong, that he actually learnt German before he even got his acceptance, just so he could study in Vienna. As circumstances would have it, there were no vacancies for foreign students at the university and hence, he had to apply to the institute’s affiliate medical school in Baghdad. Gavin C. Arneil, Professor Emeritus, University of Glasgow, Scotland notes that Dogramachi was “A very determined man, he makes firm and usually immutable decisions on which he acts promptly and forcefully.”

Dogramachi’s fuelling ambition, is what led him to success in every phase in life, completing medical school a year earlier than normal. However, he did not let his early success make him egoistic or waver his focus from what was to come later. Always willing to start from scratch, Dogramachi was a firm believer in all hard work and no shortcuts. After working in several degrees under the wing of pediatrics, Dogramachi was given a golden opportunity of a university teaching position in the United States. However, for a man who had given his professional life a fair share of his time and hard work, Dogramachi decided that his personal life was as much an integral part of his existence, as were other facets of his life. And hence, he decided to settle down in Turkey with his wife and children.

As luck would have it, Dogramachi found another opportunity in his homeland, that would eventually be his ladder to success. Prof. Eckstein of the Ankara University’s Faculty of Medicine expressed a desire for Dogramachi to work there. Being the reformer he was, Dogramachi felt that an authoritative position in a center of education, would enable him to bring a shift in the dormant systems of education, that ultimately shape the future. Ultimately, through his persistent efforts that he put in there, Dogramachi was able to establish an Institute of Child Health, attached directly to the Rectorate of Ankara University.

Hacettepe University Campus

With time and a consistent momentum, Dogramachi managed to set up an entirely new system of education at Ankara, at the Hacettepe Children’s Hospital established by the Institute of Child Health. Indeed, Hacettepe University initiated a new system, different from that in other universities. During those years, boycotts and anarchy raged in the universities. A certain monopoly regarding the inclusion of students and teachers in the universities, was playing havoc with the systems in institutions. Hacettepe was an exception to this. As soon as the Hacettepe Special Act was in force, the principle of inclusion of students and junior instructors in the administration was accepted, and the monopoly eradicated. This system was so enthralling that it attracted foreign attention from England and Holland, among other countries, who eventually adopted this system in their countries as well. Ihsan Dogramachi’s lifelong relentless efforts were finally bearing fruits, when he was selected as Rector of the Hacettepe Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University. The innovative entrepreneur in Dogramachi was shaken into action, when his mind begin devising a strategy to build a new and dynamic university around the Hacettepe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, dynamism being a quality lacking in the Ankara University system. His vision translated into the creation of several new faculties being built under Hacettepe, including School of Dentistry and School of Basic Sciences, all accumulated under the ‘Hacettepe Science Center’.

Bilkent University

Having worked as Rector of the Hacettepe University for just under a decade, Dogramachi decided to go back to his profession.  Thus, he accepted a visiting professorship at Paris V University. Having worn many hats during his life, Dogramachi was invited back to Turkey to oversee the reform of higher education. This was possibly, that defining choice in Dogramachi’s life, which led to his name being mounted in solid concrete for eternity. From this time on, Dogramachi proposed several reforms for the educations system, two of which eventually became part of Turkey’s 1982 Constitution, with him being appointed as President of the Higher Education Council and the subsequent establishment of his university, Bilkent University, which became the first nonprofit private university in Turkey and enrolled its first students in 1986.

A pediatrician, Professor, Rector and President, one would assume that Dogramachi had it all, that there would be, possibly, no space left in his life for any other accomplishments. But like they say, nothing is impossible and so Dogrmacahi went on to dwell in the flood of his eventual achievements, that included him being designated as Honorary President, Turkish National Committee for UNICEF, Ankara and then Honorary President for the International Children’s Center (ICC), Ankara. Moreover, the humanitarian in Dogrmachi also delineated itself through his associations with WHO and UNICEF, in various degrees. In these organizations, Doramchi played several roles. Among these, he led special delegations, served as consultant to the World Health Organization on mission to Yaoundé (Cameroon), Ife (Nigeria), Brasilia (Brazil) and Sherbrooke (Canada), in connection with medical and health sciences education projects, and to various other countries in connection with WHO seminars, workshops and other meetings, was a member of several groups and boards including ‘Consultative Group on Maternal and Young Child Nutrition’, ‘Programme Advisory Committee on Maternal and Child Health’, ‘Global Advisory Committee on Medical Research ‘ and so on and so forth. Likewise, his participation in UNICEF also saw him being actively involved in several committees such as the ‘Programme Committee for three terms’, ‘International Children’s Center’, ‘International Pediatric Association’ and the ‘International Conference on Higher Education’ among others.

Ihsan Doramachi was a man of many talents. That is a very understated statement, however, as his over flooded spectrum of the

Dogramachi with a family member

plethora of awards that he won during the course of his life, stand testimony to this prodigy. (a complete list of his awards and honous is given at the end of this article).

Abdullah Gül, President of the Turkish Republic, says, “Professor Doğramacı is a unique person who has devoted his entire life and his family wealth to future generations, and to the development of opportunities for the training and higher education of youth.”

List of achievements

Awards and Prizes

•             1978 National Award for Distinguished Service, Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

•             1981 Léon Bernard Foundation Prize, WHO

•             1986 Christopherson Award, American Academy of Pediatrics

•             1995 Maurice Pate Award, UNICEF

•             1995 Soranos Award for Science and Friendship (Greece)

•             1998 Council of Europe “Peace, Justice and Tolerance” Prize (The other two laureates were Franz Cardinal König and Simon Wiesenthal.)

•             1999 Health and Education Award for Merit (Turkey)

•             2000 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Distinguished Service Award (Turkey)

•             2004 Dr. Jushichiro Naito International Childcare Award (Japan)

•             2007 Turkish Grand National Assembly Honor Prize

•             2009 Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence in Global Health, World Federation of Public Health Associations

•             2009 Award of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences

Publications

Articles

Over 100 articles in professional periodicals, mainly on pediatrics, public health and medical education

Chapters in Books

•             “Care of Mother and Child.” Health of Mankind. London: Churchill, 1967.

•             “Child labour: an overview.” Child Labour: A Threat to Health and Development. (Iketsetseng Series on the Health and Welfare of Children, No. 1). Geneva: Defence for Children, 1981, 1985.

•             “Ethical considerations in the advancement of medical science and technology as reflected in research in pediatrics”. Medical Science and the Advancement of World Health. New York: Praeger, 1985.

•             “Metabolic disorders,” “The Abdomen and the gastrointestinal tract,” “The genito-urinary system.” Pediatrics. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1969, 1975, 1984, 1990.

•             “Porphyrias and porphyrin metabolism.” Advances in Pediatrics. Vol. XIII. Chicago: Year Book Medical Publishers, 1964.

•             “Probleme von auslaendischer Arbeitnehmer.” Die Kinder auslaendischer Arbeitnehmer (Fortschritte der Sozialpediatrie). Vol 5. Munich, Vienna, Baltimore: Urban und Schwarzenberg, 1980.

Books

•             Annenin Kitabı (Book for Mothers). 1952. (15th ed. Ankara: Meteksan A.Ş., 2003)

•             Günümüzde Rektör Seçimi ve Atama Krizi: Türkiye’de ve Dünyada Yükseköğretim Yönetimine Bir Bakış (Contemporary Rector Selection and Appointment Crisis: A Glance at Governance in Higher Education in Turkey and the World). Ankara: Meteksan A.Ş., 2000.

Revised and updated ed.: Türkiye’de ve Dünyada Yükseköğretim Yönetimi (Governance in Higher Education in Turkey and the World). Ankara: Meteksan A.Ş., 2007.

•             Prematüre Bebek Bakımı. (Premature Baby Care). Ankara: Örnek Matbaası, 1954.

Editorial Activities

•             1958-1993 Editor, The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics, Ankara

•             1963-1980 Consulting editor, Clinical Pediatrics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

•             1975-1985 Editor, Bulletin of the International Pediatric Association, Ankara

Other Achievements

•             1958 Established Hacettepe Institute of Child Health and Children’s Hospital.

•             1961 Established first School of Nursing at university level in Turkey.

•             1961 Established first School of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Turkey.

•             1962 Established first School of Dietetics and Nutrition in Turkey.

•             1963 Established Hacettepe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ankara, introducing an integrated teaching system in medicine.

•             1963 Contributed to establishment of Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine in Erzurum.

•             1967 Established Hacettepe University in Ankara.

•             1973 Contributed to establishment of Karadeniz University Trabzon Faculty of Medicine in Trabzon.

•             1981-1992 In his capacity as President of the Council of Higher Education of Turkey, contributed to establishment of Erciyes University in Kayseri, Ondokuz Mayis University in Samsun, Cumhuriyet University in Sivas, and Anadolu University in Eskisehir.

•             1984 Established Bilkent University in Ankara, the first foundation university in the country, with the intention of making it a centre of excellence.

References:

http://www.bilkent.edu.tr/hocabey/indexeng.html

Access to healthcare, like Education, is now considered a fundamental human right. Delivery of effective health care cannot be achieved without an adequate healthcare system comprising facilities (hospitals and clinics), adequately trained manpower (doctors and nurses), and access to medical equipment. Over the centuries since the advent of the scientific revolution, medical instruments and devices have grown in degree of sophistication. Today, advanced medical devices allow doctors, to not only diagnose medical conditions accurately and quickly, but also provide invasive and non-invasive surgery.

Muslims such as Ibn-e-Sina (Avicenna), Al-Razi, and Al-Zaharwi, invented some of the earlier medical techniques and surgical instruments, that have become the basis for today’s medical practice. Ibn-e-Sina’s Cannons of Modern Medicine, was being taught for centuries across Europe. Many of the inventions of the early days – such as the ‘stitch’ – have existed till this day. However, very much like the long gone days when astrolabes and celestial spheres were being created across the Muslim World, the basic tart and science of conceiving and creating these instruments is long extinct within the Islamic World.

There is one major exception. The surgical instruments industry in the city of Sialkot in Pakistan’s Central Punjab Province, is perhaps the single most important cluster to retain and build upon the former Muslim tradition of creating medical technologies of the world. This one capability, arising from a certain type of craftsmanship, that this city has made its own, has survived for at least a couple of centuries and Pakistan today, enjoys almost complete and unmatched global dominance, in this very narrow segment of global medical devices industry.

Legend has it, that the surgical instruments industry in Sialkot came about rather accidentally during the period of the British Raj in India. Two British doctors came looking for someone capable of repairing a broken instrument and found a receptive audience among the metal artisans of this city. As they fixed these instruments, more began work began to flow in and a small cluster developed around the core capability of Sialkot.

To be fair, the surgical instruments cluster in Sialkot, in no way, embodies the kind of intellectual and technological leadership, that advanced centers of excellence of the Islamic World demonstrated in the yesteryears, but, it has – in letter if not the spirit – kept the flame alive, even though a vast majority of the ‘think’ (i.e. design and development) is done abroad (primarily in Germany) and that is also where most of the (financial) benefit accrues as well.

Nevertheless, the surgical instruments cluster in Sialkot represents a solid set of capabilities, that are akin to the pilot, from which a fire of innovation can be lit on another day. It is also the recognition of the fact, that there exists considerable talent within the Muslim World, that remains unrecognized for lack of  a conducive environment for innovation.

Physicist William Roentgen

The ‘enabling and fostering’ environment is essential for the successful creation of medical products, that can only be developed and refined by building upon existing ideas and capabilities through experimentation. Time is witness, that it is only experimentation, that has led to the birth of innovation. For example, one fine day, physicist William Roentgen was busy experimenting in his lab with electric current, without knowing what he would stumble upon, or if he would stumble upon anything at all. He shot an electric current through a special gas in a glass tube. The gas glowed. Big whoop, thought Roentgen, and covered the tube with heavy paper so he could get on with the important business of not being impressed by glowing things. The glow remained, only this time it was coming from a screen treated with heavy elements a few feet away. He decided that he would conduct further experimentation on this phenomena, as he could feel, that this could result in something significant. Hence, a little experimentation and Roentgen found out that he’d made a ray that passed through light elements, but interacted with heavy ones. What came out of this? The modern X-ray.

Experimentation, however, requires financial resources, human expertise as well as infrastructure. When there is a lack of these incentives, then cheap imitations begin to pool out of poorly resourced experiments. As a result of this, the phenomena of ‘reverse engineering’ springs forth: foreign products are dismantled, studied and replicated locally. However, this transition from the general to the specific has its benefits. It instills valuable experience and know-how into the local creators, regarding the mechanism of a certain product and likewise, the creation of it. With this, the product is able to be produced locally, which results in a lowering of the cost. Subsequently, this saves foreign exchange and enhances the capability for local production. Hence, the transition from a low tech capability to a high one, may require a lot of time and subsequent experimentation, but it does eventually benefit in the long run. The following are real personifications of scientific experiments conducted in Pakistan, that have evolved into successful products:

Ponitor: With this device, diagnosis in far flung areas is also a possibility now. Composed of a physiological monitor that collects vitals from the patient’s body via sensors, this device might likely become your next bag pack accessory, owing to its portability and affordability.

Laparoscopic Simulator

Laparoscopic simulator: Revolutionizing surgery, this device offers an in-depth perception of the area being operated upon, by translating all the movements of the surgeon, onto a screen. It enhances the accuracy of the surgery and provides visual aid for the surgeon, in order to judge his actions closely. Downside: with everything being monitored on a screen, the minutest mistake can cost a whole lot of embarrassment to the surgeon!

Prosthesis equipment: This equipment takes a value from the muscles, that command a gripper which, in turn is connected with the affected limb. The unique quality of this as compared to other similar equipment, along with its portability, is that it does not require computer interface, making it a winner.

Surgical Instruments

Surgical instruments: The next time you visit the dentist, be sure to hold one of these in your hand and examine the supreme quality that the instrument has. Being currently manufactured in Sialkot, Pakistan, these surgical instruments are exported the world over owing to their excellence. These include all sorts of surgical instruments, including dental ones as well.

Fiber optic laryngoscope: This unique device, uses an indirect method of surgery. Very contemporary, this device employs hi-end fiber optic cables, with an inbuilt light source. The best part is, that the patient does not have to be anesthetized!

Bone density material (bone substitute): Nothing short of a miracle, these bone substitutes are made from biodegradable polymer, that absorb within the bone, once inserted. Not very expensive, with the need of a second surgery being wiped out, this earns full points for its effectiveness.

Bone Substitues

Having assessed the state of medical equipment in Pakistan, policies, strategies, and action plans for health technologies, specifically for medical devices, are nevertheless, required in any national health plan. Within the context of a robust health system, they ensure access to safe, effective, and high-quality medical devices that prevent, diagnose, and treat disease and injury, and assist patients in their rehabilitation.

Researchers have discovered the earliest confirmed case of cancer in a young man who lived in ancient Egypt.

The discovery of a diseased skeleton dating back to around 1,200 BC was made at the Amara West site in northern Sudan. The new finding suggests that the disease has its roots in the distant past. Details of the skeleton have been published in the Journal PLOS ONE. The skeleton was discovered by Michaela Binder, a PhD student at Durham University. She said the find was of “critical importance in learning about the underlying causes of cancer in ancient populations, before the onset of modern lifestyles”.

Cancer is thought of as a modern-day disease, spurred on by smoking, unhealthy lifestyles and the stresses of day-to-day living. Ms Binder’s discovery suggests that the disease was prevalent thousands of years ago. “I was surprised to see such a cancer in an individual from ancient Egyptian times,” she told BBC News. “We still don’t know a lot about cancer. Only a very few examples have been found of the disease in the distant past.”

Ms Binder’s finding is of particular interest because it is 2,000 years older than the previously confirmed instance of the disease. When she unearthed the skeleton she found that the bones were riddled with holes. She worked with Daniel Antoine, a curator at the British Museum, who is responsible for the museum’s human remains. “It was very exciting to work with such a well preserved skeleton,” he told BBC News. Close up Close-up pictures showed that the bones were riddled with holes caused by a type of cancer. “The marks on the bones were very clear and our analysis showed that there was evidence that the young man suffered from a type of cancer.”

The discovery will be of great interest to medical researchers, according to Dr Kat Arney of Cancer Research UK. “If they can analyse the DNA from the skeleton, it might tell us about the gene mutations that made [this person] susceptible to this type of cancer. That could shed light on the evolution of the disease, along with the evolution of humankind.”

There have been some previous hints of the disease in archaeological records. Last year, a US researcher published details of a 120,000-year-old fossilized Neanderthal rib that showed indications of a bone tumour. There have been other finds from around 4,000 years back that show some similar signs. But without a full skeleton to show the spread of the disease, it is hard to confirm that these specimens actually had cancer.

Source: BBC News