Afrique
14-Year-Old African Prodigy Recognized in the US for Innovative Skin Cancer-Fighting Soap
Heman Bekele, a 14-year-old African prodigy hailing from Ethiopia, has earned significant acclaim in the United States for his groundbreaking creation – a bar of soap designed to combat melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
The ninth-grader, residing in Annandale, Virginia, achieved the prestigious title of “America’s top young scientist” by triumphing over nine other contestants in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. His remarkable achievement secured him a cash prize of $25,000.
In describing his soap’s potential, Bekele emphasised its simplicity, affordability, and accessibility compared to contemporary skin cancer treatments. He stated, “It’s charged with different cancer-fighting chemicals. And the main one, there is this drug called imidazoquinolines.” Bekele believes that with official endorsement, his soap could prove effective in the early stages of skin cancer.
The young scientist explained the rationale behind his creation, highlighting how skin cancer cells weaken dendritic cells, impeding the body’s immune responses and enabling cancer to flourish. Bekele’s soap, however, contains agents that could reactivate dendritic cells, aiding in the elimination of cancer cells.
When asked about his journey in developing the soap, Bekele shared, “A lot of my research and development started in my family’s kitchen and my basement.” He clarified that while not engaging in complex processes like nanoparticle generation, he safely and efficiently conducted the soap-making process using basic ingredients. As a finalist, he reached out to experts at the University of Virginia and Georgetown for additional support.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of his mentor, Deborah Isabelle, Bekele stated, “The number one person [who helped me] would be Deborah Isabelle, my 3M designated mentor. She helped organise and structure my thoughts, and she has so much experience in the field of R&D. I definitely couldn’t have done this all by myself.”
Looking ahead, Bekele revealed his vision to transform the project into a nonprofit organisation within five years, aiming to provide equitable and accessible skin cancer treatment to a broader audience. He asserted, “Because honestly, at the end of the day, that is what this project is all about.”
While skin cancers are uncommon in Africans and dark-skinned individuals, they pose a significant challenge when diagnosed, often resulting in poor prognosis. In the US, where skin cancer affects around 100,000 people annually and claims approximately 8,000 lives, Bekele’s innovative soap could potentially offer a promising solution in the fight against this prevalent disease.
A few weeks ago, we reported about another Ethiopian Gebisa Ejeta, who had been awarded the National Medal of Science, which is the highest honour bestowed upon scientists in the United States.
Mimi Mefo Info
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Selon plusieurs sources, Yannick Bekemen aurait été empoisonné par un de ses collègues qui lui aurait servi un mets jeudi dernier dans leur lieu de service.
L’affaire donne des frissons. Selon plusieurs sources, le jeune Yannick Bekemen employé dans la société INTERTIS à Bastos, quartier huppé de la capitale est mort après avoir été empoisonné par un de ses collègues. Les faits se déroulent jeudi dernier. Selon nos sources, Yannick Bekemen aurait annoncé la veille à ses collègues qu’il a obtenu son visa pour le Canada. C’est ainsi qu’arrivé au lieu de travail le lendemain, c’est-à-dire jeudi, « un de ses collègues le nommé MOSES a apporté un thermos contenant l’Okok avec du manioc proposant de manger ce mets entre collègues. Mets qu’il avait commandé au restaurant de leur lieu de service », raconte un proche de la victime.
De retour chez lui à 19h Yannick se sent mal et son cas s’aggrave à 3 h du matin: vomissements et diarrhées. Voyant son cas s’aggraver, Yannick aurait selon ses proches déclaré de vive voix que: « Ekié c’est toujours pour le voyage ci qu’on veut me finir ? »
Mais au petit matin, la situation s’est aggravé, conduit de toute urgence à l’hôpital JAMOT, le pauvre ne va succomber à sa maladie.
Plusieurs jeunes ont été empoisonné au Cameroun dans des circonstances troubles. En septembre dernier, Larissa, une jeune mariée, avait été empoisonné lors de son propre mariage.
Selon nos sources fiables chez Culture Ébène, elle avait perdu sa vie après avoir consommé un simple verre de jus. Louis, son époux fraîchement marié, de nationalité française, est subitement devenu veuf quelques minutes après avoir prononcé ses vœux.
Le Cameroun a été témoin de plusieurs cas d’empoisonnement ces dernières années, motivés par la jalousie ou la vengeance. En 2022, une autre histoire a bouleversé le cœur des Camerounais. Au quartier MVOG – BETI de Yaoundé, une jeune femme a été empoisonnée par sa propre amie après avoir partagé un repas traditionnel. Le plat, le fameux « mbongo tchobi », une délicatesse bassa, est devenu la scène d’un drame inattendu. L’empoisonneuse présumée, ayant laissé derrière elle des indices révélateurs, fut rapidement appréhendée par les forces de l’ordre.
Albert Atangana
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Tonight, Cameroon’s flag will proudly fly in Paris, thanks to the musical artistry of Kameni, the renowned Cameroonian singer-songwriter. Taking center stage at the “Les étoiles théâtre,” Kameni is set to deliver her inaugural concert on French soil. The Afrobeat sensation, famed for her 2019 hit single “Nayo Nayo,” will be joined by fellow artists Giffto le Russe, DJ Karri, and DEIDO MBIMBEY, who will kick off the show.
This Parisian debut for Kameni is orchestrated by Mastatik Records, led by founder Yannick Marandat, who exudes confidence in the concert’s success. Marandat states, “Kameni is a fantastic artist with a unique voice and style. I’m sure that the Parisian audience will be blown away by her performance.”
Kameni’s musical signature encompasses a fusion of traditional Cameroonian rhythms and contemporary Afrobeat sounds. Her poignant lyrics often delve into themes of love, loss, and societal matters. Praised for her powerful vocals and an uncanny ability to connect with her audience, Kameni stands out in the global music scene.
Unlike the usual controversies that arise in Cameroon when foreign artists perform, Kameni’s Paris concert has faced no opposition from French artists. This event is poised to be a remarkable occasion, offering Kameni the platform to introduce her music to a new audience and promote Cameroonian culture. It serves as a poignant reminder of music’s profound ability to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Mimi Mefo Info
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A resounding roar filled the Emirates as Arsenal clinched a tense 2-1 triumph over Wolves, extending their lead at the English Premier League summit by four points. Despite an early lead with goals from Saka and Odegaard within the first 13 minutes, missed opportunities allowed Wolves to stay in contention. A late scare from Cunha’s brilliant finish tested Arsenal’s resolve, but Arteta’s men held on.
While Arsenal fans revel in the victory, attention shifts to Sunday’s fixtures featuring contenders like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa. Arsenal’s upcoming clash against Luton Town awaits on Tuesday. Simultaneously, Wolves aim to rebound from consecutive defeats as they host Burnley in three days’ time.
Historical statistics underscore Arsenal’s dominance, maintaining a scoring streak against Wolves and reaching their 100th goal of 2023 through Saka’s opener. Meanwhile, in a separate encounter, Newcastle United delivered a stellar performance to secure a memorable 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
Anthony Gordon’s second-half tap-in proved decisive for Newcastle, securing three well-deserved points. The win propelled Newcastle above Tottenham on goal difference, securing fifth place in the Premier League table. Manchester United continued to struggle away against top-eight teams, with their last such win dating back to October 2021.
Newcastle’s remarkable run against Manchester United extended, with three consecutive victories in all competitions, a feat not achieved since January 1922. The Magpies have been formidable at home, winning seven out of eight Premier League games and boasting the most home clean sheets this season. Despite a strangely poor performance, Erik ten Hag’s team narrowly escaped St James’ Park with a 1-0 defeat, as Trippier’s free-kick rattled the underside of the bar in the first half.
Mimi Mefo Info
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