Three emerging researchers in the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences (LMMS) at UKZN have been awarded UKZN internal Research Development Equipment (RDE) Grants. The grant provides funding for research equipment costing more than R50 000 with the aim being to support research endeavours of the University through infrastructural development and provision of equipment
The School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences has appointed Professor Bongani Nkambule (34) as its Academic Leader of Research. Nkambule, previously Academic Leader: Molecular and Cellular Diseases in the School, said barriers to success in research included a lack of access to mentors or meaningful mentorship, funding and state-of-the-art equipment. ‘My goal is to improve collaborative
A doctoral study examined the profile of lung cells of individuals who had tuberculosis (TB) at a single cell resolution to determine which cells are involved in lung tissue damage as well as granuloma formation in human lung tissue infected by the disease. The research work earned Dr Ian Mbano (32) of Zimbabwe a PhD
Research into maternal and foetal health concentrating on hypertensive pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension secured Dr Nerolen Soobryan a PhD in Health Sciences (Physiology). ‘Symptoms of these conditions often present too late in pregnancy and are a major contributor to the death of mothers and unborn children. Furthermore, the two disorders have overlapping
Dr Bukola Rukayat Omotoso of Nigeria was awarded a PhD in Health Sciences (Anatomy) for her study that investigated the Neuroanatomy of the Vertebral Arteries – Major Blood Vessels of the Head and Neck. Findings from Omotoso’s research identified important clinical features of the vertebral arteries and their implication for diagnosis and surgical intervention in
Suffering trauma can result in contracting Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), according to the findings of a doctoral study. The research, in which rats were used as models, was undertaken by Nigerian-born Dr Samuel Faborode, who was awarded a PhD in Health Sciences (Physiology) for the work. From early in his life, Faborode was interested in brain
Ms Nompumelelo Gumede on achieving a cum laude Master’s degree in Medical Science (Physiology) said: ‘This accomplishment brings me tears of joy. Sometimes I scream internally: Girl, you did it! My master’s study was interesting but challenging – when I submitted my dissertation I was mentally and physically exhausted. Waiting for results was stressful although I knew I had
In the face of the huge challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 26 projects were presented at the annual research symposium of the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences. With the words of Nelson Mandela – ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done’ – very relevant in the strained circumstances caused