In a major step forward for cancer treatment, Israeli and Japanese researchers have created a highly targeted inhibitor for an enzyme that plays a critical role in helping cancer grow and spread. The findings offer new hope to patients battling aggressive forms of cancer, particularly in the pancreas. The research, a collaborative effort involving the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and the University of Tokyo, represents a major breakthrough in targeting an enzyme called Matrix Metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7) which facilitates the invasion of cancer cells into surrounding tissues. MMP7 has structural similarities to other enzymes, which has made developing a drug to specifically block MMP7 without disrupting other essential enzymes a longstanding challenge. But a newly discovered peptide, named D’20, has shown remarkable potential in specifically targeting MMP7 while leaving other similar enzymes untouched. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can influence many biological processes and are used in medicine to treat conditions like cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. D’20’s precision could lead to more effective and personalised cancer treatments. The study, led by Professor Norman Metanis and PhD student Hiba Ghareeb from the Hebrew University, along with Professor Irit Sagi from the Weizmann Institute and Professor Hiroaki Suga from the University of Tokyo, utilised a cutting-edge approach called Mirror-Image Random Nonstandard Peptide Integrated Discovery (MI-RaPID). This advanced peptide discovery technology enabled the researchers to identify a new class of molecule—macrocyclic peptides—that can precisely bind to MMP7, thereby inhibiting its activity. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 October,2024 09:08 AM IST | Jerusalem | AgenciesIsraeli strikes on multiple homes in the northern Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday left at least 87 people dead or missing, the territory’s Health Ministry said. It said another 40 people were wounded in the strikes on the town of Beit Lahiya, which was among the first targets of Israel’s ground invasion nearly a year ago. The strikes came as the US is investigating an unauthorized release of classified documents that assess Israel’s plans to attack Iran, according to three US officials. A fourth US official said the documents appear to be legitimate. The documents, attributed to the US Geospatial Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency and marked top secret, indicate that Israel was moving military assets in place to conduct a military strike in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1. Hezb officials killed Israeli said it killed three “key” officials in a strike on the group’s intelligence headquarters in Lebanon’s southern Beirut. Elhag Abbas Salameh, Racha Abbas Icha, and Ahmed Ali Hasin were killed in the attack. Man arrested for plot against Israeli embassy German authorities have arrested a man with suspected ties to the extremist group Islamic State who was allegedly planning an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Berlin. The man was detained on Saturday in Bernau, a town just outside of Berlin. A heavily armed elite police unit stormed the suspect’s apartment and police also raided an apartment in the western German town of Sankt Augustin in connection with the case. German authorities acted after receiving a tipoff. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 October,2024 08:59 AM IST | Deir Al-Balah | AgenciesDollar-starved Maldives has floated a new foreign currency regulation, limiting types of transactions allowed in foreign currency and imposing mandatory foreign currency exchange controls on tourism establishments and banks. Maldivian economy appears to have taken a hit after calls to Indian tourists to avoid the picturesque island nation as a response to President Mohamed Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ campaign last year. Maldives last month averted a potential default on an Islamic bond payment after India extended a USD 50 million interest-free loan. With its forex reserves not matching its import bill, the island nation’s central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) on October 1 introduced a new regulation, requiring all foreign currency income generated by the tourism industry to be deposited in local banks. The MMA published the new rules in the local Dhivehi language. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 October,2024 08:50 AM IST | Male | AgenciesRussian air defences shot down more than 100 Ukrainian drones Sunday over Russia’s western regions, Moscow officials said, while 17 people were injured in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih in a ballistic missile attack. The Russian Defence Ministry said 110 drones were destroyed in the overnight barrage against seven Russian regions. Many targeted Russia’s border region of Kursk, where 43 drones were reportedly shot down. Social media footage appeared to show air defences at work over the city of Dzerzhinsk in the Nizhny Novgorod region, close to a factory producing explosives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had launched some 800 guided aerial bombs and more than 500 attack drones over Ukraine in the past week. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 October,2024 08:44 AM IST | Kyiv | AgenciesKing Charles III and Queen Camilla were greeted by children Sunday outside a Sydney church in their first public appearance of their Australian visit. Charles’ arrival Friday marked the first reigning British monarch visit to Australia since his late mother Queen Elizabeth II made her 16th journey to the distant nation in 2011. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 October,2024 08:38 AM IST | Sydney | AgenciesIsrael has launched a fresh wave of missile attacks on Bierut's southern region after Israel Defence Force warned a group accused of financing Hezbollah, Times of Israel reported. Earlier on Sunday, Israel had launched a strike on Beit Lahiya in north Gaza that has killed as many as 73 people, while many more are feared trapped under rubble, Al Jazeera reported Gaza authorities. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, Gaza's Government Media Office said. The situation in northern Gaza remains dire due to a 16-day Israeli military siege that has severed access to essential services like food, water, and medicine in the north of the Gaza Strip. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expressed doubts over Hamas' claim of 73 deaths in the recent strikes in north Gaza, labelling the figure "exaggerated," the Times of Israel reported. Earlier, Israel struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut, Lebanon, in response to the multiple rocket barrages fired by the Lebanese armed group in the northern region of the Jewish state, the Times of Israel reported. Israel's infantry has also carried out its deepest operation in Lebanon, as per the report. These series of strikes comes after a drone was launched towards Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's house. In response to that, Netanyahu warned Iran's "proxy" Hezbollah for the "grave mistake." He said the "assassination" attempt will not deter him or Israel from "eliminating" the terrorists and "those who dispatch them." Two other drones that were fired from Lebanon on Saturday morning were downed by Israel's air defences, triggering sirens in Tel Aviv, according to The Times of Israel report. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 October,2024 08:33 AM IST | Tel Aviv | ANIMany Cubans were left in distress on Sunday, October 20, as electricity is yet to be fully restored across much of the island following days of blackout, news agency AP reported. While some neighbourhoods in Havana, home to 2 million people, have had their power restored, large areas of the capital remain in darkness. The blackout has far-reaching effects, as services like water supply also rely on electricity to operate pumps. Residents in Cuba have resorted to cooking on makeshift wood stoves in the streets, desperate to prevent their food from spoiling in refrigerators, reported AP. The crisis began with the failure of the Antonio Guiteras power plant on Friday, which caused a complete collapse of the electricity system in Cuba. This incident adds to a long history of energy distribution issues in a country where electricity is often restricted and rotated among different regions at various times of the day, AP stated. On Sunday morning, people lined up for hours to buy bread at the few bakeries that managed to reopen. The blackout in Cuba began on Thursday evening, plunging about half of the country into darkness, and by Friday morning, the entire island was affected. In addition to the Antonio Guiteras plant, which significantly impacted the national system, it remains unclear whether other plants are operational. This blackout is considered the worst Cuba has experienced in two years, reminiscent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022, which damaged power installations and took days to repair. In recent months, some homes have endured power outages lasting up to eight hours daily. On Saturday, the government reported that some electricity had been restored after the failure of a major power plant. However, the output of 500 megawatts on the island's grid quickly dropped to 370 megawatts, well below the usual 3 gigawatts needed. There is no official estimate for when the blackout will end. Even in a country accustomed to power outages amid a worsening economic crisis, Friday's collapse was significant. In response, the Cuban Government has announced emergency measures to reduce electricity demand, including suspending classes in schools and universities, shutting down certain state-owned enterprises, and cancelling nonessential services. Local authorities attributed the outage to increased demand from small- and medium-sized businesses and residential air conditioners. The situation worsened due to breakdowns in outdated thermoelectric plants that have not been adequately maintained, compounded by a lack of fuel to operate some facilities. (With AP inputs)
20 October,2024 10:40 PM IST | Havana | mid-day online correspondentAuthorities in Germany announced on Sunday, October 20, that they have apprehended a Libyan national suspected of links to the extremist group Islamic State, who was allegedly planning a firearms attack on the Israeli Embassy in Berlin. The individual, identified only as Omar A, was arrested on Saturday evening in Bernau, a town situated just outside of the capital, news agency AP said. According to a statement from the Federal Prosecutor's Office, the security forces in Germany subsequently conducted a search of his residence. The statement detailed that the suspect intended to execute a high-profile attack on the Israeli Embassy and had reportedly exchanged information with an Islamic State member via a messaging platform during his planning. Authorities in Germany also searched the home of another individual who is considered a witness but not a suspect in the case. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser commenting on the operation, asserted that German security services acted in a timely manner to avert what could have been a serious threat to the Israeli Embassy. "This underscores our commitment to protecting Jewish and Israeli institutions in our country," she stated. According to AP, the prosecutor’s office indicated that the suspect would be presented before an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor expressed gratitude to the German security forces for their efforts in safeguarding the embassy. Initial reports on the incident emerged from the Bild newspaper, which highlighted that a heavily armed elite police unit had conducted the raid on the suspect’s home following a tip-off from a foreign intelligence agency, stated AP. Faeser reiterated the importance of vigilance in light of the heightened threat posed by Islamist, anti-Semitic, and anti-Israel violence. Germany's Justice Minister, Marco Buschmann, echoed her sentiments, noting the "very serious" risk of Islamist terrorism in the country, particularly against Israeli institutions. The arrest comes amidst a worrying rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany, which have surged since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, an event that has triggered ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' chief and the mastermind of last year's deadly October 7 attack, was killed in an Israeli strike earlier this week. (With AP inputs)
20 October,2024 06:22 PM IST | Berlin | mid-day online correspondentMembers of the Women Workers Forum (WWF) in Pakistan have urged the government to take immediate steps to safeguard the livelihoods of gig workers, who are facing increasing challenges from socio-economic factors like climate change and unreliable internet access. The WWF, representing gig and platform workers across the nation, emphasised that these issues disproportionately affect women, who are among the most vulnerable in the platform economy. During a recent meeting, Samia Zahid, Chairperson of the All Pakistan Women's Association (APWA), called for the regulation of online businesses to protect workers from exploitation. She stated, "Many platform workers are overworked and underpaid, often lacking basic legal protections. It's time for the government to step in to ensure fairness and transparency in online work." Dur-e-Shawar from the WWF highlighted how these socio-economic challenges contribute to an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) and the growing care burden on women. She noted, "When women lose income due to work disruptions from extreme weather or unreliable internet, they are at a higher risk of domestic violence and other forms of exploitation. Furthermore, the added responsibilities at home, combined with the pressure to earn, are pushing women deeper into poverty." Ayesha, a gig worker with seven years of experience across various digital platforms, shared her experience: "I work tirelessly and never know when I'll receive my salary. The uncertainty and lack of a clear payment timeline affect my mental health." She pointed out that while platform work offers flexibility, it often leads to delayed payments, inconsistent earnings, and mental stress due to job insecurity. According to ANI, the WWF and platform workers collectively called on the government to regulate online businesses to protect gig workers from exploitation. They underscored the need for fair contracts, timely payments, and transparent working conditions. Moreover, they demanded that gig workers be legally recognised under Pakistan's labour laws, ensuring they receive essential rights such as minimum wage, social security, paid leave, and proper contracts. They also emphasised the importance of securing the right to collective bargaining and freedom of association, allowing platform workers to organise and form unions to advocate for better wages and working conditions. The forum further called for policies to address the rise in gender-based violence linked to economic stress, ensuring that women platform workers have access to GBV protection mechanisms and support services. They also stressed the need to improve digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, to provide reliable and affordable internet access, enabling workers to maintain a stable income. Additionally, the WWF urged the government to develop targeted social safety programmes to protect vulnerable platform workers, especially women, from income loss during extreme weather events and other crises. They called on digital platform companies to implement worker-friendly policies, including clear payment timelines, improved mental health support, and effective mechanisms for addressing worker grievances. As per ANI, the Women Workers Forum is determined to advocate for the rights and protections of gig workers in Pakistan, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. (With Inputs from ANI)
20 October,2024 06:08 PM IST | IslamabadThe Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has called on Beijing to cease military provocations and aggressive tactics that threaten Taiwan's existence, underscoring the necessity of maintaining the current "status quo" across the Taiwan Strait. This plea follows increasing concerns about China's military activities in the region, which many view as attempts to intimidate the self-governing island. In a recent statement, MOFA expressed gratitude for the support Taiwan has garnered from friendly nations and diplomatic allies over the past week, as reported by ANI. The Ministry urged China to acknowledge the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and to respect the democratic values and lifestyle chosen by its people. “We ask China to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resort to military posturing,” the Ministry stated, emphasising the importance of peaceful relations. MOFA highlighted its readiness to collaborate with China to enhance regional security and promote peace and prosperity. However, it issued a stern warning: “Do not attempt to use military provocations or other methods to threaten or suppress Taiwan and undermine the regional status quo.” This warning reflects Taiwan's commitment to defending its sovereignty while still seeking avenues for cooperation. Dialogue was underscored as a crucial element in developing a friendly relationship that aligns with international expectations. The Ministry noted that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in the common interest of both sides of the strait and the broader international community. According to ANI, MOFA pointed out a global consensus regarding the importance of upholding peace and stability in the Strait and the larger Indo-Pacific region. It expressed appreciation for the support of allies such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, New Zealand, Lithuania, and South Korea, along with over 30 other countries, who have publicly voiced their concerns regarding China's military drills. These nations have stressed the need for restraint and urged that disputes be resolved through dialogue rather than force. Last week, China's People’s Liberation Army conducted military exercises that included deploying fighter jets and warships around Taiwan, escalating tensions in the region. This display of military might has raised alarms not only within Taiwan but also among its allies, prompting calls for continued vigilance and support for Taiwan's self-defence. In light of these developments, MOFA has urged all nations to maintain their support for Taiwan and to remain alert to the situation in the Strait. The Ministry reiterated Taiwan's commitment to working alongside allies and like-minded countries to uphold a rules-based international order. The call for recognition and dialogue serves as a reminder of Taiwan's aspirations for peaceful coexistence and its determination to defend its sovereignty amid escalating pressures from China. (With inputs from ANI)
20 October,2024 05:10 PM IST | TaiwanWarning Iran's "proxy" Hezbollah for the "grave mistake" after a drone from Lebanon targeted his private residence, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the "assassination" attempt will not deter him or Israel to "eliminate" the terrorists and "those who dispatch them." Netanyahu's response came after a drone was launched towards his residence in the Israeli town of Caesarea. He and his wife Sara were not at home at the time of the attack. Two other drones that were fired from Lebanon on Saturday morning were downed by Israel's air defences, triggering sirens in Tel Aviv, according to The Times of Israel report. In a social media post on X, Netanyahu wrote, "The attempt by Iran's proxy Hezbollah to assassinate me and my wife today was a grave mistake. This will not deter me or the State of Israel from continuing our just war against our enemies in order to secure our future." Netanyahu further warned Iran saying,"anyone who tries to harm Israel's citizens will pay a heavy price." He asserted that Israel will continue its operations against the terrorists and assured to bring back hostages from Gaza. "We will continue to eliminate the terrorists and those who dispatch them. We will bring our hostages home from Gaza. And we will return our citizens who live on our Northern border safely to their homes." Netanyahu wrote on X. "Israel is determined to achieve all our war objectives and change the security reality in our region for generations to come," he added. On Friday, Netanyahu addressed the people of Gaza, saying the war can end as soon as tomorrow if Hamas agrees to lay down its arms and return the hostages. Sharing a video on X, Netanyahu said, "Yahya Sinwar is dead. He was killed in Rafah by the brave soldiers of the Israeli defence forces. While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it's the beginning of the end. To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message - this war can end tomorrow. It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 October,2024 09:44 AM IST | Tel Aviv | ANIADVERTISEMENT
