Malaria Diagnosis Revolution with Artificial Intelligence

Professor Seedahmed Sharif Mahmoud - AI-Powered Microscope: A Milestone in Global Healthcare (Asharqalawsat)
Professor Seedahmed Sharif Mahmoud - AI-Powered Microscope: A Milestone in Global Healthcare (Asharqalawsat)
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Malaria Diagnosis Revolution with Artificial Intelligence

Professor Seedahmed Sharif Mahmoud - AI-Powered Microscope: A Milestone in Global Healthcare (Asharqalawsat)
Professor Seedahmed Sharif Mahmoud - AI-Powered Microscope: A Milestone in Global Healthcare (Asharqalawsat)

In a groundbreaking development, a team of brilliant researchers at Shantou University in China, led by Professor Seedahmed Sharif Mahmoud and Professor Qiang Fang from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, unveiled an innovative microscope driven by artificial intelligence.

This microscope aims to revolutionize malaria diagnosis in resource-limited regions of Africa and Asia.

The traditional method of diagnosing malaria requires skilled experts to manually count parasites and white blood cells, a challenge in such areas.

According to Mahmoud, this newly developed AI-powered microscope provides a revolutionary solution.

By harnessing the power of smartphones, this advanced technology integrates real-time algorithms capable of automatically detecting malaria parasites and counting white blood cells.

This achievement marks a significant leap towards swift and precise malaria diagnosis, particularly in resource-constrained regions.

Moreover, Mahmoud, the Director of International Collaboration in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Shantou University, brings a wealth of experience to this project.

With over two decades of expertise in academic research involving electrical, electronic, and biomedical engineering, he has made significant contributions in various fields.

His innovative research in signal processing for biomedical purposes and the development of optical fiber sensor devices has led to a Chinese patent, national and regional awards, and the enhancement of his reputation as a trailblazer in these domains.

Additionally, Mahmoud’s efforts in machine learning for perimeter intrusion detection systems have resulted in three international patents, further solidifying his position as a leader in this field.

Professor Mahmoud, of Sudanese descent, has actively participated in numerous research projects, authored scientific papers and books, and acquired multiple patents, underscoring his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

His contributions continue to shape the landscape of cutting-edge research and innovations.

The aforementioned AI-driven microscope innovation stands as a testament to the immense potential of this technology in healthcare. Through this invention, Mahmoud and his team lead a revolution in malaria diagnosis, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for communities in need of assistance.

 

 



Diana's 'Revenge Dress' to Go Up for Auction in New York

Princess Diana wearing the 'Revenge Dress' (AFP file photo)
Princess Diana wearing the 'Revenge Dress' (AFP file photo)
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Diana's 'Revenge Dress' to Go Up for Auction in New York

Princess Diana wearing the 'Revenge Dress' (AFP file photo)
Princess Diana wearing the 'Revenge Dress' (AFP file photo)

Princess Diana's famous "revenge dress" that she wore on the evening that then-Prince Charles made a public admission of adultery is to be auctioned in New York in December.

Diana wore the daring off-the-shoulder gown to a gala dinner in London in 1994 on the day that her husband, now the king, admitted during a TV interview to being unfaithful.

"Princess Diana turned the dress into one of the most powerful messages she ever made, during one of the most scrutinized and emotionally charged episodes of her life," said Morgane Halimi of Sotheby's, which announced the upcoming sale on Thursday.

It "gave license to anyone, but especially women, to use fashion beyond adornment and much more intentionally and meaningfully: as a shield, a weapon or both," AFP quoted her as saying.

The dress, designed by Christina Stambolian, is estimated to fetch between $150,000 and $300,000, with some proceeds going to charity.

It was previously auctioned for cancer and AIDS charities in 1997, shortly before Diana died in a car accident in Paris at the age of 36.


Indonesia to Bring Back Baby Orangutans Allegedly Trafficked to India

This handout picture taken on September 4, 2026 and released on September 10, 2026 by Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry and Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) shows a rescue operation for orangutans caught up in wildfires in Pemangkat village in West Kalimantan province. (Photo by Muffidz Ma'sum / Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) / AFP)
This handout picture taken on September 4, 2026 and released on September 10, 2026 by Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry and Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) shows a rescue operation for orangutans caught up in wildfires in Pemangkat village in West Kalimantan province. (Photo by Muffidz Ma'sum / Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) / AFP)
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Indonesia to Bring Back Baby Orangutans Allegedly Trafficked to India

This handout picture taken on September 4, 2026 and released on September 10, 2026 by Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry and Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) shows a rescue operation for orangutans caught up in wildfires in Pemangkat village in West Kalimantan province. (Photo by Muffidz Ma'sum / Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) / AFP)
This handout picture taken on September 4, 2026 and released on September 10, 2026 by Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry and Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) shows a rescue operation for orangutans caught up in wildfires in Pemangkat village in West Kalimantan province. (Photo by Muffidz Ma'sum / Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) / AFP)

Indonesian authorities are working to repatriate five baby orangutans allegedly trafficked to India, where they were found motherless in a forest, Jakarta's forestry ministry told AFP Friday.

The critically endangered animals were found Tuesday by rangers patrolling in the Balasore district of India's eastern Odisha state.

Authorities suspect the primates, known for their shaggy red fur, were trafficked into India, sparking a criminal investigation.

The youngsters, estimated to be about one-and-a-half years old, appeared to be healthy and were being cared for at a zoo after their rescue, the ministry said in a statement.

Orangutans in the wild are native only to Indonesia's Sumatra island and Borneo, which it shares with Malaysia and Brunei.

The five infants were believed to be of Sumatran origins, based on preliminary physical observations, the ministry said.

DNA tests will be used to confirm where they were from.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which lists Sumatran orangutans as critically endangered, the young of the species are weaned only at about seven years of age.

The last estimate of the species' population size, in 2016, was just over 13,500.

The Indonesian government has requested India hand over the apes, forestry ministry spokesman Ristianto Pribadi told AFP on Friday.

"The forestry ministry has begun communicating with the government of India through the Indian embassy in Jakarta," he said.

Jakarta has also been in touch with conservation NGOs to help rehabilitate the baby orangutans, the ministry statement added.

Sumatran orangutan population decline is blamed on habitat loss and fragmentation due to human encroachment, as well as illegal hunting.

The Tapanuli orangutan, another species native to Sumatra, is also classified as critically endangered, with fewer than 800 believed left in the wild.


Giant Sun Installation to Light Up Market Hall in UK

The Helios installation will be displayed at Goole Market Hall from September 25 (National Trust)
The Helios installation will be displayed at Goole Market Hall from September 25 (National Trust)
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Giant Sun Installation to Light Up Market Hall in UK

The Helios installation will be displayed at Goole Market Hall from September 25 (National Trust)
The Helios installation will be displayed at Goole Market Hall from September 25 (National Trust)

A large art installation representing the sun will light up an East Yorkshire market hall in Britain.

Helios, which was created by artist Luke Jerram, will be displayed at Goole Market Hall from September 25 to October 5, according to BBC.

The touring artwork, named after the ancient Greek mythological god who personified the sun, was made using more than 400,000 high-resolution photographs of the sun's surface and observational data from Nasa.

Councilor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “We're absolutely delighted to be bringing Helios to Goole Market Hall as part of the Goole 200 program of events planned to mark our town's bicentenary year.”

“I can't think of a more fitting setting than the newly refurbished Market Hall, where this internationally renowned artwork will become a magnificent focal point,” he added.

Coultish also noted that Helios has attracted huge crowds on its tour of the UK, so is sure to bring a stream of visitors into the town center during its visit to Goole. “The installation measures 19ft (6m) in diameter and is internally lit,” he said.

The visit has been secured with the help of funding from Arts Council England.

The Goole 2026 Bicentenary Group, made up of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and community partners, has planned a program of Around the Sun events during the time Helios is on display.

It includes an inflatable dome at Junction Goole, which will allow people to explore the solar system, and a concert bringing together classical music and electronic sounds using recordings from NASA.