Previous work had shown that infections often lead to appetite loss, but until now, the exact biological pathway behind this effect was not fully understood.
In the new study, researchers found that specialized cells in the gut detect harmful organisms such as parasitic worms and send chemical signals to the brain that effectively say “stop eating.”
This process doesn’t happen all at once. Initially, people may feel normal, but as the infection progresses and these signals build up, appetite can disappear completely.
The findings help explain why appetite loss can linger even after other symptoms begin to fade. Millions of people worldwide experience this pattern not only during short‑term stomach illnesses but also with long‑lasting infections where appetite remains low for extended periods.
The research suggests that the gut’s immune response plays a major role in controlling hunger by interacting with the brain’s hunger centers.
Understanding this gut‑brain communication system could lead to better treatments for conditions where appetite is suppressed in harmful ways, such as during chronic infections or in diseases that involve extreme weight loss.
The scientists behind the study hope future work will explore how this pathway might be influenced to help patients maintain healthy eating behaviors even while sick.
New study has uncovered how infections cause sudden loss of appetite.
Back in 2000, the cooperative began with 300 coffee farmers practicing traditional farming methods, earning little from their produce, which they sold to middlemen.
Recognizing the need for change, they came together to form an association, which later gained legal status as a cooperative in 2004. This shift enabled them to adopt professional farming practices and expand their market reach, eventually exporting their coffee internationally.
During the 25th anniversary celebration held on March 25, 2026, members revealed that the cooperative now owns four coffee washing stations. Today, it has 1,193 members, including 326 women and 17 youth, while also working with 4,600 coffee farmers. This marks a significant rise from the 300 members recorded in 2004.
To commemorate the milestone, each cooperative member received a bonus of Rwf 10,000, along with fertilizers and roasted coffee. The cooperative also distributed 25 dairy cows to support milk production, as it operates a milk collection center.
Additionally, certificates were awarded to 21 students who completed their studies at the Musasa Coffee School.
Athanase Minani, one of the founding members and former leaders of the cooperative, shared that the journey has not been easy.
“Before we united, we were ordinary farmers selling to middlemen who paid us unfairly compared to the effort we put in.[…] Over time, the results became evident, and today we have made great progress,” he said.
Minani added that he now owns 3,000 coffee trees and sold five tons of coffee last year. Through coffee farming, all eight of his children have completed university education, with the youngest graduating recently from Butare. However, he noted a growing challenge in motivating young people to take up coffee farming.
The cooperative’s current president, Virginie Uwingeneye, emphasized that the 25-year journey reflects resilience and steady growth. She noted that the cooperative has distributed 25 cows this year, bringing the total to 350 cows provided since 2008 under its livestock-sharing program.
“We provide cows to boost milk production because we also operate a milk collection center with a capacity of 5,000 liters per day. Of the 25 cows distributed today, 20 were purchased while five were bred within the program,” she explained.
Over the years, the cooperative has built a strong economic base driven by coffee trade and job creation. From exporting a single container worth Rwf 40 million in 2004, it now exports up to 15 containers of parchment coffee—equivalent to nearly 288 tons—generating at least Rwf 3.5 billion annually.
The cooperative provides employment to over 500 people during the coffee season, including 55 permanent staff, and manages the entire coffee value chain from cultivation to cup.
Sandrine Urujeni, Chief Operations Officer at NAEB, who attended the event, praised the cooperative for its integrity and achievements.
“Celebrating 25 years of Dukunde Kawa Musasa Cooperative is a remarkable milestone that reflects dedication and resilience in advancing coffee farming in Rwanda. The cooperative has become a model of excellence, making significant strides in both production and value addition,” she said.
Over the years, the cooperative has also invested in infrastructure and social initiatives, including a dry mill, a coffee roasting plant, a cupping laboratory for quality control, a milk processing facility, and an early childhood development center.
It also supports farmers through interest-free loans, promotes gender equality through women-focused coffee initiatives, and runs vocational training programs for women and youth.
Musasa Coffee, produced by the cooperative, is known for its organic quality and exceptional taste.
On this anniversary, the cooperative expressed gratitude to its partners, including Root Capital, its first African client since 2005, as well as Starbucks FSC Rwanda, Rabobank, RWASHOSCO Ltd, Progresso, REDI, Thanksgiving, ACDI/VOCA, USADF, MCM, BDF, Women Win, Fairtrade, and SGR for their continued support.
Dukunde Kawa Musasa Cooperative recorded a turnover of Rwf 3.7 billion from coffee sales.Members of Dukunde Kawa Musasa were recognized and honored during the 25th anniversary.The cooperative distributed 25 cows to its members as part of the anniversary celebrations. Dukunde Kawa Musasa has celebrated 25 years of achievements in coffee farming and trade.The cooperative thanked its partners for supporting 25 years of growth and success.
These certificates were issued to six individuals on Saturday following a similar ceremony held on February 28, 2026, when the institution awarded certificates to trainees in Kigali.
In an interview with IGIHE, the founder and CEO of CTC, Janvier Nzamutuma, stated that the institution established in 2019, aims to become an international reference in professional training in financial compliance, with a particular focus on the African continent.
CTC partners with the European Business University based in Luxembourg to offer the training.
Nzamutuma explained that the institution has expanded its operations to several countries, including Rwanda, where it offers specialized courses in finance, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC) practices, and combating the financing of terrorism.
The graduation ceremony in Belgium took place on March 28, 2026, just a month after a similar event in Rwanda.
He emphasized that such ceremonies not only recognize graduates but also motivate them to pursue professionalism in their careers.
“The recent certificate award ceremonies held in Brussels at the Cardo Brussels Autograph Collection on March 28, 2026, as well as the graduation ceremony in Kigali on February 28, 2026, illustrate this dynamic of professional development,” he noted.
“These events recognized participants who successfully completed rigorous training programs, while reinforcing their commitment to achieving high professional standards,” Nzamutuma added.
CTC operates with two main objectives. In Europe, it focuses on training individuals seeking to enter the financial sector by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed, particularly for African markets.
In Africa, the institution targets professionals already working in the financial sector, as well as those aspiring to join it, by providing advanced training.
He further highlighted that CTC’s current strategy is based on building partnerships with African financial institutions in order to offer training programs adapted to local realities.
These trainings are mainly delivered by experts based in Luxembourg, recognized as one of the world’s leading financial centers.
As Nzamutuma said, the objective is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise from Luxembourg to African countries, starting with Rwanda, a country experiencing strong growth in the financial sector.
“Beyond certification, the initiatives carried out in Brussels and Kigali aim to encourage participants to gain international professional experience and to use these skills to contribute to the development of Africa’s financial sector,” he stated.
Participants of teh training in a group photo. The graduation ceremony took place on Saturday. CEO of CTC, Janvier Nzamutuma, stated that the institution established in 2019, aims to become an international reference in professional training in financial complianceOne of trainers delivering a speech at the event. The latest cohort followed a graduation ceremony that coincided with CTC launch in Kigali in February 2026.
In the research, scientists followed 81 African turquoise killifish, a species with a naturally short life span of four to eight months. Despite having similar genetics and identical living conditions, the fish aged very differently.
Some stayed active and slept mainly at night, while others became less active earlier and slept more during the day. These small differences in everyday behavior were strong predictors of how long each fish lived.
The research team, supported by the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, tracked each fish using a continuous camera system that recorded movement and rest patterns throughout their lives.
From this massive dataset, they analyzed thousands of moments to identify distinct behavioral patterns. These “behavioral syllables,” such as posture, swimming speed, and rest habits, helped the scientists see how individual aging paths diverged early even when the fish were in midlife.
One of the key findings was that fish with longer lifespans tended to stay more active during the day and sleep mostly at night, while shorter‑lived fish showed more daytime sleep and reduced activity. The researchers also used machine learning to show that just a few days of midlife behavior were enough to provide strong predictions of lifespan.
Lead researchers like Claire Bedbrook noted that “behavior is a wonderfully integrated readout, reflecting what’s happening across the brain and body,” suggesting that habits may offer a dynamic window into health and aging.
The study also found that aging doesn’t occur gradually in a smooth way. Instead, most fish experienced distinct stages of aging, moving quickly from one phase to another before settling into periods of stability. This pattern challenges traditional ideas about how aging progresses and highlights the importance of continuous behavioral tracking.
The researchers hope these findings will encourage further studies in humans, especially as wearable devices like smartwatches already collect data on activity and sleep. If similar patterns hold true in people, monitoring simple daily habits could one day help identify early signs of aging differences and inform strategies for healthier, longer lives.
How you move and sleep in midlife might quietly reveal how long you’ll live.
Magnetic vortices form inside very thin disks made from materials like nickel‑iron. In these disks, the magnetic moments tiny magnetic directions of atoms align in a circular pattern, like a miniature whirlpool.
When magnetic waves were applied, the vortex core began to move slightly in a repetitive way.
This motion caused the magnons (the collective waves of magnetic activity inside the material) to produce a frequency combining a series of regularly spaced signals instead of a single simple signal. This series of signals shows that multiple oscillation states can exist at once, something scientists had not seen in these magnetic systems before.
Project leader Dr. Helmut Schultheiß explained that the discovery offers “a powerful new way to link future computing technologies” because magnons can transmit information without needing to move electrical charge.
In conventional electronics, flow of electrical charge produces heat and energy loss. But magnons can carry information through magnetic waves, potentially allowing for low‑energy, highly efficient communication between devices.
What makes this finding especially significant is the very low energy required to produce these exotic states. Earlier research on related magnetic phenomena often needed intense laser pulses and large amounts of energy to see new oscillation patterns.
In contrast, the Dresden team showed that just weak magnetic excitations, on the order of microwatts (far less than what a typical smartphone uses in standby), are enough to trigger these complex magnon states.
This could help scientists design energy‑efficient magnetic systems for future technologies, including spintronics (electronics that use magnetic spin rather than charge) and even quantum devices.
The findings were published in the journal Science, and they challenge existing assumptions about how magnetic vortices behave, opening up new avenues for research into controlling magnetic information at the nanoscale.
New Discovery in Magnetic Vortices Could Lead to Low-Energy, High-Efficiency Communication Technologies.
In the study, researchers exposed human brain blood vessel cells to erythritol in amounts similar to what people might consume in everyday products. What they found was concerning.
The sweetener seemed to affect how the blood vessels in the brain work. Specifically, erythritol makes the cells produce less nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels relax and remain flexible.
It also increased the production of endothelin-1, which causes blood vessels to tighten. This combination could make blood vessels more prone to constriction, a condition that can increase the risk of serious issues like strokes.
The study also showed that erythritol could affect the body’s ability to dissolve blood clots naturally. The cells exposed to erythritol produced less t-PA, a natural compound that helps break down clots. Additionally, the erythritol exposure led to higher levels of free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can damage cells and tissues, potentially contributing to other health problems like heart disease.
While this research was conducted on cells in a lab, the results align with previous studies that suggest higher levels of erythritol in the bloodstream are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes.
Because of these findings, the researchers are urging people to be more mindful of their erythritol intake. Many sugar-free and low-calorie products, which are often marketed as healthy alternatives, could contain higher amounts of this sweetener.
For those who regularly consume such products, it may be a good idea to check labels more carefully and consider limiting erythritol intake until more research can fully understand its long-term effects.
While erythritol has been popular as a sugar substitute, the new research highlights the importance of being cautious about its possible impact on health.
A common sugar substitute may quietly impair brain vessels and raise stroke risk.
The 18-year-old contestant, Kamolwan Chanago, who is competing for the Miss Thailand title, was responding to the judges when the accident occurred. She was not allowed to stop and restart her answer as per the rules.
Quickly reacting to the mishap, Kamolwan turned away from the camera to discreetly reposition her dental prosthetics before returning to the judges to continue her presentation.
A spokesperson for Miss Grand Thailand, the pageant she was competing in, confirmed that the incident was an accident and expressed pride in how Kamolwan handled the situation.
The spokesperson said, “It was an unfortunate accident when her dental prosthetics fell out while she was speaking. We are proud of how she maintained her composure. This incident will not affect the ongoing competition, which will proceed as planned.”
The winner of the Miss Grand Thailand title is set to be announced on March 28, 2026. The winner will go on to represent Thailand at the Miss Grand International competition in India in October 2026.
Upon realizing what had happened, the contestant turned around to reposition her dental prosthetics and then went on to present herself to the judges.
The auction, hosted by Freeman’s on Thursday, included pieces from a $23 million purchase made in 2007 by a foundation dedicated to acquiring rare Lincoln relics for the museum.
Among the items was a velvet-lined framed portrait of John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s assassin, which contained several strands of hair believed to have been plucked from Booth’s head after he was killed in 1865. The piece sold for $7,000, falling below its estimated value.
Other notable pieces included a bust of Lincoln biographer Carl Sandburg once owned by Marilyn Monroe, which sold for $1,300, and a bust of Ulysses Grant that fetched $2,000. The top-selling item was a rare 34-star eagle parade flag, which went for $220,000, far exceeding the $100,000 mark.
These artifacts, many of which were part of the 2007 Taper acquisition, come after a strained relationship between the Lincoln Presidential Foundation and the Lincoln Presidential Museum.
While the foundation was established to acquire unique Lincoln relics for the museum, disagreements over the authenticity of key items, like a stovepipe hat supposedly belonging to Lincoln led to the sale of several items.
Though the foundation has not confirmed whether the sale of these items is part of an effort to repay debt from the 2007 purchase, it marks a significant chapter in the history of the Lincoln collection, raising questions about the future of the museum’s displays.
This image from the archives of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is of a purported lock of hair taken from John Wilkes Booth’s head after he was fatally shot during a manhunt. It was one of hundreds of items once acquired from a West Coast Lincoln collector for display at the museum.
Oral diseases are a global issue, not just limited to Rwanda. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from some form of oral health problem. Over 2.5 billion people experience tooth decay, and many others struggle with gum disease.
Additionally, an estimated 350 million people lose at least one tooth, and $380 billion is spent annually on treating these issues globally.
In honor of World Oral Health Day, KFH has committed to assess the oral health of its staff, patients, and visitors to evaluate their oral hygiene and needs.
Dr. Madeleine Uwamahoro, the Head of the Oral and Dental Surgery Department at KFH, emphasized that oral health affects not only the teeth but also the surrounding tissues, and these conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent.
“During routine examinations, it is rare to find a person without dental problems or oral health issues. You could examine people for a month and hardly encounter someone with perfect oral health,” she said.
Consequences of neglecting oral health
A 2021 study by Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) found that 57% of people do not regularly seek dental checkups, with 92.8% only visiting a dentist when they experience pain. Only 1% of individuals engage in routine dental visits.
Dr. Uwamahoro stressed that untreated oral health issues can lead to serious health complications, such as miscarriage and stroke.
“Oral diseases have a direct impact on the bloodstream. Pregnant women with poor oral health are at risk of giving birth to underweight babies, and in some cases, this could lead to miscarriage. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can exacerbate gum issues, and combined with inadequate nutrition, it becomes a significant health risk for both mother and child.”
She also pointed out the challenges children face, particularly with severe dental issues that often go untreated. Some young children lose all their teeth, requiring anesthesia for proper treatment, which complicates care.
Dr. Uwamahoro further highlighted the social stigma faced by individuals with crooked teeth, who may have difficulty eating, speaking, or facing other challenges, including heart-related issues.
“Certain bacteria in the mouth can contribute to heart disease. Some people develop swelling due to bacteria in the mouth, which can enter the bloodstream and cause a stroke. These infections can also affect the respiratory system.”
The need for advocacy and timely treatment
Dr. Uwamahoro noted that issues like gum disease and jawbone problems are long-term conditions that require consistent care.
With over 10 years of experience at KFH, Dr. Uwamahoro shared that tooth decay and gum diseases are the most common oral health concerns in Rwanda.
“On average, we treat between 700 and 800 patients each month, including returning patients. This is a high number, and it shows that people need to be more proactive about their oral health,” she added.
She encouraged the public to adopt proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing their teeth at least twice a day, changing toothbrushes every three months, and scheduling regular dental visits every six months.
KFH has pledged to assess the oral health of over 500 individuals to provide them with the necessary guidance and recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene.
A woman who recently visited KFH for a dental checkup shared her thoughts on the initiative: “I’ve had dental issues for a while, mainly due to sugary drinks, but this initiative has been incredibly helpful. I’ve been considering seeing a dentist but was concerned about the costs. I encourage others to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Focusing on prevention and early diagnosis
KFH is not only focused on diagnosing oral health problems but also on preventive measures. The hospital is dedicated to educating the public about proper oral care, identifying early signs of disease, and making treatments more accessible.
The hospital is working to ensure that dental care services are readily available, particularly for common issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth replacement, and restoring appearance with prosthetics.
KFH provides specialized care, including treatments for damaged teeth, oral surgeries to correct dental problems, cleaning, aligning teeth, advanced diagnostic tools for detecting serious diseases, and gum disease treatment. The hospital also offers surgeries for abscesses and other dental issues.
Additionally, KFH offers special services for children, which may require full or partial anesthesia to ensure they receive the necessary care and support.
King Faisal Hospital’s new campaign aims to screen 500 people for oral health diseasesKing Faisal Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for oral health checkupsState-of-the-art equipment at King Faisal Hospital ensures comprehensive oral health screeningsKing Faisal Hospital has intensified efforts in the fight against oral health diseasesKing Faisal Hospital is located in Kacyiru
The researchers found the remains of at least 16 species, including birds and frogs.
Among the most significant discoveries was a newly identified parrot species, Strigops insulaborealis, believed to be an ancestor of the flightless kākāpō, though this ancient bird may have had the ability to fly.
Other findings include extinct ancestors of the takahē and a pigeon species closely related to the Australian bronzewing.
The fossils were embedded in two distinct layers of volcanic ash, dated to 1.55 million years ago and 1 million years ago, which helped the researchers establish a precise timeline for the remains.
These layers acted as natural time markers, giving scientists a clear snapshot of life during this ancient period.
The discovery challenges previous assumptions about New Zealand’s wildlife. Prior fossil records were either from millions of years ago or from the time after humans arrived.
The new findings fill a crucial gap in understanding the environmental forces shaping wildlife long before humans arrived. According to Associate Professor Trevor Worthy, the fossils represent a “missing volume” in the natural history of New Zealand.
The team also pointed out that climate shifts and volcanic eruptions may have caused significant extinctions before humans, with as many as 33-50% of species disappearing in the million years before human settlement.
Dr. Paul Scofield from Canterbury Museum emphasized that these natural events played a pivotal role in the extinction of species, adding that this discovery “proves that dramatic climate changes and volcanic activity were already reshaping wildlife”, long before human impact.
Scientists open a million-year-old time capsule beneath New Zealand.
