Sharjah (Press Release): In a significant stride towards advancing cancer research, Dr. Rania Zaarour and her team at the Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine (TRIPM) of the Gulf Medical University (GMU), have been awarded a prestigious research grant for their innovative work. Their project, which explores the role of the hypoxic secretome in modulating tumor cell behaviors, received the accolade at the Fourth Forum for Women in Research, titled "QUWA: Sustaining Women's Empowerment in Research & Innovation,” organized by the University of Sharjah.

The forum, which took place for two consecutive days at the University of Sharjah and the University of Khorfakkan, brought together researchers and innovators from various fields, emphasizing the significance of women in research. The research grant, amounting to Dh 10,000, was granted to Dr. Rania Zaarour and her team in recognition for their project that centers on understanding the hypoxic secretome, which is a collection of secreted factors that play a critical role in influencing the behavior of tumor cells and neighboring cells within the tumor microenvironment. These interactions, in turn, dictate tumor progression, malignancy, immune responses, and drug resistance.

Dr. Rania Zaarour's project aims to explore the intricacies of this cellular communication to develop more effective strategies for targeting lung cancer. Lung cancer is a significant public health concern across the globe, and this research could lead to significant advancements in its treatment. The grant not only acknowledges the team's commitment to research but also aligns with the broader mission of empowering women and promoting their role in scientific research.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Rania Zaarour, Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Researcher at Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, expressed her gratitude, saying, "We are delighted to receive this award, and it reaffirms our dedication to advancing cancer research. Our goal is not only to make a meaningful contribution to science but also to inspire and empower women in the field of research. We hope this recognition encourages more women to pursue careers in science and make a difference."

Prof. Salem Chouaib, vice chancellor research and director-Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, added, "This award is a testament to the exceptional talent and hard work of our researchers. It underscores our commitment to creating an environment that encourages innovative thinking and research."

The Fourth Forum for Women in Research served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of women researchers and innovators while promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing. Dr. Rania Zaarour and her team's research grant serves as an example of the impactful contributions that women in the UAE are making in the world of science and innovation. Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine’s dedication to conducting effective research to combat cancer and empowering women in this role is an endeavor that promises to benefit community health in the years to come.

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New Delhi (PTI): A day after the fatal stabbing of a Delhi Police constable, the main accused in the case was shot dead in an encounter with the personnel of the force in south Delhi's Sangam Vihar area, officials said on Sunday.

Constable Kiran Pal was stabbed to death by three people on Saturday while on night patrolling duty in southeast Delhi's Govindpuri area. Two accused -- Deepak Max and Krish Gupta -- were arrested later in that day.

The third accused, Raghav -- who stabbed Pal with a knife -- was hiding in Sangam Vihar, a senior police officer of Special Cell said.

Acting on specific information, teams of NDR of Special Cell and Narcotics Cell of South East District, went to the area connecting Sangam Vihar and Surajkund Road late on Saturday night, the officer said.

The accused was identified and asked to surrender. He, however, opened fire at the police personnel who retaliated in self-defence and injured the accused.

"He was immediately taken to the ESIC Hospital, Okhla, where he died," the officer said.

A pistol with two cartridges have been seized, the police officer said, adding no police official was injured in the encounter.

Constable Kiran Pal, posted at Govindpuri Police Station, was on night patrolling duty when he stopped three people riding a scooty in the early hours of Saturday.

The accused threw stones at the constable to evade arrest but he managed to waylay them by putting his bike in front of their vehicle, the officer said.

The constable also took away the keys of the scooty and started questioning the trio during which the accused stabbed him, the officer added.