So

South African Medical Research Council

Science Writer and Editor

Member since Sep 2023

Ebrahim Samodien is a son of Cape Town. 38 years old and currently residing in the town of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Moving from Cape Town to Stellenbosch about 14 years ago to pursue further studies, went onto obtain a PhD degree from Stellenbosch University, in the field of Plant Biotechnology.

His academic and research training includes molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and botany. After completing his PhD, he changed research fields towards biomedical research related to diseases of lifestyle like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurological disorders as well as mental health disorders including anxiety and depression. He has published academic research literature related to these subjects in peer-review international scientific publications.

With a keen interest in natural medicine, especially the use of plants for treatment of age-related metabolic diseases and boost mental and cognitive function, he encourages the use of diet and nutrition for the promotion of health and well-being.

Ebrahim is the oldest of 3 siblings, is a husband to a wonderful wife and father to 3 beautiful girls. A nature enthusiast, an avid football fan, who relishes the opportunity for creativity and play. He is an author with his book entitled “the book of the bees” delving into science and spirituality and investigates aspects of the bees’ behaviors and habits and how this can be beneficial to human life.

In 2021, Ebrahim became a certified Life Coach Practitioner, aiming to inspire people to live a life of purpose and follow their dreams.

Dr Samodien believes success is based upon integrity, hard work and sincerity.

The NESHIE study - Towards understanding the molecular pathogenesis and discovery of biomarkers for birth asphyxia | SAMRC

The NESHIE study is an on-going research project being conducted by one of the research units affiliated with the South African Medical Research Council. It involves investigating aspects of the disease characteristics and symptoms using various experimental approaches, which are mentioned within, that can be used to treat a condition that occurs in babies with increasing frequency in low and middle income countries.

SAMRC actively interacts with students and relevant parties during the launch of National Science Week 2023 | SAMRC

The story covers a science community engagement event whereby members of our team attended the launch of National Science Week 2023.

 

Diet-induced hypothalamic dysfunction and metabolic disease, and the therapeutic potential of polyphenols - PMC (nih.gov)

This review provides an overview of the effects of polyphenols against diet-induced hypothalamic dysfunction with respect to neural inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Results show that polyphenols ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation within the hypothalamus, thereby improving leptin signaling and mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, they protect against neurodegeneration by decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species and enhancing natural antioxidant defense systems.

Hypothalamic neurogenesis and its implications for obesity-induced anxiety disorders - ScienceDirect

This review describes hypothalamic neurogenesis, its impairment in obesity as well as the effect of interventional therapies. Obesity and anxiety are public health problems that have no effective cure. Obesity-induced anxiety is also the most common behavioural trait exhibited amongst obese patients, with the mechanisms linking these disorders being poorly understood. The hypothalamus and hippocampus are reciprocally connected, important neurogenic brain regions that could be vital to understanding these disorders. Through the furthered development of multimodal approaches targeting both these brain regions could hold an even greater therapeutic potential.

 

Book of the Bees , Samodien, Ebrahim - Amazon.com

It is a heart and soul-warming, inspirational work. A text of love, a musing of peace as well as personal and collective growth. In the great reset of our time, the bees can serve as a lantern, lighting and guiding a path for mankind to follow. This book connects the great knowledge of the bees to practical human life, exploring social, psychological, biological scientific research, and even health and medicinal aspects too. It investigates aspects of the bee’s behaviours, their relationships, the roles they perform, how they work and serve a higher purpose greater than themselves. Indeed, many remarkable insights can be gained by looking through the tiny yet vast lens of the honeybee.

 

 

 

 

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