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Health

Uzbekistan and Hungary Use Nobel-Winning Discovery to Develop Health Supplements

Scientists from Uzbekistan and Hungary are collaborating to develop new health supplements derived from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a plant known for its medicinal properties. The research is being conducted by the Pharmaceutical Institute of Tashkent and Hungary’s Meditop Pharmaceutical Ltd. The project is based on the groundbreaking work of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering artemisinin, a compound extracted from sweet wormwood that effectively treats malaria. The joint initiative aims to produce antiseptic and anti-inflammatory supplements in various forms, including capsules, ointments, hydrogels, mouthwashes, and ear drops. These products are classified as food supplements rather than medicines. Currently, researchers are testing the active compounds on animals to evaluate their effectiveness. While still in the early stages of development, with prototypes being tested, mass production is planned to take place in Uzbekistan using Hungarian pharmaceutical expertise. It remains uncertain whether all prototypes will reach large-scale production, but both sides express optimism about the project’s potential. This collaboration is part of a broader partnership between the two countries. In 2023, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov announced plans to establish a special industrial zone in Uzbekistan for Hungarian companies. Sweet wormwood has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Chinese medicine, where it has been employed to treat fever and infections. In recent years, artemisinin has been investigated not only for malaria treatment but also for its potential applications in cancer therapy and respiratory health, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agriculture

Kyrgyzstan Prepares for Spring Field Work

Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, has reported to parliament on the country's preparations for the 2025 spring agricultural season. Key topics discussed included the reconstruction of irrigation facilities, the availability of fuel, seeds, and fertilizers, and the issuance of soft loans for purchasing agricultural machinery. According to Torobaev, the government has secured 42,000 tons of diesel fuel and 12,000 tons of gasoline to support farmers. This year’s total sowing area will cover 1.25 million hectares, an increase of 3,300 hectares from the previous year, which is expected to result in a larger harvest. Irrigation System Challenges Judging by questions raised by deputies from various regions, the main concern for farmers remains irrigation water supply. The discussion covered the construction of additional irrigation canals and the overall condition of the country’s irrigation system. Last year, a drought and deteriorating irrigation infrastructure led to significant water shortages for farmers, prompting widespread criticism of the Ministry of Agriculture. In response, the ministry developed a plan to construct dozens of Seasonal Regulation Basins, reservoirs designed to store excess water from snowmelt and rainfall for use in dry months. By 2028, the ministry aims to build 106 of these reservoirs. Seed and Fertilizer Supply Deputies also inquired about the availability of seeds ahead of spring planting. Torobaev gave assurances that 90% of the required seed volume has already been secured, and there will be no shortages of seeds, fertilizers, or pesticides. “This year, 64,600 tons of grain seeds will be sown. As of today, 58,500 tons have been accumulated, ensuring 91% of the required supply. For crops such as cereals, rice, tobacco, legumes, and soybeans, we are fully stocked at 100%,” Torobaev stated. Additionally, more than 12 million fruit and berry seedlings have been prepared for planting in state nurseries, with mineral fertilizers and pesticides actively being stocked. Advancements in Irrigation In southern Kyrgyzstan, enhanced water-saving irrigation has already begun. This technique involves providing crops with a high volume of water early in the growing season, which promotes better growth, increases stress resistance, and improves soil structure.

Digitalization

Kazakhstan to Require Parents to Purchase Special SIM Cards for Children

Kazakhstan plans to introduce special SIM cards for children, limiting their access to the internet. Deputy Minister of Education Yedil Ospan announced the initiative on March 12, stating that discussions are ongoing with authorized government agencies as part of a comprehensive plan. “We assume that operators should issue special SIM cards intended for use by children. That is, a parent will be obliged to buy these very SIM cards for their children,” Ospan said. According to him, these SIM cards will include built-in security filters restricting access to inappropriate content, including certain websites and social networks. Parents will also be able to monitor their child’s phone usage and track their location through a dedicated application. Ospan emphasized that while Kazakhstan already offers children’s mobile plans with access to educational resources, they do not provide full control over internet safety. The new initiative aims to enhance digital protection for minors. Research from Kazakhstan Kids Online indicates that official access to digital platforms is permitted from age 13. However, 60% of children aged 9-10 and 66% of those aged 11-12 already have personal internet accounts. In response, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with experts, is developing legislative amendments to strengthen internet safety measures for children. The introduction of child-specific SIM cards is part of broader efforts to regulate mobile communications in Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Digital Development has also proposed limiting individuals to a maximum of 10 SIM cards, although this measure remains under discussion.

TCA Interviews

Kazakh Researchers Uncover Important Step Towards Treating Parkinson’s Disease

Kazakhstan’s reputation in the global scientific community is evolving, thanks to research conducted by local scientists. Aizhan Ahmadi, a doctoral graduate from Nazarbayev University’s (NU) School of Natural, Social, and Human Sciences, and her team have made a discovery that could pave the way for future treatments for Parkinson’s disease. TCA: Tell us about your research. Aizhan: I recently completed my doctoral studies, defended my dissertation, and earned my PhD. Before that, I worked at a university for five years. During my research, I focused on a mutated protein called DJ-1, which is found in patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. More than 20 years ago, European scientists identified mutations in DJ-1 in some patients suffering from these diseases. Despite extensive research in dozens of laboratories, the protein’s exact role remained unclear. While analyzing previous studies, we came across a large European research project with an interesting hypothesis about DJ-1. We decided to explore this direction further and we succeeded in proving that DJ-1 has a previously unknown function. Understanding how DJ-1 protects biomolecules is not only crucial for developing new treatment methods for Parkinson’s disease but also for explaining cell aging. This discovery is vital for pharmacologists, as they cannot develop effective drugs without fully understanding a protein’s function. For the first time, we have proven a new function of DJ-1. I believe this is a fundamental breakthrough for both global science and Kazakhstan’s scientific community. We submitted our findings to Nature Communications, a leading scientific journal. After a rigorous eight-month review process, our research was accepted. This was a difficult but rewarding journey. Our study is the first from independent Kazakhstan to be published in such a prestigious journal, making it a landmark achievement for our country. TCA: What challenges come with studying biology in Kazakhstan? Aizhan: Basic biological research is extremely resource-intensive. It takes time, energy, and has no guaranteed results. We invested grant funding and used millions of dollars’ worth of equipment. However, when a discovery is made, its contribution to science and medicine is invaluable. Our study was conducted entirely within Kazakhstan, without relying on foreign laboratories. This is particularly significant because many still doubt whether serious scientific breakthroughs can come from Kazakhstan, especially in biochemistry. Alongside me, my supervisor, Darkhan Utepbergenov, and several undergraduate students participated in the research. Professor Utepbergenov, a Kazakhstani scientist, graduated from Novosibirsk State University, worked in Germany and the U.S. for nearly 20 years, and then returned to Kazakhstan as a professor. He has said that this is his most significant work to date, and even he still finds it hard to believe that such a discovery was made in Kazakhstan. His contribution to both research and teaching at Nazarbayev University has been immense. TCA: As a young woman in science, what motivated you to pursue this path? How can Kazakhstan raise the status of scientists? Aizhan: First and foremost, better financial support is essential. Salary structures need improvement, bureaucratic obstacles must be reduced, and science communication should be...

Women's Rights

March for Women’s Rights in Bishkek: Kyrgyz Voices Demand Change

The annual March for Women's Rights in Bishkek on March 8 drew around 500 participants, reaffirming Kyrgyzstan’s status as the only country in Central Asia where such demonstrations take place every year, despite persistent pressure and resistance. The march began at noon in front of the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs building near Staraya Square. Participants, chanting slogans, walked to Gorky Park, holding placards demanding equality and greater protection of women's rights. "We Need Security, Not Flowers" Many posters reflected the urgent issues faced by Kyrgyz women: "Don't be silent." "Abortion is a personal decision, not a legal debate." "We need security, not flowers." "No to violence against women." "A WOMAN is NOT a free housekeeper. Not a reproductive item. Not cheap labor. Not an object of comfort." [caption id="attachment_29596" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova[/caption] These slogans underscore the real challenges confronting women in Kyrgyzstan, including domestic violence, gender inequality, and the restriction of reproductive rights. "I Am Proud That Women Can Speak Openly About Their Rights" For many participants, the march was not just a protest but also a significant step in the ongoing fight for their rights. Mairam, 24, Osh: "I am proud to live in a country where women can speak openly about their rights. Despite all the difficulties, we continue to take to the streets, and this is very important. This march reminds us that we are not alone." Amina, 20, Bishkek: "This is my second year participating in the march. For me, it is more than just an event—it is an opportunity to voice the concerns of all women in our country. Here, you feel unity and support." Asel, 27, Bishkek: "Every year, I come here because I believe that the louder we speak about our rights, the more change we can achieve. Women in Kyrgyzstan deserve security and equal opportunities." [caption id="attachment_29595" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova[/caption] A Symbol of the Struggle for Equal Rights The Women’s March in Bishkek has become a symbol of resistance and determination, continuing despite repeated attempts to ban or restrict it. Year after year, more people take to the streets to affirm a simple yet powerful message that women's rights are human rights, and without equality, there can be no just society.

Music

Kazakhstan’s Dimash Kudaibergen Lights Up Times Square

Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen’s latest song, "Love’s Not Over Yet," is currently being broadcast on digital billboards in New York’s Times Square. According to DimashNews, the initiative was organized by a U.S.-based fan group, US Dears. The music video is being displayed on four screens at three different locations, including a prominent site featuring both a main and overhead screen. One of these locations, near a subway station, ensures that a large number of passersby can view the broadcast. Prior to this, Dimash’s fans arranged a private premiere screening of the video in a rented hall, which was attended by representatives of Kazakhstani media. In February, Rolling Stone published an article highlighting Kudaibergen’s achievements, including his recognition at the 2024 Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) for his contributions to the global music industry. The award ceremony took place in November 2024 in Dubai. Additionally, SPIN magazine recently featured the singer in an article titled Dimash Kudaibergen: A Parisian Triumph of Music, Art and Fashion. The piece detailed his visit to the Alpange music salon in Paris, where he performed SOS d’un Terrien en Détresse alongside French pianist Van Tuan. The article also teased the release of Love’s Not Over Yet. Dimash Kudaibergen is a Kazakh singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, renowned for his vocal range spanning seven octaves and seven semitones, from deep bass to the whistle register. In 2023, he was honored with the title of People's Artist of Kazakhstan.