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One of world's last two northern white rhinos retired from breeding programme

The BBC reported, scientists have retired one of the world's last two northern white rhinos from a breeding programme trying to save the species from extinction.
It said, the decision to stop harvesting 32-year-old Najin's eggs followed an "ethical risk assessment" that considered her age and other factors.
According to the BBC, neither Najin nor her daughter Fatu are able to carry a rhino calf to term.
It mentioned that the last male of the species died in 2018, but its sperm was collected and has been used to fertilise eggs.
It added that the procedure involves a team of vets extracting the rhino's eggs, using techniques developed through years of research. The eggs are then sent to an Italian lab for fertilisation, using sperm from two deceased males.

The BBC said that twelve embryos have been created so far, and scientists hope to implant them into surrogate mothers selected from a population of southern white rhinos.
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BioRescue, the scientific group leading the scheme, said it had weighed up several risks before deciding to stop harvesting Najin's eggs.
Head veterinarians Frank Göritz and Stephen Ngulu said: "Retiring one individual from a conservation programme because of animal welfare considerations is usually not a question to think about for long... but when one individual is 50 percent of your population, you consider this decision several times."
As well as her advanced age, ultrasound scans had revealed several small, benign tumours on Najin's cervix and uterus, and a cyst on her left ovary.
But BioRescue said she would remain part of the scheme in other ways, like providing tissue samples for stem cell research.
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It's hoped she can also "transfer her social knowledge and behaviour" to future offspring.
Northern white rhinos been brought to the brink of extinction by poaching and loss of habitat.
It is worth noting that Najin was born in a Czech zoo but was moved a decade later to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, where she has been living under armed protection.
Source: BBC
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- April 23, 2025
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Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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