insert_link Environment Elon Musk could avert global species extinction with only a portion of his wealth A new study has pinpointed the most crucial areas around the world for protecting Earth’s rarest and most endangered species, the vast majority of which are found in tropical and subtropical moist forests. Just five countries — the Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar and Colombia — contain 59% of all identified sites globally. Only 7% of land protected over the past five years overlapped with these critical […] todayJune 26, 2024 26
insert_link Sport Formula One is moving towards hybrid engines and renewable fuel. Major environmental progress or just ‘greenwashing’? By Yasir Arafat, Edith Cowan University; Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, Edith Cowan University, and Waqas Uzair, Edith Cowan University For the millions of fans who tune into every race, Formula One (F1) is more than just a sport – it’s the apex of aerodynamics, skill and strategy. Behind the scenes, a quieter but more crucial race against carbon emissions is unfolding. Given the sport’s […] todayJune 26, 2024 19
insert_link Health / Medical Technology makes it possible to diagnose diseases on the spot – but South Africa’s public healthcare system faces several obstacles By Tivani Mashamba-Thompson, University of Pretoria Digital technology has hugely improved healthcare in many ways. It’s now possible to test patients on the spot – in a clinic or hospital – for many health conditions. Digital diagnostic devices can analyse samples like sweat, saliva, faeces, tears and breath for signs of major diseases such as cancer and HIV. Testing at the point […] todayJune 26, 2024 30
insert_link World Social media platforms are blocked in Iran. Candidates in this week’s presidential election are embracing them anyway By Amin Naeni, Deakin University After Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash on May 20, the Iranian government had to schedule an early election to choose a new president. The regime has approved six presidential candidates to run in the election on June 28. The pool includes four hardliners, one centrist and one reformist. The main competition is expected […] todayJune 26, 2024 20
insert_link Africa Kenyan police and protests: researchers on a violent, corrupt security force that’s beyond reform By Moina Spooner, The Conversation Kenya’s police are being criticised for their violent response to protests over the past week against government proposals to raise US$2.7 billion in additional taxes. Hundreds of thousands of people, across 35 of Kenya’s 37 counties, have poured out onto the streets in opposition to the tax hikes. The police have reacted with force, using live bullets and […] todayJune 26, 2024 21
insert_link Africa Lake Victoria: why so many fishers are dying and what can be done about it By Ranaivo Rasolofoson, University of Toronto and Kathryn Fiorella, Cornell University Small-scale fishers on Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest freshwater lake, shared by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) are drowning. Safety issues such as storms, a lack of available life jackets, and a shortage of navigational equipment and rescue services are a major cause of this. Existing studies have found that climate change is projected to […] todayJune 26, 2024 21
insert_link Africa South Africa’s coalition government – making the case for hope By Brian Levy, Johns Hopkins University In the aftermath of South Africa’s recent election, renewed hope has made an unexpected appearance. In difficult times, even small gains can be valuable. But, on occasion, much more is possible. Small gains can feed on each other; momentum can build; a virtuous spiral can take hold. This may be such a moment. It’s not ordinarily a […] todayJune 26, 2024 13
insert_link Africa Terror attacks and kidnappings spread in Nigeria: why Lagos could be a target By Adewumi I. Badiora, Olabisi Onabanjo University Crimes that were previously associated with Nigeria’s northern region – like kidnapping for ransom and terrorism – appear to be spreading to the south-west region, including Lagos. Adewumi Badiora, an urban and community safety researcher, outlines urgent steps that must be taken to keep banditry and insecurity out of Lagos. What is the current state of banditry […] todayJune 26, 2024 12
insert_link Africa What’s next after Kenya’s deadly protests? By Rose TROUP BUCHANAN, Simon VALMARY After an unprecedented day of chaos and deadly violence, Kenya finds itself plunged into uncertainty on Wednesday, with lawmakers due to vote this week on deeply unpopular tax hikes that have sparked widespread protests. How did East Africa's economic powerhouse get to this point and what happens now? Tuesday's national strike against proposed tax hikes began peacefully, with […] todayJune 26, 2024 14