Much of what scientists know about how genetic differences affect health comes from studying populations outside Africa. This matters because genetic information is increasingly being used to understand disease, interpret genetic tests and, in some cases, guide treatment. Africa has the greatest human genetic diversity in the world, yet African populations remain poorly represented in…
France’s national health agency has recorded more than 161 cases of West Nile virus and five deaths since its annual seasonal surveillance began on 1 May. Transmitted to humans by mosquitos, which contract it from birds, the virus is progressing rapidly across Europe. Experts say global warming is fostering the spread of such tropical diseases….
The Houthi takeover of parts of the Red Sea gives the armed group a new platform to challenge global shipping. The group has taken over the port of Mocha, the island of Mayyun, and the Zuqar and Hanish archipelago about 160km north of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These areas were previously controlled by Yemeni government…
The Hub Unconference is set to return for its 12th edition in Harare next week, bringing together young Africans to debate the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies on society. The two-day event, scheduled for 24 and 25 September at Harare Gardens, will run under the theme “Unruly Algorithms” and bring together…
African states invest around $500 million in space programmes annually, a figure expected to reach around $40 billion by 2030. With a number of initiatives already in place, the continent is seeking a seat at the table when it comes to international decisions on space exploration and equal access to the development of technology. Across…
When violent conflict erupts in Africa, attention often turns to the United Nations, major powers, or external donors. Yet over the past two decades, the African Union (AU) has become one of the continent’s most important peace and security actors. From Burundi and Sudan to Somalia, Mali and the Central African Republic, the AU and…
Fire Force and Discovery Insure urge homeowners to maintain solar systems. Fires related to solar power installations now make up a quarter of all structural fires attended by Fire Force, reflecting the growing fire risk associated with the rapid expansion of residential solar systems in South Africa. This is according to recent response data collected…
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and mental health disorders represent significant and growing public health challenges of the 21st century. Although communicable diseases have historically remained at the forefront of healthcare priorities across Africa, neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions are increasingly recognized as critical contributors to disability, social inequities, and economic challenges. Also read: Not a…
A folder of social media applications, including TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, Discord, and Messenger. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Millennials may feel a pang of nostalgia at the news of Myspace’s planned revival, but analysts caution that the once-dominant social media platform faces long odds in an overcrowded market…
LanDynamix Founder and CEO, Peter Clarke. Payment fraud is a critical and growing crisis in South Africa. It is costing billions of rands annually and showing massive spikes in digital banking and mobile app fraud. Criminals are increasingly utilising advanced social engineering, AI deepfakes and bank impersonation scams to manipulate victims into authorising transactions. This…
