Sisi Afrika Magazine

Astronomers Used Machine Learning to Mine Data From South Africa’s MeerKAT Telescope

Machine learning is helping astronomers to work through this data quickly and more accurately than poring over it manually. Perhaps surprisingly, despite increasing reliance on computers, up until recently the discovery of rare or new astrophysical phenomena has completely relied on human inspection of the data.

by The Conversation April 11, 2023April 8, 2023

Diseases & Conditions

A New Invasive Mosquito Has Been Found in Kenya – What this Means for Malaria Control

This mosquito, Anopheles stephensi, is native to South Asia and the Middle East. It transmits the two malaria parasites that pose the greatest risk of severe illness and death: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.

by The Conversation March 17, 2023March 13, 2023

Diseases & Conditions

Want to Stop Smoking? Here’s How!

"Don't fall into the trap of just one. There is no such thing as just one cigarette. Years ago you had just one cigarette and then you became addicted to nicotine and have been smoking against your budget for years. If you do this, you're going to find yourself back in that trap in no time."

by Sisi Afrika Magazine - January 5, 2023January 5, 2023

Space Science

Construction of the World’s Largest Telescope Underway in South Africa

Construction of Africa's largest science experiment, known as the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) - a telescope, which comprises two giant telescopes made up of over 130,000 antennas and 200 satellite dishes at observatories in Australia and South Africa - is officially underway

by Sisi Afrika Magazine - December 9, 2022December 8, 2022

Diseases & Conditions

#WorldAIDSDay:Ending HIV as a Public Health Threat – 3 Essential Reads

In 2014 the United Nations set an ambitious goal: to end the AIDS pandemic by the year 2030. But we’re far from out of the woods.

by The Conversation December 1, 2022December 1, 2022

Diseases & Conditions

#WorldAIDSDay: HIV Prevention: New Injections Could Boost the Fight, But Some Hurdles Remain

Despite these challenges, injectable PrEP is a huge advantage for the HIV prevention toolbox. Choice is critical for most interventions to work, and HIV prevention is no different. PrEP use increases when people are given effective options and can choose what works best for them.

by The Conversation December 1, 2022December 1, 2022

Science & Health

How To Steadily Put Your Body And Mind In The Best Possible Place To Succeed

Here are just a few things we can all do to put both our bodies and minds in the best possible place to succeed in this life.

by Sisi Afrika Magazine - November 23, 2022November 23, 2022

Science & Health

A New Way to Name Bacteria: 300-Year-Old System Revised Thanks to Advances in Genomic Sequencing

A formal and stable naming system for all bacteria will help science to unlock the hidden potential of the planet’s biodiversity and to understand their role in the functioning of ecosystems. It will also help scientists to communicate their findings to each other – a big step towards perhaps identifying the next generation of antibiotics or cancer treatment.

by The Conversation October 31, 2022October 29, 2022

Climate Change & Global Warming

Nigeria Floods and Worsening Food Insecurity

Despite the impact of flooding on food security, it is not recognised as a threat by policymakers, as evidenced by the national agricultural plans which don’t even acknowledge the role of disasters on food security.

by The Conversation October 29, 2022October 29, 2022

Science & Health

Kenya Has Lifted its Ban on Genetically Modified Crops: the Risks and Opportunities

Kenya recently lifted a ban on the cultivation and importation of genetically modified crops amid the worst drought in 40 years and soaring food prices. This includes white maize, the country’s main staple. The decision was welcomed by scientists who see GM crops as the answer for food security. But it is opposed by a spirited lobby who are concerned about potential risks to health and the environment.

by The Conversation October 23, 2022October 29, 2022