The battery in your electric car and the magnets in wind turbines rely on critical minerals controlled by China. This gives the country a powerful role in the green transition but also creates challenges for the rest of the world. China’s role in critical minerals China has long been the global leader in producing rare earth elements— a group of 17 metals essential for technologies like electric car, vehicle motors, wind turbines, and mobile phones. ‘China’s dominance gives it a strategic advantage but also exposes vulnerabilities for other nations’, says Gørild Heggelund, research professor at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Oslo,…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
A recent analysis of global drug use by the World of Statistics has revealed that cannabis remains the most prevalent drug in numerous countries, while others grapple with region-specific substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids. The findings highlight significant variations in drug preference, shaped by cultural, economic, and geographic factors. Cannabis: The global front-runner Cannabis is the dominant substance in many nations, particularly in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Countries such as Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, and the United States report cannabis as their most widely used drug. In Africa, Nigeria and South Africa also…
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a very well-known class of medications. Some, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naproxen), are available over the counter (OTC). Others, such as meloxicam (Mobic) and celecoxib (Celebrex), require a prescription to purchase. Key takeaways: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat pain, fever, or inflammation (swelling). They have several potentially serious side effects. This can make them risky for certain groups of people. There are people who should not take NSAIDs. These include people with kidney problems, heart conditions, or stomach ulcers or bleeding. Pregnant women, older adults, and those taking blood thinners should also avoid NSAIDs. These…
Simplified layperson answer: I will interpret the question to mean a generally available cure for most HIV/AIDS patients. Possibly, but it will be very challenging. We have eliminated HIV/AIDS from a small number of people through rather drastic means, such as stem cell transplants after a person’s entire immune system was effectively lain to waste. We do not have the technology to generalize this procedure. As of today (12/26/2024), seven people have had the virus eliminated in this manner. This extreme treatment is not likely generalizable. Current highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART or HART) is so effective that when it’s adhered…
A groundbreaking study from the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, published in Nature Medicine on January 6, has revealed a startling connection between sugar-sweetened beverages and the global burden of chronic diseases. The study estimates that sugary drinks contribute to 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease worldwide each year. The impact is particularly devastating in developing regions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, sugary drinks were linked to over 21% of new diabetes cases, while in Latin America and the Caribbean, they accounted…
Dry shampoo can be a serious timesaver on days when you don’t have time to wash your hair. Just apply, massage it in, and, almost like magic, your hair looks and smells fresh and ready for a new day. Key takeaways: Using dry shampoo as directed isn’t necessarily bad for your hair. Dry shampoo can boost your hair’s health because it helps prevent potential damage caused by overwashing. But overusing dry shampoo can cause product buildup on the hair, dry it out, and cause scalp irritation. Some ingredients used in dry shampoo may cause allergies and hormone disruption. Because of…
Almost everyone has had hiccups at some point in their lives. Hiccups aren’t dangerous and they almost always go away on their own. Still, they can be annoying when you get them. So, the first thing you usually want to know is how to make them go away fast. What are hiccups? Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm that cause a “hic” sound. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest from the stomach and is essential for breathing. When the diaphragm spasms, the vocal cords close briefly, producing the hiccup sound. Key takeaways: Hiccups are caused by uncontrolled contractions of your diaphragm.…
Temperature — both body and room temperature — plays a huge role in your sleep. If your room is too hot, it can disrupt sleep. If it’s too cold, it may interfere with your ability to relax. Key takeaways: Temperature is an important factor in determining how well you sleep. Most people sleep best when their room is between 60°F and 67°F. If your bedroom is too hot, it can disrupt your sleep and cause you to wake up more often in the middle of the night. One-third of adults experience regular sleep disturbances, like trouble falling or staying asleep. So…
Many men turn to oral erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil), for a boost in the bedroom. Injectable ED medications, such as Edex (alprostadil) and Caverject (alprostadil), are also options. Key takeaways: Oral medications like Viagra (sildenafil) are common treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). Injectables like Caverject (alprostadil) are another option. But injectables are administered directly into the penis. Oral ED medications may cause side effects such as headaches, flushing, and stomach upset. Injectable medications tend to cause different side effects. Examples include pain at the injection site, rash, and swelling. Rare but serious ED medication side effects are possible too. These…
Recent statistics reveal the stark realities of Nigeria’s educational system, particularly concerning the availability of schools for its 56.3 million school-age children aged 6-15 years. According to data from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the National Monitoring Project Initiative (NMPI) for 2022, Nigeria has 171,027 primary and junior secondary schools, which translates to an average of 329 pupils per school—if all children are enrolled. However, a deeper regional analysis uncovers significant disparities between the northern and southern parts of the country. Regional disparities in school access ALSO READ Military airstrike kills 10 in Sokoto villages: Govt donates N20m,…