36 kilograms is the average amount of plastic packaging waste generated by a single EU citizen per year. Longer-term projections are equally grim, with the amount of plastic waste estimated to triple by 2060 globally. Increasing consumption is driving the search for alternatives – biodegradable and durable materials that would not only replace but also outperform synthetic plastics. Today, bioplastics are often named as one of the solutions for a more sustainable future, yet few know that this material is not a result of recent scientific work. Back in 1926, a French researcher Maurice Lemoigne discovered a way to produce bioplastic…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Documents from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) have revealed state governments’ contributions to non-import VAT pool. Agora Policy, on its X handle @AgoraPolicy highlighted the contributions of the non-import VAT pool made by the states between January and October 2024. In the 10 months, the lowest contribution was N3.33bn (Imo) while the highest was N2.21trn (Lagos). Within that period, four states contributed less than N10 billion; 26 states contributed between N10 billion and N50 billion; three states contributed between N51 billion and N100 billion and three states contributed above N100 billion. The states that contributed less than N10 billion…
Tech professionals are now well-practised in using ChatGPT for coding and development, including the new Canvas feature. However, the AI can still make mistakes. By Megan Crouse Two years ago, on Nov. 30, ChatGPT burst onto the scene, igniting a global fascination with generative AI and transforming it into a must-watch innovation for both consumers and technology professionals. Since then, ChatGPT has expanded, and the wheels of AI regulation have started to turn. TechRepublic asked tech professionals how their work with ChatGPT has evolved, both personally and within the broader tech industry. New features introduced in 2024 Over the last…
Snoring (Sleep Apnea) isn’t just an annoying bedtime soundtrack it’s a warning sign. What if you are told this common issue could damage your health in ways you never knew? What do you need to know? What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last a few seconds to minutes and may occur numerous times throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea: – Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type, where the airway becomes blocked or collapses during sleep. – Central sleep…
Malaria is not always gone for good after treatment. Have you ever wondered why it comes back? You should know the difference between reoccurrence and recrudescence and how to protect yourself from both! Malaria can be a stubborn disease, sometimes returning even after successful treatment. It is important to understand the difference between reoccurrence and recrudescence to manage expectations when it comes to malaria treatment. Reoccurrence This refers to the return of malaria after complete clearance from the bloodstream This can happen if you get bitten by another infected mosquito, introducing a new malaria infection. It’s essentially a new infection…
Vitamin deficiencies can show up in subtle ways, often mistaken for other health issues. Spotting these signs early can help address the deficiency before it worsens. Here are a few common signs to look out for: Fatigue Low energy or unusual tiredness could mean a lack of vitamins like B12, D, or iron. These nutrients are vital for energy production. Brittle Hair & Nails Weak or splitting nails and hair often signal a lack of biotin (Vitamin B7), which supports hair, skin, and nail health. Mouth ulcers or cracks at the corners of your mouth Painful sores around the mouth…
Last week, the Africa Climate Summit was held in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference was attended by key delegates from African countries, international organisations, and the private sector. The summit was a significant event for Africa, as it was the first time African leaders had come together to discuss climate change on a continent-wide scale. It also served as a platform for multiple electric vehicle (EV) companies—including BasiGo, which serves Nairobi with 20 electric buses for public transport—to showcase their products. The argument is that vehicles powered by fossil fuels are bad for the environment, and there is a need to shift focus…
AmplifyChange has marked ten years of transformative impact in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across Africa and South Asia. Through its support of grassroots activism, millions now have improved access to healthcare, education, and decision-making about their bodies and relationships. Since its launch in 2014, AmplifyChange has funded 775 civil society organisations, distributing over £125 million in grants across 67 countries, with significant investments in tackling gender-based violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation. Highlighting its unique model, the organisation directs funds to local groups, enabling swift responses to community needs and fostering long-term change. “In the…
In a display of innovation, Elon Musk has stunned the world with the announcement of his most ambitious creation yet—a Supersonic Space Jet that promises to revolutionize both air travel and space exploration. Revealed in a cutting-edge hangar, this futuristic jet combines speed, efficiency, and sustainability in ways never seen before. Capable of travelling to any location on Earth in under an hour or launching directly into space, the jet marks a giant leap toward making global and interstellar travel faster and more accessible. “This isn’t just transportation; it’s a transformation,” Musk stated during the unveiling. “We’re pushing the boundaries…
Almost two years have passed since the 2023 earthquake. Turkish authorities have been clogging legal proceedings while victims have lost hope in justice. First, they found a picture of the apartment building online. The body gutted, reclining in a pile of its own rubble, looked like a fish left with nothing but meatless spines. They left for Antakya in a rush the following day. On the second day, they walked through what remained of the ancient city. When they reached the site where the building had stood, Duygu İnegöllü, a lawyer from Izmir, and her family began their watch over…