Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down. With the disease, an inherited group of disorders, red blood cells contort into a sickle shape. The cells die early, leaving a shortage of healthy red blood cells (sickle cell anaemia) and can block blood flow causing pain (sickle cell crisis). Infections, pain and fatigue are its symptoms. What are the advanced treatments for sickle cell disease? A blood and bone marrow transplant is a potentially curative therapy for some people with the disease. To be successful, transplants require a well-matched donor,…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Based in Asheville, N.C., Genova Diagnostics is a globally recognized speciality clinical laboratory, renowned for its pioneering systems-based approach to healthcare. Genova’s advanced testing supports healthcare providers in delivering personalized treatments that address the complexities of chronic diseases. Why choose Genova Diagnostics? Chronic diseases often present intricate challenges. Genova’s cutting-edge, system-based tests empower physicians to create targeted treatment plans for each patient. Their easy-to-read, colour-coded graphic reports turn complex test data into actionable insights, improving communication between physicians and patients. Unmatched expertise and commitment to quality As an internationally renowned laboratory, Genova Diagnostics is committed to the highest standards of clinical testing. Their team of expert medical…
Nigeria has a storied history of protests driven by economic hardship, social injustices, and governance failures. From pre-EndSARS protests to the recent August 1 hunger demonstrations, citizens have consistently taken to the streets to demand change. While these protests underscore the urgent need for reforms, the destruction of public and private properties during these events raises critical concerns. As Nigeria grapples with its infrastructure deficit, it is imperative to understand why protesters should avoid vandalism and why government officials must prioritize good governance to prevent violent agitations. By Abdallah el-Kurebe Pre-EndSARS Protests: Before the EndSARS movement, Nigeria witnessed several significant…
Herpetic whitlow is an infection of the skin around your fingernail that can turn a simple finger into a throbbing, painful ordeal. That tiny but mighty blister shows up around your nails, making every touch feel like you’ve hit it with a hammer. It is characterized by painful blisters on the skin near your finger, and typically resolves independently, but it may require an antiviral prescription to hasten a resolution. It is contagious and can spread from person to person. What causes herpetic whitlow? The herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is responsible for cold sores, causes the condition when the virus penetrates…
Investing in digital health today could prevent millions of deaths caused by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. A small yearly investment of just 24 cents per patient in technologies like telemedicine, mobile messaging, and chatbots has the potential to save over two million lives over the next decade. The investment, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), could also prevent seven million medical emergencies and hospitalizations, easing the pressure on health systems worldwide. The report, “Going Digital for Noncommunicable Diseases: The Case for Action,” was launched…
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause the lining of the large intestine and rectum to become inflamed. There may be a connection between ulcerative colitis and alcohol, which also affects the gut. In the past, some studies have shown both the harmful and beneficial effects of alcohol in ulcerative colitis. Newer studies suggest no correlation or a negative correlation between alcohol and ulcerative colitis. The general recommendation is to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol irritates the digestive tract in similar ways to UC, and combining the two may worsen symptoms. While some people with…
Mosquitos, though capable of spreading certain diseases, are NOT capable of spreading the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The mosquito cannot host the virus because it lacks human T-cells. Such cells are required for the HIV to replicate. Do mosquitoes inject blood into a person when they bite? Other factors prohibit mosquitos from acting as a vector for HIV as well. Mosquitos do not inject blood into a person when they “bite”. A mosquito injects its saliva. Female mosquitos that supplement their diet with blood generate saliva that acts as an anticoagulant and vasodilator. It is the components of that saliva…
In a world where headlines about food safety – food recalls and toxic ingredients are becoming all too common, it’s no surprise that Americans are feeling increasingly uneasy about the safety of their food. According to the 2024 Food & Health Survey from the International Food Information Council (IFIC), trust in the food supply has dropped to its lowest point in over a decade. Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, President and CEO of IFIC, puts it simply: “Trust is at the heart of food choices for individuals and their families.” The recent IFIC Spotlight Survey: American Consumer Perceptions of Food Ingredient Safety…
The Guardian said its own greenhouse gas emissions analysis revealed more pollution than the giant tech companies claimed. A review of emissions reports from Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple by The Guardian revealed that actual emissions could be up to 662% higher than the companies’ official statements, The Guardian announced on September 15. The discrepancy is largely attributed to the difference between direct, “location-based” emissions at company facilities and the purchase of renewable energy credits, according to The Guardian. Meanwhile, the growing use of generative AI is further increasing the energy demands of big tech companies. The Guardian reviewed emissions reports from 2020…
On the surface, the disastrous flooding that overwhelmed Maiduguri in northeastern Nigeria was caused by a ruptured Alau dam. HumAngle found that the dam has suffered years of devastating decay, despite multimillion funds disbursed for its rehabilitation. By Ibrahim Adeyemi, Mansir Muhammed, Alamin Umar, Usman Abba Zanna A local was deeply asleep amid devastating flooding sinking his home. Photo by Usman Abba Zanna/HumAngle. When flooding submerged towns and villages of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state in North East Nigeria, a wave of terror gripped the atmosphere. Thousands of houses were buried underwater; the heavy rainfall swallowed people as families lost…