The United States had the largest area of genetically modified crops worldwide in 2023, at 74.4 million hectares, followed by Brazil with a little over 66.5 million hectares. Genetically Modified Crop Market ALSO READ How We’re Reducing Disease With Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Regarding acreage [worldwide], the most commonly genetically modified crops are soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola as of 2019. In that year, 13.5 per cent of all the cotton grown worldwide was genetically modified. The same was true for 48.2 percent of all soybean plants. Because genetic modifications are proprietary, the market for genetically modified seeds and pesticides is heavily concentrated between…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
In South Korea, we met with a Nigerian postdoctoral researcher from Kano, Dr AbdulQaadir Yusuf Maigoro, whose lab is doing fascinating work on malaria control. He invented the machine that can kill mosquitoes from one kilometer. His machine can capture mosquitoes within a range of 600 meters to one kilometer. It first lures them in, then captures them. The machine also identifies the mosquitoes within seconds and the types of illnesses they cause. With this, he works with his professor to mitigate asymptomatic malaria that silently damages the body, including the brain. ALSO READ How We’re Reducing Disease With Genetically…
In September 2024, over 3 million tubes of lubricant eye ointments were recalled. The affected products include Refresh P.M. and Refresh Lacri-Lube, which were distributed across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The recall is due to a tube seal issue, which could result in leakage and potential contamination. If your product has been affected by this recall, it’s best to stop using it. Tell your healthcare team if you experience eye infection symptoms such as eye pain, redness, or vision changes. Not all recalls are announced with a press release. To stay up to date on FDA…
Problematic pornography use (PPU) is a type of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). It can affect a person’s mental health and sexual relationships. It can also lead to sexual violence. CSBDs make it difficult for the individual to control or manage intense sexual impulses or urges. Medical professionals sometimes refer to these behaviors as out-of-control sexual behavior (OCSB). However, it is important to note that there is much disagreement about whether CSBDs, including PPU, can be a type of porn addiction. Some medical professionals do not recognize porn addiction as a diagnosable condition, and similarly, there is controversy about whether…
As Maiduguri, in the Northeastern region of Nigeria, grapples with the aftermath of devastating flooding, compounded by ongoing malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and insecurity, the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International President, Dr. Christos Christou, has called for immediate and intensified humanitarian support for the region. In a statement released following his visit to Maiduguri, Dr. Christou highlighted the severe impact of the recent flooding on millions of people, noting that northern Nigeria has been enduring overlapping crises for years. “People in northern Nigeria have faced overwhelming levels of malnutrition, frequent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, and a lack of medical facilities and…
This November, we celebrate 100 years since the discovery of insulin, the hormone that provides the key to understanding and treating diabetes. In this Special Feature and podcast, we look at how far insulin research has come, and we consider what its future may hold. Insulin is the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, keeping them at healthy concentrations. The pancreas is the organ that produces this hormone, which is normally released in quantities dependent on the levels of blood sugar present in the system at any one time. People whose bodies are unable to regulate blood sugar levels have…
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most common and essential blood tests used to assess overall health. With just a simple blood sample, it provides critical insights into your blood composition, helping healthcare professionals evaluate various health conditions. This guide breaks down how to interpret results and what the various components mean for your health. What is a CBC? A CBC is a diagnostic test that examines the cellular components of your blood—red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. It offers detailed information on their quantities and qualities, helping doctors identify potential abnormalities. Sometimes, a…
Your kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and supporting overall health. Diet can significantly impact kidney function, and certain foods can contribute to kidney damage, especially if consumed in excess. This guide explores the foods that can be harmful to your kidneys and explains why they should be limited or avoided. 1. Processed Foods: – Processed foods such as canned soups, frozen dinners, and snack foods are often high in sodium. – High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, putting extra strain on the kidneys and potentially leading to…
Poultry farming can be a rewarding venture, but many newcomers find themselves struggling or failing altogether. Understanding the common pitfalls can help aspiring farmers avoid these obstacles. Here are some major reasons why poultry farming projects fail: Insufficient knowledge (Lack of Know-How): Many individuals dive headfirst into poultry farming after witnessing their neighbours’ success. However, they often neglect to educate themselves about essential topics such as market dynamics, breed selection, and production cycles. Lack of persistence: Instant gratification is a common expectation among new farmers. Many aim to become millionaires overnight, overlooking the hard work and time required to build…
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has launched a comprehensive Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) training program to enhance the skills of cassava farmers and processors in southwest Nigeria. Targeting over 6,000 beneficiaries, the initiative places particular emphasis on empowering women and youth. The weeklong training, facilitated by the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) in Umudike, began with the first group of 1,000 participants, comprising farmers and processors. This represents the initial phase of a three-year program, with AATF planning to train 1,000 participants in 2024, 2,000 in 2025, and 3,000 in 2026. This is in line with AATF’s earlier…