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…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
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…
According to a new study, no level of alcohol consumption does not increase the risk of dementia among drinkers. Using statistical methods based on genetic analyses, the authors of the study found that it heightened dementia risk in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed. This study contradicts earlier research that suggested light to moderate drinking may protect against dementia. No level of its consumption is associated with a higher risk of dementia, suggests a new study, contrary to previous findings. The study, which appears in eClinicalMedicine, concludes there is a linear relationship between the amount of alcohol one consumes…
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has become the first country in the world to be officially verified as having eliminated leprosy. This significant milestone marks a new era in global public health efforts. “WHO congratulates Jordan on this impressive milestone,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Leprosy has afflicted humanity for millennia, but country-by-country we are stopping transmission and freeing individuals, families and communities from its suffering and stigma.” “Jordan’s elimination of this age-old disease is a historic milestone in public health and a huge success for efforts to eliminate leprosy globally,” said…
A recent survey across Africa by KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com) reveals that 84% of respondents rely on social media as their primary news source, with 80% favouring Facebook; This heavy dependence on social platforms for information is concerning, particularly as disinformation continues to rise.With 19 African countries set to hold elections in 2024 and numerous political campaigns underway, worries about misinformation (unintentionally shared false information) and disinformation (deliberately spread fake news) are mounting. The Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (http://apo-opa.co/3Bj92mY) reports that disinformation campaigns in Africa have quadrupled since 2022, often backed by foreign states like Russia and China, leading to social instability.In…
A new study suggests that moderate consumption of coffee and caffeine regularly could be beneficial in preventing diseases like type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Compared with people who did not consume caffeine at all or very little per day, people who drank 3 coffee drinks per day or 200 to 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day had a 48.1% or 40.7% reduced risk for new-onset cardiometabolic multimorbidity. Experts tout many of the other beneficial properties in tea and coffee but warn that other caffeinated beverages may not have the same benefits — and that there is…
Have you ever noticed a scar that keeps growing long after the wound has healed? That’s likely a KELOID—an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original injury. What are Keloids? Why do they form? Are they genetic or contagious? How do you get rid of them? What exactly are keloids? Keloids are raised, thickened areas of skin that form due to excessive collagen production during the healing process. Unlike regular scars, keloids don’t stop at the wound’s edge—they can spread and become quite noticeable. How do they form? Whenever your skin gets injured—through cuts, surgery, piercings, tattoos, or…
I usually peel ginger because it looks dirty, but my wife leaves the outer skin, crushes the whole piece, and then uses it for cooking. Which method is healthier? Answer: Ginger, a staple in culinary and medicinal contexts, is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory effects, and its ability to treat colds, warm the body, and prevent ailments related to the respiratory and digestive systems. Its skin possesses diuretic properties, boosts energy, alleviates swelling, reduces edema, and can help combat bad breath. Whether you peel ginger may depend on your personal preference. If you opt to leave the skin on, ensure it…