In a recent study published today in the European Geosciences Union (EGU) journal Biogeosciences, scientists have confirmed that mercury pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is contaminating food crops not through the soil, as previously believed, but directly from the air. Driven by the surging price of gold, which has increased by more than tenfold since 2000, the rapid expansion of unregulated mining in these regions raises urgent questions about food security, human health, and environmental justice The study, conducted by an international team of scientists led by Excellent O. Eboigbe and David McLagan at Queens University, and Abiodun Odukoya Mary…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
For the first time in history, scientists have confirmed the presence of mosquitoes in Iceland — a country long believed to be free of the biting insect due to its cold and unpredictable climate. The Icelandic Institute of Natural History announced the discovery after three mosquito specimens were captured on October 16 in West Iceland. The insects were first noticed by an observant nature enthusiast who posted his find on a Facebook discussion group. Entomologists later identified the species as Culiseta annulata, commonly known as the banded mosquito. This species is well known for its ability to survive in colder…
Researchers in the United Arab Emirates have reached a significant technological milestone by successfully testing one of the fastest 6G networks in the world, achieving a peak speed of 145 gigabits per second (Gbps). The trial, conducted by telecom operator e& UAE in collaboration with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), utilized terahertz (THz) frequencies, marking the first 6G Terahertz pilot in the Middle East and setting a new benchmark for ultra-high-speed wireless connectivity. The test, carried out in controlled conditions, demonstrated the immense potential of 6G technology to enable data transfers at unprecedented speeds. At 145 Gbps, users could…
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, joined world leaders in Rome to commemorate World Food Day 2025 and the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), reaffirming the country’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and partnerships for sustainable food systems. Speaking at the event, Senator Kyari said Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, remains steadfast in advancing agricultural transformation through technology adoption, climate-smart solutions, and inclusive food security strategies. The Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s focus aligns with this year’s World Food Day theme, highlighting the need to build resilient food systems that ensure accessibility,…
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is championing a new home-grown school feeding model designed to ensure that children are fed with nutritious foods produced within their own communities. Dr. Daniel Willy, AATF’s Senior Manager for Policy, Agribusiness and Commercialisation, disclosed this during a panel discussion at the ongoing World Congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) in Kenya. Willy said the model—which could be replicated across African countries—aims to reduce dependence on imported food by sourcing school meals directly from local farmers. He explained that AATF was not introducing a new technology but rather an innovative procurement…
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has revealed that Kenya lost about 20.4 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $158 million) in five years due to delays in adopting biotechnology. Dr. Daniel Willy, Senior Manager, Policy, Agribusiness and Commercialisation at AATF, disclosed this on the sidelines of the ongoing World Congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) in Kenya. He noted that biotechnology remains one of the key scientific tools for improving crop varieties and enhancing food production. “You can use biotechnology, for example, to help crops protect themselves from pests. The application is used in Tella maize (Bt maize),…
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has urged the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), to report science accurately to support Africa’s drive for a food secure and climate resilience future. Dr Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of the AATF gave the advice at the opening ceremony of the IFAJ World Congress of Agricultural Journalists 2025, on Wednesday in Kenya. He said that accurate science reporting was crucial, as its impact extended beyond fields and laboratories. Kanangire, represented by Vitumbiko Chinoko, Project Manager, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), AATF, said the convergence of technology, media and innovation offered Africa an unprecedented…
An elite military unit in Madagascar has announced the overthrow of President Andry Rajoelina after the national assembly voted to impeach him for “desertion of duty.” Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the elite CAPSAT military unit, told AFP on Tuesday that the group had taken control of the government. “We have taken power,” he said after reading a statement at a government building in the capital, Antananarivo. According to Randrianirina, a transitional committee composed of officers from the army, gendarmerie, and national police will assume presidential duties. “Perhaps in time it will include senior civilian advisers. It is this committee…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised $1 billion in pledges during its first European fundraising round held in Berlin, marking a major step toward strengthening its financial independence and long-term planning capacity. About $700 million came from new commitments by European governments and philanthropic organizations, while $300 million were earlier pledges from the EU and African Union. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the initiative would help the WHO plan ahead and respond swiftly to global health emergencies. “Sustainable financing gives WHO the certainty to plan and the flexibility to act,” he noted. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described…
A new global report has revealed that one in every six bacterial infections recorded in 2023 was resistant to antibiotic treatment — a growing threat that health experts warn could escalate into a global health crisis without stronger, real-time monitoring systems. According to the report, antibiotic resistance is surging, with over 40 percent of pathogen–antibiotic combinations showing increased resistance between 2018 and 2023, rising by 5–15 percent annually. Some regions, including South-East Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, recorded resistance levels as high as one in three infections. The findings coincide with a call by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB),…