Melanin is a natural pigment found in many living organisms. It is responsible for the coloration of skin, hair, eyes, and feathers in animals, as well as some plants and fungi. It is produced through a process called melanogenesis, primarily by cells called melanocytes. There are three main types of melanin: Eumelanin: Provides black and brown coloration. Pheomelanin: Contributes to red and yellow hues. Neuromelanin: Found in the brain, though its exact function is still under study. Uses and functions of melanin Melanin serves several biological and potential industrial purposes: Biological uses Protection Against UV Radiation: Melanin absorbs ultraviolet (UV)…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
The decision by the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sparked serious concerns about global health security, particularly in Africa, according to Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa. In a statement on Friday in Abuja, Gitahi highlighted the financial and operational implications of the withdrawal, which creates a $1.2 billion deficit in WHO’s annual $5 billion budget. Gitahi underscored the critical role WHO has played for decades in strengthening Africa’s health systems in partnership with WHO Afro and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). “The WHO has been…
When President Donald Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement for the second time, it left a significant funding gap for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). But billionaire philanthropist and climate advocate Michael Bloomberg quickly stepped in, ensuring that the global body would remain operational. Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City and a longtime champion of climate action, pledged to cover the 22% share of the UNFCCC’s budget that the U.S. would have provided—an estimated $21 million annually for the 2024-2025 period. This bold move marks the second time Bloomberg has…
Kano state governor Abba Yusuf has launched the second phase of a women empowerment initiative under the Livestock Fattening Programme of the Kano Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP). Valued at N2.3 billion, the initiative aims to alleviate poverty and promote economic self-reliance, according to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, on Tuesday in Kano. Distribution across 44 LGAs The programme includes the distribution of livestock to women across Kano’s 44 local government areas. Each beneficiary received three goats to kickstart their journey in livestock entrepreneurship. ALSO READ WEF: 5 key AI trends set to revolutionize agriculture in 2025 “The…
At the World Economic Forum (WEF), Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta Group, outlined five transformative AI trends poised to redefine agriculture in 2025. Speaking at Bloomberg House during a panel discussion titled “From Soil to Silicon: How Advanced Technologies are Cultivating the Future of Sustainable Ag,” Rowe emphasized that 2025 will be a landmark year for the integration of AI into agricultural practices, from research labs to farming fields. The five key AI trends in agriculture AI in research and development (R&D): Syngenta’s R&D now fully integrates machine learning models to discover novel active ingredients for both synthetic and biological…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep regret following the announcement by the United States of America regarding its intention to withdraw from the organization. In a statement issued on Monday, the organization emphasized its vital role in safeguarding global health and security, which includes protecting Americans by addressing the root causes of diseases, strengthening health systems, and coordinating responses to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks in challenging and high-risk regions. “The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has actively shaped and governed its work alongside 193 other Member States,” the statement highlighted. Over…
On Monday, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision that public health experts warn could harm the nation’s ability to lead global health efforts and make it harder to tackle future pandemics. The executive order was issued just hours after Mr. Trump took office, and he outlined several reasons for his decision. He criticized the WHO for what he described as “mishandling” of the COVID-19 pandemic and its failure to implement urgent reforms. He also claimed that the U.S. was unfairly burdened with large financial contributions,…
Nigeria experienced at least 589 oil spills in 2024, according to data from the Oil Spill Monitor, a satellite tracker operated by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). These spills, reported by oil exploration companies and host communities, highlight persistent challenges in curbing environmental pollution in the Niger Delta region. The report noted a 49.3% decrease in recorded oil spills compared to 2023, which saw 1,162 incidents. Despite the reduction in the number of spills, the volume of crude oil spilled in 2024 remained comparable, with 19,000 barrels (approximately 3 million liters) discharged—equivalent to 95 oil tanker…
TikTok users in the United States were disconnected from the platform late Saturday, shortly before a national ban came into effect. The ban follows a contentious legal battle that culminated in the US Supreme Court upholding the decision on Friday, citing national security concerns. “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US,” the platform announced in a message to users attempting to log in. “Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please…
The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to increase food production, reduce dependence on imports, and lower food prices. Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of a soybean plant and refinery by CSS Global Integrated Farms in Gora, Nasarawa State, Adesina highlighted the urgency of tackling hunger exacerbated by skyrocketing food costs. Adesina pointed to the potential of local farmers to meet the country’s food needs. Reflecting on his tenure as Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan, he noted: “The price of rice at the time was N8,000…