Al-Shabab ‘bans’ tree-cutting — but not to save the environment

Nigeria on ‘high alert’ amid surging cases of mpox in Africa

Abuja, Nigeria — Nigerian authorities on Thursday placed key entry points into the country on high alert following the outbreak of the mpox virus in Africa. Authorities have also put nine Nigerian states, including the commercial hub, Lagos, and the capital, Abuja, under serious surveillance. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention told journalists that … continue reading -> “Nigeria on ‘high alert’ amid surging cases of mpox in Africa”

US climate agency: Last month hottest July on record

Mpox virus now in Pakistan, health authorities say

PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Pakistan’s health ministry has confirmed at least one case of the mpox virus in a patient who had returned from a Gulf country, it said on Friday, as provincial health authorities reported they had detected three cases. A health ministry spokesperson said the sequencing of the confirmed case was under way, and that … continue reading -> “Mpox virus now in Pakistan, health authorities say”

Sweden confirms first case of contagious mpox strain outside Africa

August’s supermoon kicks off four months of lunar spectacles

cape canaveral, florida — The first of four supermoons this year rises next week, providing tantalizing views of Earth’s constant companion. Stargazers can catch the first act Monday as the full moon inches a little closer than usual, making it appear slightly bigger and brighter in the night sky. “I like to think of the supermoon … continue reading -> “August’s supermoon kicks off four months of lunar spectacles”

WHO declares mpox a global public health emergency

Biden strikes $150M blow against cancer in campaign to slash deaths

washington — President Joe Biden on Tuesday visited Louisiana’s infamous “Cancer Alley” to strike at what he identified as a top priority of his dwindling presidency: announcing $150 million in research funding toward the goal of dramatically reducing cancer deaths in the United States. The Cancer Moonshot is an initiative close to Biden’s heart. Both he … continue reading -> “Biden strikes $150M blow against cancer in campaign to slash deaths”

Older Americans prepare for world altered by artificial intelligence 

Africa public health body declares mpox emergency

Australian researchers herald new groundbreaking diabetes drug

SYDNEY — Researchers in Australia have developed a drug that could revolutionize treatment for millions of diabetes patients around the world.   Scientists in the U.S., China and Australia are designing treatments that imitate the body’s natural response to changing blood glucose, or sugar, levels and respond instantly.   The Australian team is handling one of … continue reading -> “Australian researchers herald new groundbreaking diabetes drug”

Zimbabwe government declares end to latest cholera outbreak

Harare — Zimbabwean authorities recently declared the end of a cholera outbreak which lasted nearly 18 months, but public health experts say the conditions which caused the waterborne disease still exist and need urgent attention. After battling a cholera outbreak which began in February of last year, Zimbabwe gave the ‘all clear’ after saying no new … continue reading -> “Zimbabwe government declares end to latest cholera outbreak”

Addictions on the rise in wartime Israel

Beersheba, Israel — At 19, Yoni, an Israeli man, has to put aside his plans to join the military and instead enter rehab for drug abuse that has worsened since Hamas’ October 7 attack. Health professionals said Yoni’s case is not an exception in wartime Israel, noting a surge in drug and alcohol abuse as well … continue reading -> “Addictions on the rise in wartime Israel”

US abortion numbers rise since Roe was overturned, study finds

Namibian occupational therapists assist children with mental health

Windhoek, Namibia — Poverty, family dysfunction, hopelessness and learning challenges are among the reasons children, sometimes as young as 9, take their own lives. The Namibia Association of Occupational Therapists on Saturday brought together children, parents, and health care workers to teach children how to cope and adapt into adulthood. When Samuel Njambali was 11 years … continue reading -> “Namibian occupational therapists assist children with mental health”

Mars and Jupiter get chummy in the night sky

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — Mars and Jupiter are cozying up in the night sky for their closest rendezvous this decade. They’ll be so close Wednesday, at least from our perspective, that just a sliver of moon could fit between them. In reality, our solar system’s biggest planet and its dimmer, reddish neighbor will be more than … continue reading -> “Mars and Jupiter get chummy in the night sky”

How Maui’s 151-year-old banyan tree is coming back to life after fire

LAHAINA, Hawaii — When a deadly wildfire tore through Lahaina on Maui last August, the wall of flames scorched the 151-year-old banyan tree along the historic town’s Front Street. But the sprawling tree survived the blaze, and thanks to the efforts of arborists and dedicated volunteers, parts of it are growing back — and even thriving. … continue reading -> “How Maui’s 151-year-old banyan tree is coming back to life after fire”

Sex eligibility rules for female athletes are complex, legally difficult

PARIS — Women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics has highlighted the complexity of drafting and enforcing sex eligibility rules for women’s sports and how athletes like Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan are left vulnerable in the fallout. When eligibility for women’s events has come into question, it often has been a legally … continue reading -> “Sex eligibility rules for female athletes are complex, legally difficult”

US declines to approve first MDMA-based PTSD treatment 

Central Asia leaders call for joint policy on water issues

Almaty, Kazakhstan — Central Asian leaders met in Kazakhstan on Friday seeking to agree on a shared policy on water management in a region where the scarce resource causes frequent disputes. Interruptions to water supplies are a regular occurrence in the five ex-Soviet Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – whose territory … continue reading -> “Central Asia leaders call for joint policy on water issues”

Flying electric taxis, personal aircraft prepare for takeoff

Flying cars, long the dream of futurists, may finally be here. From California, Matt Dibble has our story about the rise of electric aircraft. …

UN: Climate change wreaks havoc through large parts of Africa

GENEVA — United Nations aid agencies warn climate change is wreaking havoc throughout large parts of eastern and southern Africa, worsening the plight of millions of people struggling to survive conflict, poverty, hunger and disease. Since mid-April, El Nino-related heavy rainfall has led to extreme weather events across East Africa, including flooding, landslides, violent winds and … continue reading -> “UN: Climate change wreaks havoc through large parts of Africa”

Third person in US dies in listeria outbreak tied to Boar’s Head deli meats

Stranded NASA Starliner pilots may return to Earth on SpaceX

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — What should have been a quick trip to the International Space Station may turn into an eight-month stay for two NASA astronauts if they have to switch from Boeing to SpaceX for a ride home. There’s lingering uncertainty over the safety of Boeing’s new Starliner capsule, NASA officials said Wednesday, and the … continue reading -> “Stranded NASA Starliner pilots may return to Earth on SpaceX”