Author: TalkAfrique Sci&Tek

Providing Science and Technology news of interest to the African continent and people.

Text Messages Advance Malaria Care

Text messages could be a cost effective way of improving care for African children with malaria, according to researchers. A six month study involving 119 health workers in Kenya, published by The Lancet, showed texts increased the number following government guidelines. Half of children received the correct treatment at the end of the study, more… Continue reading Text Messages Advance Malaria Care

Type 2 Diabetes in Newly Diagnosed ‘Can Be Reversed’

An extreme eight-week diet of 600 calories a day can reverse Type 2 diabetes in people newly diagnosed with the disease, says a Diabetologia study. Newcastle University researchers found the low-calorie diet reduced fat levels in the pancreas and liver, which helped insulin production return to normal. Seven out of 11 people studied were free… Continue reading Type 2 Diabetes in Newly Diagnosed ‘Can Be Reversed’

Sleep Position During Pregnancy ‘Link to Still-birth’

Experts want urgent research to see if the position a woman chooses to sleep in during late pregnancy affects still-birth risk, as a study suggests a link. The University of Auckland compared 155 women who had late still-births with 310 who had healthy pregnancies. Sleeping on the back or right side, rather than the left,… Continue reading Sleep Position During Pregnancy ‘Link to Still-birth’

Drug Firms Cut Vaccine Prices to the Developing World

Several major drugs companies have announced big cuts to the amounts they charge for their vaccines in the developing world. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Merck, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi-Aventis have agreed to cut prices through the international vaccine alliance Gavi. GSK said it would cut the price of its vaccine for rotavirus by 67% to $2.50… Continue reading Drug Firms Cut Vaccine Prices to the Developing World

Poverty Link to Starting Periods Younger

Girls from poorer backgrounds are more likely to start their periods at a younger age, thereby increasing their risk of breast cancer, a UK study says. It found girls in lower socio-economic groups with typically poorer diets began at 12.1 years on average compared to 12.5 years for wealthier girls. Their breast cancer risk was… Continue reading Poverty Link to Starting Periods Younger

Higher Density Means World Forests Are Capturing More Carbon, News Release

University of Helsinki, Finland and Rockefeller University, USA Study challenges carbon storage measurements based on forest area; Several national increases of density and / or area signal “The Great Reversal” is underway in forests globally after centuries of loss and decline Forests in many regions are becoming larger carbon sinks thanks to higher density, US… Continue reading Higher Density Means World Forests Are Capturing More Carbon, News Release