South Africa grapples with an alarming rate of fetal alcohol syndrome, boasting the highest global rate of 111.1 cases per 1,000 people. The Reality of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Fetal alcohol syndrome emerges as the tragic fallout of prenatal alcohol consumption. Those afflicted with the syndrome often display a collection of […]
South Africa’s Tobacco Cost Crisis
In the face of socioeconomic disparities, smoking cessation support is crucial. Tobacco smoking is more than just an individual vice; it is a global health and economic nemesis. The startling figures speak for themselves: an estimated 8 million deaths worldwide in 2019 due to tobacco, accounting for approximately 200 million […]
The Enigma of Split-Brain Individuals
In the close of 1961, neurosurgeons Philip Vogel and Joseph Bogen from the California College of Medicine in Los Angeles embarked on an innovative surgical procedure. Their goal? To alleviate severe epilepsy symptoms in patients for whom traditional methods had proven ineffective. W.J., a 48-year-old former paratrooper, was one such […]
Sunglasses for the Blind Is More Than a Fashion Statement
The question of why visually impaired individuals often sport sunglasses might strike you as puzzling. Similarly puzzling questions revolve around the daily life of those who can’t see. It’s been a buzzing topic for years. The Spectrum of Blindness The popular notion that all blind individuals see complete darkness is […]
Health Risks Exposed With Carcinogens
A comprehensive study has brought to light the unsettling presence of carcinogens in everyday personal care items, prompting a critical evaluation of consumer safety. The extensive analysis conducted in California in 2020 revealed that households and businesses were responsible for emitting over 5,000 tons of chemicals recognized for their carcinogenic […]
Where Nuclear Waste Really Ends up
Nuclear power – it’s a term that ignites various emotions. From its undeniable potential to the challenges it poses, this energy source remains a focal point of global discussion. As you browse through the offerings on AfricaNova, it’s time to shed light on nuclear power, specifically focusing on its potential […]
Can E-cigarettes Really Help Quit Smoking?
The quest to quit smoking has seen many turn to vaping, hoping it might be the answer. But how effective are e-cigarettes really? Australia’s Health Minister Mark Butler’s recent policy announcement aimed to curtail vaping among minors and nonsmokers, while simultaneously offering a nicotine fix for those trying to quit. […]
Is The Baboon Heart in Baby Fae A Medical Miracle or Ethical Misstep?
When South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first human heart transplant in 1967, it changed medicine forever. Fast forward a few years, and we come across a gripping story from Barstow Hospital. A young baby, Stephanie Fae Beauclair, affectionately known as Baby Fae, was diagnosed with a rare […]
A Glimpse into Historical Dentistry
Oral health took center stage in 2012, with a strong emphasis on brushing after meals, regular dental visits, and early intervention. This, however, wasn’t always our reality. Dentistry’s evolution, while significant, sometimes stands overshadowed by other scientific advancements. The ancient Indus Valley Civilization, tracing back to nearly 7000 B.C., provides […]