Twister, the undeniable life of the party for decades, took a traditional dance floor maneuver and turned it into an uproarious game that left its mark on popular culture. Let’s rewind and revisit the basics of Twister before we delve into how it emerged as a cultural icon. The game’s oversized plastic mat, with...
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 a misconception. In reality,...
Monopoly, a classic board game designed to bankrupt your opponents while you amass wealth, often leads to disputes. Despite Monopoly’s rules remaining largely unchanged over the years, the way people play has deviated from the official rule book. Get ready to uncover the ways you’ve probably been playing Monopoly wrong all your life, just...
There’s a widespread myth that’s been circulated for far too long: if you cease your exercise routine, your hard-earned muscles will magically turn into flab. Let’s clear the air on this and set the record straight for our Africa Nova readers. Muscle cells and fat cells are as different as chalk and cheese. They...
Vaccines are an indispensable tool in the fight against deadly diseases. Smallpox, polio, and other viruses have been successfully eliminated, leading to the preservation of millions of lives each year. Although health experts advocate for the flu vaccine, controversy still surrounds its use. In contrast to the widespread misconception about vaccines causing autism, the...
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 properties, adverse effects on...
The Manchineel tree, native to the Caribbean and parts of the Americas, is infamous for its deadly properties. Nicola Strickland, a radiologist, had a harrowing encounter with it during a trip to Tobago in 1999. While innocently tasting the small, yellow-green fruits that had fallen from the tree, she and her friend experienced excruciating...
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 benefits, the intricacies of...
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. The rationale? There’s a...