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 heart condition. With a...
Well-known South African TV figure Derek Watts recently battled sepsis, shocking fans with news that he’d have to relearn walking. This harrowing condition, where the body’s response to infection goes into overdrive, can lead to severe complications, even death. Ina Skosana from The Conversation Africa delves into sepsis, drawing insights from pathologists at the...
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 some of the earliest...
Endometriosis is no stranger to many, affecting roughly 10% of women globally. It’s a painful condition that doesn’t only affect the body but also the spirit. Imagine chronic exhaustion paired with discomfort during intimate moments. Such is the reality for many women. In an age where we’ve made significant medical strides, it’s baffling how...
Cancer, as defined by Cancer.gov, is the rapid and uncontrollable division of abnormal cells that can invade neighboring tissues. The ability of these rogue cells to travel and conquer other parts of a body raises a curious question: Can they leap from one living being to another? The story starts with our marsupial friend...
In many cultures, the responsibility for an unborn child’s well-being falls primarily on the pregnant woman. Advised by the UK’s top medical officer, pregnant women are cautioned against alcohol consumption, owing to its association with increased risks of abortion and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). However, recent studies reveal that not all women adhere...
Let’s chew on a juicy myth: swallowing gum will haunt your digestive system for seven long years. This tantalizing tale has been passed down through generations, causing undue alarm to avid gum chewers. But let’s spit out the fiction and digest the facts with Africa Nova. Intriguingly, no one knows the origins of this...
Today, the enigmatic connection between storks and the arrival of newborns has taken on a new light. The folklore of a stork gracing a family’s doorstep with a precious bundle has long captured the imagination of generations, weaving a tale of wonder and hope for little ones. Across ancient mythologies, the stork has embodied...
The effects of chemotherapy on hair loss can be unsettling, but understanding the underlying processes can provide clarity. Chemotherapy’s impact on cell division lies at the heart of its side effects, including hair loss. Cancer cells, which divide rapidly and uncontrollably, are the primary target. However, healthy cells that also replicate quickly, such as...