Health
Astronomer Tycho Brahe ‘Not Poisoned’
New research suggests that Tycho Brahe, the Danish astronomer who died more than 400 years ago, was not felled by mercury poisoning.
Blogger Wu Heng, A Champion of Food Safety in China
As people in China become increasingly concerned about the safety of the food they eat, more and more of them are demanding that their government take action. One of the most prominent voices on that front is a young food safety blogger. His blog gets more than 5 million hits a month. It’s so popular that authorities are taking his advice.
French Senator Proposes ‘Nutella Tax’
In France, there is a new proposed amendment to put a 300 percent tax on palm oil, which is high in saturated fat and deemed unhealthy. It’s found in innumerable everyday food products like baby-formula, cookies, chocolate bars, and margarine. But the amendment has been nicknamed the “Nutella tax” because the chocolate-hazelnut spread contains no less than 20 percent palm oil.
South Africa: The Importance and Irrelevance of the White House
In South Africa, there is a great amount of respect and gratitude to the White House. This is in large part due to an American program, initiated by President George W. Bush, that helps to get medicine to HIV-AIDS patients. But some South Africans say the issue of who occupies the White House is becoming less relevant to the future of their country and their lives.
Patient ‘Imprisoned’ at Kinshasa Hospital
In many African hospitals, patients must settle their bills before they’re released. That means if patients can’t pay, they end up stuck in the hospital — sometimes for weeks — until a family member bails them out. Cindy Shiner of AllAfrica.com recently met one such patient at a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nairobi Glue Pusher Preys on Addicted Kids to Help Her Own
In Nairobi, many street kids inhale glue for a cheap high, and many of the dealers who sell them the glue are women. They’re called Mama Pimas. The World’s Anders Kelto met one Mama Pima who explains that she entered this illegal trade, which harms children, as a way to feed her own.
Uruguay Lawmakers Legalize Abortion
Roman Catholic Uruguay has voted to legalize all first trimester abortions. The BBC’s Vladimir Hernandez tells host Marco Werman about the restrictions on the new measure.
The First Abortion Clinic in Northern Ireland Opens Doors
In Northern Ireland, the first stand alone clinic that provides abortions opened today. Abortion is legal in northern Ireland, and it’s been controversial in the past. But as John Sepulvado reports from Belfast, the clinic is not attracting large protests.
Haiti Medical Volunteers: Learning from Mistakes
Doctors who worked in Haiti after the 2010 Port-au-Prince earthquake are asking a difficult question: Did some medical volunteers harm patients? Experts in disaster medicine point to unnecessary amputations, inadequate pain control, and other problems caused by doctors and nurses inexperienced at working in international crisis zones. Amy Costello reports on the medical community’s attempts to learn from mistakes made in Haiti.
De-Worming Program Set to Launch in India
The Indian state of Rajasthan is about to launch a large-scale program to treat intestinal worms among its public school students. The idea isn’t simply to make the kids healthier – it’s to enable them to study harder and get ahead in life.
Dutch ‘Abortion Ship’ Barred from Morocco Port
A yacht that had docked in the port of Smir, in northern Morocco, was escorted out of the port by authorities.
India Battles Malnutrition with Local Product
Health workers in Africa have made great strides treating severe malnutrition thanks to a therapeutic food called Plumpy’Nut. Yet India, which has its own child malnutrition problems, has blocked importation of the product. So Indian doctors are now concocting their own locally made version.
Just Trying To Get By
As a journalist living and working in a foreign country, I like to think of myself as being culturally sensitive and aware regardless of where I’m reporting from. But I hadn’t realized that the pressures of being a journalist can dampen some of that sensitivity.
Sri Lanka: Kidney Ailment Linked to Farm Chemicals
Thousands of people in the Asian island nation of Sri Lanka have been struck by a mysterious and deadly form of kidney disease. A new study points to a likely cause: pesticides and fertilizers. This story was reported as part of a joint investigation with the Center for Public Integrity.
Africa’s Translation Gap
How more translation in a continent of 2,000 languages could save lives and create wealth.
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