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Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa have made a significant breakthrough in vaccine development. They’ve edited the only vaccine against tuberculosis, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, making it more effective in limiting the growth of tuberculosis in the lungs of mice. One of the lead researchers, Bavesh Kana, explains the science behind this process and what it means for future vaccine development.
Countrywide protests in Kenya have been accompanied by police shootings, mass arrests and calls for the president to step down. This has evoked memories of another era: the 24-year-rule of Daniel arap Moi during which the former president ruled with an iron fist. But Kenya today is very different from what it was then. Political scientist Gabrielle Lynch unpacks the tactics Moi worked to silence dissent and why they can’t work today.
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Bavesh Kana, University of the Witwatersrand
The only vaccination against TB is more than 100 years old. Gene editing has made it more effective.
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Gabrielle Lynch, University of Warwick
The state’s efforts to quell public protests show some worrying similarities to the past.
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Sintayehu W. Dejene, CGIAR System Organization; Razak Kiribou, Haramaya University
With the climate heating up rapidly, African cities must green every space to cool down and absorb more rain water, minimising floods. Nature-based solutions can make a huge difference.
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Jane Duncan, University of Glasgow
Having to account for spending on covert operations would make it more difficult for intelligence agencies to abuse their powers.
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From our international editions
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Adrian Beaumont, The University of Melbourne
Now that President Biden has pulled out of the race, let’s look at the numbers we have for a Harris vs Trump contest.
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Alex Balch, University of Liverpool
When people need to be rescued in the Channel, it can be confusing which country is responsible.
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Michael Toole, Burnet Institute
No cases of paralysis caused by poliovirus have been reported in Gaza. But the detection of the virus in wastewater is still cause for concern.
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Nick Harvey Sky, Chr. Michelsen Institute; Susanne Shultz, University of Manchester
Black rhino conservation focuses on areas with acacia trees – but they actually prefer to eat grass.
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