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If you work in an office, you are likely aware of the physical risks that come with it. From hand and wrist injuries because of the excessive use of a mouse to spinal changes from prolonged sitting. A recent study shows these problems aren’t new. The skeletal remains of scribes from ancient Egypt show that our ancestors battled occupational health hazards like osteoarthritis in the jaw, spine, shoulder, thumb and knees. Petra Brukner Havelková and Veronika Dulíková share the details of their findings.
There appears to be no end in sight for the deadly conflict that has racked the Democratic Republic of Congo for 30 years. Instead, the humanitarian crisis is worsening. A new United Nations report provides a gloomy account of the enormous scale of violence against civilians and dim prospects for peace. Anthoni van Nieuwkerk unpacks the report and shares his insights on resolving the dire situation in eastern DRC.
The Kenyan president recently fired his cabinet and promised a new, broadbased government in response to a mounting political challenge from the country’s young population. Some have called for a more radical approach to resolving the crisis: dissolving parliament and calling a new election. John Mukum Mbaku sets out the daunting task facing the embattled president.
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Natasha Joseph
Commissioning Editor
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Petra Brukner Havelková, National Museum (Národní muzeum) Prague; Veronika Dulíková, Charles University
The physical damage caused by their unusual working positions can be seen on the scribes’ skeletons.
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Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, University of South Africa
The lead protagonists, Congolese president Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, seem unwilling to reconcile. Personal mediation is required.
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John Mukum Mbaku, Weber State University
The new cabinet needs to transform the status quo.
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Nadine Dreyer, The Conversation
HIV prevention and treatment have made great strides, but barriers created by stigma, laws and logistics remain.
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Lesley Robertson, University of the Witwatersrand
Holding two public officials responsible for the Life Esidimeni tragedy is a legal milestone. It also highlights the consequences of putting costs over care.
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From our international editions
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Hassan Vally, Deakin University
Now there’s more speculation about US President Joe Biden’s health. But a COVID diagnosis in 2024 is nothing like one back in 2020, even for someone of his age.
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Emily C. Merz, Colorado State University; Melissa Hansen, Colorado State University
Less sleep and later bedtimes are linked to a section of the brain involved in emotion regulation suffering reduced growth, along with weaker connections to other brain areas.
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Liam Keenan, University of Nottingham; Dariusz Wojcik, National University of Singapore; Timothy Monteath, University of Warwick
High levels of market concentration lead to price rises and more ultra-processed food.
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Nick Megoran, Newcastle University
If a peace deal is to be reached it’s important to understand why Russia wanted this war.
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18 July 2024
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Johannesburg
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18 - 19 July 2024
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Bellville
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23 July 2024
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Johannesburg
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29 July - 2 August 2024
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Victoria Falls
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