New Malaria Vaccine Under Development

 American scientists are developing a new vaccine against the killer disease malaria following research on children in Tanzania.

Tests on mice showed that the vaccine protects against the disease and those involved in the study hope that it will be safe and effective in humans.

 In the trial with mice, the vaccine doubled the lifespan of the rodents infected with the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria and reduced the number of parasites by three quarters.

The vaccine takes a new approach to tackling the disease. Other potential vaccines try to stop the parasites entering the red blood cells - an earlier stage of the Plasmodium life cycle.

One of the lead researchers, Jonathan Kurtis, explained that this mechanism would need to work in tandem with other vaccines aimed at other parts of the cycle. It does not eliminate the parasites but reduces them to a level that can ease the symptoms.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 627,000 people die from malaria each year. Most of those deaths are of children under the age of five living in sub-Saharan Africa.

Scientists take inspiration from nature to make drones of the future

By James Maynard, Tech Times


A tiny drone, inspired by insects, flaps its wings to fly.

(Photo : Pakpong Chirarattananon et al. 2014 Bioinspir. Biomim. 9 025004)


Drone developers from around the globe are taking inspiration from nature for the latest generations of automated aerial vehicles.

Researchers are faced with challenging problems of navigating tight environments, whether in urban environments, or underground. A total of 14 research teams have turned to nature for inspiration to develop superior capabilities in drones.

Drones are now capable of picking up and delivering packages, which requires precise flight control and navigation. Bats are well-equipped for flying in and out of tight spaces. Vehicles with similar capabilities could be used in small areas that are unsafe for human occupation. One example could be in damaged nuclear power plants, like the one at Fukushima, Japan.

Automated aerial vehicles that flock together like birds, could allow rescue workers a network of airborne cameras to search for victims of disasters.

"Flying animals can be found everywhere in our cities. From scavenging pigeons to alcohol-sniffing fruit flies that make precision landings on our wine glasses, these animals have quickly learned how to control their flight through urban environments to exploit our resources," David Lentink of Stanford University, guest editor of the journal issue announcing the research, said.

Harvard University researchers developed a fully-functional drone aircraft that is just the size of a penny. This would allow reconnaissance and surveillance in the tightest of spaces. For military purposes, this tiny unarmed aerial vehicle (UAV) would be nearly impossible to detect or target. This new drone could also aid biologists, in their study of flight patterns and behaviors of insects.

"To enable our drones to fly equally well in wind and clutter, we need to solve several flight control challenges during all flight phases: take-off, cruising, and landing," Lentink explained in a press release announcing the multiple research projects.

Wind and other weather conditions could prove hazardous for the drones. Many of the new designs will not be fully practical until they are able to withstand wind and heavy rains. One group of researchers is looking at the hawk moth for design ideas that would allow the automated vehicles to withstand such forces.

The flying squirrel was the inspiration for the jumpglider, a small drone which combines a spring-loaded launcher with an aerodynamic body to obtain flight at a small cost in energy.

Investigation of natural sources as inspiration for new generations of drones was profiled in a special issue of the journal Bioinspiration and Biomimetics. This edition focuses on advances in flight control methods inspired by nature.

Group Wants Children To Fast For Chibok Girls

A group, Nigeria Kids Pray, has called on children to fast and pray for the safe return of the kidnapped Chibok girls because adults has become too monetised and politicised.

 

The girls have being held captive for more than a month now . #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS.

Another Explosion Hits Jos

 Many are feared dead after another explosion ripped through an outdoor venue crowded with soccer fans in the city of Jos,

Police confirmed the explosion which went off 9 pm and an official of the National Emergency Management Agency said many are feared dead because the outdoor theater was packed to capacity. 

This will make it the third explosion in one month. God save our souls from this heartless devil incarnates.

9 Changes Men Should Make to Make a Relationship Successful

Getty Images //

How to Make a Relationship Successful and strong can be hard to learn.

| by Heather |

It’s not impossible though. There are strong relationships out there and if you are looking to learn how to make your relationship successful and strong, you might want to take a look below. Below, I’ve got the top 9 changes that men should make to help learn how to make a relationship successful!

1. Take Ownership
The first thing that a man needs to learn in the way of how to make a relationship successful is to take ownership. A boyfriend typically can handle any situation and can just take charge of it. Ladies, if your man isn’t skillfully managing the household and upholding promises to you, it might be time to call him out on it.

2. Surprise Her
The key to learning how to make a relationship successful is surprising each other, truly revealing part of yourself to the other person. Little surprises, little notes, small little romantic gestures are truly a way to a girl’s heart guys. So why not add in a little mystery and surprise to your relationship?

3. Be Romantic
I can’t say this enough – be romantic guys! A simple gesture such as picking up a movie that you know she loves is a great example of how well you pay attention to your girl. If she’s having a bad day, don’t make it worse, just cheer her up with ice cream in bed or a night out on the town!

4. Be Strong
A woman likes when a guy is strong. I’m not saying that you need to overpower her, but the key to learning how to make a relationship successful is being strong for her when she needs it. Is she going through a hard time at work? Let her know it’s okay and help her work through it.

5. Help Her Make Decisions
Decision making should always be a team effort, not just one-sided. When you’re the guy in the relationship, you probably constantly want to make the decision and get it over with right? Well, if you help her make the decision and work it out as a team, you have a better chance of learning how to make a relationship successful instead of forcing your decision on her!

6. Be Gentle When Needed
Sometimes a man can be really hard and harsh. Guys, you’re dealing with maternal girls, you want to make sure that you are able to tone down the strong and be gentle when she needs it. Sometimes, all it takes are a few soft words to make all of the difference!

7. Learn Body Language
Guys, if she is fuming, you probably know it by her body language. The very first step that you should take when you’re learning how to make a relationship successful should be learning her body language. We’re girls, we do show a lot in our face and bodies, pay attention!

8. Understand Moods
Sometimes we’re emotional. Not all of the time, but sometimes we get into moods and have mood swings that we aren’t able to control. If you find yourself in a mood swing, just wait it out and eventually, we become happy again. Just be understanding!

9. Be Neat
One of the biggest complaints that most women when they are in a relationship with a guy is that they are sloppy. Guys, pick up your laundry, do the dishes once in a while and truly make your girl feel special. If you stay neat, I promise you won’t fight as much!
There are many keys to learning how to make a relationship successful, you just have to be willing to change. Guys, if you are looking to learn how to make a relationship successful, take a few tips from here, I promise it’ll make all of the difference!.

7 Ways To Show People How Much You Care

 

by BRITTANY HARB 

We often become too busy to remember the simple things that make life really great, and that we typically need to be our happiest.

The people that surround us are a very important part of our well-being, and it’s important to show them that! Read on for ways to show people how much you care!

1. A SIMPLE HELLO
One of the easiest ways to show people how much you care is to send a simple hello! It’s so easy to send a quick “hi” with our phones, email or other online tools. We have no excuse! Take a funny snapshot, send a joke or ask about how their day is going. Your message may get to someone at just the right time, when they need it most!

2. HANDWRITTEN ANYTHING
We’re so digital that anything handwritten seems out-of-date. Sometimes, handwritten cards, letters or notes
are super special, though. Drop someone a handwritten note or card — doodles included — and watch their smile spread as they get a wave of memory. You may even feel like a kid again! Address and post your note with an envelope to send via snail mail for an even better surprise.

3. LITTLE SURPRISES
If you’re about to meet a friend and see their favorite candy bar in the checkout line on sale, grab it! Little surprises here and there for those that you love are a great way to show that you’re always thinking about them. Don’t go overboard or over-spend, but splurge when you have the extra few dollars. It’s a great way to show people that you remember what they like, and remember them!

4. BEING SUPPORTIVE
Listening, giving our full attention and being supportive are some of the most meaningful ways to show someone you care. Giving someone your ear wholeheartedly — so that you can give them sound advice, if they ask — understanding their point-of-view and sharing in a part of their hardship really shows how much you care. If a friend is having a rough couple of weeks, be sure to check in on them every couple of days. They’ll remember your thoughtfulness — even when everything is solved!

5. BEING HELPFUL
It’s so easy to forget to be helpful around friends! We become so comfortable around people that we miss out on opportunities to show our generosity. Make sure to always offer up help when you’re friend is stressed, or even when you’re just hanging out at their house. Don’t leave a mess! Be as helpful to a good friend as you’d be to a new acquaintance.

6. REMEMBERING
People notice when you remember certain things about them or their lives. Remember your friends’ birthdays, special days and which flavor of birthday cake is their favorite! You can’t remember everything, but remembering the small stuff can go a long way as well. Did they tell you about a daunting presentation at work? Ask how it went some time that week!

7. PLANNING AHEAD
It’s so easy to just make last-minute plans all the time, but scheduling something ahead with someone shows them you care (especially parents or family members!) Call before your week’s plans are set, and ask if they have time during the week! You’ll feel great having scheduled important, meaningful time, and will make those around you feel great, too!
It’s a lot of fun to show people how much you care. Give these suggestions a try, and see if life seems brighter!

Nollywood film maker, Amaka Igwe, for burial June 13

LATE Nollywood film maker, Amaka Igwe, will be buried on June 13 in her marital home, Ndiuche Arondizuogu in Imo.

The burial date is contained in a statement issued on Friday.

The statement listed the programme of events to include an evening of tribute and Service of Songs at Haven Gardens, Ikeja GRA on June 9 and at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on June 12.

It stated that a tribute website; www.amakaigwe.ng, had been created for goodwill messages and pictures.

The site would also contain tweets and Facebook messages to celebrate the late film producer.

Also, past pictures, videos and speeches of the late veteran would be uploaded onto the site continuously.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Igwe, 51, died on April 28 from complications resulting from an asthmatic attack.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Igwe, three children, an aged mother and siblings.

Igwe had contributed immensely to the development of indigenous television drama series and Nollywood for 25 years and was conferred with a national award of the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 by the Federal Government.

Amaka Igwe was the founder of BoBTV Film, Television Programmes Expo, Top Radio 90.9FM, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the newly launched Q-Entertainment Network.

She was a visionary and pioneer of modern Nigerian TV drama and film, who first hit national limelight with the award-winning TV soap, “Checkmate’’ and “Fuji House of Commotion.”

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Her Nollywood productions include “RattleSnake” and “Violated.”

Igwe studied Education and Religion at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.

She worked as a lecturer at the Anambra State University of Technology and had a brief stint in the oil and gas sector, before she settled down in the motion picture industry.