Floods, drought, disease, water and waste. This month we take a hard look at how science can and is addressing these issues. Science in Africa is a hit, 370,000 times over, keeping you informed on science from the continent. Register here for free monthly newsletters. Visit our Jobs section  and go to the ChatGroup to have your say.

This Month's Features

Your skin may crawl at the thought of touching a blood-sucking leech, yet it may be what saves a skin graft during reconstructive surgery. The search is on for the African version of these leeches. 

Keeping the quality of the brew consistent - that's the key for the most technologically advanced of SAB's breweries, world-wide, the Ibhayi Brewery. 

Impoverishing floods in Africa and severe drought. Are these natural disasters becoming more prevalent or are we less prepared?  How can science address the devastating impact?

We are currently in the seventh cholera pandemic. Targeting rural areas in South Africa, the battle is not yet won. Clean water, sanitation, education and a reassessment is called for. 

Wetlands could protect against cholera and other waterborne diseases, that is, if we don't destroy them all. A look into these natural, cost-effective,
 waste stabilisation ponds.  

Also in this Issue

Interactive science centres can help build a culture of science. We take a look at some of SA's earliest science centres.

With the demise of many wetlands, Tanzanian scientists explore their secrets and look at ways of constructing artificial ones. 

An international conference on invertebrates in Africa sheds light on:  
Aeromonas: friend or foe?
Metamorphosis of some amazing slugs.  

  Mwalimu is a bull with common sense. Find out how this "teacher" saved the lives of hundreds of cattle during a severe drought in Kenya.

First African in Space -  Mark Shuttleworth. Call for proposals for scientific research to be conducted on this voyage. Details here.

Deriving limits for particular toxins or effluents in water is vital in assessing and controlling impact of pollutants in waterways. The science behind aquatic toxicology. 

Dams accused of causing flooding due to lack of planning for such extreme conditions. To dam or not?

Fire breaks out in Kruger National Park. People and animals killed. Updated information here.

Mathematics educators get up to date on details for maths olympiads:  

Buy the Sasol science dictionary right here.

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