Out of Africa: the speed gene genie - Sydney Morning Herald, Australia

Kathryn North, of the Institute for Neuromuscular Research at the Children's Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney, has shown there is a common ...

By ANDREW C. REVKIN
Published: August 5, 2008

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A grueling survey of vast tracts of forest and swamp in the northern Congo Republic has revealed the presence of more than 125,000 western lowland gorillas, a rare example of abundance in a world of rapidly vanishing primate populations.

Some leopards seem to be rather fearless and stop at nothing. Events like this had occasionally been reported before, but this time a photographer captured the entire event in a photo sequence and thus documented this unusual leopard behavior.

The video is only a quick replay of the photos. I recommend to forgo that and instead click on the right arrow at the top to watch the larger photos at your own speed.

Science Daily – Science News

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ScienceDaily (July 17, 2008) — A genetic variation which evolved to protect people of African descent against malaria has now been shown to increase their susceptibility to HIV infection by up to 40 per cent, according to new research. Conversely, the same variation also appears to prolong survival of those infected with HIV by approximately two years.

Image: Fossey Wanted AWF out © G. Nienaber

Georgianne Nienaber
July 15, 2008 | 06:16 PM (EST)

[Read the complete article, check the discussed National Geographic article, and see the photos related to the National Geographic article that are described later in the above article. Scroll through the photos to find the discussed ones.]

guardian.co.uk
> Environment > Biofuels

Internal World Bank study delivers blow to plant energy drive

Aditya Chakrabortty
The Guardian, Friday July 4, 2008

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Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75% - far more than previously estimated - according to a confidential World Bank report obtained by the Guardian.

The Q-Drum, a low cost rollable water container for developing countries

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The burden of fetching water, invariably over long distances by cumbersome and far too often, unhygienic means, is all too evident in rural Africa.

The idea of the Q-Drum originated in response to the needs of rural people for clean and potable water, as well as easing the burden of conveying it.

Robert Mugabe (left) and Teodoro Obiang Nguema. Photo / AP

Watch the video - 2:39 min - Warning: contains disturbing scenes.

Wildlife is being poisoned in Kenya with the insecticide Carbofuran, which is banned in Europe and the US, but readily available in Kenya.

This BBC video contains, among other information, a short interview with Richard Leakey.

Watch the video - 2:39 min - Warning: contains disturbing scenes.

Fascinating photos from the Virunga volcanos – National Geographic Magazine.

Watch the slide show.