Sci/Tech

Innovative Tanzanian Scientist Invents Life-saving Water Filter

His invention can save countless lives of Tanzanian people without access to safe potable water.

A A A

Every day, more than 70% of Nigerian households have to make do with dirty drinking water. Having no access to clean and potable water, they fetch water from the river, making them more at risk of acquiring diseases. But thanks to Dr. Askwar Hilonga and his innovative water filter, his countrymen will now have better access to potable water.

Dr. Askwar Hilonga was one of the few students who finished primary school in Nigeria. Feeling that he could still offer more to his country, he went on to take his PhD in Korea. It was in the land of the morning calm where he learned about nanotechnology. When he returned home, he put his newly-acquired knowledge to good use by inventing a water filter.

Dr. Hilonga’s water filter uses nanotechnology to filter out 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from the water. It can also be used to absorb copper. The filter’s structure, which contains sand, also allows for it to kill other harmful bacteria. He has received a US grant to make his filter available commercially. One nanotech water filter costs around USD140.

Like on Facebook

But his dreams doesn’t stop in his own country. Dr. Hilonga wishes to provide other African countries to have access to potable water and hopes that one day, other communities in Africa can use his wonderful invention.

Source: Reuters

News

These Siblings Have A Rare Disease That Will Prevent Them From Achieving Deep Sleep

Lachlan and Hayley Webb — a brother and sister from based in Queensland, Australia — carry the gene for a rare hereditary disease called Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI).

Faye Williams

Insomnia, or the state of being unable to sleep, is harmful. When you can't sleep, you don't get rest. Your body will not be able to recover from the stress you experience.

Lachlan and Hayley Webb — a brother and sister based in Queensland, Australia — may look like they don't have health issues. However, they both carry the gene for a rare hereditary disease called Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI). They call it their "genetic time bomb."

Lachlan and Hayley Webb periodically undergo sleep tests.

Sci/Tech

Scientists Detect Strong Signals from a Star 94 Light Years Away from Earth

Is this proof that there is life out there?

Lei

And the search for extraterrestrial life continues.

Scientists are training their eyes on a star located 94 light years away from Earth after a Russian telescope received strong radio signals from the said star. Named HD 164595, the star is now declared a "strong candidate for SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence)."