VOA News

For Healthy Families, Prevention Begins Before Birth

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An innovative program in the U.S. state of Virginia supports thousands of new mothers and their potentially at-risk babies every year, even before they are born. As VOA's Julie Taboh reports, Healthy Families' mission is to teach new and expectant moms how to raise happy, healthy children by reaching them in the first three years of their lives when brain development is at its most formative stage.

Health Care Teams Worldwide Work To Reduce Salt Intake

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Cardiovascular diseases are a major killer around the world, even in developing countries, and high blood pressure is a risk factor for these diseases. VOA's Carol Pearson reports on some international programs whose goals are to drastically cut the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Study Shows Promising Results in Reducing Risk of Stroke, Heart Attack

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Controlling blood pressure is a global issue as people live longer and lifestyles change. In developed countries, despite access to doctors and medication, many people don't have their blood pressure under control. In the U.S., almost half of those with high blood pressure are not able to control it. VOA's Carol Pearson reports on a new study that shows promising results in helping people live healthier lives.

New Award Could Become Nobel for Engineering

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth has launched a global prize for engineering that some people involved hope will become the engineering equivalent of the Nobel Prize for scientific achievement. The queen presented the first award to five men who invented the Internet and developed the ways one third of the world's population uses it. VOA's Al Pessin reports from London.

Smithsonian Genome Exhibit Unlocks 21st Century Science of Life

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A new exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington celebrates two scientific milestones: The 10th anniversary of the completion of the human genome project, the first blueprint of the human body, and the 60th anniversary of the discovery of DNA's double helix which laid the foundation for understanding how our genetic information is encoded and copied. We join VOA's Rosanne Skirble on a tour through Genome: Unlocking Life's Code, to learn more about our genetic selves.

India's Railway Used as Mobile Classroom

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India's railway system is one of the largest and busiest in the world. But it is not just for passengers. The Indian government is utilizing this vast network to provide children in the remotest corners of the country with a moving classroom. VOA correspondent Aru Pande has more from New Delhi.

New Studies: HPV Vaccine More Effective Than Expected

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A vaccine to protect against the human papilloma virus, and the cancers it can cause, has been debated in the United States because the only way someone can contract the virus is by having sex with an infected partner. But despite the moral, ethical and political issues surrounding this vaccine, VOA's Carol Pearson says new studies show it is working.

Breast Cancer Survivors Embrace Dragon Boat Challenge

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Dragon boating is a team sport that has its roots in ancient China more than 2,000 years ago. The boat is adorned with a dragon head and tail before races. In recent years, a growing number of breast cancer survivor groups around the world have started to use the sport to rebuild their lives, forge friendships, and more. VOA's June Soh caught up with a team paddling on a Washington river.

Raising Crops Linked to Declining Bee Population Worldwide

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A steady decline in the overall honeybee population year to year is a growing problem worldwide. The decreasing bee population could contribute to a dramatic increase in commodity prices for goods dependent upon pollination by honeybees. As VOA's Kane Farabaugh reports from Illinois, researchers continue to study the decline as beekeepers are struggling to keep their colonies, and their profits, alive.

Students Invent Water Purification Disc

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Students at the University of Virginia have developed a new way of purifying water that they say could bring improved water quality for millions in the developing world. It's called a Madi Drop. As VOA's Carolyn Presutti reports, field testing begins this month in South Africa.

Global Concern Grows About Deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

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The World Health Organization says [as of June 2] that since September 2012 there have been 53 laboratory-confirmed cases [http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/en/in­dex.html] of infection with a new virus called the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome known as MERS-CoV, and 30 of the people infected with the disease have died. All those who have come down with MERS-CoV had a direct or indirect connection to the Middle East, but VOA's Brian Padden reports that there is growing concern that the virus could spread quickly and threaten the entire world.

WHO Urges Countries to Ban Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship.

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May 31 is "World No Tobacco Day." And the message from the World Health Organization to governments around the globe is to ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. That's to try and prevent children from taking up smoking and to encourage smokers to quit. VOA's Carol Pearson reports that tobacco kills nearly six million people every year, and the numbers are only expected to rise.

Uninsured Americans Face Confusing Bills, Inconsistent Charges

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Navigating the American health care system can be daunting, especially for the estimated 30 million people in this country who lack health insurance. As VOA's Carla Babb tells us, in the first of two reports on the costs of health care, uninsured patients face not only unmanageable costs for their care, but also bewildering medical bills and inconsistent charges for their hospital stays.

Valley Fever Raises Concerns in California, Arizona

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A longstanding health problem in California's Central Valley has worsened in recent years, leading health officials to order the relocation of 3,000 prisoners from two state prisons. But the disease affects much of the population in some rural communities and, Mike O'Sullivan reports, while it often goes unnoticed, it sometimes can be devastating for patients.

Skylab Astronauts Reflect on Life Off Earth

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It's been about 40 years since people attempted to answer the question, "can human beings adapt to long-term life in space?" There have been huge leaps since the world's first space station, a Soviet module that hosted a crew of cosmonauts for three weeks in 1971. The U.S. space agency, NASA, says the first U.S. effort, Skylab, laid the groundwork for the International Space Station that orbits above us today. VOA's Suzanne Presto in Washington has more about what Skylab achieved before its mission ended and it plummeted to Earth in 1979.

Students Aim for Aviation History with Human-Powered Helicopter

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Students at the University of Maryland want to make aviation history by building the world's first human-powered helicopter. In 1980, the American Helicopter Society announced an award for the first person to accomplish such a feat. The prize has gone unclaimed for 33 years, but student engineers at the University of Maryland are confident they can bring it home. VOA's Rosanne Skirble reports.

South Africa Service Uses Text Messaging to Help Expectant Mothers

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An innovative program combining maternity advice and mobile phones is launching in South Africa, and could affect the lives of millions of mothers and babies. The service has already been launched in Bangladesh, and will soon come to India. With more, here's Anita Powell in Johannesburg.

Traffic Safety at the Heart of Walks, Rallies Around the World

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Thousands of people around the world are taking part in walks and rallies to promote traffic safety. May is Global Youth Traffic Safety Month. Traffic safety is a subject that touches the hearts of many, including the Nelson Mandela family of South Africa. VOA's Carolyn Presutti explains.

Baltimore's Empty Lots Bloom With Healthy Greens

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About two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2030, according to the United Nations. The U.N. says poverty is already growing faster in urban areas than in rural ones, and feeding the world's hungry urbanites poses a mounting challenge. Experts say cities must grow more of their own food, wherever they can. In the struggling U.S. city of Baltimore, that means turning urban blight into a source of healthy greens. VOA's Steve Baragona takes a look.

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New ER Procedures Improve Survival Chances for Trauma Victims

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As cases of gun violence fuel the debate over tougher gun laws across the United States, there is one statistic that is positive. Hospitals in many states are seeing fewer gunshot injuries according to doctors at one California trauma center. And for those who suffer from these injuries or other severe trauma, doctors are improving their chances of survival. Elizabeth Lee has the details from Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center.

Folic Acid Supplements Shown To Reduce Risk Of Autism

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Doctors generally recommend that women take folic acid supplements if they plan to become pregnant - because the B-vitamin reduces the risk of life-threatening birth defects in their newborn. The March of Dimes, a private U.S. group that promotes maternal and child health, goes one step further. It urges that all women of childbearing age take these supplements, even if they are not planning a pregnancy. As VOA's Carol Pearson reports, a new study finds that folic acid supplements may also reduce the risk of a brain development disorder known as autism.

Teens Compete in International Robotics Competition

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High school students around the world have designed and built robots for a competition hosted by a group called "FIRST," formally known as "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology." VOA's Suzanne Presto introduces us to some U.S. and international teams competing at the FIRST Robotics Competition Washington DC Regional, a qualifying event for the world championships in late April.

Magnetic Ring Used to Stop Acid Reflux

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Millions of people around the world suffer from heartburn, a painful feeling in the chest and sometimes also the throat, after eating a heavy meal. But Zlatica Hoke reports that now there is a promising new treatment that may help.

US Study Finds High Levels of Lead in Imported Rice

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Contamination of rice is once again causing concern for farmers and consumers. A U.S. study, by scientists in New Jersey, has found high levels of lead in imported rice, including in some baby food. This follows studies last year in which arsenic was found in rice and rice products. As VOA's Robert Raffaele explains, the problems are especially serious because of the growing worldwide dependence on rice.

High Blood Pressure Threatens One Third of World's Adults

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The United Nations' World Health Day is April 7, and the World Health Organization this year is calling on the international medical community to step up efforts to prevent and control high blood pressure, a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and death. The UN health agency says one third of people over the age of 25 have high blood pressure. VOA's Carol Pearson reports that many of them don't even know they have it.

New Kinds of HD TV Are the Next Big Thing

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TV viewing has become part of everyday life but the way we view it has come a long way from the days of black-and-white sets. Now there is a continuing flow of new products hitting the market. This year manufacturers are setting a new standard for picture quality. VOA's Arash Aalaei has the story.

In Senegal, Skin-Lightening Remains Popular Despite Health Risks

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The World Health Organization says that a quarter of Senegalese women use skin-lightening products regularly. The products, even those claiming to have so-called "natural" components, can contain mercury, hydroquinone or caustic agents like sodium hydroxide. These are dangerous ingredients that can cause cancer and are potentially disfiguring. Some women in capital city Dakar say the risks are simply the price of beauty.

Improving Quality of Life for Alzheimer's Patients, Caregivers

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As America's elderly population grows, so, too, does the need for specialized care for adults with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. VOA's Faiza Elmasry visited a facility in Fairfax, Virginia, provides that care, and also supports the children and spouses who are the seniors' primary care-givers at home. Faith Lapidus narrates.

After Higgs Hunt, Fermilab Charts New Paths in Physics Research

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Scientists in Switzerland announced earlier this month [March 14] that they are confident their experiments with the world's most powerful atom smasher have finally turned up the long-sought Higgs boson, also known as the "God Particle." Discovery of the elusive sub-atomic particle, which scientists believe imparts mass to all matter, also provides tantalizing clues to some of the most profound mysteries of the universe. The search for Higgs began decades ago at the U.S. Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in suburban Chicago, Illinois. And as VOA's Kane Farabaugh reports, scientists there are developing new technologies to delve even deeper into the mysteries of particle physics.

Expert Says Cooperation Can Resolve Global Water Scarcities

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Uncertain access to fresh water is among the world's greatest security threats. That's according to the worldwide assessment delivered by U.S. intelligence agencies to Congress earlier in March. Water shortages, increasing pollution, flooding and climate change can all heighten instability within and between countries. But on this World Water Day (March 22), the United Nations says water scarcity offers opportunities for collaboration as well as conflict. VOA's Steve Baragona has more.

Tree Bark Shows Global Spread of Toxic Chemicals

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The chemicals used to retard fire in consumer products such as furniture and clothing can become toxic pollutants when they wind up in the environment. And they are in the environment - all over the world - in the water, the soil, the plants, and the air. Tracking the spread of these chemicals has been a major challenge, but it just got easier. Erika Celeste reports for VOA on the new technique.

NASA: Ancient Martian Conditions Suitable for Life

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The U.S. space agency says the planet Mars could have supported micro-organisms, minute forms of life. VOA's Suzanne Presto in Washington has more about the Curiosity rover's analysis of the first sample of rock powder ever collected on the Red Planet.

Nigeria Recruits Midwives to Save Lives

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Nigeria has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world and an ambitious plan to 'save one million lives' through health programs that target mothers and children. Officials say supporting midwives -- often the only medical specialists available to women in labor -- is a cornerstone of the program. But, as Heather Murdock reports for VOA from Abuja, midwives say they still need more resources.

New Navigation Technology Predicts Traffic Conditions

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In cities around the world, commuters spend a lot of time stuck in traffic. In the United States, Los Angeles and San Francisco have the worst traffic jams with Washington D.C. winning first place according to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Some drivers depend on GPS navigation systems to avoid congestion. As Elizabeth Lee reports from Los Angeles, there is new navigation technology that claims it can provide the fastest route available by predicting traffic conditions before the driver even leaves the house.

Cell Phones Use Increasing Distracted Walking

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Research shows distracted walking has become a global problem due to increasing cell phone use, especially in cities. VOA's Faiza Elmasry reports.

In India, Fighting Tuberculosis with Fingerprints

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Tuberculosis remains a major health crisis for India, with two million people diagnosed each year. VOA New Delhi correspondent Aru Pande tells us how health officials are using technology to make sure TB sufferers receive the treatment they need.

New Treatments Emerging for Parkinson's Disease

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As people around the world live longer, maladies of old age are becoming more common. And that has doctors searching for ways to treat or prevent diseases like Parkinson's...a degenerative brain condition that usually develops after age 50, and that's known for its disabling physical tremors. As VOA's Carol Pearson reports, medications today can treat the symptoms of Parkinson's, but researchers are hopeful that soon, there will be a way to halt its devastating advance.

US Works to Head Off Cyber Threat

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While a U.S. computer security company links China's government to scores of cyber attacks in the United States, there are fears in Washington that the U.S. risks losing a cyber-war. Analysts say computer hackers are attacking more often, and in more sophisticated ways. VOA's Kate Pound Dawson has this report from producer Jim Randle in Washington.

NASA: Asteroid to Pass Very Near Earth

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Astronomers around the world are preparing for a record-breaking asteroid flyby February 15. Measuring 45 meters in diameter and weighing an estimated 130,000 metric tons, Asteroid 2012 DA14 is considered small by scientists who track the solar system's rocky debris. VOA's Suzanne Presto reports that it will zip past our planet so closely that it will be even nearer to us than our orbiting weather and communications satellites.

New Director of Johnson Space Center Faces Cutbacks, Uncertainty

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Two recent U.S. reports by the National Research Council in December, and the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel in January, have criticized U.S. space policy for lacking focus and also the funds necessary to carry out the goals set by the president and Congress. The reports echoed the complaints of many critics, including a number of former astronauts, who say the space shuttle program should not have been ended before there was another vehicle to replace it. VOA's Greg Flakus has more on the story from Houston, Texas.

High-Tech Images Show How Viruses Infect Cells

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As people around the world contend with illnesses caused by viruses, including this year's strain of the flu or influenza, researchers continue to study how viruses work and how they manage to invade living cells in everything from bacteria to human organs. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports, University of Texas researchers recently collaborated on an innovative technique that allowed them to see a virus in the act of infecting a cell.

Operation Walk Gives Needy Patients New Life

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People suffering from severe bone and joint problems live with pain and disability every moment of their lives. For some, the only solution is a hip or knee replacement, an expensive procedure many people cannot afford. VOA's Elizabeth Lee reports that an American-based organization called Operation Walk is working to heal people from Tanzania, to Nepal to the United States, who would otherwise not be able to afford treatment.

Iraq Birth Defects

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The Iraqi city of Fallujah is now experiencing an alarming increase in birth defects. A recently-published medical study indicates that exposure to toxic metals from U.S. munitions could be responsible, though the Pentagon denies the claim.

Astronauts Criticize US Space Program

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NASA Astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt explored the surface of the moon during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, the last time anyone has left earth's orbit or set foot on the moon. VOA's Kane Farabaugh reports that during a 40th anniversary celebration of Apollo 17 in Chicago, the astronauts said they had expected their mission would start a path toward space travel, not become a history lesson.

Hurricane Sandy Reignites Climate Change Debate

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The devastation to New York City and the eastern seaboard of the United States from Hurricane Sandy has reignited the debate over global warming. Many experts believe the warming of the planet is largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels. VOA's Brian Padden talked to climate change activists and skeptics about Sandy's potential impact on environmental policy.

Wastewater Plants Extract Nutrients from Sewage

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Sewage treatment plants around the world are beginning to put value on waste, turning it into a marketable resource. Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington is the largest facility of its kind in the world and is among the leaders in the effort. VOA's Rosanne Skirble reports.

Irrigation Pioneer Wins World Food Prize

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A pioneer who made arid lands bloom is the recipient of this year's prestigious World Food Prize. Daniel Hillel developed drip irrigation techniques that squeeze the most crop out of a drop of water, making farming possible in places where water is scarce. VOA's Steve Baragona reports.

Early Detection And Treatment A Must For Glaucoma Patients

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Glaucoma is not one disease, but a group of diseases that can cause permanent blindness if left untreated. Just as there are different types of glaucoma, there are different treatments. VOA's Carol Pearson spoke with doctors who have been treating glaucoma patients around the world.

Numerous Encephalitis Cases Devastate North India

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Health officials in northern India report that a serious outbreak of Japanese encephalitis has infected hundreds of children. The viral brain disease, which can cause permanent disabilities and sometimes death, is a common seasonal disease in Asia. VOA's Vidushi Sinha reports that experts say it is likely the virus also is spreading in other countries in the region, but is going undetected due to inadequate surveillance and diagnostics.

Aid Cuts Threaten Millennium Development Goals, Warns UN

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The Secretary General of the United Nations has warned that declining aid donations mean many of the UN Millennium Development Goals are likely to be missed. The UN says official development assistance in 2011 was less than half the $300 billion needed annually to meet the targets set in 2000. As Henry Ridgwell reports for VOA, researchers say up till now good progress has been made in tackling poverty and improving healthcare.

Vietnamese-American Doctor Helps Rebuild Bodies, Lives

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As plastic surgeon, Dr. Tue An Dinh often operates on patients who have been disfigured or medically compromised by accidents or even by other medical procedures

Report: Child Mortality Drops -- But Not Enough

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new report -- released jointly by three U.N. agencies and the World Bank -- says that despite progress by health programs worldwide in reducing infant mortality, prospects remain dire: a child still dies every five seconds somewhere in the world. The new report calls for renewed international commitments to child survival. VOA's Vidushi Sinha has more.

New Heart Stents Better Than Old Ones, Study Says

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Stents are used to keep coronary arteries open after a procedure called angioplasty. Some stents contain medicine that is released over time. It was thought that these stents would be more effective than plain metal ones, but early studies showed patients who had medicated stents were more llikely to have a heart attack than patients who got plain stents. Now there's a new generation of stents that release medication and a new study about their performance. VOA's Carol Pearson reports.

Austrian Programmers Build Free Bridge to Internet

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A group of computer programmers and hackers in Austria is creating a low-cost way of spreading Internet access across communities. "FunkFeuer" which means "network fire" in German, uses everyday technology to create a wireless network, called a "mesh," that can transmit data from person to person, without involving companies or governments. Rick Valenzuela reports from Vienna.

Drought-Resistant GM Corn gets Mixed Reactions

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Drought is parching the farm states of the American Midwest, and experts say intense droughts are becoming more likely with climate change. One company is fighting back using genetic engineering. Next season, Monsanto expects to be the first company on the market with genetically modified varieties of maize (called corn in the US) that are better able to handle the dry weather. But some critics say not to expect too much. VOA's Steve Baragona has a look from Nebraska.

Genetic Analyses Show Endangered Species in Shark Fin Soup

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Each year, fishermen catch millions of sharks, cut off their fins, and dump the bodies into the ocean to die. The fins are used to make shark fin soup, an Asian delicacy sold in many countries. Recently, a team of scientists and environmental groups collected soup from restaurants across the United States and analyzed the soups' genetic make-up. They found endangered species on the menu. VOA's Zulima Palacio has details.

Sports Psychology Becoming Key to Winning

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As the 2012 Summer Olympics wrap up with so many athletes reaching dazzling new heights, we wondered how they cope with the pressure. More and more, sports psychologists are working alongside coaches to help control an athlete's mind as well as body to achieve optimum performance. VOA's Mary Motta reports from London.

Curiosity Rover Sends Photos from Mars

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After a nearly 9-month voyage from Earth, the Curiosity rover made a perfect landing on the Mars at about 5:30 UTC on Monday, August 6. The car-sized robotic craft is already returning new images of the Red Planet. VOA's Suzanne Presto in Washington reports on Curiosity's first few hours on Mars and what is expected from the Mars Science Laboratory Mission in the days ahead.

What is Ebola - The Virus Kills Most Of Its Victims

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An outbreak of the Ebola virus has struck the African nation of Uganda. The World Health Organization and local officials are moving to contain the disease, which kills quickly and for which there is neither treatment nor cure. VOA's Vidushi Sinha has a report on what we know -- and don't know -- about this lethal disease.

New Drug Cocktail Holds Promise for Treating TB-HIV Co-Infections

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Tuberculosis remains the largest killer of people infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Yet many HIV-positive patients who come down with the potentially lethal respiratory infection cannot be effectively treated because the separate drugs needed to fight those two diseases do not interact well or have toxic side effects when used together. VOA's Vidushi Sinha reports a combination of new drugs now is proving more effective in clinical trials both in treating TB alone, and in treating HIV patients co-infected with TB.

Study Says Neglected Tropical Infections Linked to Heart Disease

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The World Health Organization says there is an "alarming" increase in life-threatening cardiovascular disease in many low and middle-income countries. And a new report from the group says this might be the result of unchecked viral, bacterial and parasitic infections -- as well as chronic illnesses such as tuberculosis, HIV, and chagas. VOA's Vidushi Sinha has more.

Hawaii's Birds Threatened by Invasive Predators, Habitat Loss

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On the U.S. Pacific island state of Hawaii, an invasive predator is threatening many native bird species with extinction. The predator is the mongoose, a non-native mammal introduced to the island chain over a century ago to control rats in the sugar cane fields. Now, environmental groups say, it's the mongoose that's out of control, feeding on the eggs and chicks of the island's many ground-nesting birds, including several endangered species that lay just one egg per year. VOA's Zulima Palacio tells us more.

Team Retraces Historic South Pole Trek

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Just over 100 years ago, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was the first human to reach the South Pole. Late last year Jan-Gunnar Winther, of Norway's Polar Institute, retraced that landmark journey. VOA's Rosanne Skirble reports.

Study: Organic, Conventional Farmers Must Team Up to Feed World

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Demand for organic food - produced without artificial fertilizers or pesticides - is growing worldwide, but a recent study casts doubt on whether a growing world population can be fed if farmers don't use these chemicals. VOA's Steve Baragona reports.

Fistula Surgery Changes Nigerian Women's Lives

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One of the health issues shattering the lives of many women across Africa is obstetric fistula. But in northern Nigeria, a hospital operates and heals women, giving them a new start in life. Emilie IOB reports for VOA News from Jahun, Nigeria.

Scientists Debate Value of Human Spaceflight

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In August, NASA's Curiosity rover is set to arrive on Mars, where, if all goes well, it will begin a wide range of scientific tests. Such missions provide a great deal of scientific data, but the general public is most excited about the prospect of sending humans to Mars, which NASA hopes to accomplish by 2030. As costs soar and budget battles intensify, however, some notable critics in the scientific community are questioning the whole idea of putting humans in space. VOA's Greg Flakus has more from Houston.

Space Exploration Enthusiasts Say US Program Adrift

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The U.S. space agency NASA has ambitious plans for exploring Mars with the robotic rover called Curiosity, scheduled to land on the red planet in August. But NASA's long-range plan to send a human crew there by 2030 is under fire from critics, who include some former NASA astronauts and managers. The critics doubt such a mission will ever come about and, as VOA's Greg Flakus reports from Houston, some also question whether it should.

'Hippie Chimps' Face Extinction

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Deep in the forest of the African Congo lives an animal most people have never heard of.
They look like chimpanzees, but are smaller and leaner. And like the chimpanzee, share almost 99 percent of our DNA. But these rare creatures of the rainforest are actually bonobos, a completely different species of primates. And while they are the last ape to have been discovered, bonobos may be the first to become extinct. VOA's Julie Taboh reports.

Artificial Insemination Used to Breed a Better Bee

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Honeybees are in trouble. Each year since 2006, one-third of their hives have been wiped out by a mysterious disease called Colony Collapse Disorder. While experts are not sure, they say poor hive management, overworked bees, pesticides or parasitic mites could be to blame. VOA's Rosanne Skirble met a beekeeper who is breeding a queen bee that can help her hive withstand the assault.

Kenyan Organization Focuses on Scourge of Jiggers

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An estimated 2.6 million Kenyans are infected with jiggers, a flea-like parasite that burrows under the skin. Left untreated, jiggers can lead to all kinds of secondary infections, loss of mobility and even death. Some 1.5 million children cannot go to school because of the scourge. A Kenyan organization has assisted in research for the world's first jiggers drug and has been holding medical clinics to help those suffering from the condition, which is linked to poverty and poor hygiene. Cathy Majtenyi reports from VOA's East Africa bureau.

Stem Cell Therapy Effective Against HIV Virus in Mice

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Stem cells may be thought of as the body's building blocks. They are master cells which can develop into other types of cells with a specialized function. Many scientists believe they hold great promise in treating a host of ailments, and there have been good results in some clinical trials. Now, researchers are hoping to start clinical trials in humans using the genetically modified stem cells to fight off the virus which causes AIDS. This, after tests on HIV-infected mice yielded good results. VOA's Vidushi Sinha has more

Popular Weed Killer Stirs Health, Environmental Concerns

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Atrazine is the most widely-used weed-killer in the United States. It is also one of the most controversial. Studies have linked atrazine to environmental damage and adverse health effects, including cancer. While the European Union banned its use nearly ten years ago, it is still approved for use in U.S. corn, sugarcane and sorghum fields. For a closer look at the pros and cons of atrazine, producer Zulima Palacio traveled first to a farm in Poolesville, Maryland, not far from the nation's capital.

Multiplayer Computer Games are Big Business for Small Devices

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Millions of people are addicted to playing games on mobile devices, with rivals and teammates spread around the world. A company in Austin, Texas has developed such a game, known as a mobile multiplayer online game, for the Apple iPhone and iPad, basing it on a pen-and-paper game that was popular in the 1970s called Traveller. VOA's Greg Flakus has more from Austin on the attraction of Traveller AR, a game that takes players to the far corners of space on a small screen.

Many Concerned With Mekong Hydropower Expansion

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A Thai company says it is going ahead with construction of the controversial $3.5 billion Xayaburi dam on the Mekong River in Laos. Some 12 planned hydropower dams on the Mekong are expected to bring in lucrative profits, but environmentalists warn they threaten the health of a river that sustains tens of millions of people. Rick Valenzuela traveled along the Mekong and spoke to people worried about the changes.

Text Messaging Reminders for Flu Vaccinations Get Results

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Text messaging is so common that many of us take it for granted. Now, this technology is providing a new way to save a child's life. One American doctor has tested the use of text messaging as a way of reminding parents to get their children vaccinated against influenza -- a potentially fatal disease.
The World Health Organization says that influenza, or flu, causes up to half a million deaths every year. It's particularly dangerous for children under the age of 5. VOA's Carol Pearson has more.

Scientists Say Africa Sits on Huge Reservoir of Water

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Scientists say a new study shows that Africa sits on a vast reservoir of groundwater that could provide a reliable source of water for drinking and agriculture. Henry Ridgwell spoke to one of the research teams and reports for VOA.

Israeli, Gaza Children Face Psychological Fallout From Aerial Strikes

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Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip frequently fire rockets into southern Israel, while Israeli forces carry out air strikes against Gaza. Week-long exchanges in March killed 25 Palestinians and wounded four people in Israel. Such confrontations cause high incidences of trauma among children on both sides of the border.

Aging HIV/AIDS Population Presents Challenges

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Being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS used to be a death sentence. Today, for many people, the disease is a chronic condition that can be managed with so-called antiretroviral drugs. Drug treatment has helped people with HIV infection live long and near-normal lives. Now, as the HIV/AIDS population ages, they are facing a unique set of health challenges. VOA's Vidushi Sinha has more.

New Texas Institute Coordinates Space Medicine Research

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NASA, the U.S. space agency, is planning for a future mission to Mars that would provide the most strenuous test yet of human endurance outside earth's gravity, atmosphere and geomagnetic field. Not far from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, there is now a new institute that will help support that goal, by coordinating international research on health issues related to human space flight. VOA's Greg Flakus has more on the National Space Biomedical Research Institute.

Doctors Call World's First Full Face Transplant A Resounding Success

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US doctors have performed what they say is the most extensive face transplant ever. In addition to getting an entirely new face, the male patient also received a new jaw, new teeth and a tongue. Our reporter has more on the surgical procedure that has been restoring people's lives.

Scientists Develop Test for Fake Whiskey

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Two scientists in Scotland have developed a pocket-sized device to check whether whiskey is fake, using equipment originally developed to examine blood samples. They hope the techniques won't just help the whiskey industry clamp down on fakes which cost it hundreds of millions of dollars a year - but will also save lives. Dominic Laurie reports from St Andrews in Scotland.

India's Illegal Alcohol Is Sold Cheap, but Carries Heavy Cost

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Police in India's West Bengal state say they have arrested a key leader responsible for distributing poisonous homemade alcohol that killed scores of people last year. Illegal alcohol is a widespread problem in India-- offering short term relief from life's hardships, but taking a heavy toll in the longer term. VOA South Asia Correspondent Kurt Achin reports.

Scientists Search For Life Beneath Antarctic Ice

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Britain is marking the centenary of Captain Scott's expedition to reach the South Pole. The legacy of the ill-fated journey continues to this day, as scientists trek to the world's most inhospitable lands to discover more about our planet's extremes. The latest British expedition has just returned from Antarctica, where they are preparing to drill over 3 kilometers into the ice to reach a sub-glacial lake that could support unknown life forms. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.

India Charity Offers Amputees Escape from Poverty Trap

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Losing a limb is traumatic in any circumstance, but it can become an ongoing poverty trap for those without access to advanced medical care. The Indian state, Rajasthan, is home to one of the world's largest charities aimed at empowering amputees with new limbs - and a new life.

Cancer in Pets Advancing Knowledge of Human Cancers

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Americans spend a lot of money keeping their pets healthy. But pet health care goes well beyond giving rabies and distemper shots. Veterinary medical researchers are investigating new treatments for animal cancers, and as VOA's Carol Pearson reports, their research is providing valuable insights into the nature and treatment of human cancers as well.

Pythons Unlock Human Heart Health Secrets

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Studying snakes might seem an unlikely way to help people with heart disease, but a python's remarkable ability to quickly enlarge its heart and other organs during digestion is leading medical researchers in Colorado toward surprising new therapies to treat human heart conditions.

Apple Changed Way the World Communicates

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Under the leadership of Steve Jobs, Apple has produced products that have changed the way people around the world communicate, obtain information and entertain themselves. Here's a look at Apple's success and what sets the company apart from other computer companies as it prepares for its founder and visionary leader to step down as CEO.

Democracy Activists Look at Digital Opportunities, Challenges

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Postings of public events on Facebook, Twitter and other websites are now everyday occurrences and, in the case of protests in authoritarian countries, can fuel sympathy around the world. A recent conference in Dallas, Texas looked at the power of the Internet, and the challenges facing Internet journalists and bloggers. VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reports.