In today’s edition of Squirrel News, eight countries have eliminated tropical diseases, Hawaii becomes the first US state to ban shark killing and researchers develop a cancer test that only needs urine.
Eight countries have stopped tropical diseases with mass treatment plans
Often ignored in most of the world, tropical diseases still affect large parts of Africa. Now eight nations have eliminated them through health initiatives and mass treatment.
Hawaii bans the killing of sharks in a first for the US
From the start of this year, killing or capturing sharks is now completely illegal in the state of Hawaii. It will be the first US state to implement this sort of ban.
Urine test detects prostate and pancreatic cancers with high accuracy
Researchers have developed a method to diagnose cancer using a small volume of urine. This greatly speeds up the rate of detection, which remains one of the most important factors in cancer survival.
Fishers in Chile create grassroots marine reserves
To protect the region’s biodiversity and help marine animal populations, fishers in Chile are banding together to create protected areas at sea. These will function as untouchable hatcheries to help fish reproduce safely.
Driving programme helps disadvantaged people get licenses
A programme in Sydney, Australia pairs volunteers with learning drivers from disadvantaged backgrounds. The goal is to allow them to get practice outside of normal hours.
High school overcomes staff shortage by hiring alumni
Haines City High School suffered from regular shortages of workers until principal Adam Lane decided to offer some positions to alumni and even senior students.
In Kosovo, ethnic tensions between Kosovars, Serbs and others run high. This programme aims to promote more community interaction by sponsoring football leagues for girls.
Wood storks, which have been highly endangered since 1984, are now making a recovery in Florida, due to wildlife restoration projects across the American south.
Pink dolphins and reformed Colombian rebels turn no-go zone into ecotourism hit
Former guerrillas of the Farc now work to establish ecotourism through marine conservation. They protect the at-risk pink dolphins and repair damaged ecosystems.
