Jaguars return to Argentina, anti-malaria medical breakthrough, fighting child marriage with Taekwondo

| Posted on January 22, 2021 |

Photo: Nickbar/ Pixabay (CCO)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re looking at the reintroduction of jaguars into Argentina’s wetlands, a medical breakthrough courtesy of South African scientists, and a 17-year-old girl fighting child marriage in Zimbabwe through martial arts.

Jaguars return to Argentina’s Iberá Wetlands after 70 years

The big cat reintroduction programme aims to gradually reestablish a healthy and genetically diverse jaguar population in Gran Iberá Park.

Source: Mongabay

South African scientists discover new chemical compound that kills malaria parasite

The medical breakthrough targets the parasite in its infectious stage, preventing it from establishing itself in a host body.

Source: Thomson Reuters News Foundations

President Biden’s executive orders reverse damaging Trump-era policies

Just hours into the new administration, the US has rejoined the WHO, ended the “Muslim ban”, and recommitted itself to the Paris climate agreement.

Source: Al Jazeera

51 countries sign a treaty banning the use of all nuclear weapons

The treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW) outlaws the creation, ownership and deployment of any and all nuclear weapons.

Source: The Conversation

A speech clinic in Ohio is helping transgender people find their voice

Through speech therapy and vocal training methods, the transgender voice clinic supports those undergoing gender transition, viewing voice presentation as a basic safety measure.

Source: Eye On Ohio

Sweden to build reindeer bridges over roads and railways

“Renoducts” will help animals who have to roam further for food due to global heating.

Source: The Guardian

Cow burp-catching mask aims to reduce methane emissions from cattle

With approximately 95% of methane escaping from the mouth and nostrils of the animal, the non-invasive mask aims to reduce the environmental impact of cattle farming.

Source: Wired

Nonprofit organisation provides basic digital literacy training for refugee schoolchildren

Whilst an increasing number of refugee camps are providing online learning facilities for their residents, many children do not know how to efficiently use this equipment.

Source: Hechinger Report

An innovative nursing model makes care accommodation feel more like home

Nursing facilities which are using the Green House Project’s model of residential care appear to be weathering the pandemic better than traditional institutions.

Source: Yes! Magazine

Activist-turned-entrepreneur offers safe transport options for Cape Town’s women

Joanie Fredericks is protecting and empowering female residents of the crime hotspot through her women-only driving school and all-female taxi service.