IGIHE

Category: Science &Technology

  • Airtel Rwanda Launches ‘Switch-On Campaign’

    Airtel Rwanda Launches ‘Switch-On Campaign’

    {{Airtel Rwanda has today launched the ‘Switch-On Campaign’ aimed at creating a conducive digital environment for Rwandans to thrive.

    The service targets internet users in Rwanda, allowing them a hassle free rich experience with non-stop internet supply at the most affordable price}}.

    The campaign which has been launched on the heels of revamped data rates effectively summarizes the brands promise to enrich consumer digital experience.

    Speaking at the launch of the new campaign, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, Mr. Teddy Bhullar said, “The internet is an essential commodity. Every user wants constant, reliable and affordable supply of internet.

    Most of our customers are faced with the challenge of choosing the right MB-GB package for their device and lifestyle. Airtel felt the need to fill this gap providing a unique solution for her esteemed customers.”

    The’ Switch On’ campaign allows users in Rwanda to enjoy reasonably priced internet bundles. The service presents a rich new culture in Rwanda that allows non-stop data experience to all internet users.

    Airtel Rwanda commits to provide the most innovative, affordable and reliable services in the communication and internet space.

    The Switch- On campaign aims to extend Airtel’s internet knowledge to all Rwandans and empower them to achieve their full potential in an enabling digital environment which is powered by Airtel internet.

  • Scientists Find Rare Children Naturally Immune to Malaria

    Scientists Find Rare Children Naturally Immune to Malaria

    {{Blood from a rare group of children from Tanzania, found to be naturally immune to malaria has now helped scientists take a giant leap in developing a vaccine against the world’s deadliest vector borne disease — malaria.}}

    Researchers from the Brown University School of Medicine have found that these children produce an antibody that attacks the malaria-causing parasite. Antibody is an infection-fighting protein produced by our immune system when it detects harmful substances.

    Injecting a form of this antibody into mice protected the animals from the disease. Scientists say these antibodies would ultimately reveal the Achilles heel of malaria and help create the elusive vaccine.

    This same principle has been used over the years in the work to create the world’s first HIV vaccine. Globally, scientists have been trying to identify volunteers belonging to a rare group of HIV infected patients who stay healthy for years without requiring life-saving antiretroviral treatment (ART). The antibodies in their blood has been found to bar HIV from entering their blood cells and replicating, thereby progressing into AIDS.

    Prof Jake Kurtis from the University screened 1,000 children in Tanzania, who had regular blood samples taken in the first years of their lives. Around 6% of these children were found to have developed a naturally acquired immunity to malaria, despite living in an area where the disease was highly active.

    Scientists then looked into their blood and found a unique antibody that dealt a deadly blow to the malaria parasite at a key stage in its life-cycle. It trapped the tiny organism in red blood cells, preventing it from bursting out and spreading throughout the body.

    Prof Kurtis said, “We asked what were the specific antibodies expressed by resistant children that were not expressed by susceptible children. Tests, carried out in small groups of mice, suggest this antibody could act as a potential vaccine. The survival rate was over two-fold longer if the mice were vaccinated compared to unvaccinated – and the parasitemia (the number of parasites in the blood) were up to four-fold lower in the vaccinated mice”. Dr Kurtis and Dipak Raj of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital have named their antibody PfSEA-1.

    Dr Kurtis said, “PfSEA-1 was discovered by starting with naturally occurring protective human immune responses. Using molecular gymnastics, we identified parasite proteins that are only recognized by antibodies in children who were resistant to malaria but not by antibodies in susceptible children. We subsequently demonstrated that vaccination with one of these proteins, SEA-1 could protect mice from a lethal malaria infection. More importantly, in our cohort of over 750 children, kids who made antibodies to PfSEA-1 did not develop severe malaria, while children without these antibodies were susceptible to this severe complication”.

    “PfSEA-1 is essential to allow the parasite to escape from one infected red blood cell and infect additional blood cells. This cycle of expansion in red blood cells is critical for parasite survival and is the key process that leads to morbidity and mortality in humans. Using molecular techniques, we decreased the amount of PfSEA-1 that parasites could produce and demonstrated that these altered parasites had a significant growth defect. More importantly, antibodies to PfSEAs prevent the parasites from escaping from red blood cells, presumably by interfering with the function of PfSEA-1.”

    According to Dr Kurtis, there are three major areas for further study. “First, we need to understand the role that PfSEA-1 plays in the process of parasite egress from red blood cells. Cellular immunity is critical for long-lived antibody responses, but detailed analysis of cellular responses requires fresh blood samples, thus we are currently planning to enroll new cohorts in east Africa to address this question. We also need to move PfSEA-1-based vaccines into nonhuman primate challenge trials using human-use approved vaccine adjuvants. Following successful nonhuman primate studies, Phase I safety trials in humans can begin,” he said.

    The most recent figures from the World Health Organization suggest the disease killed more than 600,000 people in 2012, with 90% of these deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

  • EAC Railway Network Underway

    EAC Railway Network Underway

    {{The East African Community (EAC) is undertaking a study on the EAC Railway Sector Enhancement Project.}}

    The study, among other things, will propose rehabilitation of the existing railways, construction of new lines and possible sources of financing the projects as directed by the heads of state.

    Moreover, the study will make proposals on the modalities of cooperation in the railway sector among the partner states, involvement of the private sector and development partners.

    Presenting the 2014/2015 budget estimates, East African Cooperation minister Samuel Sitta, told the National Assembly that during the financial year 2013/2014, detailed feasibility studies for the Dar es Salaam–Isaka–Kigali and Keza–Gitega–Musongati lines were completed.

    “This railway links Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Evaluation of the bidding documents for the transaction adviser of the project has been completed but is awaiting a no objection from the African Development Bank (AfDB),’’ he said.

    Mr Sitta said as part of the EAC Railway Master Plan, the governments of Tanzania and Burundi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of a railway line from Uvinza, Tanzania to Musongati Burundi (200 kilometres).

    According to him, the next step would be to conduct a feasibility study and the design of this project.

    Once completed, this railway line will facilitate the smooth movement of goods between Dar es Salaam Port and Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    {{Tanzania’s Minister for East African Co-operation, Samuel Sitta speaks at press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday on ongoing operation to repatriate peoples who live illegal in Country. With hem is permanent secretary to the ministry Grace Mapunjo.}}
    NMG

  • China to Begin Internet Security Checks

    China to Begin Internet Security Checks

    {{China will begin checking computer systems used in government departments to protect “sensitive data”, the official Xinhua news agency said via its microblog on Thursday, amid a row over cyberspying with the United States.}}

    The checks would target technology that is important to national security and the public interest, Xinhua said, citing the State Council Information Office.

    A small number of governments and businesses “take advantage of technological monopolies to collect sensitive data on a large scale” from the Chinese government, business and institutions, it added, and there have been large-scale security breaches.

    Xinhua did not give details of which governments or businesses it was referring to.

    The U.S. government recently charged five Chinese army officers with cyberspying and stealing trade secrets, sparking outrage from China.

    Xinhua

  • Microsoft Launches Larger Surface Pro 3

    Microsoft Launches Larger Surface Pro 3

    {{Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Pro 3 – a bigger-screened, faster Windows 8 tablet than its predecessor.}}

    The new model features a 12in (30.5cm) touchscreen, 38% larger than before.

    The firm boasted that at 9.1mm (0.36in) thick – without an optional clip-on keyboard – it becomes the “thinnest PC” to be powered by one of Intel’s higher-end Core processors.

    One analyst said he believed there was pent-up demand for such a device in the corporate world.

    However, the platform has previously been outsold by rivals.

    “The question that needs to be asked and answered is, ‘Why hardware?’” said chief executive Satya Nadella at the launch event in New York.

    “We clearly are not interested in building refrigerators or toasters. We are not building hardware for hardware’s sake.

    “We are not interested in competing with our OEMs [original equipment manufacturers].

    “In fact, our goal is to create new categories and spark new demand for our entire ecosystem. That’s what inspires us and motivates us with what we are doing in our devices and hardware.”

    According to research firm IDC, Apple, Samsung, Asus, Lenovo and Amazon have each outsold Microsoft with their tablets.

    internet

  • South African app Wins ‘World Best Start-Up’ Award

    South African app Wins ‘World Best Start-Up’ Award

    {{South Africa’s social photography app ‘Over’ for iPhone and iPad has won ‘World’s Best Start-Up’ award at U-Start Conference in Italy’s Milan

    The title was secured in a live pitch against 19 global challengers from South America, Russia, Africa and Europe.}}

    The Milan conference is reportedly the only event of its kind to partner high-level investment bodies and corporate backers from four key global territories with SMEs from both the emerging and developed markets.

    The conference attracted more than 730 delegates, 25 per cent of which were international investors, 40 per cent entrepreneurs plus a body of high-level corporates.

    About 60 of the world’s most renowned leaders, innovators and pioneers from the investment and entrepreneur fields delivered keynote and panel discussions, according to global boutique advisory firm.

    With this win, Over has secured final stage funding, plus a coveted place at U-Start’s International Investor Road Show.

    According to the African company, the win marks a significant development for iPhonegraphy and social sharing in image form, championing African tech innovation globally.

    Aaron Marshall, CEO of Over, said: “It was an incredible experience. It felt a little surreal to be sharing our story with a group of influencers from all over the planet in a sophisticated, beautiful city.

    The people behind U-Start put on a great event and we made some connections that could be hugely beneficial to our mission.

    “I’m feeling inspired, thinking bigger than ever and ready to get back to building. Our team recently doubled in size and we are hustling on some exciting new products,” he added.

    The roadshow, the first of its kind globally, will allow Over to interact with some of the most prominent international investors, venture capitalists, angel investors and family offices of the world.

    This unparalleled access to U-Start’s established network of international investors has been developed to help foster the growth of the African start-up, propelling it to international prominence.

    Four other regional winners from Europe, Russia, South America and a second finalist from Africa were Italist, online Italian high-end fashion retailer; Linguademia, specialists in encouraging a new approach to foreign language learning through gaming; LoveMondays, online platform for anonymous employee reviews of businesses; wiGroup, pioneers in point-of-sale, integrated mobile transactions, respectively.

    U-Start Conference is said to have attracted more than 700 industry decision-makers and commentators. The start-ups represented four key global start-up markets where U-Start has office presence namely South America, Africa, Russia and Europe.

    The conference was held in sponsorship with Enel e Directa as Tier One sponsors and in partnership with Regione Lombardia, Airbnb, Bird & Bird, Iberia Airlines, Italia Startup, Mailup, Onyx Consulting, Smartitaly, Startupbootcamp, Uber, Veespo, WhatAVenture, and Economuyp, Startupbusiness, Startupi and Radio Monte Carlo as media partner.

    The two-day conference included in-depth panel and roundtable discussions, expert led country profiles, and unique key-note speeches, as well as the live pitch competition itself.

    The panel of speakers included Lars Buch, co-founder of Startupbootcamp; Ash Fontana, co-founder of AngelList; Simone Sole, CEO of Ad4ventures and Didac Lee, an Angel Investor in the New Technology Area.

    They discussed the status of venture capital and delivering expert insider insight into tomorrow’s rapidly emerging markets and trends.

    Stefano Guidotti, CEO, U-Start, said, “We are delighted to award Over with the title of ‘Best Start-Up of the World’. Having travelled from São Paulo, to Cape Town, to Moscow, to Lugano and finally to Milan for the finale, we have witnessed some of the most innovative and exciting businesses to exist globally.

    The decision was not, however, an easy one. Over’s resounding success is representative of the outstanding tech prowess that propels our offer, in addition to Africa’s world-class status as a championing nation for tech innovation.

    The vision our organisation has championed from its inception, through to final, is to partner the best talent and opportunities from the world’s fastest growing economies, with the smartest money available in the global investor market.

    This ethos is reinforced by Africa’s success at the conference. All of our focal economies across the emerging markets have continued to steadily evolve as prime generators of future billion dollar tech-companies — confidently satisfying the needs of an ever-growing number of tech–savvy customers, both from a B2C and B2B perspective.”

    {agencies}

  • Work Begins on 61MW Kenyan Wind Farm

    Work Begins on 61MW Kenyan Wind Farm

    {{Work on the 61MW Kinangop Wind Farm in Kenya has commenced with Aurecon appointed as the main project engineer by Kinangop Wind Park Ltd}}

    The Kinangop Wind Farm has been touted to be one of the largest wind park investments in eastern Africa. African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) is the majority owner, and the farm will be built by Iberdrola Engineering, Aurecon stated.

    GE will provide 38 1.6MW wind turbines for the project, with the company stating that the wind farm will generate enough renewable electricity to power nearly 150,000 homes in Kenya.

    Paul Nel, renewable energy service leader at Aurecon, said, “Kinangop is significant as the first major IPP wind farm in Kenya.”

    A Reuters report stated that Kenya generates 1,664MW of electricity and is working on expanding its power supply by adding 5,000MW by 2017. Nearly 50 per cent of Kenya’s energy needs are currently met through hydroelectricity and thermal power.

    “Kenya is an exciting growth market for renewable energy with an attractive policy framework, which has enabled the progression of a number of wind and geothermal projects,” added Nel.

    Meanwhile, one of the region’s most notable wind power projects is the Lake Turkana Wind Power project, which is expected to generate 300MW of power when completed within the next four years.

    The wind power scheme could save Kenya up to US$150mn annually in money used to import fuel for thermal power generation, claimed estimates made by Lake Turkana Wind Power.

    {africanreview}

  • Discovery ‘Starts Race’ to Turn Light Into Matter

    Discovery ‘Starts Race’ to Turn Light Into Matter

    {{Physicists have uncovered a surprisingly straightforward strategy for turning light into matter.}}

    The design, published in Nature Photonics, adapts technology used in fusion research and can be implemented at existing facilities in the UK.

    Several locations could now enter a race to convert photons into positrons and electrons for the very first time.

    This would prove an 80-year-old theory by Breit and Wheeler, who themselves thought physical proof was impossible.

    Now, according to researchers from Imperial College London, that proof is within reach.

    Prof Steven Rose and his PhD student, Oliver Pike, told media it could happen within a year.

    “With a good experimental team, it should be quite doable,” said Mr Pike.

    If the experiment comes to fruition, it will be the final piece in a puzzle that began in 1905, when Einstein accounted for the photoelectric effect with his model of light as a particle.

    Several other basic interactions between matter and light have been described and subsequently proved by experiment, including Dirac’s 1930 proposal that an electron and its antimatter counterpart, a positron, could be annihilated upon collision to produce two photons.

    Breit and Wheeler’s theoretical prediction of the reverse – that two photons could crash together and produce matter (a positron and an electron) – has been difficult to observe.

    “The reason this is very hard to see in the lab is that you need to throw an awful lot of photons together – because the probability of any two of them interconverting is very low,” Prof Rose explained.

    His team proposes gathering that vast number of very high-energy photons by firing an intense beam of gamma-rays into a further cloud of photons, created within a tiny, gold-lined cylinder.

    That cylinder is called a “hohlraum”, German for “hollow space”, because it contains a vacuum, and it is usually used in nuclear fusion research. The cloud of photons inside it is made from extraordinarily intense X-rays and is about as hot as the Sun.

    BBC

  • China Hits Back on Hacking

    China Hits Back on Hacking

    {{China summoned the U.S. ambassador after the United States accused five Chinese military officers of hacking into American companies to steal trade secrets, warning Washington it could take further action, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.}}

    The U.S. Ambassador to China, Max Baucus, met with Zheng Zeguang, assistant foreign minister, on Monday shortly after the United States charged the five Chinese, accusing them of hacking into American nuclear, metal and solar companies to steal trade secrets.

    Zheng “protested” the actions by the United States, saying the indictment had seriously harmed relations between both countries, the foreign ministry said in a statement on its website.

    Zheng told Baucus that depending on the development of the situation, China “will take further action on the so-called charges by the United States”.

    It was the first criminal hacking charge that the United States has filed against specific foreign officials, and follows a steady increase in public criticism and private confrontation, including at a summit last year between U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

    The indictment is likely to further roil relations between China and the United States. Besides cyber-hacking, Washington and Beijing have grappled over a range of issues, including human rights, trade disputes and China’s growing military assertiveness over seas contested with its neighbors.

    reuters

  • IGIHE Facebook Page reach 45,000 Fans. Join Now!!

    IGIHE Facebook Page reach 45,000 Fans. Join Now!!

    {While IGIHE.com gears up to celebrate its five year working Experience, its Facebook Page has reached 45,000 Fans who receive its daily updates via Facebook.}

    Facebook Fans receive daily News updates from across the country and all over the World.

    IGIHE Facebook Page Manager, Ange de la Victoire Dusabemungu said “The increasing number of Fans on our facebook Page is a result of our reliable and factual News outlets that we disseminate to them.”

    IGIHE Facebook Page was launched in 2009 and the number of Fans has been dramatically going up since the two past years.

    “We call upon all who want to receive our News Updates to join our social media platforms.” Dusabemungu said

    Currently IGIHE also is on Twitter (https://twitter.com/igihe), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/igihe) and YouTube