Combination of El Niño and 2016 Ecuador earthquake likely worsened Zika outbreak.

Combination of El Niño and 2016 Ecuador earthquake likely worsened Zika outbreak.A Zika virus outbreak in coastal Ecuador in 2016 was likely worsened by a strong El Niño and a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region in April, according to a new study. A new research commentary suggests the earthquake left more people exposed to disease-carrying mosquitos, and climate variability associated with the 2014-2016 El Niño event created more favorable mosquito breeding grounds. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall, combined with destruction of the region's infrastructure and a population influx into large cities, likely caused the number of Zika cases to increase 12-fold in just three months, according to the study's authors.

Five new malaria targets that could lead to an effective vaccine.

Five new malaria targets that could lead to an effective vaccine.Scientists have identified five targets that reduce the parasite's ability to invade red blood cells.In the largest study of its kind, five new malaria vaccine targets have been discovered. Researchers studied the malaria parasite at its most vulnerable stage -- when invading human red blood cells -- and identified five targets that lead to a reduction in the parasite's ability to enter red blood cells. Nearly half of the world's population is at risk of malaria and more than 200 million people are infected each year. The disease caused the deaths of almost half a million people globally in 2015*. Despite the large number of deaths, there is no highly effective vaccine currently available for malaria. Over the last 50 years, most attempts to develop vaccines have only focussed on single targets. In the new study, scientists have discovered five targets for future malaria vaccine development, which they suggest should be targeted in combination. An effective vaccine is urgently needed due to an expanding problem of drug resistance in the parasite.

Dogs are more expressive when someone is looking.

Dogs are more expressive when someone is looking.Dogs produce more facial expressions when humans are looking at them, according to new research.Dogs produce more facial expressions when humans are looking at them, according to new research from the University of Portsmouth. Scientists at the University's Dog Cognition Centre are the first to find clear evidence dogs move their faces in direct response to human attention. Dogs don't respond with more facial expressions upon seeing tasty food, suggesting that dogs produce facial expressions to communicate and not just because they are excited. Brow raising, which makes the eyes look bigger -- so-called puppy dog eyes -- was the dogs' most commonly used expression in this research.

'Antelope perfume' keeps flies away from cows.

'Antelope perfume' keeps flies away from cows.Researchers involved in research shows how the tsetse fly can be tricked in Africa In Africa, tsetse flies transfer the sleeping sickness also to cattle. The damage is estimated to be about 4.6 billion US dollars each year. Experts have developed an innovative way of preventing the disease. Tsetse flies avoid waterbucks, a widespread antelope species in Africa. The scientists imitated the smell of these antelopes.If the cattle were equipped with collars containing the defense agent, more than 80 percent of the cattle were spared from the feared infection. Tsetse flies are widespread in Africa. They feed on blood and can transfer the dreaded sleeping sickness. The infection can be lethal and damages the nervous system and, in the final stage, causes a dozy state, which gave the disease its name. Many people in tropical Africa are directly endangered, but the transfer to cattle also has drastic consequences for agriculture by reducing the production of milk, meat and labor.

Using sound waves for biomedical breakthroughs.

Using sound waves for biomedical breakthroughs.Sound waves could be the future of biomedical research, diagnosing and treatment, according to a chemistry professor. A data analyst is using an acoustic device to separate extracellular vesicles to get a deeper look at their properties.

Nigeria needs more investment in rural infrastructure to boost agriculture.

Nigeria needs more investment in rural infrastructure to boost agriculture. The President of African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, says Nigeria needs more investment in rural infrastructure to boost agricultural production in the country. Adesina on Tuesday in Des Moines, USA said that the country must continue to operate policies that would assist farmers in accessing seeds and fertilisers easily. “We must continue to run public policies that get access to seeds and fertilizers for farmer at scale

"Biosecurity should be top priority for new Government".

"Biosecurity should be top priority for new Government". A biosecurity incursion can (and has) bring parts of the primary sector to a complete standstill; Psa did this to kiwifruit not too long ago. Today, the Ministry for Primary Industries are managing a number of incursions, including mycoplasma bovis, myrtle rust, pea weevil, and oyster parasite, to name but a few. For those facing incursions, incomes and jobs are being affected and, in many cases, their businesses cannot weather the storm; they go under. The cost of controlling and eradicating these incursions costs farmers, growers, industry, and the Government millions upon millions of dollars. Considering the critical importance of protecting New Zealand from biosecurity incursions, and being ready to quickly and effectively respond to these incursions, has to be one of the new Government’s top priorities.