In recent times, the impact is increasing, as seen in the gradual disappearance of the Lagos Bar Beach; an extension of the Atlantic Ocean, which has been known as a place of recreation and tourism since the pre-independence era. According to the authorities, the continuous frequent disaster and loss of lives have forced them to place the beach on close surveillance with the installation of shoreline protection bricks

A survey conducted by Arewa Voice across selected local government areas with funding from African Science Literacy Network, in both states shows that people are more conscious about hand hygiene in 2020. The selected local government areas in Taraba and Adamawa include Girei, Michika, Numan, Song, Jalingo, Takum, and Ardokola.

According to an article published last year by Dr. Barbara Tiedeu, a don at the University of Yaounde, Cameroun, women scientists have a vital part to play in scientific leadership, and in contributing to Africa’s development and transformation. But they remain substantially under-represented in higher education and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Tiedeu, an Associate Professor of Biochemistry, disclosed that women account for 53% of the world’s bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates and 43% of PhD graduates. But they make up only 28% of researchers in all fields. And, only 30% of women in higher education move into STEM-related fields. The situation is no different in sub-Saharan Africa; in fact, in some countries in the region it’s worse. Only 30% of sub-Saharan researchers in all subject areas are women.

Lamenting the high cost of insulin, Alhassan Ali, a type 2 diabetic who disclosed that he's been living with diabetes for 15 years told our fellow that he lost two of his diabetic friends to COVID-19 complications two months ago after they tested positive for the virus in Bauchi, Nigeria.

"This period has been the most challenging for me since I was diagnosed with this disease 15 years ago. Two months ago, I lost two of my very close friends who were also diabetic to COVID-19 complications. And, that's apart from many other diabetic patients I know who got infected with the virus and didn't survive it.

"It's a difficult time in every sense of the word. On average, the monthly cost of insulin is N10,000 ($26), that's more than 30 percent of the minimum wage in the country. If you spend that much on only insulin, what will be left in your purse to attend to other needs?" he queried rhetorically. "It is even more difficult in this pandemic because everything in the market is now more expensive than it was before COVID-19."

The National Research Fund (NRF) is one of the special intervention areas of TETFund introduced in order to help in the realization of the objective of addressing critical need for high quality manpower to drive the nation’s economy towards attaining (the now defunct) vision 20:2020. The funds are expected to facilitate research at cutting-edge level on activities that will impact positively on the competitiveness of the country on the global scientific milieu, and build up the research capacity of Nigerian researchers to contribute to the national development efforts as well tackle global challenges. Unlike in Nigeria where we have only TETFund, there are several bodies in the United Kingdom (UK) which specialize in awarding grants and providing funds for research in specific fields.

The idea, concept and rationale behind the birth of genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) foods may be welcoming and visionary to some experts. But not for Nnimmo Bassey. Like in some other nations, Nigeria is where GM foods are also found in the market, though most of them are not actually produced in the country. GMOs are organisms, plants, animals and micro-organisms that have their DNAs altered using genetic engineering techniques. This, for example, can enable the particular crops or plants to develop some resistance against diseases, insects, pests, harsh weather conditions, as well as to enhance nutrition.

One of the major global concerns is the threat of antibiotic resistance. Advocacy groups have increased warnings that there could be an impending bug war due to increased use of antibiotics- both prescribed and abused- in these auspicious times, and a research in Nigeria has further brought the situation to local consciousness. The report recently made accessible in the Journal of Infection and Public Health examined prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the stomach and intestine regions, and how these bugs respond to commonly used antibiotics in the country.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Urine; Gut bacteria; Osun State; antibiotics; LAUTECH

In Nigeria, the government's National antimicrobial resistance action plan 2017-2022 incorporates antimicrobial stewardship. Still, there has been a lack of evidence that pharmacists, a critical group in proper antibiotic dispensing and advice, are properly seen as an important part of a successful plan until this recent study.

Keywords: Pharmacists, Antimicrobial stewardship, Hospital, Antibiotics

Researchers from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, have reported that there are indeed bacterial species that could be potential candidates for cleanup of crude oil-degraded environments in the Niger-Delta region.

The Niger-Delta, located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, is home to oil exploration and the resultant contamination that comes with its spillage, process and transportation errors. This has exposed the soil, water to contamination and damaged the biological systems residing in the soil, including microorganisms and plants.

Keyword: Crude oil, Hexadecane; Octane, cleanup, bioremediation, Niger Delta.

Due to their presence in virtually every environment known to man, microorganisms have been reported to reduce the durability of the stored onion previously. However, a recent investigation has reported that not only does onion harbor spoilage bacteria, some are pathogenic and cause infections in unsuspecting consumers.

Keywords: Onion, Flavobacterium, food spoilage, bacteria, Ile-Ife.