The first batch of genetically modified mosquitoes is being released in Djibouti in a bid to stop the spread of malaria carrying vectors that bite during the day and thrive in urban areas. How does this work?
Also, an overview of South Africa's 'historic' elections. Who are the main parties and what are the issues?
And scientists trace the origins of one of Africa's most iconic trees, the baobab tree, to Madagascar. Why are they in decline on the Island?
Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Charles Gitonga, Frenny Jowi, Rob Wilson and Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Daniela Victoria Varela Hernandez
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
Hundreds of migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa are being arrested and deported to desert areas in Morocco, Tunisia and Mauritania using funds made available by the European Union. An investigation by eight international news organisations says the migrants also face human rights abuses as countries try to stop them from reaching Europe.
Also how illegal logging is funding the insurgency in Northern Mozambique
And a Kenyan mother's desperate attempt to help save her son from execution in Saudi Arabia.
At least 200 Kenyan police officers are set to arrive in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. This decision coincides with the current visit by President Ruto to the United States. Have sufficient preparations being made on the ground in Haiti to receive the troops?
Also , there is renewed hope that a fresh round of talks can lead to lasting peace in South Sudan.
And how effective is the ECOWAS court of justice?
Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Frenny Jowi, Charles Gitonga, Rob Wilson and Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Craig Kingham
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
The Democratic Republic of Congo says it has quashed an attempted coup on Sunday. The army said the group of people behind the attempted coup were foreigners or Congolese citizens based abroad. Who are these men and why would they want to topple the government?
Also, are Universities on the continent doing enough to inspire the next generation?
And meet Lord Spikeheart, the heavy metal music artist from Kenya, yes, from Kenya!
Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Patricia Whitehorn, Rob Wilson, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
Prayer and meditation are key features of religious and spiritual practices around the world, suggesting they’re intimately linked to the human condition. But what is going on in the brain during prayer? And is praying beneficial for our mental health?
CrowdScience listener Hilary is keen to find answers to such questions. She’s a counsellor with a strong Christian faith, and is curious to know whether science can illuminate religious and spiritual practices.
Presenter Caroline Steel talks to neuroscientists researching how our brains respond to prayer and meditation; and practices mindfulness herself to explore its similarities to prayer. She discovers that having a relationship with God may depend on more than religious practice. And is there a ‘spiritual part’ to our brains? Or is prayer just one activity among many - like going for a walk or playing music - that can have similar effects on our state of mind?
Featuring:
Professor Andrew Newberg, Director of Research Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital, USA
Tessa Watt, mindfulness teacher
Ven. Hin Hung Sik, Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong
Dr Junling Gao, Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong
Dr Blake Victor Kent, Westmont College, USA
Presenter: Caroline Steel
Producer: Jo Glanville
Editor: Cathy Edwards
Studio Manager: Tim Heffer
Production Co-ordinator: Liz Tuohy
(Photo: A crowd of people praying. Credit: Digital Vision/Getty Images)
The United States has called for a temporary nationwide ceasefire following continued fighting between the national army and armed groups in Oromia and Amhara regions. The US alleges that the armed groups target schools, health centres and water infrastructure.
Why has Gabon's deposed President Ali Bongo gone on hunger strike?
And Audrey speaks to legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder after he was granted Ghanaian citizenship earlier this week!
Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Rob Wilson, Karnie Sharp,Bella Hassan, Charles Gitonga and Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producers : Jonny Hall and Daniela Victoria Varela Hernandez
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard.
In a competitive world, is it always best to finish first? A tribute to second place, second thoughts, and second opinions.
You might assume that Olympic gold medallists have more successful lives than their silver-placed competitors. A study shows that on average winners die a year younger than the runners up, and earn less money.
In the invasive jelly-fish wars of the Black Sea of recent years, it seems the second-comers prevailed over the voracious first-timers.
And what about siblings? Does the first-born in a family really have any discernible advantage in life?
Also, the potential perils of cutting-edge wearable medi-tech, the value of second opinions, and the chemical benefits of silver itself.
Presented by Marnie Chesterton, with Godfred Boafo and Andrada Fiscutean
Produced by Alex Mansfield, with Dan Welsh, Julia Ravey and Noa Dowling
Sound by Gwynfor Jones
They were the best northern and southern lights in decades, but why? And what’s next? We hear from astrophysicist Steph Yardley about the solar maximum, geomagnetic storms and atmospheric spectaculars.
Also, the impossible heatwave in the Philippines made possible by global warming – the analysis of a continent-spanning climate extreme by the World Weather Attribution collaboration.
Getting close up to raging tornadoes in order to fill in the big gaps that remain in the science of their development.
And the tale of the lizard’s tail, and how it could lead to safer buildings in the future.
(Photo: The aurora borealis, also known as the 'northern lights’, are seen over The Roaches near Leek, Staffordshire, Britain, May 10, 2024. Credit: Carl Recine/Reuters)
Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Jonathan Blackwell
A Swiss court has sentenced ex-Gambian minister,Ousman Sonko to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity. Mr Sonko fled to Switzerland in 2016. He was arrested and had been in custody since 2017, after a human rights group based in Geneva filed a criminal complaint against him. Audrey speaks with Fatoumatta Sandeng, the daughter of the tortured opposition leader, Ebrima Solo Sandeng.
Also why are some South Africans not happy about a new law which provides equal access to healthcare for all citizens?
And a conversation with the Cameroonian-American singer Libianca, who received death threats for waving a flag.
Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Rob Wilson, Richard Kagoe, Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
Over 2 billion people rely on polluting fuels to prepare meals, the UN Secretary-General warns at a summit on clean cooking in Africa. We hear from a young female environmentalist in Malawi with a solution.
Calls for an end to the abuse of power in Tunisia after a police raid on the Tunisian Bar Association headquarters and the arrest of two prominent lawyers.
And a Ghanaian influencer speaks out on plans to tax income earned on international platforms.
