Food

Is my water safe to drink? Expert advice for residents of South African cities

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

In early March 2024 the residents of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and the economic capital of the country, were hit by extended cuts in water supplies. This was a new low after months of continuous deterioration. Professor in the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand Craig Sheridan sets out the risks this poses to drinking water in the city. What can get into my water that will make me sick?You can have chemicals in the water that are toxic, or you can have pathogenic organisms which can make you ill.

Key Points: 


In early March 2024 the residents of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and the economic capital of the country, were hit by extended cuts in water supplies. This was a new low after months of continuous deterioration. Professor in the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand Craig Sheridan sets out the risks this poses to drinking water in the city.

What can get into my water that will make me sick?

  • You can have chemicals in the water that are toxic, or you can have pathogenic organisms which can make you ill.
  • As a general rule, South Africa’s water works are able to remove almost all chemicals such that the water is safe to drink.
  • The water treatment works also disinfect the water, killing harmful bacteria and viruses.

Is my tap water safe to drink?

  • And if the water has residual chlorine in it, that means the supply to your home is good.
  • Unfortunately, this relies on drinking water treatment works functioning properly, which is not always the case.
  • The department of water and sanitation runs an auditing process of the water treatment works and the water they supply.

My water supply has been interrupted a lot. Is my tap water safe to drink?

  • If there is no water in the pipe, and there is an underground sewage leak near the water pipe, or contaminated storm water near the pipe, there’s a real possibility that contaminated water can enter the pipe.
  • As water supply returns, this “first flush” down the pipe has the potential to contain contaminants.
  • If your water remains brown or discoloured, report it and drink purified water.

I get my water from a mobile water tanker. Is this safe to drink?

  • But there are far too many instances of
    unscrupulous, roaming water tanker suppliers selling water, especially in areas with no access to safe tap water.
  • Since water supplies have become less dependable, the state has turned to businesses to supply water to communities.
  • If this is the case, it is sensible to purify the water.

What are the diseases that make drinking water unsafe? How are they spread?

  • When water is sent to a laboratory for testing, the first test is for an organism called Escherichia coli, or E. coli.
  • But if it is found in the water, there is absolute certainty that the water has been contaminated with faecal matter which has not been properly treated.
  • This is why it is used as a screening tool for more serious diseases which are also spread through faecal matter.
  • It is highly contagious and can spread by contact mainly from drinking contaminated water, food or from unwashed hands.

If I store water in bottles, how long before it’s unsafe to drink?

  • How warm is the water?
  • Water safety cannot be fully assured without analysing the actual water.
  • At the Centre of Water Research and Development we are doing research partly funded through the Water Research Commission to develop test strips to give a rapid analysis of drinking water quality that can easily be understood by the general public.

Is purifying water difficult?


At the University of the Witwatersrand we commissioned a short animation in all of South Africa’s 11 official languages as well as French and Portuguese on how to prevent cholera transmission and how to purify your water to ensure you stay safe. We have also shared guidance on how to purify your water to make it safe.
Craig Sheridan receives funding from The Claude Leon Foundation, the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), The Water JPI, The BMBF, FORMAS and the Water Research Commission. Craig Sheridan is a member of the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers (SAIChE), the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and the International Water Association (IWA).

Israel-Hamas conflict: Ramadan brings fresh fears of escalation on both Gaza Strip and West Bank

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

A sea corridor has been opened between Cyprus and Gaza and the first shipments of aid are arriving from Europe.

Key Points: 
  • A sea corridor has been opened between Cyprus and Gaza and the first shipments of aid are arriving from Europe.
  • But it’s thought that it will be difficult to get a sufficient amount of food, fuel and medicine in by sea.
  • Ramadan is a central event in the Islamic holy calendar, commemorating Muhammad’s first revelation of what would later become the Qur'an.
  • The death toll, according to the Gaza health ministry, has topped 31,000 with nearly 73,000 more people injured.

West Bank

  • Instead of being bustling with activity, the narrow alleys of the Old City were almost empty, with many local shops closed.
  • According to Surah 17 in the Qur'an, Muhammad ascended to heaven from the site of Al-Aqsa after his miraculous night journey from Mecca.
  • The holy site is traditionally visited by tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims each day as part of their Ramadan celebrations.
  • That instantly resulted in scuffles at one of the shrine’s entrances, with Israeli officers using batons on the Palestinian crowd.


Carlo Aldrovandi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Canada’s inaction in Gaza marks a failure of its feminist foreign policy

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

“Peace and prosperity are every person’s birthright.” So opened then Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland’s introduction to Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).

Key Points: 
  • “Peace and prosperity are every person’s birthright.” So opened then Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland’s introduction to Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).
  • Launched in 2017, the policy stated that Canada would take an explicitly feminist approach to international assistance, including a commitment to protecting women’s sexual and reproductive rights.
  • Many considered it to be a forward-thinking policy that builds on the past work of NGOs and other international partners.
  • In addition to funding, Joly also offered RCMP support to help investigate the crimes of sexual violence against Israeli women.

Palestinian women’s rights long ignored

  • Her statement came after United Nations experts expressed alarm over “credible allegations of egregious human rights violations to which Palestinian women and girls continue to be subjected in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.” They cited reports of arbitrary executions, killings, detentions and sexual abuse of Palestinian women and girls by Israeli forces.
  • Even before the current escalation of violence, Canada’s support of Israel’s actions have long been identified as a significant limitation of FIAP.
  • Palestinian women also face increased risk of sexual violence.
  • There are credible reports of sexual violence being used as a tool of war against both Israeli and Palestinian women.

Reproductive health in Gaza in a dire state

  • An estimated 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza are at increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and maternal death.
  • The widespread food crisis has also had dire implications for reproductive and maternal health.
  • Malnutrition affects maternal health, and can also have long-term consequences for the health of mothers and their children.

Canada must act

  • Meanwhile, Canadian exports of military equipment to Israel have not only continued, but have increased since October.
  • Global Affairs Canada claims these exports are only for non-lethal equipment.
  • Canada’s delayed and inconsistent response to Israel’s military violence in Gaza represents a failure to evenly apply its own foreign policy.
  • If Canada truly wants to create a more peaceful and prosperous world, they must not leave Palestinian women behind.


Jacqueline Potvin previously received funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Mayme Lefurgey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

An apple cider vinegar drink a day? New study shows it might help weight loss

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

An experimental study, released today, looks into whether apple cider vinegar could be effective for weight loss, reduce blood glucose levels and reduce blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides).

Key Points: 
  • An experimental study, released today, looks into whether apple cider vinegar could be effective for weight loss, reduce blood glucose levels and reduce blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides).
  • The results suggest it could reduce all three – but it might not be as simple as downing an apple cider vinegar drink a day.

What did they do?

  • A control group consumed an inactive drink (a placebo) made (from lactic acid added to water) to look and taste the same.
  • The study was also double-blinded, which means neither the participants or the scientists involved with collecting the data knew who was in which group.

So, what did they find?

  • After a period of three months apple cider vinegar consumption was linked with significant falls in body weight and body mass index (BMI).
  • On average, those who drank apple cider vinegar during that period lost 6–8kg in weight and reduced their BMI by 2.7–3 points, depending on the dose.
  • The authors also report significant decreases in levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the apple cider groups.

Is this good news?

  • Firstly, study participants were aged from 12 to 25, so we can’t say whether the results could apply to everyone.
  • And while the researchers kept records of the participants’ diet and exercise during the study, these were not published in the paper.
  • This could be important and influence results if people who did not lose weight quit due to lack of motivation.


Read more:
Turns out the viral 'Sleepy Girl Mocktail' is backed by science. Should you try it?

Any other concerns?


Apple cider vinegar is acidic and there are concerns it may erode tooth enamel. This can be a problem with any acidic beverages, including fizzy drinks, lemon water and orange juice. To minimise the risk of acid erosion some dentists recommend the following after drinking acidic drinks:

Read more:
Apple cider vinegar: is drinking this popular home remedy bad for your teeth? A dentist explains

Down the hatch?

  • This study provides us with some evidence of a link between apple cider vinegar and weight loss.
  • This would provide more robust evidence that apple cider vinegar could be a useful aid for weight loss.


Evangeline Mantzioris is affiliated with Alliance for Research in Nutrition, Exercise and Activity (ARENA) at the University of South Australia. Evangeline Mantzioris has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, and has been appointed to the National Health and Medical Research Council Dietary Guideline Expert Committee.

The surprising key to magpie intelligence: it’s not genetic

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Are their sharp cognitive abilities innate – something coded into their genetic makeup?

Key Points: 
  • Are their sharp cognitive abilities innate – something coded into their genetic makeup?
  • Or are magpie smarts more a product of their environment and social experiences?
  • In a new study, we shed light on the “nature versus nurture” debate – at least when it comes to avian intelligence.
  • Instead, the key factor influencing how quickly the fledglings learned to pick the correct colour was the size of their social group.

EQS-News: Flughafen Wien AG announces successful results in 2023

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

As co-owners with a 10% shareholding, the employees of Flughafen Wien AG also benefit.

Key Points: 
  • As co-owners with a 10% shareholding, the employees of Flughafen Wien AG also benefit.
  • All employees working for Flughafen Wien AG will also benefit via the employee foundation, which holds 10% of the company’s shares.
  • The Flughafen Wien Group generated total revenue of € 931.5 million in the 2023 financial year, comprising a year-on-year rise of 34.5%.
  • Flughafen Wien AG/Flughafen Wien Group assumes no obligation whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.

EQS-News: Rational AG temporarily no longer in the MDAX after index rebalancing on 18 March 2024

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Landsberg am Lech, 6 March 2024 Following the quarterly index review by Deutsche Börse, Rational AG will be temporarily removed from the DAX family as of 18 March 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Landsberg am Lech, 6 March 2024 Following the quarterly index review by Deutsche Börse, Rational AG will be temporarily removed from the DAX family as of 18 March 2024.
  • This index criterion refers to Recommendation C.10 of the German Corporate Governance Code (GCGC), which requires the independence of the Audit Committee Chairman.
  • Membership of Deutsche Börse's DAX index family is of very high importance to the Executive Board and Supervisory Board of Rational AG.
  • Rational was floated in the Prime Standard of the German stock market in 2000 and is currently represented in the MDAX.

TRON DAO at MIT Fintech Conference and host Tron Builder Tour MIT Stop

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Geneva, Switzerland, February 26, 2024 – At the MIT Fintech Conference on February 23, hosted at the MIT Samberg Conference Center, the TRON DAO team made an appearance.

Key Points: 
  • Geneva, Switzerland, February 26, 2024 – At the MIT Fintech Conference on February 23, hosted at the MIT Samberg Conference Center, the TRON DAO team made an appearance.
  • Additionally, the TRON Builder Tour held an event at MIT venue, with over 90 attendees.
  • Highlighting its foray into Bitcoin Layer-2 development, the TRON DAO team discussed this cutting-edge project at the TRON Builder Tour event.
  • Through its active participation in both the MIT Fintech Conference and the TRON Builder Tour, TRON DAO continues to drive forward the blockchain industry, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to innovation, education, and collaboration.

EQS-News: The Beginning of a New Era – RATIONAL introduces a new product category: the RATIONAL iHexagon delivers the highest food quality in the shortest possible time.

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The Beginning of a New Era – RATIONAL introduces a new product category: the RATIONAL iHexagon delivers the highest food quality in the shortest possible time.

Key Points: 
  • The Beginning of a New Era – RATIONAL introduces a new product category: the RATIONAL iHexagon delivers the highest food quality in the shortest possible time.
  • The Beginning of a New Era – RATIONAL introduces a new product category: the RATIONAL iHexagon delivers the highest food quality in the shortest possible time.
  • This allows operators to produce the highest food quality in the shortest possible time.
  • This means that the user achieves consistently excellent results across all levels and can even simultaneously cook various types of food.

Anya Hindmarch’s Chubby Hearts Capture the Smile and Love of Hong Kong

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Chubby Hearts Hong Kong, curated and presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre, featuring a giant inflatable red heart designed by the award-winning British designer Anya Hindmarch, was launched in the city in February with great fanfare.

Key Points: 
  • Chubby Hearts Hong Kong, curated and presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre, featuring a giant inflatable red heart designed by the award-winning British designer Anya Hindmarch, was launched in the city in February with great fanfare.
  • As Anya Hindmarch's giant chubby heart balloons fly over Hong Kong, infused a positive atmosphere, they are also spreading love throughout the urban landscape.
  • These include the "Chubby Hearts Hong Kong", Dior's global unveil of the Dior Fall 2024 men's show, world-renowned pop culture convention "ComplexCon", and the centennial celebration of late Hong Kong literary icon Jin Yong.
  • As part of "Chubby Hearts Hong Kong" event, giant inflatable red hearts are popping up across Hong Kong, filling the entire city with love and smiles.