6 Weeks of Non-COVID19 News: Headlines You May Have Missed

From the hype of week one lockdown to the regularly anticipated words “My fellow South Africans…”, the news has had one focus lately – COVID19. Understandably of course, it is a global pandemic, but in amidst the horrifying headlines taking over our social media timelines some positive news has fallen through the cracks. For those of you looking for a change of scenery (figuratively speaking!), here is 6 weeks worth of non-COVID19 news that you might have missed.

Week 1: African black rhino numbers rise by several hundred 

A species driven to near extinction, the population of African black rhinos sees a new glimmer of promise as their numbers swelled from 4845 to an estimated 5630, over a period of 6 years. The endangered species isn’t in the clear quite yet but the increase, although seemingly small, shows that conservation efforts are paying off and gives us hope for the future of these beautiful creatures.

Week 2: SA teen wins international award for mind-controlled prosthetic invention

Matric pupil, Farida Cajee scooped second place at a prestigious 2020 Taiwan International Science fair and first place at Eskoms Expo for Young Scientist with her remarkable invention. Connected to an electroencephalograph headset (say that 3 times faster!) the prosthetic limb translates brain signals into movement, allowing one to control the limb with one’s mind. An incredible feat for South African youth!

Week 3: Scientists say the ocean could fully recover by the year 2050

As a city that loves their beaches and prides themselves on their warm ocean waters, this headline is music to our ears. It will be no easy task but scientists say we have both the knowledge and resources to get the job done. With growing awareness, more sustainable fishing practices and improved pollution controls the big blue could be fully restored to it’s former glory.

Week 4: South African’s Earn Emmy for Best Kids Animation

The 27 minute animation captured hearts across the world and earned co-directors Daniel Snaddon and Max Lang a prestigious Emmy award for Best Kids Animation. In a challenging time, this news brought much needed upliftment to the crew who poured their heart and soul into the character that is Zog – the keenest and clumsiest pupil at Dragon school.

Credits: NASA/Ames Research Center/Daniel Rutter

Week 5: Researchers discover a new Earth-sized planet 

Closest to Earth in size and temperature yet, the newly discovered exoplanet Kepler-1649c, orbits around it’s host red dwarf star, as seen in the illustration alongside. The planet is only 1.06 times larger than Earth and receives 75% of the amount of light our planet receives from the sun. However, unlike earth it orbits a red dwarf star that may make it difficult for potential life to survive in its environment. Researchers are still in the early stages of understanding this “second earth” but it’s intriguing to imagine that another world lies among the stars, waiting to be explored.

Week 6: Two Cheetah Cubs rescued from captivity and rehomed

An inspiring story to those of us longing to escape lockdown, two cheetah cubs (yet to be named) are settling into their new home at the Born Free Cat Sanctuary in Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Rescued from an illegal wildlife trade in Ethiopia  the male and female cubs are thought to be siblings and about three months old. Incredibly lucky, the sanctuary were able to transport the two cubs before further travel restrictions were put in place. Both of them, although undernourished, are now active, alert and receiving the veterinary care that they need.
We hope these headlines brought you some hope in these challenging times. Life in lockdown can make us all a little restless, remember to look beyond the negative news, remain positive and protect your sanity during these bizarre times.