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Guinea

All articles tagged with #guinea

Guinea landfill collapse in Conakry leaves at least 30 dead
world1 day ago

Guinea landfill collapse in Conakry leaves at least 30 dead

At least 30 people were killed when a massive open-air waste pile at the Dar Es Salam landfill in Conakry, Guinea, collapsed after heavy rains, burying nearby shacks and triggering the cave-in of a three-story structure beneath the garbage; six people were seriously injured and several homes were destroyed as authorities launched search-and-rescue efforts and planned relocations for residents amid prior safety concerns at the site.

The Soviet Scientist Who Sought a Human-Chimp Hybrid and Paid the Price
science3 months ago

The Soviet Scientist Who Sought a Human-Chimp Hybrid and Paid the Price

Ilia Ivanov, a Soviet zoologist, pursued a radical human-ape hybrid project, conducting experiments in Guinea and later in the Soviet Union that included implanting a human ovary in a chimp and attempting to inseminate chimpanzees with human sperm; none of the efforts succeeded due to chromosome incompatibilities, drawing backlash from the Kremlin and international press, leading to his arrest, exile, and eventual death in Kazakhstan. The episode highlights the ethical risks of extreme hybridization research and the ways politics and racism influenced science.

Gunfire near Conakry's central prison triggers security lockdown
africa6 months ago

Gunfire near Conakry's central prison triggers security lockdown

Heavy gunfire near Conakry’s central prison prompted police and special forces to deploy, with armored vehicles and roadblocks around the Kaloum district. The exchange lasted about 30 minutes, authorities offered no immediate confirmation of motives or suspects, and access to the area was later reopened. The prison has a history of violence, including a 2023 jailbreak that left several dead.

West African plant hints at cross-species gene exchange
science7 months ago

West African plant hints at cross-species gene exchange

A West African cliff-dwelling plant, Virectaria stellata, exhibits unusual stellate hairs and genetic traits not typical for its Rubiaceae family, suggesting possible horizontal gene transfer from another species. While researchers, including UGANC and RBG Kew, test genomic sequences to confirm gene movement, they note that the mechanism remains uncertain and that the plant is not parasitic. Further sampling in Guinea and genomic analyses will help determine whether real gene transfer occurred and how it shaped the plant’s traits.

Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors to Gain Guinean Citizenship via Ancestry Tests
world7 months ago

Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors to Gain Guinean Citizenship via Ancestry Tests

US actors Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors traveled to Guinea to trace their ancestry through DNA testing and are set to receive Guinean citizenship in a private ceremony, reflecting a broader trend of celebrities reconnecting with African heritage. Their visit includes touring historic sites and participating in cultural events, highlighting Guinea's efforts to promote heritage and investment among the diaspora.

Guinea's Junta Leader Leads in Presidential Election Amid Opposition Concerns
politics8 months ago

Guinea's Junta Leader Leads in Presidential Election Amid Opposition Concerns

Guinea's current military leader Mamady Doumbouya is the frontrunner in the upcoming presidential election, following a controversial referendum that allowed him to run and extended presidential terms, amid opposition criticism and concerns over democratic backsliding. The election marks a significant moment in Guinea's ongoing political upheaval in West Africa, with many fearing the consolidation of military power and suppression of opposition.