African Journals Online
The Zimbabwe Science News

Titles plus abstracts from Zimbabwe Science News 
Vol. 34 (2) June 2000

ZSN 34(2) 2000 p 27-30
"Blister Beetles" and cantharidin
D. Tagwireyi and D E Ball

Drug and Toxicology Information Service (DaTIS), Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe

Beetles or, scientifically, Coleoptera are a common sight in the outdoor life of an average Zimbabwean. These insects are generally viewed as friendly, docile, non-biting or non-stinging insects, which can be handled without any untoward effects on the handler. Unfortunately not all beetles fall within this generalisation. This article reviews the chemistry and toxicity of cantharidin, a chemical produced by one group of medically important beetles, commonly referred to as "blister beetles", species of which are found in Zimbabwe (see cover picture).



ZSN 34(2) 2000 p 31-33
Terrestial heat flow and global warming
D. L. Jones, F. Podmore and V. E. Gora

Department of Physics, University of Zimbabwe, P.O.Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare
Email of corresponding author:D.L. Jones [email protected] 
The variation of temperature with depth and the amount of heat escaping from the interior of the Earth through its surface are easily measured and give useful information on the ventilation requirements of deep mines, the deep structure of the Earth's crust and on global warming. This paper presents some temperature-depth data for boreholes in Zimbabwe. Thermal conductivity measurements on slices of rock from borecores are also examined and the linearity of some temperature-depth profiles are briefly examined to assess the possibility of global warming.



ZSN 34(2) 2000 p 34 - 37
Analysis of the malaria situation in Hippo Valley Estates
E. Chirebvu and M. J. Chimbari

Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, De Beers Research Laboratory, P O Box 197, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe. E-mail: [email protected] 

Malaria parasite and entomological surveys were carried out in Hippo Valley Estates (lowveld sugar irrigation estates). The only malaria parasite found in the surveyed areas was Plasmodium falciparum. The highest malaria parasite rate recorded was 1.72% of the survey population. Catches of malaria vector mosquito were erratic with a tendency of catching at most, two vectors every seven days. Mosquito samples were not infected with sporozoites. The malaria control programme for Hippo Valley Estates appears to be effective in controlling malaria disease. However, some other factors could be contributing to the low malaria transmission pattern observed in the estates.


ZSN 34(2) 2000 p 40-43
Women in Science and Technology
Compiled by Janet Hussein

The constraints to girls and women in the science and technology field, especially those living in developing countries are discussed. In an effort to overcome these constraints, there are a number of national and international organizations promoting the role of women in science and technology. The work of some of these international organizations is described in this article and I aim to have some articles on the national efforts in this field at a later stage. Brief biographies of some eminent women scientists of the last century are then presented. These women managed to achieve amazing results despite so often struggling against ridicule, intolerance and other forms of sexual discrimination in their lives, particularly in the first half of the 1990s. I hope their achievements and dedication to their work, often against all odds, inspires us all to greater heights of scientific endeavour. I particularly hope that these profiles will encourage our girls and young women to take science subjects during their schooling and to aim for careers in science and technology. 


ZSN 34(2)2000 p 44-46
NEWS FROM SOCIETIES
Crop Science Society of Zimbabwe (CSSZ)
Report on Symposium 2000 - "Farming In The New Millenium"
28 July 2000

D. E. Taylor, CSSZ President


In July 2000, the Crop Science Society of Zimbabwe marked its 30th AGM with a thematic symposium on 'Farming in the New Millenium'. A number of speakers were invited to give presentations around this theme, and their lectures are summarized in this report.

Mr Allen Green of Case Corporation, in a talk entitled "The Future of Farming, Precisely", gave a presentation on precision farming techniques. Mr Kerran Nicolle of Nemakonde Agricultural Development Company, gave a talk on " The Zimbabwean Experience with Precision farming". This was followed by Mr Gerry Davison of the Commercial Farmers Union who presented "Environmental Management Systems in Commercial Agriculture." Mrs Helen Walton of the Export Flower Grower's Association of Zimbabwe talked on "The Flower Labeling Programme " of the Association and the changes required to produce crops in an environmentally friendly manner. The final presentation was that of Dr Desiree Cole of The Tobacco Research Board who gave an insight into some of the new chemistry involved in pesticides with a talk on " Novel disease control compounds". Her talk covered the concept of systematic acquired resistance of plants.

ZSN 34(2) 2000 p 47-48
Obituary
Dr E C G Pinhey

Members of the Zimbabwe Scientific Association (ZSA) were saddened to learn that Dr Elliot Charles Gordon Pinhey, a Fellow of the Association, died on 8th May 2000. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family. Dr Pinhey was an eminent entomologist and an expert on dragon flies. He published numerous books and monographs together with over 40 papers on lepidoptera, about 90 papers on dragonflies and 34 papers on other insects. He had several butterflies named after him and was a fellow of many prestigious institutions including the Royal Entomological Society and the Linnean Society.