Using orange and avocado peels, a 16-year-old South African could hold the solution to the country’s water woes.Kiara Nirghin, who is from Johannesburg, has won the Google Science Fair Community Impact Award in the Africa/Middle East region with her entry, “No More Thirsty Crops”. She is also one of the 16 global finalists for the annual awards, to be held at the Google headquarters in the US in September.Kiara, a St Martin’s High School pupil, admitted she had a natural curiosity and questioning nature which had led her down the path of science.“I have always had a great love for chemistry since I was young,” she told the Google Science Fair. “I vividly remember at the age of seven experimenting with vinegar and baking soda solutions in plastic cups.”Food and chemistry were linked in the intertwined science web, she added. “I love molecular gastronomy and the application of scientific principles in food creation.”It seemed natural then that she could have found a possible solution to South Africa’s drought in, what else, but food.Kiara created an absorbent polymer from orange and avocado peels that was able to act as a water retainer in soil.According to the Google Science Fair website, it should be able to “to retain large amounts of water and combat the effects of drought on crops by retaining soil moisture, whilst still recycling waste products of the juice manufacturing industry”.See more:She hopes because it is low cost, it will be able to help farmers save both money and crops.If she won the competition, Kiara said she would be wonderfully elated. “With the prize I will hope to continue my studies in science, but also further the scientific development and application of my idea, and in addition extend scientific progress in elevating the problems that South Africa faces in food security and sustainable agricultural development,” she said.Source: Google Science FairWould you like to use this article in your publication or on your website? See Using SouthAfrica.info material
WATCH: Streetboys show off slick dance moves in Vhong Navarro’s wedding FEU was off to a hot start and mounted a 19-point lead, 30-11, at the start of the second quarter and that early burst was enough for the Tamaraws to hold on until the final buzzer.“That’s what we addressed after our loss to La Salle that we can’t allow ourselves to be down big in the earlier stages of the game,” said Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela in Filipino.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSSEA Games: Philippines picks up 1st win in men’s water poloSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutout“We did fairly well last game but we were down big at the start and what happened today was the exact opposite of what happened last time.”Ron Dennison paced FEU with 16 points while Prince Orizu put up 15 points and grabbed 16 boards. BSP sees higher prices in November, but expects stronger peso, low rice costs to put up fight MOST READ LOOK: Loisa Andalio, Ronnie Alonte unwind in Amanpulo for 3rd anniversary View comments The trio of Richard Escoto, Barkley Ebona and Arvin Tolentino had 11 points apiece to intensify the Tamaraws’ offensive fire.Clark Derige had a game-high 22 points to lead the Red Warriors in the losing effort. E.T. returns to earth, reunites with grown-up Elliott in new ad Frontrow holds fun run to raise funds for young cancer patients Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netFar Eastern University easily brushed off University of the East, 90-83, to claim its first win in the UAAP Season 80 seniors’ basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.The Tamaraws, after losing to defending champion La Salle, 95-90, on Sunday, are now at 1-1 while the Red Warriors are yet to win after two matches.ADVERTISEMENT Fire hits houses in Mandaluyong City Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles01:37Protesters burn down Iran consulate in Najaf01:47Panelo casts doubts on Robredo’s drug war ‘discoveries’01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games Read Next Ateneo beats UP, claims 2nd win in UAAP women’s basketball LATEST STORIES For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. Nonong Araneta re-elected as PFF president
Read Next Spoelstra picked up the idea from watching Dragic play in Slovenia over the last two summers; fouling to get the ball back, even late in tie games, is more prevalent in European games.In the end, it worked out anyway.“That’s the difference between a head coach enjoying his glass of wine or staying up all night second-guessing every single decision,” Spoelstra said.Wade didn’t seem aware of the plan to foul only if he missed one of the three.“I wanted to foul,” Wade said. “I had confidence in myself that I was going to make all three. They kept running (the same) pick and roll, and it was killing us and I just felt playing the numbers … I wanted the young fella to see, in this environment, what he’s going to do.”Simmons missed the first, made the second. Wade brought the ball downcourt, dribbled left, went behind his back, then to the right, then eventually found his spot to fire over Simmons for what became the gamewinner.“That’s what he does,” 76ers coach Brett Brown said. “That’s who he is. That’s who he’s always been. He just sort of grabbed the team and put it on his back.”Philadelphia used a 16-3 run to open a 33-20 lead in the first half, and Miami answered with an 18-2 run to go up 38-35. From there, a 12-minute stretch of back-and-forth commenced with neither team ever leading by more than three.The 76ers eventually broke through, going up nine late in the third. But they saw the margin cut to 75-73 going into the fourth, after Wade hit a step-back 3 to end the quarter. In the fourth, Philadelphia went up again, this time by 10 — and Miami clawed back again, using an 11-1 run to knot the game on a layup by Wade with 4:57 left.And in the end, Wade came through in the biggest way. In his house, the Heat got a needed win. Families in US enclave in north Mexico hold sad Thanksgiving LATEST STORIES Miami Heat Dwyane Wade screams with the crowd after scoring the winning basket to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 in Miami. (Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald via AP)MIAMI — This was vintage Dwyane Wade, and he knew exactly what he was doing.He intentionally fouled Ben Simmons in the final seconds of a tie game, usually an absolute no-no. He didn’t give the ball up on the ensuing possession with his team down by one, choosing instead to decide the outcome himself.ADVERTISEMENT Sports venues to be ready in time for SEA Games PLAY LIST 00:59Sports venues to be ready in time for SEA Games01:27Filipino athletes get grand send-off ahead of SEA Games00:50Trending Articles01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. “It was good tonight to be back in that position,” Wade said.TIP-INS76ers: Philadelphia got fouled three times on 3-point tries and made the utmost of the chances, converting them into 10 points. Marco Belinelli made three free throws, and Redick turned one into a four-point play, and made three more when hit again beyond the arc with 1:47 left. … Redick scored 15, Belinelli had 13 and Simmons finished with 11.Heat: It was the 24th time in Miami’s last 26 games that the winning margin was less than 10 points. … Wade’s previous season high was 25, when he was with Cleveland.MOTT LEAVESMost of the second half was played with only two referees on the floor. Rodney Mott left the game early in the third quarter, accompanied by Heat athletic trainer Jay Sabol. Bill Spooner and Lauren Holtkamp finished the game.UP NEXT76ers: Visit Cleveland on Thursday.Heat: Host the L.A. Lakers on Thursday. Typhoon Kammuri accelerates, gains strength en route to PH LOOK: Iya Villania meets ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ cast in Mexico Goran Dragic scored 21 for the Heat, who got 16 points from Tyler Johnson and 15 points and 11 rebounds from Hassan Whiteside.Joel Embiid scored 23 points for Philadelphia, which got 21 from Dario Saric. The 76ers led by as many as 10 in the fourth and had a chance to win at the buzzer, but JJ Redick’s wide-open 3-point try bounced off the rim.“D-Wade down the stretch was amazing,” Redick said.He needed to be, since Philadelphia led for 96 percent of the second half — and lost, because Wade wouldn’t allow any other outcome.Wade got fouled on a 3-point try with 29 seconds left and the Heat down by three. The plan that Spoelstra laid out was for the Heat to foul Simmons — a 57 percent foul shooter — if Wade missed one of the three foul shots. Wade made all three, but fouled Simmons anyway.ADVERTISEMENT
Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC View comments The foul? Brilliant.The shot? Even better.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSLillard, Anthony lead Blazers over ThunderSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutWade scored 15 of Miami’s final 17 points, finished with a season-high 27 and his jumper with 5.9 seconds remaining lifted the Heat to a 102-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. And yes, he punctuated the gamewinner with the “this is my house” signal and yell to the crowd, as if there was any doubt that he somehow lost the deed to the building during his stints in Chicago and Cleveland.“There’s something about Dwyane Wade when you put that Miami Heat jersey on and play in front of these fans,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He becomes somebody very special.” Pussycat Dolls set for reunion tour after 10-year hiatus John Lloyd Cruz a dashing guest at Vhong Navarro’s wedding AFP official booed out of forum Google honors food scientist, banana ketchup inventor and war hero Maria Orosa Doe-eyed superhero picked for Tokyo Olympics 2020 mascot MOST READ
Kerala Blasters are struggling with injuries and are unlikely to have Mario Arques and Gianni Zuiverloon. They already don’t have Sandesh Jhingan, who had a successful knee surgery on Thursday. Kerala haven’t been able to create many goal-scoring opportunities for star striker Bartholomew Ogbeche and have been extremely edgy at the back..@KeralaBlasters form: W L L@OdishaFC form: L L WWiLL the Blasters turn things around at home against Odisha FC tonight? #KERODI #HeroISL #LetsFootball #TrueLove pic.twitter.com/tePVAz7sqI— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 8, 2019 Odisha FC’s defence would be a bit of a worry as they have conceded six goals in three games and also tend to leak goals in the final 10 minutes. However, their midfield and forward line was fluid in their previous game. Xisco Hernandez’s partnership with Aridane Santana and Jerry Mawihmingthanga looks promising and adding the pace of Nandhakumar Sekar to the mix, Kerala’s defence could be in for trouble.
About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Bournemouth boss Howe delighted with Fraser formby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveBournemouth boss Eddie Howe is delighted with the form of Ryan Fraser.The Scotland international has been a regular presence under Howe this season and is level with Eden Hazard for most assists in the Premier League this season with nine.”He’s done so well this [season], he’s been a regular goal creator, goal scorer and his set-piece delivery has been excellent, which was evident on Wednesday,” Howe said.”Two lovely free-kicks, one floated and one whipped, with two goals coming from that. So really pleased.”I’m not surprised [by his performances]. His technical ability is so high; he’s got two lovely feet and a very good football brain.”It was more a case of wanting him to show everybody what he can do on a consistent basis and he’s started to do it this [season].” 
Chelsea manager Lampard: Hudson-Odoi, James not ready for returnby Freddie Taylora month agoSend to a friendShare the loveChelsea manager Frank Lampard says Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James need more time in the U23s.The teenage duo are expected to be utilised in Lampard’s first-team squad after returning to action with the U23 side last week.But Lampard wants to see them gain more fitness before returning to be considered for selection.”They are fit but not match fit,” said Lampard ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Valencia. “Callum is getting extra work in and with Reece, he played in the Under-23s and they may need another game in the Under-23s in them before they are ready for action. N’Golo similarly. “Although not to play in Under-23s, he will have more training to do just because the injury has been bothering him.” About the authorFreddie TaylorShare the loveHave your say
Brighton defender Dan Burn values his time with Darlingtonby Paul Vegas12 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveBrighton defender Dan Burn values his time with non-league Darlington.The centre-half spent two years at the club as a 17-year-old playing in non-league for Darlington and he talked about what it did for his career.He said: “The people at Darlington were huge for me in terms of what they did for my career at the time.“The youth team manager, Craig Liddle, is someone that really stands out, and I still speak to him today.“He gave me the belief that I could play football properly full time, and not fall out of the game. I am very thankful to someone like that, because having that sort of belief can change your life.“He developed me loads, as I arrived at the club as an average footballer and he pushed me on to be better and reach the next level.“I also have to be thankful to Mark Cooper, who was the first-team manager at the time, as he gave me a good run in the team.“That was a brave decision by him considering my ability and age at the time.” About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say
Brandi Morin APTN National NewsA trapper from northern Alberta is in a fight with Parks Canada after his hunting cabin was removed from Wood Buffalo National Park.Parks Canada said regulations didn’t allow for hunting cabins in the area.He’s now requesting the backing of treaty members from across Canada.
DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler’s new CEO says major job cuts or an alliance with other automakers are not in the plans for Italian-American automaker.Mike Manley says the company downsized its workforce significantly a decade ago, and smaller cuts have been made since. So unlike crosstown rivals Ford and General Motors, he doesn’t expect any “big bang event.”Manley took over for the late Sergio Marchionne last year. Three years ago, Marchionne was shopping for a partner and said the industry needed to consolidate to better share huge capital investment costs.But Manley says FCA is now in a different position and can go it alone. He says at the Detroit auto show that the company has the resources and the balance sheet to stand on its own.The Associated Press
With an increase in demand for these hampers, the donation will be of great help for the Salvation Army.If you would like to donate to the Christmas Hamper Campaign, donations can be dropped off at the Community & Family Services office, 10116 100 Ave.Distribution Day of the hampers is Wednesday, December 19th. FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Doig River First Nations presented a donation in the amount of $2500.00 to the Salvation Army for their Christmas Hamper Campaign.Chief Trevor Makadahay presented Cameron Eggie, Executive Director – Northern Centre of Hope with the Donation at the recent ‘World Cafe’ event held December 5th at the Northern Grand Hotel.The donation was given to go towards the Christmas Hamper Campaign, a service that the Salvation Army provides for anyone in the community to apply for. Unlike the Food Bank, an income matrix is used to assess and prioritize the need. The Salvation Army assesses household income vs expenses to determine the value of the hamper.