Q ASSAf News Nutrition and human immunity ASSAf is one of the ‘intensive partners’ of the US National Academies in a programme that aims to assist African national science academies in offering evidence-based advice to their governments and nations. Now the ASSAf Council has approved the first topic for its evidence-based, consensus study: “Nutritional influences on human immunity.” The brief is to examine the research evidence that relates to three main issues: (i) nutritional modulation of the normal human immune system as a result of under-nutrition and/or specific deficiencies of both macroand micronutrients; (ii) modulation of human nutritional status in states of infection, both acute and chronic, with special emphasis on infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); (iii) effects of nutritional interventions on
morbidity and mortality in adults and children infected with HIV or suffering from clinical tuberculosis, or both. The topic is controversial in South Africa and has given rise to different viewpoints concerning public policy in addressing the ravages of these diseases; consistent and well-analysed evidence has mostly been replaced by belief, assertion, and anecdote. Some people believe that poverty and under- or malnutrition may be the main cause of acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with the HIV infection being a non-contributory or trivial supervening circumstance. Others believe nutritional deficiencies to be an appropriate target of primary therapy for HIV infection and AIDS. Most people, however, believe that nutritional support of persons infected with either Mtb or AIDS is a necessary and helpful part of a
therapeutic approach that concentrates on the eradication, or, at least, control of the infected state in each affected person. A further complication is that many products are now sold over the counter claiming to ‘modulate’ the immune system to prevent or ameliorate HIV and/or Mtb infections. They range from ‘nutritional supplements’ to processed ‘drugs’. Such controversial opinions and products threaten to dissipate the national will to address the problem of these out-of-control pandemics. An impartial review of the available evidence is now needed, to assist in resolving controversy and improving health-service planning as well as to promote national cohesion in addressing these devastating infections. The ASSAf report, with recommendations for national policy and practice, will appear in early 2006.
September – African Origins Month The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) is implementing the initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to engage the public in South Africa’s rich fossil, cultural, and genetic heritage extending back more than three billion years. The theme is African Origins – it all started here! and activities include public lectures and open days at research institutions as well as field trips to fossil parks, World Heritage sites, and museums. For details and updates visit www.saasta.ac.za and consult the media throughout the month. Ezemvelo Nature Reserve (near Bronkhorstspruit)
Q Diary of events
To help to develop appreciation and love of the great outdoors, the reserve has a programme of weekends, each involving an ‘experience’ and a specialist speaker around a special theme. The September and October weekend themes are: 9–11 Sept. Outdoor Photography; 16–18 Sept. and 14–16 Oct. Riverine Ecology; 23–25 Sept. Basic Astronomy; 30 Sept.–2 Oct. Scorpions and Baboon Spiders; 7–9 Oct. Flowers of the Bankenveld; 21–23 Oct. Spiders (speaker – Ansie Dippenaar [see her article in QUEST vol. 1 no. 4, 2005]); 28-30 Oct. Larks, Pipits and Cisticolas. For more information visit www.ezemvelo.co.za
MTN ScienCentre
(407 Canal Walk, Century City, Cape Town)
Back by popular demand, X-tra X-Kit maths and science lessons for grade 11 classes run from 27 August–29 October. There are eight different lessons to choose from and X-Kits are included at a 30% discount. For details phone the MTN ScienCentre at (021) 529 8100 or visit www.mtnsciencentre.org.za
African Astronomical History Symposium (South African Astronomical Observatory, Observatory, Cape Town)
8–9 November: the first-ever symposium on African Astronomical History will be held as one of the festivities surrounding the opening of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). For details visit www.saao.ac.za/assa/aahs
Plan for 4–10 September – National Mathematics Week 30 September–1 October – Eskom Expo All October – Astronomy Month 4–10 October – World Space Week 31 October–2 November – World Conference on Physics and Sustainable Development November – South African Maths Olympiad For more about science events and activities visit the SAASTA web site at www.saasta.ac.za/events Diary of Events welcomes news of science and technology events or happenings. Send full details as “QUEST DIARY” to The Editor, tel./fax: (011) 673 3683 or e-mail: editor.quest@iafrica.com
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