Mobile app diagnoses malaria from a single drop of blood

27th July 2011 in Health & Wellbeing.

The virtual ink had barely dried on our story about the Skin Scan app for diagnosing melanoma when we received word of another, equally compelling mobile diagnostic tool. Focusing this time on the millions of people at risk from malaria in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world, Lifelens is a project that has created a smartphone app to diagnose the insidious, mosquito-borne disease.

More than one million people die each year from Malaria, and roughly 85 percent of them are children under the age of 5, the Lifelens project notes. The most prevalent diagnostic tool, meanwhile, is the rapid diagnostic test (RDT), which is known to be associated with a 60 percent incidence rate of false positive results. That, in turn, results in the treatment of many people who don’t actually have Malaria, driving up the costs of anti-Malaria treatment significantly. The Lifelens project, on the other hand, aims to make the process both cheaper and more accurate by analyzing blood digitally instead. Specifically, once blood is stained to reveal the Malaria parasites, the project’s smartphone app can analyze a magnified image of a drop of blood captured via simple finger prick, including counting the various types of cells it includes. Malarial parasites are among those it can identify, making false results much less likely. Once analysis is complete, data is uploaded to the Web, where it can be mapped for a high-level view of where Malaria outbreaks are occurring. The video below demonstrates Lifelens in action:

Melanoma and Malaria, of course, are just two of countless other afflictions that plague mankind. Mobile entrepreneurs: where else could smartphones be used to save lives?

Website: www.thelifelensproject.com
Contact: wilson.to@thelifelensproject.com

Falling in love with Cape Town

South Africa’s Mother City, with its cloud-draped Table Mountain, golden #beaches and bountiful vineyards, captures people’s hearts.

Few cities contain a wonderful national park at their heart or provide the broad range of adventurous activities that take full advantage of it. Accentuating this natural majesty is Capetonians’ creative flair with design and colour. From the brightly painted facades to the contemporary Afro-chic décor of its guesthouses, restaurants and bars, this is one handsome metropolis.

This year #Cape Town had to prepare for its biggest party since the first democratic elections of 1994. For the 2010 World Cup, the city made a bold architectural statement in the new Green Point Stadium, complemented by improved infrastructure to host the hundreds of thousands of participants.

Its star attraction is #Table Mountain National Park. To Nelson Mandela and his fellow prisoners on Robben Island it was a beacon of hope. To the millions of people who have climbed or been transported in the cableway to its 1088m peak, it is the ultimate viewpoint over the city.

If you want to get active, Cape Town‘s wind-whipped waves and Table Mountain is a nirvana for the adventure sport enthusiast, with operators lining up to ensure you don’t go home without having experienced adrenaline rushes like surfing and rock climbing.

For more extreme adventures, such as #shark-cage diving or paragliding, you’ll need to travel out of the city or wait for the ideal weather conditions. But it is not all about thrill-seeking. The #Mother City is also a fabulous location for a leisurely game of golf, practicing your yoga moves or a spot of pampering at the spa. #Capetonians are also avid supporters of sport – enthusiastically attending football, rugby or cricket games.

Don’t forget to leave some space in your suitcase because you will probably be leaving Cape Town laden with booty. An irresistible range of products – from modern African beadwork to fine wines – is guaranteed to turn even the most consumer-averse visitor into a shopaholic.

Local design and fashion are sizzling hot, so if you want to give your wardrobe or home that contemporary African look, Cape Town is the place to break out the credit card. The city also acts as a clearing house for antiques and curios from all over Africa and you’ll find some amazing pieces here – as well as plenty of fakes!

This is also a delicious city to #dine in. The best of Cape Town’s restaurants and #cafés are on a par with those of larger and more cosmopolitan cities, and its top chefs can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Gordon Ramsey, Charlie Trotter or Jamie Oliver, lending the city the nickname, ‘Tavern of the Seven Seas’.

After dinner, head out on a Friday or Saturday night to #Long St, De Waterkant or #Camps Bay for an experience of how the locals like to party. During the long, warm #summer nights you will find some convivial place to while away the evening. There is certainly no shortage of bars with stunning views of either beach or mountain and, if getting a workout on the dance floor is more your thing, then there’s bound to be a club to suit.

It’s not all about drinking and dancing. Cape Town’s nightlife also embraces cabaret and comedy venues, and live music gigs with #jazz, rock and pop are all popular. Cape Town has a vibrant and creative arts scene. There’s a healthy range of theatrical offerings and for music lovers, the exciting news is the development of Old Town Hall into a dedicated music and cultural venue.

If you’d like a glass of red with that, there are more than 200 wineries within a day’s drive of the city. Cape Town is the natural hub for touring the Western Cape’s Winelands. This is where South Africa’s wine industry – now the ninth-largest in the world – began, three centuries ago.

Above all, Cape Town is a multicultural city, where respect for different ways of living is ingrained. Given #South Africa’s troubled history, such wisdom has been hard won: practically everyone has a fascinating, sometimes heartbreaking story to tell. When the time comes to leave, you may find your heart breaking, too.

Franschhoek Uncorked Festival

3 & 4 September 2011
Make your way to the picturesque #Franschhoek #Wine Valley, over the weekend of 3 and 4 September, for the unique spring wine meander, Franschhoek Uncorked. This multi-faceted celebration takes place on satellite farms throughout the Valley, and affords award-winning wineries - as well as the smaller hidden gems - the opportunity to ‘bloom’ as they showcase new vintages and releases, coinciding with the onset of spring.

Highly acclaimed wineries, participating in this much loved #event include Allée Bleue, Boekenhoutskloof, Cabrière, Solms-Delta, Graham Beck Wines, Grande Provence, La Motte, Anthonij Rupert Wines, Môreson, Rickety Bridge, Vrede en Lust and Plaisir de Merle. Also included in the line up are some of Franschhoek’s smaller gems such as Dieu Donné, Franschhoek Cellars, GlenWood Wines, La Chataigne, Lynx Wines, La Petite Ferme, Topiary Wines and Maison. In addition select #wineries will keep their visitors entertained with a range of events, whilst enjoying their fine #wines.

Take in the picturesque scenery while soaking in country hospitality at its best. Wander along leisurely from #farm to farm, enjoying some of live entertainment on show while enjoying fine wines and an array of delectable treats; a taste of what you can expect from #South Africa’s gourmet capital.

So, with something for everyone, make a weekend of your visit, taking full advantage of the various accommodation packages on offer. Come and indulge yourself as you witness the country’s gourmet capital blossom and come alive
For more information about the #festival and #accommodation,please contact:
riverlodgebackpackers@gmail.co​m or phone us +27 (0)214480526

Llandudno Beach, Cape Town

Llandudno Beach must be one of the finest #Cape Town Beaches. The pristine crescent of #Llandudno beach curls itself into the base of the mountain rock between #Hout Bay and #Camps Bay. A steep stare from the coastal road, light blues melt to deep darks where ships have wrecked themselves in stormy waters.

Roll out your #beach towel, read a romance novel and relax. Throw open a picnic blanket, toss your cares ashore and tunnel your toes into the sand. Wave #surfers and lifesavers challenge the currents but for the less competitive an ankle-deep Atlantic dip will refresh. Blow up a beach ball for the kids and let them finger sketch in the soft white sand. The wind may wake you from a sea-side snooze so try to find a sheltered spot behind a rock if a breeze is a bother. No refreshments are for sale, so come packed and prepared. Lather up in sunscreen, though a little further from the sun down in Llandudno, it will reach you strong.

Bring a brolly and the family and brave the day beach side. In an elite residential area the parking is minimal so the big beach is seldom crowded. Llandudno is great for sunbathing and recreational activities. The views from the beach are spectacular and the water is often a clear tropical blue that’s inviting and refreshing, but rather cool. Stay a little later on the beach and you will be treated to awesome sunsets. If you feel like taking a stroll, there’s a great walk out to the rocks on the right hand side that will give you stunning views looking back at the beach. The waves are powerful and great for surfing. If you are not a strong swimmer do not venture out too far. This is a popular surf spot with a hollow beach break.

Into the Elephant's Eye

A stunning hiking trail which is not too long, not too tough but just right for any family of bears



#Silvermine Nature Reserve forms part of the #Table Mountain #National Park. It straddles the mountain, from the winding #Ou Kaapse Weg on the #Tokai, #Constantia side of the #mountain, over the peak of the mountain into #Noordhoek and #Fishhoek, overlooking the ocean. Depending on which trail you follow, the view changes dramatically. I was secretly excited to figure out why this trail got its name and I had to wait until the very end of the walk to find out.
Silvermine takes its name from the Silvermine River, which starts in the reserve and runs to #Clovelly and it is an important conservation area for indigenous fynbos vegetation.
Entrance to the Reserve is at the top of Ou Kaapse Weg where a small fee is charged.

I passed the reservoir and admired the floating lilies, skipped along the path chasing each other's shadows until we reached a rocky incline and then we panted our way to the top. The peak revealed a forest with a river running through it. Fresh mountain water. Drinking in the view made my way over the stream up the side of the mountain toward a little stone hut which we thought was the top. Still not.

And then, around the corner I spotted a cave which appeared to be in the shape of an (you got it) elephant's eye. The thin trail meandered to a cave near the peak. The bears gobbled their snacks and warmed their coats in the winter sun. It all lasted two hours in total with rests. This trail isn't too tough or too long, it is 'just right'.

Parking is available for those who wish to spend a few hours #walking, #hiking or #exploring the many #mountain #bike #trails that the #Reserve offers. Individual picnic sites are situated around the Silvermine Reservoir and these can be booked in advance.
Sandstone cave systems can also be found in the Reserve, and there are rock climbing routes on the #Muizenberg side.

STUNNING CAPE TOWN BEACHES

The east lights up as the sun rises on this southern tip of #Africa. Mountains catch the first rays of warmth, sending a warning with the light breeze towards the waters grazing the well-known #Cape Town #beaches.

It’s going to be a sunny day! Perfect for the exploration of the numerous beaches Cape Town has on offer. Cape Town is renowned for her magnificent beaches, but selecting the perfect one for fun in the summer sun can prove somewhat difficult!

It’s best is to get up early and make your way from your Cape Town accommodation, down towards the #False Bay coastline- ideal to experience one of Cape Town’s spectacular sunrises.

Start off at #Muizenberg Beach where the air is crisp and the sea forecasts another lovely day. Morning dew forms patterns on the pearly white sand; it’s that special time of morning when you allow your soul to be recharged by the power of the waves.

Little colourful beach houses over looking #False Bay, declare that this beach is where Cape Town surfing originated from. Professional guides who teach this sport are available for anyone interested!

Carrying on along the coast, it’s probably about time for a delicious breakfast!

#Olympia Café awaits your arrival. This little Café is situated in #Kalk Bay, just past #St James - one of the smaller beaches along the False Bay coastline. Sitting in the trendy Café, customers are greeted by a tranquil view of cobalt blue waters rubbing gently against the sides of anchored boats. Kalk Bay is a lively fishing village known for its fresh fish and fascinating, arty main road

Compared to the Atlantic Ocean, the water is much warmer on the False Bay coast. The little town of #Fishhoek is another popular beach- perfect for families with children as it’s one of the safest swimming beaches in the Cape. Fifteen minutes drive takes you to a series of small, picturesque sandy shores situated between granite boulders, where black and white African penguins flock together. These small comical seabirds are the reason for #Boulders Beach’s popularity.

Passing the #Cape Point Nature Reserve you leave behind #Indian Ocean and meet the Atlantic Ocean. Well-known beaches host bronzed sun bathers along this popular palm-tree lined coastline. The waters of the Atlantic Seaboard are several degrees colder than along the False Bay coastline, but still attract a lot of visitors since Cape Town’s hot summers call for a refreshing dip in icy waters.

Hout Bay is a well-loved town known for its delicious fresh seafood offered all year round. The beach here is appropriate for splashing in the waves with the kids, boogie boarding, paddle skiing and just family fun in the sun.

In contrasting further along the coast is Sandy Bay- a beach where those who are in need of an all-over tan are more than welcome. Kids might want to spend the day with the babysitter!

#Clifton, #Camps Bay and #Llandudno are the most popular beaches on the Atlantic side. This is where summer sun and models embrace, while children build sand castles and surfers show their skills in the waves!

Whether you desire peace and quiet on a secluded beach, or fun in the sun with big waves and plenty of people, Cape Town is the picture-perfect beach destination!

Hout Bay Dunes to Sandy Bay

This is a wonderful #walk that will treat you to amazing, panoramic views of #Hout Bay and #Sandy Bay, taking you from one scenic bay to another. The walk begins on a gradual uphill road which becomes quite steep near the top. The dunes will be on your left hand side as you climb out of Sandy Bay. They are great to walk on but we advise you to rather walk down them on your way back.

You turned to run/crawl straight up a sandy bluff perhaps 100 feet high. The first time I went in there, on reaching the top I saw a vast expanse of snow. snow? wait, no, it was white sand dunes stretching for a quarter mile. Spectacular sensation of freshness and relief, while you are walking barefoot long the route. You traversed the #sand dunes and dropped quickly back into the neighborhood. Wow.The best visual run of my life.
You can see people run around with their #dogs and #children play with the sand...
At the top of the saddle you will look down on the secluded Sandy Bay; known for being #Cape Town’s #nudist beach. The sandy path traverses down towards the white sandy beach.

Be sure to take a #costume and towel on a hot day as you will be very tempted to swim in the cool #ocean, which will leave you refreshed and ready to walk back up over into Hout Bay.

If you want to experience the breeze and the romantic atmosphere, you must wait for the #sunset, beautiful from the top of the dunes and always different... You won't regret any moments spent in this unusual and unique spot in Hout Bay.

DAILY WINE TOURS

Based in the heart of the #Winelands of #South Africa, our specialty is wine!
wine tours cater for the connoisseur, the wine lover, and even the wine novices. If you want to spend a day enjoying award winning wines, fine cuisine and admiring spectacular scenery.

Full Day #Wine Tours 9.30am – 5 pm

Experience the true Winelands classic! Spend your day sampling fantastic wines and enjoying a scrumptious picnic lunch on a famous wine estate.

The full day wine tour departs Cape Town at 08:30 approximately, with a pick up at your accommodation (or elsewhere by arrangement)

The first stop will be at Villiera vineyards in the Stellenbosch Region. At Villiera the underlying philosophy is to ensure that the wines reflect the specific character of the terroir, as well as the unique characteristics of each vintage. In addition, techniques are utilised in the cellar that develop and retain the distinct varietal aromas and flavours. after visiting the cellar and tasting the special champagne of South Africa we will heading Tokara, situated on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass in South Africa, produces innovative and distinctive wines under the TOKARA and ZONDERNAAM labels as well as a limited edition five year pot still Brandy. With 15 hectares of olive trees growing on the steepest slopes of the farm, and a plan to increase this number to 20 hectares by 2012, THE OLIVE SHED AT TOKARA is bringing a quality olive oil to accompany TOKARA wines at the table.

Soon after we will have lunch at Solms-Delta. a wine farm estate at #Franschhoek, which offers a variety of highlights throughout the seasons. Experience picnics all year round in its magical forest, modern Cape cuisine at its renowned #Fyndraai restaurant, and an annual harvest festival that draws visitors from near and far.

The beautiful Franschhoek wine farm estate also features a museum that explores the slave heritage of the area, and the conventional #wine tasting experience.

The last wine estate is The Fairview at Paarl which has recently achieved champion status under the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative. The BWI is a partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector. The initiative aims to protect and conserve the existing natural habitats within the Cape winelands.

The quality of the Fairview cheeses is good enough to serve and they are offered along with wine tastings in the tasting room.

Return at approximately 5-6pm.

Wine tours are led by experienced registered guides, who have led wine tours in this region for several years.

In order to give you a specialist, focused and friendly tour, we keep wine tour groups small.

Wine tours are tailored to our clients interests and requirements.

We can also cater for private or larger groups, by arrangement.

We will take you on a unforgettable, informative tour of the region, some of the best wine estates and answer the questions you may have about wine and wine making in the Cape Winelands of South Africa.

Half day wine tours are also available on request.

Also shuttles, airport transfers, accommodation advice and booking for your time in South Africa.

To discuss your requirements or to book now contact us:

riverlodgebackpackers@gmail.com

Short & Sweet Film Screenings

Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky brings London’s longest running short film evening to Cape Town

Every Tuesday for 5 weeks, Short & Sweet will bring art-loving Capetonians and whisky connoisseurs together for a night of wining, dining and good old-fashioned movie-watching.
...
A celebration of both local and international short film, Short & Sweet is as much about the mingling as it is about the viewing experience. 8 short films, music videos and short animations from around the globe will be screened every week.

Each screening at the venue will offer a delightful range of things to taste, from sushi to Crayfish cooked on open flames. Roaring fireplaces and a fully stocked bar offering the whisky connoisseurs best kept secret - Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky - will keep you toasty in the wintery weather.

The sophistication of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky coupled with the comfort of The Dream Factory provides the perfect environment to enjoy a film evening unlike any other.

For more information about the event, tickets, shuttle aso. contact us on facebook or riverlodgebackpackers@gmail.com

False Bay to Simon's Town by train

The peninsula of #Cape Town happens to be spectacular from any angle you may look at it.

Hopping in your #car and road tripping is one thing, taking a tour bus to all the most popular places is another, but actually using the public transport system of the train to see the bits of coast you can't reach with your car makes for a beautiful ride.

In comparison to trains and subways of first-world countries, I must admit we do lack somewhat. The #train’s route is not nearly as extensive as it should be, given that a large majority of Capetonians use it to commute to work every day and there are only one or two main lines.

But the one route that does run all the way from the inner city, through the suburbs and all the way along the coast into Simonstown is a lovely ride especially if you’re doing it for fun and outside of peak hours.

It was a public holiday, which meant that the rest of the city was not falling over each other to get to work.

With a northwest wind blowing, surfers had already paddled out in their dozens at #Muizenberg beach. The water was incredibly clear and I imagined that this must mean perfect visibility for the shark spotters up along #Boyes Drive.

Before I knew it, I was rapidly passing the cosy #St. James Beach with its brightly colored changing rooms and children running into the water.A couple huddled together away from the beach crowds and sought shade beneath a tree. It seemed like the day for #paddlers, kayakers and anyone possessing water sports equipment, for the ocean seemed to be glassy and fairly flat.

A man with a hat launched his orange kayak out beside the rocks as the mist hovered over the greater part of False Bay.

In #Kalk Bay, the ocean seemed to be dotted with a brush of turquoise and navy blue strokes with each different turn the train took.

The #Brass Bell restaurant buzzed as usual, whilst moored fishing boats bobbed about at Kalk Bay harbor and groups of girls huddled together on the sand.

The red and white lighthouse stood tall and proud and never waivered at the sight of waves crashing against its sides. The regular visitors to the harbor, two massive seals, maneuvered up at stairs to get unwanted bits of fish.

On the opposite side of the road, the #Cuban flag of #Cape to Cuba’s restaurant flapped merrily and pedestrians in search of lunch waited for tables at #Olympia Café.

Tourists browsed the antique stores and boutiques filled with desirable clothing.

Older couples tanned along the boardwalk of #Fishhoek beach and just before the train turned the corner, fisherman cast their lines outward in hope of a good day. Lifeguarding squads began their training near Clovelly Corner and launched their paddle skis out in a rapid motion.

When I leaned a little way out of the train, the wind caught my hair and my face felt cool. I had to stand on the seat just to see outside the window.

An elderly man took his daily stroll along the boardwalk, not once lifting his head at the sound of the passing train. #Children and their parents wading in the rock pools waved eagerly at me and I waved back.

End of the journey

Old #Simon's Town with its buildings dated from the 1800s, a cute sidewalk cafe and Salty Sea Dog's fish and chips awaited. Crowds were seated on the water’s edge for lunch and coffee. Families leaned over the jetty pointing at the yachts and little boats. Foreigners posed for photos and booked boat tours around the harbor.

I must admit that the train provided a different experience.For only R15 [about $2US] for a return ticket, I had explored one side of the peninsula in half an afternoon. And what a breathtaking coastline it is!

Thelema Wines Winter Classic Film Festival

The new Fugard Theatre Bioscope will be hosting a month-long Winter Classic Film Festival

The Fugard Theatre Bioscope's Winter Classic Film Festival is proudly presented in association with Thelema Mountain Vineyards from 20th June to 16th July 2011.

This follows the prior screenings - until 11 June - of classic films based on the plays of Athol Fugard, in honour of his Tony Lifetime Achievement Award.

The film screenings will start with hot soup, fresh garlic bread, delicious Thelema Wines and a warm atmosphere awaiting patrons at the Fugard Theatre.

The four week Fugard Theatre Bioscope Winter Classic Film Festival will have four different themes.

Week 1: Thrillers
Week 2: Classical Political Thrillers
Week 3: Classic Gay Movies
Week 4: Classic Rock Concerts

Come and re-live some of the best Classics ever made. The Winter Classic Film Festival has been programmed by Fugard Theatre founding producer Eric Abraham, who also produced the Academy Award-winning film KOLYA.

For more information contact us on facebook or riverlodgebackpackers@gmail.com