Archive
Health & Sun Protection
A record of albinism news, research, and advocacy from trusted sources around the world. Reviewed by a human editor before publication.
Jane Kasweka
Livingstone, Zambia
Delphile Bandha
Livingstone, Zambia
Purity Kashweka
Livingstone, Zambia
Dorcus Siabasimbi
Livingstone, Zambia
Carolina Khaskelis from the United States is visiting Livingstone, Zambia, where she is spending time with members of the local albinism community, including Jane Kasweka, Delphile Bandha, Purity Kashweka, and Dorcus Siabasimbi. Alongside distributing essential sunscreen, Carolina is listening to their stories and learning more about their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismAbia state proposes monthly cancer screening for albinism community
Officials in Abia, Nigeria, have called for regular skin cancer screening for people with albinism, citing their heightened vulnerability to UV-related disease.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismAlbinism Awareness Month brings skin cancer risks into focus
People with albinism face significantly higher rates of skin cancer, yet access to sunscreen and dermatological care remains limited across much of the world.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchSnowflake the gorilla with albinism was inbred
A genetic study has identified inbreeding as the cause of albinism in Snowflake, a western lowland gorilla who lived at Barcelona Zoo for 37 years.
Health & Sun ProtectionAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsWhat genomic newborn screening found in 10,800 infants
Early trials across three countries tested genome sequencing at birth. Researchers say key questions about fairness, cost, and long-term outcomes remain open.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismAlbinism Awareness Month focuses on skin cancer detection
The Knysna-Plett Herald reports on Albinism Awareness Month, highlighting elevated skin cancer risks for people with albinism and the case for early detection.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismAbia first lady offers cash and insurance to albinism community
The wife of Abia State's governor distributed cash and health insurance cards to people with albinism and sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchSnowflake the gorilla's albinism traced to inbreeding
A genetic study of Snowflake, the only known gorilla with albinism, found his condition resulted from inbreeding between close relatives.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismSkin changes in albinism that need a doctor
People with albinism face a higher risk of skin damage from UV exposure. Knowing which changes to watch for can make a significant difference.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismHow hunger becomes a health crisis for South Africans
Food insecurity in South Africa harms health long before anyone reaches a hospital. Experts say the damage begins quietly, at the table.
Health & Sun ProtectionAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsResearch links hearing loss genes to specific ear cells
A new genetic study identifies distinct cochlear cell types involved in age-related hearing loss, offering clues to why the condition develops differently in different people.
Health & Sun ProtectionAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsGenetic mutation rate study may improve disease prediction
A new analysis finds that tools used to predict whether gene variants cause disease may be systematically skewed by variation in mutation rates across the genome.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchTexas A&M maps bison genome, identifies albinism gene
Researchers at Texas A&M have built a detailed genetic map of the American bison and identified the gene responsible for albinism in the species.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchGene-edited albino toads reveal camouflage's role in hunting
A new study used albino toads to show that skin pigmentation is not decorative — it is a functional tool for catching prey.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismWhat albinism skin actually needs, and why myths persist
NTV Kenya's The Glam examines the dermatological realities of albinism and the misconceptions that continue to surround skin and pigmentation.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismStandard lens implant offers cataract option for oculocutaneous albinism
A case study published in Medical Research Journal suggests standard intraocular lenses may work where specialised devices are unavailable. The finding carries practical weight for patients in low-resource settings.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchGenes linked to albinism identified in Wels catfish
Researchers have identified candidate genes associated with albinism in Wels catfish, adding to the scientific understanding of pigmentation genetics across species.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismAfrican healthcare training overlooks family and community roles
Healthcare professionals across Africa often work in contexts shaped by collective care, but their training rarely reflects this. A new analysis calls for change.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismWhole-genome sequencing maps genetic roots of albinism
A study in npj Genomic Medicine used whole-genome sequencing to identify diverse genetic causes behind albinism and infantile nystagmus, offering new detail on how these conditions present.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchWhole-genome sequencing maps the genetics of albinism
A new study in npj Genomic Medicine used whole-genome sequencing to identify diverse genetic causes behind albinism and infantile nystagmus, offering clearer paths to diagnosis.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismOn the Cape Flats, violence shapes everyday health
A report from South Africa's Cape Flats examines how chronic community violence functions as a public health crisis, affecting residents' daily lives.