|
|
|
United States
COVID Sequencing Efforts
According to a recent article in Nature, the U.S. has been slow to sequence coronavirus genomes from test samples, and lags behind other countries in identifying variants of the disease. Since November, testing labs have been increasing the number of sequences sent to open-access genome repositories, especially in states like New York, California, Texas, and Florida. However, other states, including Iowa, Tennessee, and New Hampshire, have lagged behind. The decentralized nature of genome tracking and limited data sharing across the country restricts the ability of epidemiologists to uncover new, potentially dangerous mutations of the virus. Some other countries, including the U.K., have established nationwide sequencing efforts, which has generated more than 300,000 coronavirus genomes and allowed researchers to quickly identify variants, including B.1.1.7, first found in the country in September 2020.
This map depicts the sequencing efforts of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States. Click on map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
__________________________________________
|
|
Nigeria
Escaped Prisoners
More than 1,800 prisoners escaped from a Nigerian prison in the town of Owerri after it was attacked in the early morning on Monday. The attackers, armed with rocket-propelled grenades, pick-up trucks, buses, machine guns, and rifles, used explosives to gain entry to the prison yard. Officials have blamed the attack on the Eastern Security Network, a paramilitary wing of the separatist movement, the Indigenous People of Biafra, which has denied responsibility. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has called upon security forces to find the attackers and recapture the escaped convicts.
This map depicts the location of the prison break in Nigeria. Click on the map to expand.
|
|
|
Graphic Source: AFP
__________________________________________
|
|
India
Forces Clash with Maoists
At least 22 members of Indian security forces are dead and another 31 are injured after a four-hour gun battle with Maoist insurgents on Sunday. The security forces were conducting an operation against the insurgent group in the state of Chattisgarh when one of the teams came under attack. The area where the mission was being carried out is considered the stronghold of Maoist insurgents according to Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister of Chattisgarh. The government has spent decades fighting Maoist rebel groups, also known as Naxals, who conduct regular attacks on government forces to overthrow the state with the stated aim of building a classless society. Indian Maoists are largely active in central Indian regions largely inhabited by tribal people.
This map depicts the regions of India affected by fighting between government forces and Maoist insurgents. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
 |
Q: Which group of islands, believed to be discovered in 1819, were the first land masses found below 60 degrees south latitude?
A: South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands, located 75 miles (120 km) north of the Antarctic Peninsula, were discovered by English captain William Smith in February of 1819. Smith’s expedition had set off from Buenos Aires, Argentina en route to Valparaiso, Chile when contrary winds in the Drake Passage caused him to bare south. Smith, and Irish sailor Edward Bransfield, were reportedly the first to see the Antarctic Peninsula, on a later expedition in 1820.
Source
|
|
|
|
|
Q: With at least 160 confirmed languages spoken there, which is the most linguistically diverse county in the United States?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
|
|
|
|
AGS is accepting DailyGeo GeoQuestion suggestions.
Write to ags@americangeo.org with any ideas!
Please include GeoQuestions in the subject line, along with your answer and source.
|
|
|
DailyGeo is a daily digital communication created by AGS for the geography community. Feel free to share and encourage others to become part of the community too!
Copyright © 2021 American Geographical Society, All rights reserved.
We understand this might not be for everyone. Although we would hate to see you go, you can unsubscribe here.
How are we doing? We want to hear your feedback on the DailyGeo – what are we doing right and what should we be doing differently. Talk to us by emailing ags@americangeo.org. |
|
|
|
|
