Cassava Virus

  
A virus ravaging cassava plants in Africa poses a significant future threat to the stability of the region and the nourishment and health of its people.
Cassava is a tuber that is commonly grown and eaten throughout Africa, South America, and Asia, and it is also commonly referred to as yuca and tapioca.  A recent virus is wiping out cassava crops in East Africa, and as the plant is a staple of the East African diet, its blight has raised concerns of a possible famine and food shortage if the virus continues to spread.  I had not previously come across this story until today, and I think it is important to learn about and stay alerted to in light of its potentially devastating impact.  You can read more about the cassava virus in an article posted in the New York Times.