A recent study finds that socio-economic development is a key driver of increasing flood risks in West African coastal regions, surpassing the impact of rising sea levels. The research highlights the need for regional coordination to address this issue through conservation and reforms to socio-economic development.
Researchers found that coastal overtopping is set to increase exponentially by 2050, with a 50-fold increase possible under high emission scenarios. Global warming will exacerbate flooding risks in tropical areas and other hotspots, necessitating adaptation measures.
Researchers mapped forest composition and vulnerability in Central Africa, finding some areas more sensitive to climate change than others. The study suggests that preserving diversity of forest types is essential for sustainable management policies and fighting against climate change.
Global Africa aims to report on various issues in Africa and worldwide, fostering international-level evaluation standards. The journal's launch is part of a program that includes training courses, pop-up seminars, and conferences to cultivate African research production and dissemination ecosystem.
The study found that five of seven SDG 14 targets are achievable with spatial management tools, such as marine protected areas and fully protected areas. Single-sector tools are not effective for all targets, while multi-sectoral tools facilitate the achievement of a wide range of targets.
A new model has been developed to predict earthquake propagation speeds, resolving a long-standing inconsistency between theory and observations. The 3D model overcomes the limitations of previous 2D models and accounts for oblique sliding, making it more accurate in predicting seismic wave behavior.
Researchers identified 132 heat-tolerant sweetpotato varieties, 65.9% of which are traditional local varieties, demonstrating good heat tolerance and potential for selection as high-yield, heat-tolerant varieties.
Research on insects addresses sustainability science goals such as promoting peace and improving health by providing innovative solutions to pressing problems. Insects are identified as unsung heroes in tackling multifaceted sustainability challenges.
Researchers found that global warming promotes the development of pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture, leading to increased disease rates and antibiotic use. The study highlights the urgent need for alternative treatments and encourages research using One Health or EcoHealth approaches to address antimicrobial resistance.
A new study reveals that 31.7% of tropical Africa's vascular plant species are potentially threatened with extinction, while an additional 33.2% are potentially rare. The RAINBIO database was used to identify four regions in Africa most exposed to threats.
The study found that India's cesarean delivery rate has increased significantly since 2005-06, reaching 17.2% in 2010-16. However, significant regional and socio-economic disparities exist, with poorer regions having lower rates and richer areas experiencing high rates above 50%.
Researchers analyzed the Sulawesi island earthquake to identify its propagation speed of 4.1 km/s, which falls between seismic wave speeds. The study's findings suggest that steady rupture at unexpected speeds can occur on damaged rocks and may enhance cascading effects.
Unsafe abortions are common in Latin America and Africa, with 3.7 million and 4.2 million reported annually, respectively. The lack of access to safe abortion services exacerbates maternal mortality and social injustice. Feminist groups and civil organizations advocate for decriminalization, but conservative positions hinder progress.
The new satellite tool provides daily observations of small areas, allowing for improved yield assessments and modeling of water transfer. This enables the reorientation of irrigation towards crop parcels where it is most needed, facilitating significant improvements in cultivation practices.
Fishing on drifting fish aggregation devices (FADs) poses a significant threat to the survival of tropical tuna, especially juveniles. Studies have shown that FAD-associated tuna feed less well and have lower plumpness than those caught from free schools.
Research found that fishing on FADs resulted in tuna with empty stomachs, lower plumpness, and altered migration patterns. The practice may lead to ecological traps for young fish, which could impact the entire life cycle of these species.
A study in the Ivory Coast found that involving male partners in prenatal screening and HIV prevention increased acceptance of testing among women. Psychosocial support during key moments improved handling of the infection, while male partner involvement led to a significant increase in women agreeing to testing.
A recent study identifies seven regions where non-native freshwater fish species make up over a quarter of the recorded species, highlighting the need for surveillance and precautionary measures. The research suggests that human economic activities are the main driving factor behind exotic species invasions in these regions.
In Kenya, ethnic violence linked to land tenure claims has led to a fierce situation of fire and fighting, particularly in the Rift Valley. The Majimbo ideology, built on regional homogeneity, justifies political supremacy and local land tenure, leading to xenophobic feelings.
A French team found that a common genetic element, SymRK, is essential for nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between plants and bacteria. The study used transgenic plants to demonstrate the crucial role of SymRK in establishing symbiotic relationships.
A new TB screening test based on ELISPOT test has shown high sensitivity and specificity in detecting latent TB infection in HIV-infected individuals. The test was compared to the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST) and found to be more sensitive, but its effectiveness in severely immunosuppressed individuals remains unclear.
Scientists from IRD and University of Chile investigate hot spot volcanism in the central Pacific Ocean. Numerical simulation models reveal an alternative scenario involving shearing strain within tectonic plates. This could lead to a reevaluation of the break-up of the Earth's largest tectonic plate.
A 13-year study found significant changes in Onchocerca volvulus populations' genetic structure, indicating adaptation to repeated ivermectin treatments. The parasite's resistance to the drug threatens the current control strategy against onchocerciasis.
A recent study found that soil erosion in northern Mexico is accelerating due to overgrazing, leading to the loss of fertile land and vegetation. The research team used a rainfall index type hydrological model to simulate soil moisture levels and runoff rates, revealing that areas with low rainfall are most prone to sheet erosion.
A team of Chilean and IRD scientists found that the Pacific seaboard experienced significant cooling between 1820 and 1878 due to a large continent-ocean temperature contrast. This discovery sheds new light on El Niño's variability, which may intensify in a warming world.
Researchers from IRD, CNRS, and Universities worldwide studied oxygen isotope compositions to identify rubies' sources. They found 62% came from mantle origin and 20% from deep continental crust, improving prospecting strategies for these precious stones.
A study of mitochondrial DNA reveals that piranhas' modern species originated from a recent diversification event triggered by marine incursions into the Amazon Basin. The researchers propose that factors like water quality and geographical history played a crucial role in shaping the diversity of these fish species.
Scientists have identified a new genetic lineage of the Ebola virus in great apes, which contradicts previous assumptions about its evolutionary development. This discovery suggests that wild strains of Ebolavirus can exchange genetic material through recombination processes.
Researchers have developed a genetic identity card for Plasmodium falciparum populations, revealing high genetic diversity and inbreeding rates. The study's findings can help predict changes in genes involved in drug resistance, enabling targeted therapies to minimize resistance development.
Researchers used satellite data to monitor inflation in the Lastarria-Cordon del Azufre volcanic complex, detecting a long wavelength signal indicating possible magmatic activity. A short wavelength signal was also found, likely linked to hydrothermal fluid circulation.
Scientists have found Marburg virus in Egyptian rousette fruit bats, a non-symptom developing carrier species that likely transmits the virus to humans. The discovery reveals this bat as Africa's natural reservoir and highlights the need for public health measures to prevent future outbreaks.
The Brazilian Atlantic forest has lost 95% of its original size, but researchers have found 'refugia' where the forest is still thriving. These regions may hold the secrets to regenerating the ecosystem.
Research finds strong correlation between cholera outbreaks and climate changes, including rainfall and Indian Oscillation Index. The study provides basis for early warning system and prevention measures.
Researchers developed a non-pyrethroid-DEET combination that shows strong synergy in lethal and paralyzing effects on mosquitoes, inhibiting blood feeding. The treatment's residual efficacy is several months longer than either agent applied alone.
A team of researchers has discovered a new plant-bacterial symbiotic mechanism that allows certain leguminous plants to fix nitrogen more efficiently. This finding has significant implications for agriculture, particularly in tropical countries, and could lead to increased crop yields while reducing fertilizer use.
Researchers from IRD and IMARPE found that fishermen adopt similar movement strategies to natural predators when searching for anchovy fish, highlighting the importance of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. This study used VMS data to analyze vessel movements and identify areas with high vulnerability of stock exploited.
The study found that antibodies against arthropod saliva can indicate exposure to bites, allowing for improved assessment of disease transmission risk in endemic areas. This research aims to develop simple and effective prevention tools using immunogenic salivary proteins.
Researchers found that fishermen's movement patterns are comparable to those of natural predators, such as albatross or seals. This convergence suggests that fishermen are not solely economic agents but part of the ecosystem, influencing fish stock management and requiring an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.
A team of researchers has revealed a new mode of communication between plants and bacteria that can form nodules on stems, enabling higher nitrogen fixation. This discovery calls into question the traditional model of molecular communication in rhizobia-legume symbiosis.
Researchers found that the polysaccharide vaccine can reduce meningitis cases by up to 72% in subsequent epidemics, making it an ideal tool for preventive vaccination strategy. A more cost-effective conjugated vaccine is also being developed to improve access to vaccines in African countries.
A randomized controlled trial in Senegal found that training health-care personnel, communication with patients, and considering local context improved treatment adherence by 20%. The action strategy also reduced defaulting rates by two-thirds. This approach aims to restrict disease spread and prevent resistant strains.
Satellite imagery revealed a significant decline in Himalayan glacier thickness by up to 10 meters between 2000 and 2004. The research used digital field models to compare NASA and French satellite data, resulting in an average annual mass balance of -0.7 to -0.85 meters per year for the studied region.
A novel form of trypanosomiasis has been identified in India, resulting from a deficiency in apolipoprotein L-1. Analysis revealed that the patient's serum lacked the protein's trypanolytic activity, which normally destroys parasites.
Researchers in Morocco found that combining cypress with lavender or mycorrhizal fungi increases survival rates and growth of young saplings. This approach also reduces soil erosion and improves tree development.
Researchers discovered the role of metalloproteinases in increasing vascular permeability and blood loss associated with Dengue. In vivo experiments neutralized these enzymes, providing a new model for treating hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola and Marburg.
Coral reefs face severe threats from human activities, and current MPAs are often insufficient to protect biodiversity. A global network of MPAs with optimal size and isolation is necessary to conserve coral reefs.
The research team identified a single recessive gene, Rymv1, which confers resistance to the virus by blocking its interaction with the host protein. The discovery could lead to the development of resistant rice varieties, reducing yield losses and improving food security.
A new canine vaccine has shown complete protection against visceral leishmaniasis in a successful trial, with laboratory experiments confirming the activation of immune cells to eliminate parasites. The vaccine uses antigen proteins excreted by the parasite and has potential for reducing transmission to humans.
The UN model predicts 60.8% of people will live in towns and cities by 2030, but a new model suggests this number is lower at 49.2%. Most population growth between 2025-2030 will come from 10 large developing countries.
The Johannesburg Sustainable Development Summit identified halving water deprivation by 2015 as a priority; today, 300 million Africans lack access to drinking water. Investments in science and technology are seen as key solutions.