Researchers assess development and performance of tailored approaches to fertilizer application in SSA, highlighting scalability and technical challenges. Solutions to overcome barriers to widespread adoption are outlined, including investment in soil capacity estimation and farmer-friendly digital tools.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalField Crops Research·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2022
Researchers found that an intranasal application of oxytocin could make lion interactions less life-threatening. After the treatments, lions displayed reduced vigilance towards other lions and became more tolerant of their presence.
SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022
A novel class of bed net that kills mosquitoes resistant to traditional insecticides by making them unable to move or fly significantly reduces malaria infection in children. The study found a 43% reduction in malaria prevalence and 44% reduction in clinical episodes over two years.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 28, 2022
A worldwide analysis of over 2 million women in 161 countries found intimate partner violence affects 27% of women before age 50. The study also revealed high levels of violence against young women and regional variations in prevalence rates.
SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that giving Malawi high school students limited internet access to quality online sources improved their English and biology scores. The intervention provided smartphones with restricted online access to Wikipedia, leading to significant gains among lower-achieving students.
SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2022
Historians note a shift in Eurocentric conceptualizations of science, leading to the emergence of civilization-specific alternatives. John Augustus Abayomi Cole's work on astrological geomancy sought to elevate African knowledge practices and critique European imperialism.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalIsis·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 21, 2022
Researchers have identified a key gene that confers stripe rust resistance in bread wheat, providing hope for improving crop yields and ensuring global food security. The discovery was made possible by the assembly of the highest-quality genome to date for bread wheat using advanced DNA sequencing techniques.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that heat stress on cattle could lead to financial losses of $15-40 billion annually by the end of the century. This would particularly affect producers in tropical regions, including South America, Asia, and Africa.
SourceCornell University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateMar 10, 2022
A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that groundwater levels in Sub-Saharan Africa frequently increased over time, with most aquifers replenishing their water supply during rainy periods. The research tracked long-term water storage gains and losses across Africa's major aquifers using NASA's GRACE satellites.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 1, 2022
New research reveals how medieval East African farming societies altered their island habitat through intensive land use, impacting shoreline modification and community decline. The study examines the effects of urban growth, trade, and waste on coastal sediments, shedding light on early globalization and maritime trade networks.
SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology·TypeCase study·DateFeb 27, 2022
A recent field study examines the 2006 Abuja Declaration's effects on N fertilizer use, yield potential, and soil fertility. The study found that partial N balances exceeded optimal ranges, highlighting insufficient N input and elevated risk of soil depletion.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022
A new €1.4 million research project will examine how to regulate the collection and migration of health data in Africa to protect privacy and prevent exploitation. The project aims to develop legal mechanisms to protect health data, co-create guidelines with app developers, and test their feasibility with stakeholders.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A new analysis of human remains provides the earliest DNA from sub-Saharan Africa, outlining major demographic shifts between 80,000 and 20,000 years ago. The study reveals people moved and settled in other areas, developed alliances and networks to trade and share information.
SourceRice University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022
A CABI-led study has ranked nearly 200 potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana that could have a detrimental impact on agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity. The top-ranked arthropod and pathogenic species include the pink hibiscus mealybug, melon thrips, cassava brown streak virus, and maize lethal necrosis disease.
SourceCABI·JournalNeoBiota·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 16, 2022
A study of over 2,600 children in Ethiopia found that pre-primary education prevented 'alarming' learning losses when schools reopened. Children without pre-primary education showed a four-fold increase in learning deficits.
The REACH study found that nearly all adolescent girls and young women accepted the option of using a monthly dapivirine vaginal ring or daily oral PrEP. Most preferred the ring, but most were able to use their chosen product some or most of the time. The study suggests that choice is crucial for adherence in HIV prevention.
SourceMicrobicide Trials Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A study conducted in six sub-Saharan African countries found high mortality rates among hospitalized children and adolescents with COVID-19. The research highlights the need for targeted resources to fight the pandemic in Africa.
SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2022
A study using modified network modeling found that South African residents were likely to leave areas with climate instability, while regions with more reliable climates attracted migrants. Socioeconomic factors, such as unemployment rates, also played a role in migration patterns.
SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPopulation and Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2022
Climate change is threatening African cultural and natural heritage sites, with 56 of 284 sites identified as highly exposed to extreme sea levels and erosion. The number of affected sites is projected to triple by 2050 under high emissions scenarios, highlighting the need for urgent climate change adaptation measures.
SourceUniversity of South Africa - Cape Town Campus·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 10, 2022
Researchers linked El Niño to decreased enslaved Africans transported to the Americas due to drier conditions, indicating a two-year lag. The study highlights the interplay between weather and human conflict, with lessons applicable to modern-day climate change and potential conflicts.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalWeather Climate and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
The NUIST-CFS1.0 model has positive skill in seasonal precipitation forecasts across Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with relatively accurate products throughout the rest of East Africa.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2022
The World Health Organization's (WHO) initiative to scale up African production of life-saving vaccines is being undermined by pharmaceutical companies. Documents obtained by The BMJ reveal that BioNtech's kENUP Foundation has accused the WHO's technology transfer hub of infringing on patents.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that the Australian-developed neonatal rotavirus vaccine RV3-BB was safe and produced a robust immune response in African babies. The reduced dose of the vaccine generated an equivalent immune response as the highest dose, offering opportunities to reduce vaccine manufacturing costs.
SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A 1.5 million-year-old human vertebra found in Israel's Jordan Valley supports the theory of multiple migration waves from Africa to Eurasia, contradicting a long-held one-time event assumption. The discovery sheds new light on human evolution and dispersal patterns.
SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 2, 2022
A new study by CUNY SPH researchers estimates that nearly 40% of children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are undiagnosed, highlighting the urgent need for improved pediatric testing coverage. The study found that only 55% of children on ART had suppressed viral loads, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateFeb 2, 2022
The IU-led AMPATH Global network is expanding to Ghana and Mexico, building on a successful collaboration that has played a crucial role in combating HIV, social determinants of health, and COVID-19. The partnership aims to improve public-sector healthcare systems and promote well-being in underserved communities.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers from Goethe University and the University of Bristol analyzed prehistoric pots and found complex distributions of plant lipids, indicating the processing of various plant species. The study reveals that leafy greens were first used in West African cuisine around 3,500 years ago.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 28, 2022
A new species of leafhopper, Phlogis kibalensis, has been discovered in the Kibale National Park in western Uganda. The insect belongs to a rare genus that was last recorded in Central African Republic in 1969.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalZootaxa·DateJan 27, 2022
A meta-analysis of 87 surveys from 35 African countries found that nearly one in ten sexually active men have paid for sex and are 50% more likely to be living with HIV. Men who pay for sex should be recognized as a priority population for HIV prevention efforts.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 25, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A recent study challenges the idea that meat consumption drove major evolutionary changes in humans, suggesting instead that increased research attention may have skewed evidence. The research team analyzed data from nine sites across eastern Africa and found no sustained increase in carnivory after Homo erectus appeared.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022
A new study has found that children in sub-Saharan Africa who are hospitalized with COVID-19 are dying at a rate far greater than children in the US and Europe. Children under 1 year old had nearly five times the risk of death compared to adolescents aged 15-19 years.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022
Researchers analyzed ancient pottery fragments from the Central Nigerian Nok culture, revealing diverse and complex plant lipid profiles. The study suggests that leafy plants, grasses, pulses, and underground storage organs were an integral part of the Nok diet, providing cheap yet quality nutrition.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022
A recent study by UC Berkeley and Missouri State University scientists found that East African sunbirds have retained their songs for over 500,000 years, with some changes occurring in pulses. This discovery suggests that environmental stability may constrain the evolution of social signals like song.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022
A study of the Vai script found that it became visually simpler with each passing year, as letters were designed for efficient reading and writing. This pattern of simplification can be observed in other ancient writing systems, suggesting a predictable evolutionary process.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateJan 10, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateDec 29, 2021
A global trial led by UCL found that a dolutegravir-based regimen reduced treatment failure among young people aged three to 18 by around 40% compared to standard treatments. The study also showed better growth and lipid profiles in children receiving dolutegravir, making it an effective option for treating HIV in children.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 29, 2021
A team of international researchers, led by Jenny McGuire from Georgia Tech, aims to understand the long-term relationships between animals, their traits, and environmental changes. The project will use the late Cenozoic fossil record in Africa to forecast future changes and inform conservation biology decisions.
A survey of 17,302 healthcare workers in 57 countries found that male participants and nurses had higher preparedness scores than women and doctors. Preparedness varied across national wealth and sociodemographic characteristics, with East Asia and the Pacific having significantly higher scores.
A COVID-19 antibody survey in Sierra Leone found significant underreporting of cases and low vaccination rates, posing a risk to populations with limited immunity. The study's findings call for rapid vaccine deployments and support for intellectual property waivers to address the pandemic's progression.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A study by the University of Exeter found that older male elephants help keep younger, more aggressive males calm by policing their behavior. Without these older bulls, adolescent elephants become more fearful and aggressive towards non-elephant targets, posing a threat to humans.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2021
Researchers have uncovered a 50,000-year-old social network spanning eastern and southern Africa, driven by changing rainfall patterns and climate change. The study, using ostrich eggshell beads, found nearly identical bead characteristics between 50,000 and 33,000 years ago, indicating a long-distance connection.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2021
A new study investigates the impact of climate change on human-elephant conflict in Africa's Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. The research finds that households and communities have adaptive capacity to cope with these challenges, but institutions need to support effective risk mitigation strategies.
SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2021
A study by Göttingen University found that training methods combining farmer-to-farmer learning with educational videos significantly increased the use of productive practices among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This approach also promoted informal information transfer and improved adoption of complex technologies.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalThe World Bank Economic Review·TypeSurvey·DateDec 19, 2021
A new method of predicting battery failure has been developed, showing accuracy 15-20% higher than current approaches. The technique uses advanced probabilistic machine learning and is applicable to any battery with a simple electrical circuit model.
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Research comparing site-specific nutrient management approaches to existing farmer fertilization practices shows SSNM improves average rice yield by 644 kg/ha, increases profitability, and reduces N losses. SSNM also promotes better nutrient balance and considers micronutrients like zinc and iron.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 14, 2021
Despite low vaccine uptake, West Africa needs to boost vaccination efforts to achieve population-level immunity. To reach 50%, 60%, and 70% coverage after 9, 12, and 18 months, vaccination speeds must increase by 4, 7, and 10 times the current pace.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2021
Researchers have created a new framework to help decision makers understand the resources needed to eliminate African sleeping sickness, a disease targeted for elimination by 2030. The framework uses uncertainty, cost-effectiveness, and elimination to support investment in elimination efforts.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2021
A recent study found that 19.9% of trans feminine individuals and 2.56% of trans masculine individuals were HIV positive, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts. The researchers called for increased focus on this population's unique needs.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 1, 2021
A new study at the University of Chicago has found that individuals of European and African genetic ancestry respond differently to influenza infection, with a stronger type I interferon pathway activation in those of European ancestry. This variation in immune response may contribute to disparities in influenza outcomes between differ...
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health has mapped the distance to HIV care services in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting that 7 million people live more than 10 minutes away and 3 million people live more than 30 minutes away. The research aims to develop cost-effective policies for HIV interventions in underserved areas.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021
Researchers discovered that naked mole-rats rapidly decrease uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue to conserve energy in hypoxia. This mechanism may hold secrets for humans to survive and thrive in low-oxygen environments, particularly in relation to diseases like stroke and chronic pulmonary disorders.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2021
The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 has become the dominant virus form in Benin, West Africa, with over 60% of cases linked to the variant. Vaccination campaigns are crucial to combat the spread, as only 1% of the population is vaccinated.
SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021
A new study demonstrates the importance of supply-side enhancements to increase clean fuel consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. Supply-side interventions such as shortening distances to retail points and improving access to multi-burner stoves are found to be crucial for accelerating growth of the clean cooking market.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Energy·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A study by Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf analyzed viral sequences from Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, finding distinct patterns of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The researchers believe genetic drift mechanisms, such as the founder effect, may contribute to these variations.
SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalScientific Reports·TypeCase study·DateNov 16, 2021
Researchers at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have developed a new anti-malarial antibody that provides significant protection against malaria, outperforming existing best-in-class antibodies. The breakthrough could lead to improved distribution of monoclonal antibodies in endemic countries.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021
A new study suggests that larger conservation areas are ineffective in protecting threatened species in central Africa, citing a lack of funding and resource management issues. The research found that broader conservation efforts often led to decreased populations due to the lands being too large to manage effectively.
SourceOhio State University·JournalConservation Biology·DateNov 15, 2021
A study by the University of Bonn shows that building Africa's 'Green Wall' is economically worthwhile due to its long-term provisioning services, such as food and water production. However, the project faces challenges in regions plagued by conflicts, which limit its potential.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 15, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that naturally acquired immunity to malaria works differently than immunity following vaccination. The immune system uses natural killer cells to fight the parasite, which is more tailored to the disease than other typical infections.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2021
A new study has catalogued all possible genetic variations in over 3,000 chickpea plants to improve the crop's yield and resilience to climate change. The research proposes a breeding model using genomics-assisted breeding to enhance agriculturally valuable traits.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021
A study quantifying Nigeria-linked seizures of pangolin products suggests levels of trafficking are far greater than previously thought. Researchers found 190,407 kilos of scales taken from at least 799,343 animals, with 77 seizures analysed revealing connections to ivory-smuggling networks.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.