Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
A study co-developed with local stakeholders explores regional water scenarios to facilitate rational water resource planning in the extended Lake Victoria Basin. The analysis suggests that water use and withdrawal will increase significantly due to population and GDP growth, coupled with climate change.
China seeks to maintain economic growth by increasing its global presence, investing in infrastructure, and securing trade routes. In Africa, China has established itself as the largest trading partner, while in the Arctic, it is expanding its military presence and securing resources.
A new study finds that restaurants in urban areas of Central Africa are key drivers in keeping protected wildlife on the menu. The study reveals that procurement of wild meat by restaurants is more targeted than opportunistic, with monkeys identified as hot products.
A landmark South African study validates the need for second-generation Covid-19 vaccines, as the AstraZeneca vaccine showed minimal protection against mild to moderate infections caused by the B.1.351 variant. Despite this, the WHO recommends continued deployment of the vaccine in countries where the variant circulates.
A genetic analysis of a fossil toe bone from the Haitian cave-rail has uncovered unexpected links between Caribbean bird life and the Old World. The study found that the species' closest relatives are actually flufftails, flying birds native to sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and New Guinea, and adzebills, large, extinct, flightless bi...
A new study reveals a significant increase in global twin births, with about 1.6 million twins born each year worldwide. The rate has risen by a third since the 1980s, mainly due to growth in medically assisted reproduction and delayed childbearing.
A study conducted in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa among 162 people living with HIV found that home delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly increased viral suppression compared to clinic care. The paid home delivery model improved health outcomes, particularly for men who struggle with clinic-based services.
A team of researchers, including UC Riverside biomedical scientists, identified the South African COVID-19 variant, which has been detected in at least 40 countries. The variant has mutations that make it resistant to antibodies generated by existing vaccines, potentially reducing vaccine efficacy.
A recent study predicts that COVID-19 variants from the UK and South Africa may reduce vaccine effectiveness and increase the likelihood of reinfections. The study found that antibodies from Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were less effective against these variants, causing a reduction in protective efficacy.
Research found that new COVID-19 variants can neutralize antibodies produced in response to vaccination or natural infection. The findings suggest that COVID-19 drugs and vaccines may become less effective against these variants, posing a concern for people who need protection the most.
Despite Africa being home to 17% of the world's population, African authors account for only 3% of COVID-19 research papers. Analysis of top medical journals reveals a significant underrepresentation of African authors and perspectives in global health literature.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that targeted indoor residual spraying is a non-inferior and cost-effective approach to preventing malaria in low-transmission settings. By focusing on neighborhoods with recent evidence of transmission, this method reduces the need for widespread spraying and saves significant resources.
New research finds that social norms and experience with extreme weather events significantly influence professional action on climate change among East African natural resource managers. A study suggests that aligning climate services with social norms could offer a low-hanging fruit for designing more effective interventions.
A newly translated journal from a 17th-century German barber-surgeon reveals the complexities of the Atlantic slave trade. Through his accounts, historians gain insight into the quotidian brutality and banality of evil in the trade.
A study found traces of grapevine products in Sicilian amphorae, suggesting local wine trade persisted during the Byzantine-Islamic transition. Grape syrup and vinegar were also detected, used as preservatives in medicinal purposes and cuisine.
Climate change is projected to worsen heat stress conditions in East Africa, impacting dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, and poultry. Implementing well-targeted climate adaptation strategies, such as breeding heat-tolerant animals and providing adequate water access, is crucial to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.
A new study found that nearly 1 in 5 recently deceased people in Lusaka tested positive for COVID-19, highlighting the need for proper diagnostics and testing. The study's findings have important implications for global health decision makers, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to vaccines.
The new online tool provides a nuanced understanding of the pandemic's impact across sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for regional risk factors and varying healthcare access. The study reveals that different drivers of viral spread, such as connectivity and chronic diseases, significantly affect local outbreak trajectories.
A study published in The BMJ found that COVID-19 deaths accounted for 15-20% of all sampled deaths in Zambia, contradicting the widely held view that the virus has largely skipped Africa. The virus was detected in 70 people, with most deaths occurring in the community and among older adults.
A recent study has quantified groundwater recharge rates across Africa using ground measurements, helping to identify the sustainability of water resources. The results show that approximately 2% of all groundwater storage is replenished in Africa every decade, and recharge can occur even in semi-arid areas.
A research team from Leibniz-IZW found that water can be a vector for spreading mammalian viruses, with equine herpesviruses (EHV) remaining stable and infectious in water. The study suggests that viral stability in restricted freshwater sources enables their spread among animals, particularly during times of stress and congregation.
A new study reveals that Bantu-speaking communities in the Congo rainforest underwent a major population collapse from 1600 to 1400 years ago, possibly due to a prolonged disease epidemic. This finding challenges the commonly held belief of continuous settlement and affects seven present-day African countries.
A traditional Tanzanian diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables has been shown to have a beneficial effect on inflammation and immune system functioning. In contrast, an urban Western-style diet with more saturated fats and processed foods led to increased inflammatory proteins.
A new collection of genetic data helps breeders understand yam characteristics, reducing the need for trial and error. The catalog provides valuable information on physical traits, such as stem number and tuber weight, to inform breeding decisions.
Researchers have discovered a temporary bright spot in the decline of nitrogen oxides, byproducts of combustion, across the north equatorial part of Africa. The decline is linked to a decrease in dry-season fires managed land practices, as well as increasing population densities and urban emissions.
A new study in South Africa found that male clients of female sex workers contribute significantly to HIV transmission, with a rate of 6.9% over a decade. Increasing treatment among these individuals could reduce transmission by up to five times, making them a key focus for HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
A new study found that extreme rainfall events in East Africa led to a substantial increase in methane emissions from wetlands, accounting for over a quarter of the global annual increase. The study used satellite data and atmospheric models to evaluate methane emissions during the 2018-2019 rainfall period.
A recent CABI study has updated the list of potential biopesticide active ingredients for managing fall armyworm in Africa, with 41 products now registered across 30 countries. The review highlights the efficacy of eight additional biological control agents, including Aspergillus oryzae and thyme oil.
The invasive Prosopis juliflora tree seriously diminishes water resources in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, consuming up to 3.1-3.3 billion m3/yr and generating US$ 320 million and US$ 470 million net benefits per year. The study highlights the need for a coordinated control program to contain its spread and reduce density.
A team of researchers analyzed sediment cores from the Mediterranean Sea and combined them with Earth system models to reconstruct major environmental changes in North Africa. The study reveals that rivers were active in the region thousands of years ago, driven by slight changes in Earth's orbit and polar ice sheet variations.
Researchers analyzed ancient dental calculus from 41 individuals and found milk proteins in 8 individuals, dating back to 4,000-3,200 years ago. The study suggests that early African pastoralists consumed dairy products without the genetic adaptation for lactase persistence, possibly through fermentation.
A new malaria mosquito species, Anopheles stephensi, has been found in cities and towns in urban settings in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti. The invading mosquito is highly susceptible to local malaria strains, increasing the risk of urban malaria in Africa.
The Critically Endangered shorttail nurse shark has been found in Mozambique, expanding its range southward from Tanzania and westward from Madagascar. The species benefits from some degree of protection within large coastal marine protected areas but is under threat due to overexploitation by coastal fisheries.
A delayed rainy season onset can signal a higher likelihood of seasonal drought and food insecurity in regions prone to these conditions. Analysis reveals that a 10-day delay is associated with a significantly higher risk of drought in the most vulnerable areas.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that large-scale land acquisitions intended to boost food security had little to no benefit, instead threatening local food security in some areas. The study analyzed satellite imagery, agricultural surveys, and household dietary datasets across four continents between...
Two giant radio galaxies have been discovered in a small patch of sky, exceeding the size of the Milky Way. The discovery was made possible by the MeerKAT International Gigahertz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) survey, which revealed these cosmic beasts with unprecedented sensitivity.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports has uncovered evidence of the youngest known occurrence of Middle Stone Age tools, dated to around 11 thousand years ago. This discovery challenges the long-held view that these tool types were replaced by a miniaturized toolkit after 30 thousand years ago.
A new satellite-based program, GLAD, has shown promise in reducing deforestation in African nations by 18% and offering carbon sequestration benefits worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The system delivers alerts to subscribers via the interactive web application, Global Forest Watch, enabling them to take action to save forests.
Researchers found that rural girls in South Africa rely on peer, parental, and environmental factors to prevent pregnancy and HIV/AIDS, rather than modern contraceptive methods. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive education on sexual health beyond HIV/AIDS prevention.
Researchers used genomics and epidemiology to study how African Salmonella evolved to cause bloodstream infections, killing ~50,000 annually. A new antibiotic-susceptible lineage emerged in Malawi in 2016, linked to changes in antibiotic usage between 2002-2015.
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that cervical cancer risk is six times higher in HIV-infected women worldwide. Southern and Eastern Africa are particularly affected due to high rates of HIV and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
A global team of researchers has proposed a four-part approach to detect and contain zoonotic diseases in Africa. The strategy involves gathering information on diseases that can jump from animals to humans, testing hospital patients with fevers, analyzing blood serum in high-risk groups, and utilizing archived samples.
A study by Dr. Michael Deininger found that changes in regional precipitation over the past 10,000 years are connected and mainly caused by alterations to solar radiation and associated temperature differences between tropics and polar regions. This could lead to shifts in regional rainfall patterns, potentially causing droughts in som...
Researchers use DNA analysis to determine that all 44 tusks came from forest elephants residing in West Africa, revealing the geographic origins and habitats of these endangered species. The study provides a framework for examining vast collections of historic ivory, offering insights into modern wildlife conservation.
Researchers uncover ancient elephant migration routes and habitats through shipwrecked ivory analysis, challenging previous expectations of African elephant distribution. The study provides insights into the impact of the ivory trade on elephant populations and offers potential for tracing illicit ivory sources.
Researchers found that the island-based Guttural Toads had significantly reduced body size and hindlimb length compared to their South African counterparts. This rapid dwarfism raises questions about the evolutionary mechanisms driving this change in less than a hundred years.
Professor Swanepoel's innovative research using smartphone technologies to provide equitable access to hearing healthcare services has been recognized with the prestigious Olusegun Obasanjo Prize. His work aims to improve 'ear and hearing care' in Africa, making it a reality for every African citizen.
Researchers from Université de Genève analyzed 16 glass beads found in Mali and Senegal, discovering they were made of Egyptian, Levantine coast, and Middle Eastern glass. The study sheds light on sub-Saharan Africa's extensive trade networks with Europe and Asia during the region's early development.
The study analyzes healthcare accessibility in sub-Saharan Africa and identifies a strategy to efficiently abate inequalities. Researchers estimate that ~6,200 new facilities need to be built by 2030 to meet universal healthcare targets.
The study estimates that sub-Saharan Africa requires approximately 2.5 million additional hospital beds by 2030. Countries in the region must prioritize facility expansion and new construction to address growing population needs.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have analyzed satellite imagery to study vegetation trends in arid regions, finding a clear trend of declining vegetation growth in developing countries, while wealthier nations experience increased growth. This uneven impact may lead to food shortages and climate refugees.
Researchers uncovered evidence of human occupations along South Africa's eastern seaboard from 35,000 years ago to 10,000 years ago, providing insights into coastal foraging during glacial periods. The study reveals that people had access to the sea and could live near coastlines even during the Last Glacial Maximum.
Researchers found that domesticated Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Asia, Africa, and the Americas are more susceptible to acquiring Zika virus than their African counterparts. Genetic differences on chromosome 2 are believed to be the cause of this increased susceptibility.
International experts will discuss COVID-19's effects on the human body when combined with other health conditions, such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The panel aims to provide advice on coping with multimorbidity in high-income countries.
African and German partners are developing intelligent 'microgrids' based on renewable energy to provide uninterrupted power supply for rural communities. The project aims to equip local specialists with practical knowledge, enabling autonomous use of socio-technological infrastructure.
A multifaceted public health strategy combining contact tracing, community-based screening with isolation and quarantine centers can substantially reduce COVID-19 cases in low-and-middle-income countries. The study found that this approach could save lives even where budgets are constrained.
A new study has revealed that the East African Rift System is slowly breaking away, with Madagascar splitting into pieces. The research, led by D. Sarah Stamps of Virginia Tech, found that the break-up process is more complex and distributed than previously thought.
Researchers estimate 4.3% of Kenyans had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 by June 2020, revealing more extensive exposure than reported case-based surveillance indicates. The findings support the idea that disease may be attenuated in Africa due to Kenya's demographic characteristics.
Researchers warn that extreme events like the 'Day Zero' drought could become common by the end of the century due to climate change. The study used high-resolution simulations to conclude that human-caused climate change made the drought five to six times more likely, and such events could impact regions with similar climates.
The discovery of a new fossil specimen at Drimolen cave system reveals subtle anatomical changes in Paranthropus robustus, challenging the long-held assumption that males were larger than females. The findings suggest that environmental conditions drove rapid evolutionary changes in the species.