Articles tagged with Africa
The Wits Journal of Clinical Medicine published the first clinical data on COVID-19 in South Africa, covering various aspects of the pandemic. The special issue includes articles on diagnosis, ethics, social dimensions, and herd immunity as a strategy for fighting COVID-19.
Three major African cities show significant reductions in visibility since the 1970s, with Nairobi experiencing the greatest loss, due to increased particulate matter emissions from vehicles and energy generation. PM pollution levels have also increased by 182% in Nairobi, 162% in Kenya, and 62% in Uganda.
A IIASA study reveals sub-Saharan Africa needs to triple its electrification pace to achieve universal access to affordable, reliable energy services by 2030. The region faces a daunting challenge with nearly 570 million people without electricity and limited grid infrastructure in rural areas.
Researchers discovered evidence of milk processing in ancient pottery from east Africa, confirming the story that bones have been telling us about pastoralist societies' way of life. The findings suggest that herders who specialized in cattle were drinking milk and survived better due to lactase persistence.
Researchers reconstructed 3D models of baby dinosaur skulls, revealing they develop in the same order as modern reptiles. The embryos were found to be fossilized at approximately 60% through their incubation period, much earlier than previously thought.
Researchers have discovered ancient monkey teeth in Peru that provide evidence of a now-extinct monkey species crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Africa. The site is dated to around 34 million years ago, and the monkeys are believed to have traveled on floating vegetation rafts.
A new study published in Science has found that Homo erectus ancestors are older than previously thought, with fossils dating back to 2.04-1.95 million years ago in South Africa. This challenges the long-held theory of Africa's origin as the homeland of modern humans.
The study finds that Homo and Paranthropus fossils in the region date back to 2.04-1.95 million years, providing new insights into the transition of species in southern Africa during this period. The findings suggest a shift from endemic species like Australopithecus going extinct, while new migrants like Homo and Paranthropus moved in.
A new pterosaur species has been discovered in Morocco, belonging to the tapejarid group and characterized by its large crest and broad wingspan. The discovery is significant as it marks the first time a pterosaur has been found on African soil.
A new study by University of Michigan-led researchers found that West African lions do not favor life inside park boundaries over hunting concessions. Habitat quality in national parks is inadequate, leading to a lack of preference among lions.
Land animal die-offs began hundreds of thousands of years before marine extinction, with terrestrial vertebrate species declining by up to 70%, while marine extinctions may have occurred over tens of thousands of years. The study suggests a lag between land and sea extinctions, potentially due to different causes.
An international team of scientists has discovered three new species of toothed pterosaurs in the Sahara region of Africa, providing a unique window into their evolutionary history. The fossils, found in Morocco's middle Cretaceous Kem Kem beds, reveal that African pterosaurs were similar to those found on other continents.
Researchers have discovered evidence of Neanderthals' extensive use of the sea as a food source, similar to modern humans in Africa. The findings suggest that Neanderthals were fisher-hunter-gatherers with a long-term coastal resource use record dating back to around 106-86 kya.
Three new species of toothed pterosaurs have been identified in Africa, providing a window into the world of pterosaurs during the Cretaceous period. The fossils suggest that these flying reptiles were similar to those found on other continents and preyed on a superabundance of fish.
Scientists discover ninth species of dragon lizard in genus Smaug, previously mistaken for similar-looking species S. barbertonensis. The new species, Smaug swazicus, is the largest southern African lizard species described since 82 years ago, with up to 13 inches from snout to tail tip.
A South African study reveals that most teenagers who leave children's homes do not engage in criminal activities, with about three-quarters reporting no involvement. However, a small percentage of care-leavers commit more serious incidents of crime, often driven by survival needs.
Research reveals that prehistoric hyenas and humans migrated across continents at approximately the same time, with spotted hyenas showing extensive and complex migration patterns. The study also found signs of a detrimental impact on hyenas due to human activity.
A new study reveals that clearing acacia-dominated bushland for farming can raise land surface temperatures by up to 1.8°C, comparable to forest clearing. The findings suggest that preserving these ecosystems could mitigate climate change in the region.
A study of ostrich eggshell bead exchange reveals that relationships among hunter-gatherer groups existed across hundreds of kilometers in late Middle Stone Age southern Africa. The size of the network provided access to high ecological diversity and offered a social strategy against scarcity.
Researchers found that a community-based intervention using mobile vans significantly increased viral suppression, with 74% of participants achieving suppression compared to 63% in traditional clinics. The convenience of the vans made it easier for people living with HIV to access treatment.
A new study proposes climbing beans as an intensification solution to increase yield and meet Africa's growing demand for food. Climbing beans can adapt to Africa's future climates in several ways, including intensifying cultivation in high-producing areas.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and UVA are working together to model the spread of Tuta absoluta, a devastating tomato pest native to South America. By forecasting its entry into the US market, they aim to prevent significant economic losses and protect the country's billion-dollar tomato industry.
A new species of quail-sized fossil bird from 44 million year old sediments in Utah has strong links with other extinct species from Namibia and Uzbekistan. The fossil fills a nearly 15 million-year gap in the galliform lineage in North America, revealing flexibility in the ecology and diet of early paraortygid birds.
Millions of children under five years old suffer from childhood malnutrition, resulting in stunted growth and cognitive impairments. The global community is working to reduce childhood stunting by 40% by 2025 through initiatives such as the World Food Programme.
Geologists from Wits University have found a mechanism that generates melts saturated in plagioclase alone, leading to the formation of monomineralic layers. These unique rock formations are common in layered intrusions worldwide and hold significant value for glass fibre manufacturing.
A new framework guides the management of terrestrial invasive species in South Africa, prioritizing targets in control efforts. The approach combines big data and citizen science, focusing on poorer municipalities most impacted by invasive weeds.
African countries with strong preparedness and detection capabilities are better equipped to handle a potential outbreak, while those with lower scores face significant risks of nondetection and local spread.
African countries with strong health systems have lower risk but still face transmission concerns. Countries like Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa are at highest risk due to high volumes of travel from China.
A University of Kent study found that cultivated foods offer chimpanzees in West Africa more energetic benefits than wild foods. The research suggests that nutritionally dense crops provide primates with essential nutrients for survival.
Researchers from Duke University have conducted field trials of their off-grid sanitation system, finding that critical components lasted longer than expected. However, the system still requires improvement in nutrient removal processes and addressing cultural practices to ensure sustainability.
Early symbolism in modern humans evolved to become easier to remember and replicate, as shown by experiments using engraved ochre and ostrich eggshell fragments. Participants more accurately recognized young patterns than old patterns, suggesting aesthetic intention behind the creations.
Dr. Catherine Nakalembe from NASA Harvest is helping countries in Eastern Africa build systems to monitor crops using free satellite data, enabling life-saving decisions on food security. Combining satellite and ground data with weather forecasts allows for early warnings of crop failure due to drought, floods, disease, or pests.
A study examining child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa found that many mothers experienced child death, even as global rates declined. The research suggests that child mortality remains a significant issue in the region.
Scientists warn that humanity is pushing ecosystems beyond recovery, leading to unquantified insect extinctions. To mitigate this, experts suggest setting aside land for conservation, transforming agricultural practices, and communicating with civil society and policy makers.
A study reveals that 70% of East African reefs have depleted fish stocks, affecting food production and reef ecology. Rebuilding fish biomass is key to long-term sustainability.
A genetic study of schizophrenia in South African Xhosa individuals reveals a higher prevalence of rare damaging mutations in those with the disorder. The findings provide insights into the universal nature of human biology and can inform new treatments for schizophrenia.
Researchers found participants with schizophrenia carry damaging genetic mutations affecting brain and synaptic function, disrupting neural pathways that elevate risk. This discovery informs understanding of schizophrenia across human populations and suggests potential mechanisms for more effective treatments.
Researchers analyzed genetics of schizophrenia in South African Xhosa population, finding rare genetic mutations linked to the disorder. The study sheds light on potential mechanisms for effective treatments and informs understanding of schizophrenia across human populations.
A recent study suggests that climate changes in Africa, driven by Earth's orbit and vegetation patterns, may have provided resource gradients for humans, driving migration outward to areas with more water and plant life. The model showed large increases in rainfall and vegetation at specific time periods, potentially creating advantage...
The study reveals new insights into the origins of Bantu languages, previously unknown populations, and human migration patterns. The ancient DNA sequences from west and central Africa enhance our understanding of the deep ancestral relationships among populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
A team of international researchers has discovered ancient DNA from West Africa, providing new insights into the deep past of humankind. The study reveals that West Africans are genetically closer to central African hunter-gatherers than Bantu-speakers today.
A new, high-resolution climate change dataset has been validated and described, providing valuable data for smallholder farmers and policymakers to devise adaptation strategies. The dataset includes 436 scenarios of future climate conditions at scales as small as 1 kilometer.
A new study suggests that human-caused biodiversity decline started millions of years ago, with early hominins competing with carnivores for food. The researchers propose that human ancestors stole recently killed animals from other predators, leading to the extinction of large carnivore species in East Africa.
Researchers have found that herpes simplex virus type 2 migrated to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade, contradicting previous theories. The viruses originated in Africa around 5000 years ago and 18th century events led to their spread.
A University of Seville study links African spring growth to photoperiod, not rainfall. Researchers found a combination of factors influences vegetation seasonality, with sunlight hours the most critical factor.
Archaeologists discovered charred remains of starchy plant parts from Border Cave, South Africa, providing direct evidence for collecting and cooking carbohydrate-rich rhizomes. The findings suggest that Middle Stone Age humans relied on these plants as a staple food source.
Researchers discovered that early modern humans cooked starchy plants, including Hypoxis rhizomes, in the Border Cave in South Africa. The discovery suggests that these ancient humans shared food and used wooden digging sticks to extract the plants.
A second ancient lungfish has been discovered in Africa, adding to the understanding of evolving aquatic life forms over 400 million years ago. The new genus, Isityumzi mlomomde, was found at high latitudes and represents a significant finding for the study of Western Gondwana.
Acclaimed author Gloria Naylor's unpublished manuscript 'Sapphira Wade' provides insight into her prequel to Mama Day, exploring Bascombe Wade's life and cultural connections. The 131-page draft covers nearly two decades of his life, revealing unexpected character developments.
An analysis of sediment carried by glaciers in both South America and East Africa reveals tropical glaciers began to melt earlier than expected around 20,000 years ago. Rising temperatures at the poles reduced atmospheric circulation, slowing heat out of the tropics and triggering early melting.
A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics reveals that one-third of the recent global methane increase comes from tropical Africa's tropics. The research used satellite data to examine trends in atmospheric methane between 26° N and 26° S, highlighting the importance of individual wetlands like the Sudd in South Sudan.
A new system allows thousands of patients in rural Africa to provide anonymous feedback on their care using a basic USSD tool. The results showed promising outcomes, with users enthusiastic about empowering themselves to communicate their experiences.
A recent study on sorghum explores the complex relationship between humans, crops, and the environment during domestication. Researchers found that birds with a taste for sorghum seeds may have driven farmers to select varieties with condensed tannins, which provide a defense mechanism against bird damage.
A study on olive baboons found that females avoid mating if either the male or female shows visible signs of infection, while males do not change their behavior. The researchers aim to understand how sexually transmitted diseases impact non-human primate populations.
A new study by University of Göttingen found that supermarkets contribute to reducing child undernutrition in Kenya. The research revealed a positive correlation between supermarket purchases and improved child growth and height.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel bednet design with a barrier that can significantly improve its performance and reduce insecticide use. The barrier design has been shown to be 100% effective in protecting against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, restoring the efficiency of bednets in Africa.
Ostrich eggshell bead sizes in southern Africa increased with herding introduced around 2,000 years ago, while eastern Africa showed consistently larger sizes over several thousand years without correlation to herding. This suggests that cultural transmission of beads is more complex and not solely linked to herding practices.
Researchers investigated ostrich eggshell bead diameters at 30 sites in Africa, increasing published data and revealing new trends that oppose longstanding beliefs. The study found regional variation with the spread of herding, suggesting contact between eastern and southern African communities.
A new study suggests that summer monsoons from Asia and Africa reached the Middle East at least 125,000 years ago, providing suitable corridors for human migration. This finding corresponds with cyclical changes in Earth's orbit that brought increased summer precipitation, supporting animal and human migration into the region.
A new study reveals that institutional failure, poverty, and social structures hinder women's ability to adapt to climate variability and change. Effective adaptation requires insights into what builds the adaptive capacity of women and men in specific contexts.