Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
A new project, ITAR, aims to design and develop novel radiotherapy machines for African hospitals, addressing acute shortages of radiotherapy machines. The project will define persistent shortfalls and develop solutions to increase capacity for treating cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A study by University of Kent's Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology found significant differences in disease risk perception and information channels about Ebola virus disease in rural and urban areas of Guinea. Rural residents mainly received information through awareness-raising missions, while urban respondents used newspa...
A new study on extinct camelids provides the first quantitative characterization of their ecomorphology in ancient North American savannas. The analysis reveals that these ecosystems were drier than modern African savannas, leading to a decrease in ungulate diversity.
KU's Center for Community Health and Development leads a project to monitor and evaluate COVID-19 response activities in 47 African countries. The online COVID-19 Response M&E System captures data on infection-control measures, risk communication, and transmission patterns.
Researchers from GFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam found that the rotation of the Victoria microplate is controlled by the configuration of weaker and stronger lithospheric regions. They used 3D numerical models to compute the dynamics of the last 10 million years, showing a best fit with GPS-derived data.
A new study found that an indoor residual spray made from volcanic glass is effective in controlling mosquitoes carrying malaria. The spray, called Imergard WP, shows mortality rates of over 80% against both wild and susceptible strains of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes.
The Hugo Observatory in Belgium coordinates the largest Horizon 2020-funded climate change and migration research project, HABITABLE, worth 6.8 million euros. The project explores how climate change affects migration patterns, introducing a new concept of social tipping points.
The elimination of human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem is within reach, with fewer than 1,000 new cases reported in 2018. According to the study, the area at moderate or high risk of HAT has shrunk significantly since 2016.
Researchers found most southern right whales visiting South Georgia breed in South America, contrary to previous suspicion. This discovery will help track population recovery and inform conservation strategies.
A new study highlights the emergence of mosquito-borne viral outbreaks in West Africa, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. The research emphasizes the need for early warning systems and control measures to prevent infectious outbreaks.
Researchers analyzed fossil hand joints to find evidence of dual hand use in ancient humans. The discovery supports the idea that the transition to walking on two legs was gradual, with early humans using their hands for both precision grips and branch grasping.
Reconstructing the paleoecology of the Paleo-Agulhas Plain reveals a diverse, verdant environment with abundant game and plant species. The lost landscape, which existed around 11,500 years ago, supported megafauna such as giant Cape Buffalo and giraffes.
Fossilized footprints from Africa's largest human collection suggest a division of labor in ancient human communities. The 408 human footprints, dated between 19,100 and 5,760 years ago, indicate that females foraged together while males accompanied them or visited them.
Nearly a quarter of Africa's population will catch coronavirus and up to 190,000 may die unless urgent action is taken. The World Health Organization warns that strained health resources will worsen the impact of the virus.
The study reveals nearly 303 million existing cases of hip and knee osteoarthritis globally, with an estimated prevalence of 3754.2 per 100,000 people. Disability attributed to the condition has risen by nearly 10% since 1990.
Researchers identify thousands of previously rare bouts of extreme heat and humidity worldwide, particularly in the US Gulf Coast region. The study found that these conditions are already appearing, with outbreaks increasing in frequency and intensity, surpassing human survivability limits.
Global health scholars warn of impending crisis in Africa due to slow access to COVID-19 supplies, echoing the experience during the early stages of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Several African countries have prepared disease response capacities, but geopolitical power struggles hinder supply acquisition.
An interdisciplinary study of three African skeletons found in Mexico City sheds light on the lives of first-generation enslaved Africans. The analysis reveals evidence of forced migration, physical trauma, and the introduction of infectious diseases from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers uncover the lives of three 16th-century African slaves found in a mass burial site in Mexico City, tracing their African origins and physical hardships. They also identify novel pathogens carried by the individuals, shedding light on the early introduction of diseases like hepatitis B virus and yaws to Latin America.
The discovery of Adalatherium, a bizarre mammal from Madagascar, sheds light on the evolution of mammals during the time of dinosaurs. Its unique characteristics and preserved 3D structure offer valuable insights into the geography and fauna of the region.
A recent study by the University of Córdoba has pinpointed the origin of a group of trees growing in Africa to 50 million years ago. The research, which used molecular clock and phylogenetic methods, found that these legume plants diversified in response to climate changes and can be found in various parts of Africa and Madagascar.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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...