Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
Researchers developed a method to predict Painted Lady butterfly migrations and found that the species relies on reproductive success in both Africa and Europe. The model suggests that overwintering might occur near the equator between December and February, posing a risk due to climate change.
A new species of prehistoric murine has been identified from fossils in Lebanon, providing the first physical evidence of initial Asian-African mouse dispersal. The findings suggest that Progonomys manolo is one of the earliest representatives of Progonomys, which spread out of southern Asia 16 million years ago.
Researchers have discovered primitive picrite lavas that may provide the first direct sample of a hot mantle plume underneath southern Africa during the Jurassic period. The Luenha picrites show compositional similarities to magmas formed in other deep mantle plume-related volcanic provinces worldwide.
New research suggests that global food waste due to overeating has a significant impact on the environment. The study estimates that excess bodyweight corresponds to roughly 140 billion tonnes of food waste globally, with growing meat consumption leading to higher land and water usage.
African malaria parasites exhibit distinct genetic features in different regions, sharing genes that confer resistance to antimalarial drugs. This study highlights the risk of multi-drug resistance compromising previous success in controlling malaria.
According to a study published in Current Biology, 79 plants have been confirmed extinct from South Africa's three biodiversity hotspots since 1700, representing 45.4% of all known plant extinctions from 10 world hotspots. The main drivers for these extinctions are agriculture, urbanisation, and invasive species.
A large survey of adults in sub-Saharan Africa found that bribery is a major obstacle to healthcare access, with those who paid bribes four times more likely to report difficulties. The study suggests that efforts to address corruption may be needed to achieve universal health coverage.
A satellite study found that a region in northern tropical Africa emits between 1 and 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon annually, comparable to the emissions of 200 million cars. The research uses data from two NASA satellites and improves understanding of greenhouse gas sources.
A new study reveals that higher rainfall does not necessarily equate to higher groundwater recharge, and that aridity and episodicity play a crucial role in determining groundwater replenishment. The research also finds that some sub-Saharan African countries are experiencing declining groundwater levels due to drying climate trends.
A new study led by UCL and Cardiff University finds that groundwater replenishment depends on heavy rainfalls and flood events amplified by climate change. This knowledge can inform strategies to enhance groundwater supplies in drylands, where it is often the only lasting source of freshwater.
A new species of early dinosaur, Ngwevu intloko, has been discovered after being misidentified in the university's fossil vaults. The dinosaur is a bipedal sauropodomorph with a long slender neck and small head, measuring three metres from snout to tail.
A study by University of Houston researchers found that people in sub-Saharan Africa perceive exposure to disinformation is high, while trust in national media and social media is low. This lack of trust can lead to uninformed choices and decreased ability to make good judgments.
Researchers studied electricity quality in Unguja, Tanzania, finding significant variations in voltage quality that cause lights to be dim and appliances to break. These findings suggest that low-income residents do not benefit from modern energy services despite being connected to the grid.
Researchers have discovered a new fossil cichlid species, Oreochromimos, from Central Kenya dating back 12.5 million years, providing insights into the evolutionary history of East African Cichlids and their radiation in the Great Lakes region.
The ADVANCE study found that dolutegravir-containing regimens perform as well as the current efavirenz-containing one used for first-line antiretroviral treatment in South Africa, with minimal side effects and a greater resistance barrier. The new regimens are cheaper and may revolutionize ART in South Africa and beyond.
Charles Rotimi and Sarah Tishkoff received the 2019 Curt Stern Award for their pioneering work on African genetics, genomics, and global health. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of metabolic diseases, genetic diversity, and health disparities in African populations.
Mathematical modelling and cost-effectiveness analyses project substantial reductions in new HIV cases with sustained community-wide testing and prompt treatment. The HPTN 071 study found a sustained intervention to be cost-effective, reducing costs per disability-adjusted life-year.
African women often want more children than they have, challenging common misconceptions about the reasons for population change on the continent. The study highlights the importance of addressing cultural factors impacting family planning decisions.
Researchers found that African chickens have longer, meatier legs due to selective breeding, but are losing diversity as commercial birds are introduced. The study highlights the importance of preserving traditional breeds and their unique characteristics.
Researchers discovered a tiny monkey species, Nanopithecus browni, 4.2 million years ago in Kenya's Kanapoi site, challenging previous assumptions about guenon evolution. The fossil, found near grasslands and open forests, provides insights into the complex history of Old World monkeys.
A new fossil species of cichlids has been discovered in Central Kenya, providing a unique glimpse into the evolutionary history of the group. The 12.5-million-year-old discovery dates back to the time of the East African Radiation and is significant for shedding light on the evolution of African cichlids.
Researchers found evidence of interbreeding between modern humans and Neandertals, Denisovans, and two unnamed archaic groups in Island Southeast Asia and East Asia. The ancestors of modern humans mixed with these groups before they became extinct.
A new paper reconstructs the ancient Trans-Saharan Seaway, revealing massive climate and sea level changes that occurred 50-100 million years ago. The research also discovers giant sea snakes, catfish, and extinct fishes, highlighting the dynamic nature of Earth's evolution.
The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt experienced a major bloom every year from 2011 to 2018, except for 2013. The study found connections between annual bloom events and nutrient inputs, including human-derived fertilizer use and natural oceanic conditions.
The team discovered that the belt forms seasonally in response to two key nutrient inputs: human-derived from Amazon River discharge and natural from West African upwelling. The blooms are expected to be a new normal, with data indicating a possible regime shift since 2011.
A new study using satellite data reveals large inequalities in progress towards universal access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. The research provides a high-resolution gridded dataset to assess electrification in the region, enabling policymakers to prioritize support for infrastructure expansion and track progress over time.
A new study from the University of Göttingen reveals that Fairtrade certification benefits employees in agricultural cooperatives, but not smallholder farm workers who are often disadvantaged. The study found no effects on the livelihoods of farmworkers despite improved wages and labor conditions for cooperative employees.
A recent study highlights the need to screen older individuals with HIV for diabetes mellitus, which shows a significant correlation with age and race. The study also suggests that traditional glycated haemoglobin tests may underestimate diabetes diagnosis in HIV-positive patients, emphasizing the importance of considering alternative ...
Research by Jack Paine finds that precolonial political organizations are a key factor in postcolonial conflict, with nearly 80% of major ethnic groups involved in civil wars. The analysis suggests that countries with pre-colonial state groups are more likely to experience violence.
A new Illinois study finds that Western environmental systems and regulations in Africa are not working as intended, leading to conflict between small-scale miners and multinational corporations. The researchers argue that domestic-level 'translators' have become part of the global system of governance, leading to a lack of translation...
Researchers found that African countries with high population density suffer more environmental degradation on average. To mitigate this, dedicated family planning and government policies are needed to promote economic development without compromising environmental integrity.
Researchers identified three invasive species of high concern for Durban: Alligator weed, American bullfrog, and red imported fire ant. The study provides a new tool for cities to focus on preventative measures, reducing costs associated with future invasions.
A study of 11 bird species and 3 Kalahari Desert species found chronic heat exposure may cause declining breeding success and smaller offspring. Predicted declines in biodiversity threaten the persistence of Southern Pied Babblers, while other species face severe mass loss due to sustained hot weather.
A recent study found that up to 40% of asylum seekers in Finland suffer from major depression and anxiety symptoms, with those from Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the highest rates. The study also highlighted the need for better support for mental health and healthcare services for asylum seekers, particularly children and families.
High-resolution maps show progress in defeating malaria, but also highlight areas of stagnation and increased burden, particularly in Venezuela and sub-Saharan Africa. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and sustained funding to overcome obstacles to eradication.
The WASCAL project aims to address new research questions, further develop the research infrastructure, and train African scientists. The team will also create a data cube for satellite data and assess the effects of climate change on fires in West Africa.
Researchers create mathematical framework to estimate cost-benefit trade-off of seeking shade in a warming world. The framework predicts that 17 insect species will experience 'behavioral rescue' and improve their fitness, while 19 are likely to be negatively impacted by rising temperatures.
Researchers found zebras' black and white stripes create a temperature difference that increases as the day heats up. The strips aid in heat loss through evaporation and convection currents.
CHAMPS, a global health network at Emory University, has been awarded a $180 million grant to collect and analyze data on child mortality worldwide. The grant will help identify causes of high child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
A collaborative study analyzing ancient DNA from human skeletons in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia provides new insights on early human interaction. The research reveals that the spread of herding into East Africa involved groups with ancestry derived from northeast Africa, who mixed with local foragers between 4500-3500 years ago.
An analysis of 41 ancient African genomes suggests that the spread of herding and farming into eastern Africa occurred in phases, with multiple movements of - and gene flow among - ancestrally distinct groups. The study reveals varying cultural responses and blurred archaeological boundaries as groups adopted each other's practices.
Researchers analyzed 41 ancient sub-Saharan Africans, revealing a multi-stage model for the spread of food production into Kenya and Tanzania. The study found that Stone Age herders across East Africa had closely related genomes, despite cultural differences, and that genes for lactose digestion were rare in first East African herders.
Elephant poaching rates in Africa have declined by over 50% since 2011, but the continent's elephant population remains threatened without addressing poverty, corruption, and ivory demand. The research found that elephants are in danger of being wiped out if current poaching rates continue.
African elephant populations are stabilizing in some regions, with poaching rates falling from 10% to 4% between 2011 and 2017. Corruption and poverty drive poaching, suggesting efforts to reduce ivory demand may be more effective than law enforcement alone.
A team of international scientists has recommended ways to manage the devastating spread of Prosopis juliflora in Baringo County, Kenya. The study calls for urgent implementation of coordinated and sustainable management to control its spread and protect rural livelihoods.
Chimpanzees use percussive technique to gain access to meat of inaccessible reptiles, exhibiting intelligent behavior. They plan for future needs, such as hunger, in a surprising display of cognitive flexibility.
The project aims to deepen early career researchers' understanding of the value of science for its own sake and foster their interest in conceptual fundamental research. The PAPA programme will provide an educational programme, intensive education and supervision, workshops, and a mentoring programme to support the scholars.
A new study shows women in eight sub-Saharan African countries gaining access to and using modern contraception at a faster rate than projected, with married women the biggest users. The average annual growth rate of change in modern contraceptive prevalence exceeded the 1.4% benchmark set by the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning.
Researchers discovered charred food remains at the Klasies River Cave in South Africa, indicating early humans were roasting plant starches from tubers and rhizomes as far back as 120,000 years ago. This finding supports the hypothesis that the duplication of starch digestion genes is an adaptive response to a high-starch diet.
A new £2m project, ACACIA, aims to improve asthma control in African children aged 12-16. The study will design and test a school-based intervention to address asthma knowledge and stigma.
A new study reveals striking variation in HIV prevalence across African countries, with some areas experiencing over a 5-fold difference in numbers of people infected. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address persistent high infection rates in sub-Saharan Africa.
The study found that over 20 million babies were born with a low birthweight (less than 2500g) in 2015, with almost three-quarters of these babies born in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The authors call for immediate action to tackle underlying causes of low birthweight and ensure clinical care for small babies.
Researchers from UK and Malawi identify novel schistosome hybrids infecting children along Shire River Valley, with potential for abrupt genetic changes and increased disease transmission. A OneHealth approach is warranted to investigate inter-species combinations and zoonotic potential.
A new study published in Science Advances suggests that the South African fossil Australopithecus sediba is unlikely to be the direct ancestor of humans. Instead, researchers believe that Australopithecus afarensis, known for the 'Lucy' skeleton, is a stronger candidate.
A new species of fish parasite, Elthusa xena, has been discovered in South Africa, adding to the genus' diversity. The female parasites were named after Xena due to their tough appearance and egg-carrying abilities.
A new study using genome re-sequencing analyzed 167 yam species and found that cultivated yam was domesticated from a forest species in the Niger River basin. This challenges previous hypotheses on African plant domestication, suggesting West Africa as a major cradle of crop domestication.
A specially designed health intervention improved healthy eating and exercise habits among South African youth, with effects lasting at least 4.5 years. The study found that participants in the intervention had greater odds of meeting guidelines for healthy eating and physical activity than the control group.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that 14 common chemicals were detected in over 50% of wristbands from three continents. The wristbands, which absorb chemicals from the air and skin, are an excellent screening tool for population exposures to organic chemicals.
Researchers at Ohio University have discovered a new species of meat-eating mammal larger than any big cat. The 22-million-year-old fossils belong to the extinct hyaenodont group and provide a window into a bygone era.
Research suggests that horses' legs adapted for endurance travel, with single-toed forms emerging as a dominant lineage. The 'spring foot' enabled energy-efficient locomotion, allowing early single-toed horses to thrive in cooler and drier climates.