Articles tagged with Africa
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A study analyzing vital registration, census, and survey data from 202 countries estimates sex ratio at birth for all countries between 1950 and 2017. The study reveals significant regional variations and findings a total of 23.1 million missing female births worldwide.
Researchers found that teens have an overly simplistic understanding of consent, ignoring non-verbal cues, and believe silence indicates consent. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce sexual violence and improve resilience among teens.
Researchers found diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccination levels in Nigeria, DRC, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Cambodia below the 80% threshold. Targeted campaigns can improve immunization service delivery, especially in areas with poor routine immunization coverage.
A new study found substantial variation in vaccine coverage within countries, with some areas having less than 25% coverage. The study provides insights for nations' health ministers to identify where to improve vaccine delivery systems and tailor strategies to reach unvaccinated children.
A study by ISGlobal identifies West African regions where treating livestock with ivermectin can significantly impact malaria transmission. The analysis highlights the potential of this strategy to reduce malaria prevalence among children under 10 years of age and improve community health.
A large-scale study found consensus among conservationists on core aims, but significant disagreement on mechanisms to achieve them. The study reveals deep divisions over assigning economic value to nature and the necessity of protected areas, as well as varying perspectives on non-native species and human population growth.
Researchers develop a model to estimate TB drug distribution in lung lesions, revealing poor penetration into cavitary lesions. A clinical risk score is also introduced to identify HIV-positive patients at high risk of dying within 2 months of diagnosis.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of Telenomus remus, an egg parasitoid that could be a vital tool in fighting fall armyworm in Africa. The species has been shown to provide full control of fall armyworm with an 80-100 percent parasitism rate.
Researchers discovered a new species of ebolavirus, Bombali, in Kenyan bats, suggesting it may be more widespread than thought. The virus does not infect humans and its presence in wildlife could help researchers understand the dynamics of this and other ebolavirus species.
A study by Syracuse University professor Mark Ritchie observed a 400% spike in human population and a 75% drop in larger wildlife species populations near the iconic ecosystem. The research highlights the need for alternative strategies to sustain coexistence between local people and wildlife.
A new census using the IUCN A.P.E.S. database estimates that 52,800 western chimpanzees live in western Africa, primarily outside protected areas. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to reduce habitat loss and connectivity due to development corridors.
A new model predicts substantial reduction of malaria transmitting mosquitoes in West Africa by introducing genetically modified male mosquitoes with a driving-Y chromosome. The approach, which targets the most important species of malaria mosquitoes, has the potential to reduce populations and ultimately eliminate disease transmission.
Scientists found that current WHO guidelines for chronic hepatitis B fail to detect 50% of patients in need of treatment in Ethiopia. The guidelines are based on European and American data, highlighting the need for regionalized approaches to identify patients with significant liver disease.
A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that improved housing prevalence doubled from 11% to 23% in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2015. Despite this progress, 53 million urban Africans still lived in slum conditions in 2015.
A study by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine found that complete window screening coverage was associated with a 92% reduction in malaria prevalence. Mosquito biting rates were also reduced, highlighting the potential impact of simple interventions on malaria transmission.
A major international collaboration aims to improve weather forecasting across Africa, with a focus on reducing the impact of severe weather events. The project seeks to build confidence between forecasters and users by developing new computer models and satellite methods.
A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that immigrant women in Norway are more likely to be overweight during pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 219,555 deliveries between 2006 and 2014, also found a significant association between country of birth and weight status.
A North Carolina State University study found that US indoor climate preferences are most similar to those of west central Kenya and northeast Africa, with warm conditions and low humidity prevailing. The survey of 37 states showed that Americans aim for a climate closest to the outdoor conditions in these regions.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people from North Africa were among the first to colonize the Canary Islands, arriving by 1000 CE. The researchers analyzed ancient mitochondrial genomes and identified lineages consistent with radiocarbon dating evidence, suggesting a complex and heterogeneous process of colonization.
A genetic study confirms a small-scale migration of modern humans from southern Africa to eastern Africa around 65,000 years ago. This event likely transmitted cultural advancements and contributed to the greatest diaspora in human history.
A large randomized controlled trial found that two frontline two-drug combinations including amlodipine significantly reduced blood pressure levels more than a third combination without amlodipine. The study, conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, showed that nearly half of adults have high blood pressure, often receiving ineffective treatment.