Articles tagged with Africa
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth reveals that droughts and associated water loss are the primary cause of South Africa's land uplift. This finding challenges the previously assumed mantle flow explanation and highlights the importance of monitoring groundwater reserves due to climate change.
A new report warns of a sharp decline in pre-primary education aid, highlighting the scale of inequalities between rich and poor nations. The total aid spent on pre-primary education was the second highest since records began, but represented just 1.2% of global education aid.
A landmark study found that over 3 million children worldwide lost their lives in 2022 due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related infections. The study data also revealed a sharp rise in the use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics, posing serious long-term risks.
Recent cases of multi-drug resistant cholera in the UK and Germany are linked to exposure to contaminated holy water from Ethiopia. The study found a connection between pilgrims consuming or bathing in the holy well and the spread of the disease.
Expert policy analysis estimates nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 if PEPFAR programmes are not stable. The authors call for urgent action to ensure the continuation of life-saving interventions and support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
A study found that migrants experience a 'clear change' in their gut microbiome composition after migration, leading to increased rates of cardiovascular disease. The Amsterdam UMC-led research showed that specific groups of microbes disappear or emerge along the migration axis.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that soil moisture levels can increase rainfall area and amount in megastorm hotspots globally by up to 30%. This contrast results from atmospheric changes, enabling communities to better adapt to climate change.
A study from Tanzania found that a Western diet can cause inflammation and reduce immune response, while an African diet rich in vegetables and fermented foods has positive effects on the immune system. The study suggests that short-term dietary changes can have long-lasting effects on health.
Rachid Guerraoui has made groundbreaking contributions to distributed computing, shaping the landscape of concurrent environments. He also promotes computer science education in Africa, fostering academic excellence through initiatives like the Excellence in Africa program.
A new study deciphers ancient DNA from the Green Sahara, providing critical insights into the African Humid Period and its impact on human migration. The research reveals a unique genetic lineage that remained isolated for thousands of years, highlighting North Africa's heritage.
All articles with at least one author based in Africa can now be submitted to the platform and will no longer require funding from a partnering research funder. This expansion aims to increase publication efficiency and improve the experience of African authors, while promoting the rapid sharing and discovery of high-quality research.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that legislation to reduce sodium in processed food in South Africa is linked to significant declines in blood pressure levels. The reduction in sodium intake has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and stroke, potentially saving millions of lives globally.
Scientists from South Africa and China successfully established the world's longest intercontinental ultra-secure quantum satellite link spanning 12,900 km. This achievement demonstrates South Africa's potential to develop a thriving quantum ecosystem.
A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.
A new study by NYU researchers found that adults living with HIV in Malawi are more than twice as likely to also have dementia compared to those without HIV. The study sheds light on the significant burden of dementia among people living with HIV in resource-poor settings.
A new species of killifish, Nothobranchius sylvaticus, has been described from an ancient forest in Kenya, which is also the first known endemic killifish to persist in a forest. The species faces a high conservation risk due to its severely restricted habitat.
A new study has provided evidence for the safety and effectiveness of a meningococcal pentavalent vaccine in young children beginning at 9 months of age in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccine protects against five strains of meningitis prevalent in the region, and its use could lead to a significant reduction in meningitis cases and deaths.
Researchers found a single young adult Paranthropus robustus fossil with evidence of habitual upright walking, weighing only about a meter tall and 27 kg at death. The species' small size made it vulnerable to predators like sabertooth cats and giant hyenas.
Research by University of Zurich reveals African young adults prioritize communal values over individual exploration in transition to adulthood. Education and family support are key factors in achieving full adult status, as seen in the study on Ovambo people of Namibia.
A new book analyzes the Western colonial origins of the mining industry and its post-colonial legacies in the Central African Copperbelt. The research reveals the significant role of Chinese investors in modernizing mines, claiming to support a sustainable future.
In a new study published in The Lancet, researchers found that one in eight patients in African hospitals are critically ill, with one in five dying within a week. Basic but crucial health interventions can significantly reduce mortality and are inexpensive enough to be provided in general wards.
All five subregions of Africa will breach the 1.5°C climate change threshold by 2040, even under low emission scenarios, according to a new study. The research highlights the urgent need for just transition pathways in African agriculture to enhance food security and poverty reduction while optimizing mitigation co-benefits.
A team of scientists has developed a new method to monitor undersea sediment flows, allowing them to track the longest-runout sediment flows ever recorded. The study reveals that turbulent mixing with seawater influences the behavior of these powerful canyon-flushing turbidity currents over long distances.
A USC study has found a drastic increase in building collapses in Alexandria, Egypt, due to rising sea levels and seawater intrusion. The researchers used a three-pronged approach to assess the impact of shoreline changes on the city's buildings.
Researchers have identified a new variant, clade 1b, of the mpox virus that has become more infectious and is spreading rapidly across borders. The study found that this variant primarily spreads through heterosexual contact in densely populated areas, with an estimated fatality rate of 3.4%.
A nearly complete skull of the ancient apex carnivore Bastetodon has been discovered in the Egyptian desert, revealing a new species of hyaenodonta. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of hyaenodonts and their global distribution, with findings suggesting they spread from Africa to Asia, Europe, India, and North America.
A new report by University of Bath's Tobacco Control Research Group reveals a $93 million discrepancy in revenue reported by BAT Kenya, with no plausible explanation provided. The analysis suggests tax avoidance or evasion, raising urgent questions about the corporation's financial practices.
Researchers have uncovered the Fulani people's genetic diversity, tracing their history back to the Green Sahara period. The study found correlations between culture, geography, and genetics, highlighting the importance of Fulani subsistence strategies in shaping their genetic landscape.
A new retrospective study found that nearly half of patients with fever of unknown origin in sub-Saharan Africa had a detectable pathogen, including bacterial strains and hemorrhagic fever viruses. The study highlights the need for strengthened laboratory capacity to improve diagnosis and treatment.
The African Animal Breeding Network can play a key role in transforming African livestock production systems by harnessing genomic technologies and breeding programs to drive genetic gains. This approach balances productivity with sustainability, supporting livelihoods and strengthening food security across the continent.
A global survey of 13,500 people in six European countries and the USA reveals that a majority want harmful social media content restricted. The study highlights differences among countries, with some nations supporting stricter regulations than others.
Farmers in African mountains report alarming changes in local weather patterns, leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity. The study highlights the need for tailored adaptation strategies that consider environmental, social, and political dynamics of each region.
A multinational research project, led by UC Merced and BioSCape, used NASA aircraft to collect data on ultraviolet, visual, thermal and other images over South Africa's Greater Cape Floristic Region. The data provided a comprehensive look at the region's biodiversity and ecosystem function.
The KeyScope is a low-cost, robust laparoscope priced at approximately $1,000, making it accessible in low- and middle-income countries. It offers high-resolution images, color accuracy, and low distortion, comparable to standard laparoscopes.
A new study by Purdue University reveals that improved crop varieties led to global benefits for the environment and food system sustainability. The analysis found that reduced agricultural land use saved 1,043 animal and plant species, with most avoided losses located in biodiversity hot spots.
Scientists studied painted lady butterflies' migration patterns and found that environmental conditions shape their travel behavior, with some crossing the Sahara Desert. Contrary to previous belief, genetic analysis revealed no difference in DNA sequences between short- and long-trip butterflies.
Farmers in African mountains reported increased temperatures, reduced fog, and changes in rainfall patterns, leading to lower crop yields, livestock production, and human health concerns.
The study discovered new microbial species and never-before-reported metagenomes from African sites, shedding light on the importance of geography in shaping microbiome differences. The research highlights the need for site- and region-specific approaches to gut health interventions.
A new study from the University of Exeter reveals that Kenyan smallholder farmers face barriers when trying to increase the diversity of trees and shrubs on their land. Factors such as past experiences, influence of other farmers, and perceived ability to grow different tree species play a crucial role in decision-making.
Researchers suggest earliest dinosaurs emerged in hot, arid environments of low-latitude Gondwana, filling gaps in fossil record. This finding provides a potential origin for the iconic creatures, contradicting previous assumptions.
CISPA has signed the Africa Charter, a joint endeavour of major higher education bodies, to address structural disadvantages faced by scientists and research institutions in Africa. The charter outlines 10 principles for structuring research collaborations to overcome existing power imbalances.
The 'Under the Snakefluence' study surveys people in 20+ countries to understand public perceptions of snakes and assess educational efforts to promote safe coexistence. Research shows that delaying medical treatment can be fatal or cause permanent disability.
A lone spotted hyena was found in South Eastern Egypt, marking the first recorded instance of the species in this region for thousands of years. The individual was tracked and killed after killing two goats, providing evidence of how regional climate change can affect animal migration patterns.
The book presents a comprehensive overview of the negative impacts of Prosopis invasions, including changes to land structure and groundwater depletion. Experts warn that if left uncontrolled, the invasion could spread to cover three-quarters of Kenya and cost USD 375 million annually.
A new study reveals that armed conflict significantly reduces girls' years of schooling by adolescence, with effects even at low-intensity conflict levels. Exposure to nearby conflict is linked to reduced female education, with bigger impacts at closer distances and ages 6 and 11.
Paleontologists re-evaluate fossil records and discover a previously unknown predatory dinosaur species, Tameryraptor markgrafi, with significant differences from Carcharodontosaurus. The new findings suggest a more diverse dinosaur fauna in North Africa than previously thought.
A new map reveals unique 'geologic fingerprints' across most of the African continent, enabling researchers to match artifacts and remains with their likely region of origin. The tool is particularly valuable for understanding human migration patterns, modern wildlife trafficking, and the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
A new study suggests that better access to regional markets is more important than farmers growing a diverse range of crops on their own smallholdings. Markets increase the variety of foods available locally, benefiting the population as a whole.
A team from the University of Cambridge has developed a model to predict desert locust swarms, enabling national agencies to respond quickly. The model uses weather forecast data and computational models to forecast locust swarm movements both short and long-term.
The CEDITRAA project investigates the impact of digitalization on cultural production, focusing on Asia and Africa. It explores how platforms like TikTok shape cultural formats and how globally active online communities emerge in music production.
A new database reveals significant gaps in hippo population knowledge, with fragmented populations relying on protected areas. The research calls for coordinated surveys and a centralized spatial database to improve conservation efforts.
Researchers found that giraffes prefer flat terrain and avoid steep slopes of more than 20° due to energy requirements and risk of falling. This limits their access to habitats in protected reserves, with nearly half of Namibia's habitat being unusable for giraffes.
The Midwest was a hub of Black political activism, where ideas of Marcus Garvey incubated and expanded globally. The region offered unique opportunities for Black people to earn higher wages and exercise their right to vote.
The partnership aims to promote STEM education and careers among African students, increasing student engagement, identity, and career awareness. CMU-Africa and Challenger Center will expand the reach of Virtual Missions across the continent, focusing on underserved areas.
Researchers suggest a scientific framework to operate the Nile's mega dams during droughts, balancing sustainable hydropower generation with minimizing downstream water deficit. The framework aims to increase resilience for over 300 million inhabitants in the Eastern Nile Basin living under uncertain climatic projections.
The Africa-UBC Oceans and Fisheries Visiting Fellows Program has selected two exceptional scholars, Dr. Cynthia A. Adinortey (Ghana) and Dr. Antony Otinga Oteng’o (Kenya), to collaborate with UBC researchers on ocean sustainability projects.
A study found that only a small percentage of Ethiopian children under five regularly consume animal-sourced foods, limiting their dietary diversity. Introducing just one meat item into a child's diet each day could make a dramatic difference in preventing stunting and improving cognitive capacity.
Dr. Kamau-Rutenberg brings expertise in food systems, social inclusion, and gender-sensitive innovation to drive transformative change in Africa's agricultural development. She aims to harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives.
Researchers will test the hypothesis that environmental manganese exposure is associated with the progression of Parkinson's symptoms and measure neuroinflammation in the brain using MRI scans. The study aims to inform environmental regulations for manganese worldwide and address an environmental justice concern.
The survey reveals critical low lion numbers in Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks, while hyena populations show resilience across four major protected areas. Advanced spatial capture-recapture methods set a new standard for wildlife monitoring in Africa.