Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
Dr. Adekemi Adeniyan's innovative solutions to tackle oral health disparities in underserved communities have earned her the IHME's 2025 Roux Prize. Her work, using local data and community feedback, has expanded access to dental care for over 100,000 people.
Despite improvements in childhood immunization coverage, many African countries are unlikely to meet global targets by 2030. The study found that socioeconomic inequalities persist in coverage, with significant gaps between wealth quintiles.
A new study reveals a disconnect between media and public perceptions on the risks of consuming wild meat in Central Africa during COVID-19. Researchers found that people's perceptions were more influenced by their personal experience, with domesticated red meat viewed as the riskiest protein source for disease.
A UN-backed study highlights the lasting effects of Gambia's state-sponsored witch hunt, including stigma, social exclusion, and trauma. Researchers found a strong desire for official recognition and reconciliation, with recommendations for reparations and rebuilding social roles.
Research presents fig tree species storing calcium carbonate in trunks, converting CO2 from atmosphere. The oxalate-carbonate pathway increases soil pH and nutrient availability, making it a potential means to mitigate CO2 emissions.
Researchers argue that boosting entrepreneurship is counterproductive to Africa's economic development due to a lack of large firms. The study suggests that focusing on building large firms and adopting strategies from East Asia's successful growth models could be more effective.
A global review of legislation addressing witchcraft found that only nine countries used the law to prosecute cases, highlighting its ineffectiveness. The study advocates for a comprehensive, victim-centric approach to combat human rights abuses linked to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks.
Researchers will examine forensic methods, aesthetic practices, and issues of restitution in the context of archival investigation. They will explore how to critically engage with archives of colonial and political violence.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found serious quality defects in a significant number of cancer medications from sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers evaluated 251 samples and discovered that one in six medications contained the incorrect quantity of active pharmaceutical ingredient, posing patient safety risks.
Decades of successful joint public health efforts have bridged divides between Israelis and Palestinians, reducing infant mortality, controlling infectious diseases, and strengthening epidemic surveillance. The editorial urges a revival of such partnerships to combat the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war and promote regional stability.
High aflatoxin levels in Ghana's maize and peanuts contribute to the country's high liver cancer rates. Experts call for research to quantify the impact of fungal toxins on the disease.
Experts from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and African Cancer Coalition gathered in Nairobi, Kenya to update NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Sub-Saharan Africa. The meeting aimed to improve cancer care in the region by sharing evidence-based recommendations.
A daily dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole reduced the proportion of preterm births by 40% in pregnant women with HIV. The antibiotic also increased birth weight by 177 grams, improving health outcomes for babies. Researchers hope to confirm these findings in future trials.
A new USC-led study finds that a focused intervention combining storytelling, peer support, and provider incentives can reduce provider bias in family planning clinics and improve care for young women. The intervention expanded contraceptive access for the most marginalized groups.
A new study by TUM reveals that African green hydrogen production is much more costly than previously assumed, with only 2% of investigated locations being competitive. To make exports to Europe viable, governments and policymakers must provide price and offtake guarantees.
The African Engineering and Technology Network has signed its ninth university partner, Universidade Agostinho Neto. The network, led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa, aims to promote pan-African digital growth through research, education, and entrepreneurship.
Researchers mapped TB cases in Africa using a Bayesian geospatial analysis, revealing dramatic differences in disease burden between local regions. The study's findings highlight the importance of targeted health resources and could help reduce tuberculosis deaths by 95% by 2035.
A new study found that climate change is driving sexual and reproductive health risks among young adolescents in Kenya, with food, water, and sanitation insecurities linked to school dropout, gender-based violence, and early pregnancy.
The African Union's new policy brief proposes implementing the IDAWM framework to address agricultural water management challenges in Africa. This will involve balancing environmental, social, health, and governance trade-offs to create resilient agri-food systems that deliver multiple benefits for people and the planet.
A new study finds connections between extreme weather events and HIV vulnerabilities, including increased transactional sex, reduced condom agency, and LGBTQ stigma. Researchers studied 21 sex workers and 15 gbMSM in Nairobi, Kenya, revealing interrelated links between climate change-related resource insecurities and HIV risk.
A new study from the University of Surrey finds that African tourism entrepreneurs employ proactive strategies to overcome challenges, including operational adjustments, resource management optimisations, and creative pricing tactics. This approach significantly enhances their resilience and wellbeing amid adversity.
A clinical trial finds that moxidectin is more effective than current treatment ivermectin for lymphatic filariasis, a disease affecting millions in Africa. Moxidectin has a persistent effect and may require fewer rounds of treatment, potentially accelerating its elimination.
A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.
The Soybean Innovation Lab has secured a $1.02 million gift from an anonymous donor, led by Founders Pledge, to keep the lab operational until April 15. The reprieve will allow the lab to complete critical work and give Director Pete Goldsmith time to seek stable funding.
A new study at Stellenbosch University found that blocking the enzymes involved in glycolysis could cut off the malaria parasite's primary energy source and kill it. This approach has shown promise for developing new malaria drugs, particularly against resistant parasites.
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.
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.
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 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.