Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
A team of researchers is using genomic breeding approaches to develop disease-resistant, nutrient-rich banana varieties for smallholder farmers in East Africa. The goal is to boost yields by 30% and create high-yielding hybrids by 2019.
Archaeologists discovered ancient Egyptian-like plant impressions indicating that prehistoric peoples in the Butana Group were cultivating wild sorghum until it was genetically altered into a domesticated form. This finding pushes back the process for domesticating summer rainfall cereals by over a thousand years.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management found a systematic link between droughts and riots in sub-Saharan Africa. Droughts increase the possibility of rioting by 10% in a given month, with population density playing a key role in this relationship.
Dr Anja Osei's project aims to evaluate parliamentary debates and surveys among Members of Parliament in seven African countries to understand the role of parliaments in autocracies. The research will explore whether legislatures enhance democracy or contribute to authoritarian rule.
A breakthrough in sequencing the white Guinea yam genome has opened up possibilities for improving the staple crop's yields, sustainability, and disease resistance. This achievement will help farmers increase productivity and transform yams from a neglected 'orphan' crop to a more domesticated and economically viable food source.
The University of Portsmouth's AIR Network aims to address the significant contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular disease in low-resource settings. By engaging with local communities through arts, theatre, and other methods, researchers will explore co-creating viable interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution.
A large-scale study of ancient human DNA from sub-Saharan Africa has shed light on the identity of prehistoric populations, their movements and genetic adaptations. The research found evidence of a population replacement in Malawi and identified a mysterious group that spanned from southern Africa to the equator.
Researchers reconstructed African population structure using ancient DNA from 15 individuals, revealing a more complex history than previously thought. The findings show that populations related to indigenous people of southern Africa had a wider distribution in the past, contributing to ancestry of modern-day populations.
Tropical Depression 14E has formed in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, moving towards the west-northwest at 10 mph. The depression has maximum sustained winds of near 35 mph and is forecasted to become a tropical storm Lee by later today.
A new report from The Lancet Commission highlights opportunities to improve health in Sub-Saharan Africa by seizing the workforce's growth and transforming health systems. The report emphasizes the need for prevention, public health, and primary care, as well as addressing emerging challenges like non-communicable diseases.
Researchers found that South Africa's oil-collecting Rediviva bee species have evolved long front legs to reach oil in snapdragons' twin spurs. The length of these spurs varies among species, and bees coat their legs with velvety hairs to soak up the oil.
A study by the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country found that Pentecostal churches serve as places of reference for migrants to establish relationships, build trust, and share values. Pastors act as cultural mediators, providing essential information on welfare benefits, language skills, and navigating local provinces.
The Joint West Africa Research Group (JWARG) has begun a study to identify cases of suspected severe infectious diseases in West Africa. The study will enroll adult volunteers who present as severely ill with a suspected infectious source, and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
Researchers found that antivenoms produced using snakes from one region may perform poorly or fail completely against the same species of snakes from other regions. The study highlights a significant public health concern, with snakebites affecting millions globally and accounting for thousands of deaths annually.
A scoping review of palliative care development in Africa found that only a small subset of countries have made progress, with the majority concentrated in East Africa. The review highlights the need for increased access to opioids and postgraduate educational opportunities to address structural inequities in care delivery.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have created 3D avatars of three new ant species named after key figures in African biodiversity conservation. The ants' virtual reconstructions allow for detailed study of their biology without damaging physical specimens.
A new rapid diagnostic test has been shown to effectively distinguish between severe and uncomplicated malaria in children in Sub-Saharan Africa. The test was tested on 2,678 children with fever, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 97.6% for detecting severe malaria.
The aCar is an electric off-road capable vehicle designed to strengthen rural structures and drive the economy in Africa. Its modular structure allows for various applications, including water treatment, medical care, and cargo transportation.
Researchers have discovered that mature Reed Warblers can detect the declination from magnetic north and use it to locate themselves longitudinally, orienting towards their migratory route. This system is believed to be learned by experience, as juvenile birds were unable to adapt to a new magnetic signal.
Researchers used ancient DNA and proteins to confirm chicken introductions in Zanzibar (7th-8th century AD) via maritime trade. Black rats also appear in islands around the same time, suggesting they arrived as stowaways on trade vessels.
The Sungazer lizard is critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, with its population declining by over a third in the last decade. A conservation assessment found that only half of the species' habitat has been irreversibly transformed by humans.
The £5.5 million Supporting Evidence Based Interventions (SEBI) initiative is improving livestock health and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers are developing evidence-based technologies to address challenges faced by farmers, including disease surveillance platforms and portable diagnostic devices.
A newly discovered infant ape skull from 13 million years ago provides insights into the evolution of human ancestors. The fossil, nicknamed Alesi, reveals a brain cavity, inner ears, and unerupted teeth that indicate it belonged to a new species, Nyanzapithecus alesi.
Research in rural Kenya finds that cultural beliefs about disability are being replaced by medical explanations, leading to reduced stigma and improved understanding. The study reveals that increased contact with disabled individuals can help break down stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
A recent study published in Journal of Experimental Biology shows that translocated Latvian lesser spotted eagle chicks are capable of returning successfully to Germany, with only small numbers dying during the migration. This breakthrough offers hope for rescuing the declining German population.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that an Australian trapdoor spider diverged from its African relatives two million years ago, contradicting the theory of geographical separation. The researchers propose that long-distance dispersal across the ocean may have played a key role in the spider's evolutionary history.
A team of researchers found that the Kangaroo Island trapdoor spider belongs to a genus only found in South Africa, but migrated to Australia across the Indian Ocean. The study suggests that the spiders used land 'rafts' to cross the ocean, rewriting the history of arachnid dispersal.
Researchers are studying two lesser-studied primate species in a temperate environment, using thermal imaging cameras and high-tech methods. Preliminary data show human-induced threats, such as temperature fluctuations, affecting the primates' health and conservation status.
The article highlights significant 'unknowns' about trophy hunting's contribution to lion conservation, including the causes of lion mortality and the extent to which hunting affects land use. Innovative funding methods are needed to reverse species loss due to the income shortfall from hunting compared to other forms of tourism.
A new study published in ecancermedicalscience brings together data from 16 localised registers to present a critical new insight into the impact of paediatric cancer across sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights important trends, such as high incidence rates of rare blood cancers like Burkitt's Lymphoma in cities like Blantyre, Malawi.
The Howiesons Poort tradition, dating back to 66,000-59,000 years ago, demonstrated that early humans could exploit new environments despite pronounced aridification. The development of cultural innovations such as the bow and arrow, engraving ostrich eggshells, and intensive hunting practices allowed HP populations to thrive.
Invasive giant slug <i>Limax maximus</i> has spread to Hokkaido, Japan, where it is preyed upon by microphagous leech <i>Orobdella kawakatsuorum</i>. The study reveals that the invasive species feeds on various crops including cucumber and sweet potato.
The Francis Crick Institute has launched a fellowship programme to train African researchers to combat infectious diseases in their home countries. The programme, called the Crick African Network, will provide two years of intensive training and mentorship to foster the next generation of research leaders in Africa.
A new study reveals a dramatic increase in pangolin hunting across Central Africa, with up to 2.7 million animals harvested annually. The research highlights the need for governments and local communities to work together to protect these critically endangered species.
Researchers have found and dated artifacts in northern Australia indicating human arrival around 65,000 years ago. This new date calls into question the argument that humans caused the extinction of unique megafauna, suggesting a coexistence view of early humans and wildlife.
A new analysis identifies areas around the world most at-risk for hydro-political strife due to planned dams on rivers flowing through multiple nations. The Nile River in Africa is one of the more contentious areas, with Ethiopia's dam construction diverting water from countries downstream.
The University of Warwick has received a £5.7m grant to find better ways of delivering healthcare to people living in slums in Asia and Africa. The project aims to identify the best models for health service delivery and persuade politicians to make changes, benefiting nearly a billion people.
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has been awarded £11 million to establish a new Global Health Research Unit and two research groups. The funds will support research on lung health, snakebite, and non-communicable diseases in Africa, aiming to improve health outcomes for the poorest communities.
A new species of deep-water hermit crab, Paragiopagurus atkinsonae, has been discovered off the West Coast of South Africa. The 'Green-eyed' hermit crab is characterized by its distinctive green coloration and unique home preference, living in soft polypy masses built from sand and sea anemones.
Tulane University has received a $12 million grant to test a promising drug treatment for Lassa fever and develop a vaccine against the deadly disease. The vaccine targets a recently discovered key antibody target on the surface of the virus, which can block it from infecting host cells.
A new study found that willow warblers' genetic make-up determines their migration patterns depending on where they breed in the summer. The researchers discovered significant differences in over 200 genes between birds breeding in southern and northern Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic States.
The report reveals that type 2 diabetes prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa has reached 22% in some countries, with only half of diagnosed cases receiving treatment. The Lancet commission calls for decisive action to address the growing burden, which could nearly triple to $59 billion by 2030.
A major conservation effort is underway to conserve the last remaining paintbrush lilies in Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden. The species, Haemanthus pumilio, has declined drastically due to habitat destruction and invasive species. The garden aims to increase the population through micropropagation and control burns.
A new report predicts that diabetes cases will continue to rise in sub-Saharan Africa, overwhelming health systems and crippling patients' finances. The economic cost of diabetes is expected to more than double, reaching up to $59.3 billion per year by 2030.
Researchers are surveying vultures in Ethiopia to estimate populations and distributions, track movements, and evaluate human repercussions of vulture declines. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a critical site for conservation efforts due to its large concentration of migrating birds from Eurasia and Africa.
A new study has found significant inequalities in malaria research funding in sub-Saharan Africa, with countries like Chad and Central African Republic receiving no investment. The study reveals that Tanzania and Kenya received the most research funding, while Nigeria received the most non-research funding.
A new study reveals that most families in low-income countries lack access to soap at home, with significant disparities across regions. The research underscores the importance of improving handwashing behavior and access to soap in impoverished areas, particularly for children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
A UTEP doctoral candidate has discovered three new species of chameleons in the Albertine Rift region of Central Africa. The reptiles were found to be endemic to specific mountain ranges, with two species named after their habitats and a third species named after herpetologist Krystal Tolley.
Researchers identify new Aleodon species in Brazil, previously thought to be Chiniquodontids. The discovery strengthens the correlation between probainognathians from South America and Africa.
A statistical analysis of HIV/AIDS interventions in South Africa reveals significant disparities between rural and urban areas. The study found that earlier access to interventions is crucial in rural areas due to cultural factors such as stigmatization.
Researchers have discovered the oldest securely aged fossil evidence of modern humans in Africa, pushing back their origins by 100,000 years. The findings from Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, reveal a complex evolutionary history of mankind that likely involved the entire African continent.
The discovery of ancient Homo sapiens fossils in Morocco pushes back the origins of our species by 100,000 years. The fossils, dated to around 300,000 years ago, reveal a modern-looking face and teeth, but an archaic braincase shape.
Scientists assess invasive alien plant control measures in Kruger National Park, finding shortcomings including inadequate goal-setting and planning. The study recommends prioritizing species based on formal documentation and regular monitoring to optimize funding allocation.
A new study by Michigan State University scholars highlights the need to address inadequate healthcare and water access in Africa to reduce neonatal mortality rates. The study found that nearly half of under-5 child deaths occur during the neonatal period, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions.
Scientists from Granada and Almería discover a new species of plant in the Málaga region, previously misclassified as Linaria salzmannii. The plant, Linaria becerrae, has distinct flower characteristics and is found in sandy substrates in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes natural area.
Scientists have dated prehistoric rock paintings in southern Africa up to 5500 years old, surpassing previous estimates. The technique used reveals that these paintings were made over a long period, with some sites producing similar art for over 1,000 years.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that one in five children born as a twin in sub-Saharan Africa dies before the age of five. Twin births carry higher risks for the children and mother, including early delivery and low birthweight. Improving medical support could reduce twin mortality rates in the region.
A Rutgers study reveals that springs played a critical role in early human survival and migration in East Africa. The research suggests that climate change may not have been the primary factor driving human evolution.
A new study finds that countries most affected by weather-related disasters do not necessarily spend more on commercial weather and climate information services. Developing countries actually commit a higher percentage of their GDP to these services, recognizing their value in mitigating risks.
Dr. Terrie Taylor is using a $8.5 million federal grant to study why previous malaria prevention methods have been unsuccessful and how progress can be made in Malawi. Her team will focus on identifying 'reservoirs of infection' - people who are infected but not sick, and understanding mosquito behavior to develop effective treatments.