Articles tagged with Africa
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A team of researchers, including a Pitt University expert, analyzed core samples from Lake Malawi to find that the continent has experienced a 100,000-year cycle of wet and dry conditions, contrary to previous studies that suggested it was drying. The findings shed new light on human evolutionary theory and the savannah hypothesis.
A two-and-a-half-year study found that children who survived cerebral malaria had indistinguishable cognitive development compared to healthy peers, despite poor overall performance. The results highlight the need to investigate additional factors such as nutrition and environmental conditions.
Female meerkats can produce up to twice as much testosterone as males, which may lead to a trade-off in their immune system, making them more prone to infections. Dominant females tend to live longer and give birth to more litters than subordinate females.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a park ranger was recently killed while defending Grauer's gorillas, highlighting the increasing threats to rangers and their families. The WCS Senior Conservation Scientist for Africa expresses concern over these increased threats to animal protection.
Historic analysis of East African ivory reveals where elephants roamed and were hunted during the 19th century, shedding light on the ecological impact of the ivory trade. The study maps elephant geography in the region and informs contemporary conservation strategies.
Middle Stone Age humans developed intentional heat treatment of silcrete rock to facilitate the flaking process, which impacted all subsequent stages of silcrete tool production and use. The authors suggest that this technique may provide direct evidence of the extensive use of fire applied to a whole lithic chain of production.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured heavy rainfall rates within Hurricane Nicole's eye, with strong storms dropping rain at a rate of over 113 mm per hour. The satellite also analyzed the storm's top heights, finding powerful storms reaching only about 12 km in height.
Research from Lund University finds that ENSO leads to increased shortages of food and animal feed in rural areas of eastern and southern Africa. The study calculates the impact of carbon dioxide absorption by vegetation on food production and predicts a worsening situation as weather phenomena become more frequent.
A phylogenetic analysis supports transoceanic dispersal of Amaurobioides genus across Southern Hemisphere continents. The study suggests that an ancestral population existed on ancient supercontinent Gondwana and dispersed eastward during the Miocene era.
A new family of earthworms, Kazimierzidae, has been established for a South African genus with an exclusive circulatory system. The species are restricted to small areas along the western and south-western Atlantic coast of South Africa.
A team of scientists has identified the African origin of the black grains grown by Suriname Maroons, tracing back to Mande-speaking farmers in Western Ivory Coast. The study combines ethnobotanic, historic and genetic research to uncover the migration history of people and crops.
A new large-scale analysis found that logged forests in Central Africa may contain nearly twice as much deadwood as unlogged forests, and up to 3.8 times more than previous estimates. This underestimation has broad implications for regional forestry practices and global carbon emissions.
A study from Lund University finds that foreign agricultural companies' crop choices and water management contribute to increased water shortages and competition for resources. This leads to a higher risk of conflicts between humans, plants, and animals in affected areas.
Researchers find that lifting the ivory ban will not address the issue of elephant poaching, as the demand for ivory is too great. They recommend managing demand effectively and promoting alternative sources of income for communities living with elephants.
Scientists have reclassified giraffes into four distinct species based on genetic analysis, revealing new insights into their biology and conservation needs. The study highlights the urgent need for protection efforts to safeguard these endangered animals in Africa.
Catastrophic declines in wilderness areas have occurred globally over the last two decades, with almost 10% of the world's land area lost. The Amazon and Central Africa have been severely impacted, highlighting the need for international policies to protect remaining wilderness.
A new study has identified four highly distinct groups of giraffe, each with its own genetic profile, indicating they should be recognized as four separate species. The researchers hope this discovery will lead to targeted conservation efforts for the endangered species.
Research reveals catastrophic decline in global wilderness areas, with an estimated 3.3 million square kilometers lost since the 1990s, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts and international protection.
A study published in Health Affairs evaluated the impact of in-service training and supervision on quality of care for pregnant women and sick children in sub-Saharan Africa. The research found that while receiving recent training and supervision was associated with improved quality, it did not exceed 50% of expected performance.
Researchers found that genetic clustering of southern African populations is closely tied to the ecogeography of the Kalahari Desert region. The study analyzed genome-wide data from 21 KhoeSan groups and identified five primary ancestries, suggesting a geographically complex set of migration events.
Researchers tracked 41 boats across 28 sites in the Republic of Congo, collecting 5,500 hours of data on fishing trips. Fishers in urban areas travel far offshore with minimal safety gear, while those in rural areas make daily trips closer to shore.
A recent study suggests that the arrival of browsing medium-sized antelopes in Africa was a key factor in replacing ancient forests with open savannas. The researchers found that thorn trees evolved around the same time as antelope, coinciding with the diversification of spiny plants and the opening up of forests to grass invaders.
A new study identifies countries in Africa and Asia at greatest risk of Zika virus transmission due to climate, mosquito presence, and large populations. The analysis highlights India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as top countries, emphasizing the need for public health decision-making support.
A new study identifies India, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as high-risk countries for local Zika virus transmission. The research team analyzed airline passenger traffic data to determine which countries are at greatest risk due to climate conditions and limited health resources.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that climate change was not a primary driver of technological innovation among Stone Age humans. Researchers analyzed animal remains from South Africa's southern Cape, finding that human populations were able to absorb changes to the climate through resources like long-distance contact and ...
A recent revision of the custard apple genus Monanthotaxis has revealed nine new species from tropical Africa, confirming the importance of herbarium collections in botany. The newly described species are found mainly in western central Africa and Tanzania, with several classified as critically endangered.
A novel schistosomiasis vaccine called Sm14 Vaccine has reached phase II clinical studies, prioritized by the World Health Organization. The vaccine aims to prevent the parasite that causes the disease from installing in the patient's organism and causing damage.
A Baylor University study found that individual characteristics such as income, education, and relationship status are associated with greater satisfaction. Sex life satisfaction was not linked to country-level variables like wealth or HIV/AIDS concern.
A Baylor University study found that individual-level characteristics, such as higher income and education, are associated with greater sex life satisfaction in Sub-Saharan Africa. Satisfaction is not linked to country-level variables like wealth, suggesting that factors beyond economic status influence overall happiness.
Two novel African types of Salmonella Enteritidis, genetically distinct from the Western type, have been identified through a global-scale genetic study. These bacteria have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics and are a major cause of blood poisoning and death in Africa.
The University of Kansas is partnering with the Peace Corps to provide custom, web-based resources to staff and volunteers in Africa. The Community Tool Box will support volunteers with research-based knowledge from disciplines such as community development and urban planning, making best practices easy to implement in the field.
Researchers have discovered three newly dead specimens of the scaly-tailed squirrel, hinting at its evolution over 49 million years. The study reveals that Zenkerella is a distant cousin of two other squirrels with gliding abilities, leading to the creation of a new family name.
The Einstein-Montefiore and CUNY research team will use the data for their own research projects, addressing scientific clinical and healthcare delivery questions that inform care in Central Africa and beyond. The ongoing study involves over 50,000 HIV-positive children and adults taking anti-retroviral therapy.
A new study finds that palm oil production is driving deforestation in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and Mesoamerica, posing significant threats to biodiversity. Conservation efforts will need to be tailored to each region's unique challenges to protect at-risk species.
A new study from Imperial College London and the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia found that a 'screen-and-treat' programme for hepatitis B can reduce deadly complications of the virus. The initiative is cost-effective and feasible in Sub-Saharan Africa, where around 80 million people are infected.
The ANRS CohMSM study found an annual incidence rate of 4.8% among West African MSM, indicating they are eligible for PrEP. The study also showed a demand for access to follow-up and screening services, with 82% of participants attending their first appointment.
Six Canadian innovations, including a low-cost drill system and an HIV self-test application, will receive $10 million in scale-up funding from Grand Challenges Canada. The projects aim to improve global health in developing countries by providing innovative solutions for diseases such as diarrhea, cervical cancer, and HIV.
Research reveals that humans use special calls to recruit wild birds, while honeyguides actively recruit appropriate human partners. This unique collaboration allows both species to access valuable resources.
The HPTN 073 study found that 79% of participants accepted PrEP, with 62% self-reporting high adherence and drug levels consistent with daily use. This suggests an effective strategy for preventing HIV infection among black MSM in the US.
A randomized trial in South Africa found that screening at home and immediate antiretroviral treatment reduce HIV transmission, but only 4 out of 10 seropositive people had undetectable viral loads. The study highlights the need to improve entry into healthcare systems for those diagnosed with HIV.
Global Burden of Disease 2015 analysis shows slow decline in new HIV infections between 2005-2015, with stagnation in recent years. Treatment coverage varies globally, with massive scale-up needed in regions like Middle East and Eastern Europe.
New research reveals that continental breakup proceeds through a two-phase speed evolution, where initial slow extension is followed by rapid acceleration. This process can lead to the formation of rifted continental margins with enhanced faulting and volcanic activity.
The monthly dapivirine vaginal ring provides significant protection against HIV infection in women, with consistent use reducing risk by at least 56%. Two open-label studies have launched to further investigate the product's efficacy and support its consistent use.
Research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health sheds light on the relentless spread of HIV in South African communities, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. The studies found that Prevotella bivia and Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria increase vulnerability to HIV through inflammation and pH imbalance.
A newly discovered ancient turtle fossil reveals that the turtle shell initially evolved for burrowing, not protection. The fossil, about 15 cm long, was found by an 8-year-old boy and helps solve a long-standing mystery in the field of evolutionary biology.
A team of paleontologists, including Denver Museum of Nature & Science curator Dr. Tyler Lyson, has discovered that the earliest turtle shells were not for protection, but rather an adaptation for burrowing underground. The broadened ribs in early proto turtles allowed them to dig and escape harsh environments.
A team of scientists has developed a model that can predict which bat species are most likely to transmit Ebola and other filoviruses. The study highlights new potential hosts and geographic hotspots worthy of surveillance, with the AI algorithm identifying potential carriers in Southeast Asia and Central and South America.
Ecologists have identified 21 bat species that are likeliest to harbor Ebola and other filoviruses, primarily found in Southeast Asia and Central and South America. The study suggests targeted disease surveillance efforts in these regions to prevent future outbreaks.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests climate shifts influenced human subsistence strategies but not the driving factor behind cultural and technological innovations during Middle Stone Age. Researchers found that environmental variation did not coincide with these innovations, implying other factors drove human innovation.
A study in Uganda found that increasing community medical male circumcision and antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage was associated with reduced community HIV incidence. Median community HIV incidence declined from 1.25 to 0.84 per 100 person-years in males, and from 1.25 to 0.99 per 100 person-years in females.
Research suggests that increasing male circumcision rates and ART coverage significantly reduces new male HIV infections in rural Ugandan communities. Communities with higher circumcision coverage saw a 39% decline in new infections, while those with higher ART coverage among women saw a 23% reduction.
A study reveals that rapid TB tests in West Africa have low accuracy due to the presence of other mycobacterial species like Mycobacterium africanum. The tests miss a substantial fraction of cases, leading to dire consequences for patients and TB control efforts.
Key findings highlight the need for national palliative care policies in African countries, where many lack such guidelines. The article discusses the evolution of palliative care policy on the continent, raising awareness and promoting education to address these challenges.
Researchers analyzed fossil records and ostrich eggshell stable isotope measurements from two Middle Stone Age sites, finding no correlation between climate shifts and technological or cultural innovations. The study challenges the idea that climate change drove early human experimentation.
The study identified two groups of drought-resistant bean lines: 'water savers' and 'water spenders'. The former are suitable for semi-arid regions with limited moisture, while the latter have deep roots to maximize water extraction. These findings contribute to improving bean productivity in areas affected by drought.
The Quatro Study will inform ongoing product development efforts by gathering end-user input on four vaginal delivery systems for HIV and multipurpose prevention. The study, recruiting 200 healthy women ages 18-30 in South Africa and Zimbabwe, assesses user experiences of placebos with no active ingredients.
Researchers have developed paper strips that can detect diseases like cancer and malaria at home using a cost of 50 cents per strip. These tests are accurate even after a month and can be sent via mail, making them ideal for rural communities where access to healthcare is limited.
A new analysis published in Nature finds that country pledges under the Paris Agreement would lead to a global temperature rise of 2.6-3.1°C by 2100, exceeding the 2°C limit. The study suggests that additional measures are necessary after 2030 to limit warming to 2°C or even 1.5°C.
A new solar-powered oxygen delivery system, developed by UAlberta, is providing concentrated oxygen to children with severe pneumonia in Ugandan hospitals. The system, which uses solar energy and batteries, has shown to be as effective as conventional oxygen delivery methods.
The 1976 Ebola outbreak highlighted the importance of rapid clinical recognition, international notification, and specimen provision. Researchers recommend strengthened preparation, detection, response, control mechanisms, and international cooperation to manage future outbreaks promptly.