Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
A recent study by Carnegie Institution for Science found that elephants are responsible for a high tree-fall rate in Kruger, driven by population density and fire frequency. The research used LiDAR technology to map millions of trees across the reserve, providing insights into ecosystem management and conservation.
A recent NIH study found that artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites can infect diverse mosquito species in Africa, including Anopheles coluzzii. This discovery suggests a higher risk of drug-resistant malaria infections in Africa, posing challenges to efforts to prevent and eliminate the disease.
Scientists uncover European roller's migratory routes, resting areas and wintering grounds, revealing key areas of conservation importance. The study highlights the species' fragile state of conservation and the impact of human activities on its migration patterns.
Researchers cast doubt on lunar impact date methods by analyzing meteorite-impact zircons, suggesting contextual information loss upon separation from host rocks. This may affect our understanding of the late heavy bombardment on the young Moon, which could influence life's emergence timeline.
A new series of assays explores how African smallholders can meet SDG2 by using biosciences to protect crops from diseases and pests, increase yields, and promote food security. The results provide recommendations for policymakers, educationalists, and those interested in smallholder agriculture.
Estimated electricity production from African urban waste could reach 122.2 TWh in 2025, alleviating energy poverty for millions. However, poor waste management limits actual potential to 83.8 TWh, affecting 27 million families.
The Horn of Africa is becoming increasingly arid due to global warming, threatening the region's agriculture and exacerbating tensions. Researchers have found a 2,000-year trend of drying in the region, which contradicts predictions that it will become wetter.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a genetically modified cassava variety that produces several-fold higher levels of vitamin B6, addressing the widespread deficiency in Africa. The new trait is stable under different conditions and has been confirmed to be bioavailable for human consumption.
Researchers have sequenced the full genome of an ancient African male skeleton, revealing significantly more Eurasian ancestry than previously thought. The study estimates that 4-7% of African genomes trace back to a Eurasian source, with gene flow reaching Central, West and Southern Africa.
The sequenced ancient human genome from Africa reveals a significant wave of migration back into the continent around 3,000 years ago, affecting all populations across the African continent. This migration predates the 'Eurasian backflow' event and shares genetic similarities with Early Neolithic farmers who brought agriculture to Europe.
Invasive Salmonella infections are a major cause of child illness and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, with 3.4 million illnesses and 681,000 deaths worldwide in 2010, according to new research.
The feet of Homo naledi, a newly discovered human ancestor, are remarkably similar to those of modern humans in form and structure. This suggests that Homo naledi was a long-distance traveler with an arched foot, similar to early human species such as Homo erectus.
African countries face a significant burden of traumatic brain injury, with the majority resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Developing accurate surveillance systems and public health measures is crucial to reducing the risk and impact of TBI.
Two new 'door head' ant species have evolved saucer-like shields to block nest entrances and protect against intruders. Their unique morphologies are the second case of such specialization discovered in Africa.
The study found that over 2,625 invasive plant species were offered for sale on eBay, with 35 being among the 100 worst invasive species. The plants are often sold by dealers in countries with lax regulations, making it difficult to track and control online trade.
The Feed the Future program aims to address declining coffee production in Rwanda by promoting research, farmer capacity building, and policy engagement. MSU will inform coffee sector stakeholders of effective practices for controlling pests and establish a policy environment that encourages producers to invest in sustainable practices.
A new study found that a large majority of breast cancers in Cote d'Ivoire and Republic of Congo are detected at an advanced stage, with over two-thirds of tumors being 5 cm or larger in diameter. The study's results underscore the need for improved access to diagnosis and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa.
Homo naledi, discovered in South Africa, has a unique combination of derived cranial vault and hand morphology. Its age is unknown, but it may represent an intermediate between Australopithecus and Homo erectus.
A new study finds that African dams are linked to over 1.1 million malaria cases annually, with the risk being particularly high in areas with unstable malaria transmission. The research highlights the need for better disease control measures around dam reservoirs.
Tropical Depression Fred is weakening due to strong upper-level winds, while a new low-pressure area called System 91L is moving westward across the tropical Atlantic. Forecasters expect System 91L to have a 40% chance of development in the next two days and 60% in five days.
A new study found that providing antiretroviral therapy programmes in the workplace can lead to significant cost savings for companies, particularly in South Africa where HIV prevalence is high. The study estimated that annual cost savings would decrease by 5% and average cost per HIV positive employee would decrease by 14%.
Project EMOTION aims to develop user-centered strategies for creating market demand for microbicides and PrEP products among high-risk women. The project will work with local partners to identify drivers and barriers to product use, and design new product attributes, packaging, and messaging.
New research warns of growing air pollution over West Africa's cities, posing risks to human health, food security and regional climate. Scientists call for urgent data collection to improve models and predict future changes.
A new study by Aarhus University researchers presents a world map of mammals without human impact, revealing diverse wildlife in northern Europe, North and South America, and Africa. The study provides insights into natural biodiversity patterns and factors influencing species distribution.
A fossil monkey specimen representing the earliest baboon ever found has been discovered in South Africa, dated between 2-2.36 million years ago. The partial skull confirms earlier suggestions that the fossil baboon species is closely related to modern baboons and may be the earliest known members of the Papio hamadryas species.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the Cape Parrot should be classified as a distinct species due to its genetically distinct markers. The research analyzed DNA samples from five Poicephalus species and found that the Cape Parrot shares common ancestry with other subspecies only at around 2 million years ago.
Scientists from the University of Kansas are investigating how climate, plate tectonics and other factors influenced evolution by bringing species together in modern-day Turkey 42 million years ago. The study aims to shed light on the role climate change played in mammalian evolution and its relevance today.
Researchers are monitoring drug resistance to HIV prevention drugs in sub-Saharan Africa through a $5 million initiative. The project aims to prevent new infections and develop cost-effective diagnostic plans.
The 'golden jackals' of East Africa and Eurasia are two separate species, with the latter being a new species, African golden wolf, that has a distribution across North and East Africa. Genetic data shows they have been evolving independently for at least a million years.
A team of researchers has recovered a magnetic field record from ancient minerals for Iron Age southern Africa, combining it with the weakening Earth's magnetic field. The data suggests that the region beneath southern Africa may be responsible for some recent and future pole reversals.
Researchers have identified four new highly endangered species of West African torrent-frogs, revealing a previously unknown level of molecular variation. The discovery highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Upper Guinean biodiversity hotspot, where habitat loss threatens the survival of these unique species.
The improved survival rate of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa facilitates the study of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Studies have shown that highly active antiretroviral treatment is associated with a 50% reduction in HIV-related cardiomyopathy, and researchers now have access to a population with both HIV and cardiovasc...
Researchers describe skull, skeleton, and dental replacement of Tiarajudens eccentricus, a Brazilian species with remarkable features. The discovery reveals that head-butting and canine display during male-male combat were already present in mammals 270 million years ago.
A study of Middle Stone Age stone tool technologies at Sibudu and Blombos revealed that similar types of tools were used by groups more than 1,000 km apart. However, differences in tool making were found between the Still Bay and Howiesons Poort assemblages, suggesting distinct cultural traditions.
Researchers found that stunting affects children under three, with disparities by province and age. They recommend a multi-sectoral approach to address stunting and improve maternal nutrition.
A 49,000-year-old milk-and-ochre-based paint has been discovered in South Africa, predating the introduction of domestic cattle. The use of this paint raises questions about its purpose and significance.
A new dinosaur, Sefapanosaurus, has been discovered in South Africa with distinctive features such as a cross-shaped ankle bone. The fossil, found in the late 1930s, provides insight into transitional early sauropodomorph dinosaurs roaming southern Africa.
A study using DNA from ivory samples identifies two major areas of elephant poaching in Africa, with over 85% of seized ivory tracing back to these regions. This research could help combat ivory trafficking at its source and inform law enforcement efforts.
Since 1990, $458 billion was disbursed to developing countries for health, with the US government providing 31.2% and private philanthropies like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contributing 7.1%. Maternal health and newborn/child health received most of these funds.
The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting is expanding its commitment to young African scientists through the newly created Horst Köhler Fellowship Programme. Thirty-five African students will participate in the meeting, with funding provided by the Robert Bosch Foundation and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Researchers used innovative methods to examine the ground around Mbeya in Tanzania, finding evidence of fluidisation and massive ground deformation. This discovery could be used to model how structures might be affected by future earthquakes, providing a valuable tool for hazard assessment.
A new species of leafminer on grapevine in the Western Cape has been identified as Holocacista capensis. The moth feeds on wild grapes and creates a tunnel inside the leaf, causing collateral damage to the vine.
A study published in the June issue of Health Affairs found that PEPFAR funding was associated with a 13% increase in male employment in ten sub-Saharan African countries. The authors suggest that these findings could inform future aid allocation decisions, potentially generating significant economic benefits.
A new study reveals that Egypt was the major gateway out of Africa, with migrants following a northern route. The analysis of 225 genomic sequences from Ethiopians and Egyptians provides crucial insights into early human evolution.
The study, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, used 225 human genome sequences from Egyptians and Ethiopians to determine the most likely route of human migration out of Africa. The research found that Egypt was the primary gateway for humans migrating north, supporting a northern route rather than a southern one.
A recent study reveals the emergence of a highly resistant strain of typhoid in Africa, with data showing its rapid spread across the continent. The H58-strain has been found to acquire resistance to commonly available antibiotics, making it easier for the bacteria to retain these genes.
The Serengeti is facing significant threats, including climate change, population growth, and infrastructure development, which could lead to the loss of this iconic ecosystem. Researchers are studying the impact of these factors on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and services.
Researchers mapped regional droughts and land degradation using satellites, revealing improved land conditions across much of West Africa between 1982-2012. Soil moisture observations provided more accurate results than rainfall data, showing the importance of this factor in understanding vegetation dynamics.
A new species of diving beetle, Capelatus prykei, has been identified in the Noordhoek Wetlands near Cape Town. The beetle is highly distinctive and has no direct relatives, with its closest connections found around the Mediterranean and New Guinea. Its unique genetic makeup suggests it is critically endangered due to isolation.
Researchers at UT Austin use regional climate models to assess climate change impact on Malawi's growing season, finding shorter growing seasons and earlier ends by mid-21st century. The study highlights the need for adaptation planning to mitigate global warming's effects.
The world's largest herbivores are declining due to habitat change and hunting, leading to a 'empty landscape' in diverse ecosystems. This loss of species poses significant ecological, social, and economic costs, including reduced food for large carnivores and altered nutrient cycles.
Research from the University of Southampton found that South African women under 26 years old with more equitable gender views were more likely to have used a condom. This suggests that communication between partners and addressing gender norms are crucial for safer sex, particularly among HIV-positive young women.
Researchers are investigating whether plasma from Ebola survivors can help treat patients with the disease. The study aims to determine if protective antibodies in the plasma can be used safely to reduce deaths in current and future outbreaks.
A new archive of Malian photography has been created, providing valuable documentation of modernization in West Africa. The archive features original black-and-white negatives dating from the 1940s, offering a unique perspective on village-based lifestyles and cultural practices.
Hippos' organic matter provides essential nutrients to river fish and aquatic insects, highlighting the ecological importance of hippos in river ecosystems. The study's findings are crucial for understanding the impact of climate change and human development on hippo populations and entire food webs.
A study analyzing individual virus sequences from 287 published studies found that most HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance strains arose independently in sub-Saharan Africa and south/southeast Asia. The study suggests screening for specific high-prevalence mutations could identify patients with TDR before therapy initiation.
The University of Michigan's 1000+ OBGYN Project has developed four new collections of high-quality educational materials to support obstetrician-gynecologist training in low-resource countries. These materials, made publicly available for free, cover topics such as abnormal uterine bleeding and postpartum care, and are intended to imp...
Researchers have dated the Little Foot skeleton to 3.67 million years old, while Oldowan artefacts are approximately 2 million years old. This new evidence sheds light on the age of key hominid and palaeontological discoveries at Sterkfontein Caves.
A team of scientists from Purdue University and other institutions dated the 'Little Foot' skeleton at 3.67 million years old using a new radioisotopic dating technique called isochron burial dating. This places Little Foot as an older relative of Lucy, a famous Australopithecus skeleton dated at 3.2 million years old.
Researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Tübingen have found that the main increase in body size occurred tens of thousands of years after Homo erectus left Africa, primarily in the Koobi Fora region of Kenya. This study suggests that human body size diversity arose much earlier than previously thought.