Articles tagged with Africa
The EU and GBIF are launching a €3.9 million project to enhance capacity and mobilize data from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The BID initiative aims to improve biodiversity management in these regions and support human well-being.
Cricket batsmen tend to bat more conservatively as they approach a half-century or century to maximize their chances of reaching it. This study found that adopting a conservative style at this stage reduces their chances of dismissal.
A team of researchers has discovered three new extinct monkey fossils in the Peruvian Amazon, pushing back the colonization of South America by monkeys to at least 36 million years ago. The findings provide the first evidence that monkeys crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Africa.
A new study reveals that hepatitis C is more common than previously thought, with over 180 million people worldwide infected. The study also found that active infection rates are high in West Africa, where cultural and daily practices contribute to transmission.
Researchers analyzed sediments from Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana, to reconstruct precipitation patterns in West Africa over the past 20,000 years. The study suggests that the African monsoon's response to climate forcing is more complex than previously understood, with a gradual decrease and southward migration over several thousand years.
Naomi Cleghorn's team will excavate a site near Knysna, South Africa, believed to date back 44,000-18,000 years and hold never-before-seen evidence of early human evolution. The funding supports the search for additional sites in the area, which may provide insight into the population dynamics of early humans.
A UCLA study finds that regulating body temperature is a crucial factor in zebra striping, controlling zebras' body temperature and protecting them from diseases carried by biting flies. The research provides the first evidence of thermoregulation as the main reason for stripes and patterns.
A study of 12 years of observations of chimpanzee playground fights found that chimps with higher-ranking moms are more likely to win. However, the mothers did not intervene in most cases, letting their offspring fight their battles for themselves.
A pulmonary rehabilitation programme will be assessed and implemented in Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia to improve treatment and quality of life for patients with chronic lung disease. The study aims to reduce the burden on local communities and economies by developing an effective and inclusive programme.
Researchers investigated Ebola's deadly nature, discovering that genetic changes enable the virus to become more severe with each transmission. The study sheds light on the evolutionary goal of Ebola virus to become more lethal, informing future treatment strategies.
Researchers found a correlation between human population density and vegetation cover in Africa, increasing the risk of animal-to-human Ebola transmission. In contrast, areas with low population density saw a decrease in risk, suggesting that landscape configuration plays a role in transmission.
A new study found that around one in five Lassa fever cases could be caused by human-to-human transmission, with a disproportionate number of cases traced back to 'super-spreaders'. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding different modes of transmission and their impact on public health strategies.
A new $1.6-million grant will support a project aimed at improving coordination between health systems and community services to retain more men in HIV care. The research focuses on the specific challenges faced by South African men, including lower testing rates and adherence to treatment.
Healthcare workers face difficulties in differentiating between obstetric emergencies and suspected Ebola cases, while limited evidence exists on asymptomatic pregnant women. The article highlights the need for continual assessment of minimising risk to healthcare workers while providing lifesaving care.
Scientists have discovered three new species of the Begonia genus, native to Brazil and adding to the existing 1,500 species. The rare species were found in confined territories, making their discovery challenging.
A new publication provides standardized descriptors for the African baobab tree, enabling accelerated research into its nutritional value and potential to increase local incomes. The descriptors will aid in domestication and cultivation, supporting sustainable development of baobab value chains.
A phase 1 trial confirms two experimental Ebola DNA vaccines are safe and stimulate a similar immune response in Ugandan adults as reported in US adults earlier this year. The vaccines generated neutralizing antibodies and T-cells against the virus proteins, providing comparable safety and immune response.
A $10 million project will improve cassava's biomass and starch yield using metabolic engineering and genomics. The goal is to secure food supply for a growing world population, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that home-based HIV testing and counseling services can achieve higher participation rates among rural Africans. The researchers compared two community approaches: home-based and mobile clinic-based services. They found that the home-based approach reached more first-time testers, particular...
A small group of hunter-gatherers in Southern Africa remained isolated and distinct from other African ethnicities for most of the past 150,000 years. Their genetic history reveals limited gene flow with non-Khoisan populations.
A recent study has linked African rainfall increases to greenhouse gas concentrations thousands of years ago. The research team used computer simulations and geologic records to recreate past moisture conditions, finding that changes in carbon dioxide and methane led to the African Humid Period.
A UCLA study suggests targeting 'hot zones' in sub-Saharan Africa could significantly reduce the spread of HIV. The research found that focusing on areas with higher risk of infection would prevent 40% more new infections than traditional strategies, making it a cost-effective approach.
Researchers found that rising greenhouse gas concentrations played a key role in causing more rainfall in two major regions of Africa, transforming desert into grasslands and savannas. The study validated the Community Climate System Model's predictions for future climate changes in Africa.
Scientists at NTU and Penn State University have discovered one of modern human's ancient lineages by sequencing the genome of five living individuals from a hunter/gatherer tribe in Southern Africa. The study found that these individuals are genetically distinct from Europeans, Asians, and all other Africans.
The study characterizes genetic diversity across Sub-Saharan Africa, providing valuable resources for medical researchers. It identifies 30 million genetic variants, including those associated with high blood pressure and infectious diseases like malaria and Lassa fever.
A rare new plant species, Stachys caroliniana, has been discovered in two locations near Charleston, S.C., with the discovery shedding light on its unique characteristics. The species was found to be different from its closest relatives, which are commonly known as hedge-nettles or woundworts.
Researchers have developed a new method to sequence Ebola virus genomes, reducing contaminating human RNA from 80% to less than 0.5%. The approach has been proven effective in the rapid sequencing of nearly 100 patient blood samples with a turnaround time of 10 days.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researcher Timothy Roberton found that a lack of trust among community members and frontline health workers contributed to the spread of Ebola. In Guinea, villagers refused to listen to public health messages, ignoring advice on how to protect themselves from the disease.
A mathematical model predicts that around 10 of 29 people with Ebola are likely to be detected at airport screening when trying to travel from West Africa to the UK and US by the end of the year.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a significant decline in invasive pneumococcal disease cases caused by bacteria resistant to one or more antibiotics. The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in South Africa has led to substantial reductions in antibiotic-resistant invasive pneumococ...
A new University of Colorado Boulder study links hotter temperatures to the risk of armed conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa. The research team found a clear signal that higher temperatures increase conflict risk, particularly for communal incidents.
The ASMQ FDC has shown non-inferior efficacy to AL FDC in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in children under 5 years old. No significant concerns of tolerability were observed with either treatment.
A new analysis suggests the Ebola fatality rate is over 70%, far higher than the initial 50% estimate, with the total number of affected individuals potentially exceeding 1 million by early next year. The exponential growth of cases raises concerns about exporting the disease to other countries and sparking a global humanitarian crisis.
A non-injectable vaccine has been shown to provide long-term protection for non-human primates against the Ebola virus. The breathable vaccine overcomes logistical obstacles of storing and administering injectable vaccines in affected areas.
A new test accelerates global progress toward eliminating onchocerciasis, the leading cause of preventable blindness in Africa. The SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis IgG4 rapid test is faster and easier to use than current options, providing results within 20 minutes.
The INDEPTH dataset contains over 110,000 individual deaths and their causes across 13 countries, providing a unique community-based perspective on cause of death. The data reveal high variability in cause of death across sites, particularly for endemic diseases like malaria and HIV.
Genetics expert Muntaser Ibrahim's research on human genetic variation and population structure sheds light on disease susceptibility, offering potential insights into novel vaccines. His studies have identified key gene variants that can protect against malaria and other infectious diseases.
Researchers used landscape genetics to study Ae. albopictus dispersal in the US, finding it traveled by 'jump' dispersal via cars and trucks along highways, with wetlands supporting mosquito growth. The discovery highlights human-aided gene flow's role in accelerating species adaptation.
South African epidemiologist Quarraisha Abdool Karim wins TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize for her groundbreaking work on HIV prevention in women. Her discovery of a topical anti-HIV gel has the potential to save millions of lives, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where women are disproportionately affected by the epidemic.
A research team led by the University of Liverpool is testing the safety and efficacy of using Ebola survivors' blood to treat patients in West Africa. The study aims to reduce deaths from the outbreak by finding a safe and effective therapy.
Researchers call for networks of marine protected areas, co-ordinated governance, and local community involvement to tackle overfishing and habitat destruction. Small-scale fisheries, which involve 90% of the world's fishers, are a major threat, with destructive practices like bottom trawling causing widespread damage.
Researchers documented the care and release of over 840 and 480 hand-reared penguin chicks, with 91% and 73% released into the wild. Post-release survival rates were similar to naturally-reared birds, supporting the use of hand-rearing as a conservation tool.
A legal trade in rhino horn could generate funding for conservation efforts, allowing communities to harvest horns from deceased animals with minimal risk. This could help reduce poaching demand in Asia and support local income generation, while also improving rhino population protection.
A new five-year project aims to dramatically upscale banana breeding efforts in Uganda and Tanzania, developing high-yielding, disease-resistant hybrids with a 30% higher yield and 50% resistance. The effort is being funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve the region's $4.3 billion yearly banana crop.
Researchers predict that without effective exit screening, Ebola-infected travelers will continue to pose a significant risk of international spread. With 2-3 cases predicted to travel abroad every month, countries with limited medical resources may struggle to respond effectively to imported cases.
A Phase III clinical study has been initiated in Ethiopia to assess the efficacy and safety of two treatment combinations for HIV-visceral leishmaniasis co-infected patients. The study aims to identify a safe and effective treatment for this life-threatening condition, which affects millions worldwide.
A study found that cheetahs' energy expenditure is driven by distance traveled to find prey, not prey theft. Habitat loss and human activities force cheetahs to travel farther, making life harder for them. The researchers suggest that these factors are more important for population viability than direct competition with larger predators.
Researchers found that big-headed ant colonies produce larger soldiers when they encounter aggressive competitor ants, leading to a three-fold increase in size. Genetic analysis ruled out long-term evolutionary change, suggesting the ants adapt quickly to new environments.
A large-scale roll-out of the combination treatment for kala-azar in Eastern Africa has shown a high efficacy and safety profile, with a 95% cure rate among treated patients. The treatment aims to replace traditional therapies due to toxicity levels and cost concerns.
A new study suggests that targeted admission of medical and nursing students from rural areas could provide a solution to the current Ebola outbreak in western Africa. The study found that students from rural areas are more likely to want to pursue rural careers, making them ideal candidates for recruitment.
A 325,000-year-old site in Armenia challenges old assumptions about human technological development by revealing the simultaneous use of two distinct technologies: biface and Levallois. The discovery highlights local innovation and flexibility rather than population expansion, suggesting that humans developed Levallois technology out o...
Global homicide rates have been declining since the mid-1990s, with an average drop of 40% in 15 years. Effective policing strategies, rehabilitation methods, and societal attitude shifts are key to reducing violence. Experts agree that global rates of violence can be halved by 2040 if the right policies are implemented.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests climate change may increase agricultural land availability in the North, but reduce it in tropical regions. This shift could lead to more frequent harvests in some areas and fewer in others, impacting global food production.
New research finds that South African patients with HIV have chances of remaining alive beyond 2 years on ART comparable to those of North American patients. After correcting for under-ascertainment of mortality, researchers found higher mortality rates in South Africa compared to Europe and North America.
African green revolution could boost land use and carbon emissions, contrary to previous successful initiatives in Asia and Latin America. Researchers warn of potential environmental consequences despite potential long-term benefits like cheaper food and reduced poverty.
Improving agricultural productivity in Africa could lead to an increase in global deforestation rates and carbon emissions. However, the study found that if markets become more integrated, the negative effects of a green revolution in Africa will diminish over time.
Scientists have identified a new species of titanosaurian dinosaur, Rukwatitan bisepultus, in Tanzania, with unique features that set it apart from other finds. The discovery contributes to understanding the evolution of species in sub-Saharan Africa and the global portrait of titanosaurians.
A new Comment in The Lancet calls for a Global Health Systems Fund to prevent future infectious disease crises and strengthen health infrastructure. The proposed fund would address human resource shortages and fragile health systems that contributed to the devastating Ebola outbreak.
Researchers in southern Africa used beryllium-10 and aluminum-26 to measure erosion rates, finding five meters per million years in non-tectonically active regions. This rate is significantly lower than basin-average erosion rates, with stable upland surfaces remaining unchanged since the Pliocene.
South Africa is experiencing its 'Cape Fire Season' with high veld fire danger ratings expected in the north-western interior and along the coast. Prolonged drought and warm, dry winds are fueling the fires, which also pose a risk to farmland and yearly food production.