Articles tagged with Africa
A recent study identified genetic factors associated with lactase persistence in African populations, which became more prevalent after cattle domestication in Africa. Individuals retaining high levels of lactase enzyme allow them to digest milk sugars in adulthood.
African smallholder farmers can benefit from agroforestry practices to increase storage of carbon, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve resilience to climate change impacts. Agroforestry is a win-win solution that addresses both mitigation and adaptation needs in food-focused production systems.
Researchers found a clear signal of climate change's impact on malaria, with cases shifting to higher elevations in warmer years and back down in cooler years. Climate warming is expected to increase malaria cases in tropical highland areas, particularly in Africa and South America.
Researchers investigated the break-up of supercontinent Gondwana, finding that a nearly orthogonal West African rift was stopped by an opposing Equatorial Atlantic rift, preventing the formation of a Saharan Atlantic Ocean. This study highlights the importance of rift orientation and extension direction in shaping Africa's margin.
A study found that harvested rainwater frequently contains pathogens like Legionella, Klebsiella, and Yersinia, posing a significant public health hazard, especially for vulnerable populations. The research highlights the need for pretreatment of rainwater before consumption or use in households.
Scientists have disproven the assumption that tropical cyclone numbers are increasing due to global warming, and instead found they are shifting southward. Late-season frost is also not receding as quickly as flowering, threatening food security.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that eliminating maternal mortality worldwide would result in a gain of over 0.6 years in life expectancy. This improvement is significant, as it would take place during the most productive ages of human life, carrying non-trivial socio-economic implications.
A Penn-led study found Plasmodium vivax's origin in wild-living apes in central Africa, overturning the dogma that it originated in Asia. The parasite infects both gorillas and chimpanzees, with ape P. vivax exhibiting infection rates consistent with stable transmission within wild communities.
A study by Royal Holloway University found that younger people, men, and childless individuals are more prone to abandoning HIV treatment in South Africa. This can lead to the spread of the disease, putting not only their own lives at risk but also those of others.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that over half of the population in countries endemic for malaria continues to live in areas of moderate to intense transmission, with infection rates over 10%. Despite progress made between 2000-2010, the number of people living in high-risk areas fell only by 16%.
Articles explore geological processes such as erosion, deposition, and sedimentation, shedding light on catastrophic outburst floods and sediment routing systems. New findings from the Eocene Escanilla Formation and the Ohanapecosh Formation provide insights into facies architecture and sediment grain size variation.
Substantial reductions in malaria transmission have been achieved across most of Africa, but 57% of the population still live in areas of moderate-to-high transmission intensity. High population growth rates and emerging resistance to insecticides threaten progress.
A recent study reveals that bottle gourds originated from Africa and were likely domesticated multiple times in the New World. The research found that modern bottle gourd samples from the Americas matched African genetic profiles, supporting the idea that gourds floated across the Atlantic Ocean frequently.
A study by World Health Organization found that keeping vaccines at ambient temperatures during campaigns could cut storage and transportation costs in half. The approach significantly reduces the workloads of health workers and extends vaccines to remote areas without access to electricity.
Recent research in biological anthropology explores how global environmental variations shape human health and biology. The studies examine the effects of diet, energy dynamics, and chronic inflammation on human reproduction, nutrition, and disease prevalence.
African experts will share updates on disease-resistant crops, genetic technologies, and youth empowerment in agriculture. The session aims to nurture the growth of bioscience revolution in Africa's smallholder farming sector.
New data shows a continued decline of African forest elephants, with 65% lost between 2002 and 2013. The poaching rate is alarming, with 9% per year, resulting in over 96 elephants killed daily.
Hoosen Coovadia, a South African pediatrician and research scientist, has been recognized for his unwavering commitment to sound science guiding public policy. He was awarded the 2013 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for defying government opposition on HIV/AIDS issues.
A WCS-led satellite tracking study found humpback whales share breeding waters with offshore oil rigs, major shipping routes, and toxicants off the coast of western Africa. The researchers identified new parts of the whales' breeding range and migratory routes to sub-Antarctic feeding grounds.
Fossilized jawbones and teeth from northern Egypt confirm the existence of a primitive lineage of bats, which eventually spread to South America. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of sucker-footed bats, which roost head-up using wet adhesion.
A study conducted by the World Health Organisation found that South Africa has the highest rate of high blood pressure among people aged 50 and over. The condition affects a staggering 78% of those tested, with only 8% having their condition under control.
A new study from South Africa reveals that genetically modified maize has a comparable diversity of insects to conventional crops. The research collected over 8,700 arthropod individuals and found no significant differences in abundance or diversity across different functional groups.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a large-scale HIV intervention project in South Africa, involving nearly 1,200 individuals. The program showed significant improvements in condom use and reductions in unprotected sex among men, with participants reporting increased discussions about safe sex and condom use.
A study in South Africa found that nearly half of XDR-TB patients discharged into the community were treatment failures, posing a significant risk to public health. The study also revealed that these patients could survive for months or even years, allowing them to infect others.
The West African lion is facing extinction, with only an estimated 250 adult lions remaining due to habitat loss and human-lion conflict. Conservation efforts are urgent as losing this unique population would result in the loss of a locally adapted species found nowhere else.
A study found that African vultures focus on areas with high prey mortality, rather than abundance, to locate food sources. Vultures travel vast distances throughout the year in search of food, covering regions larger than New Jersey and New York State combined.
A recent study by a MU researcher found that human occupation of an area may not contribute to population decline of endangered species. The study discovered a resident population of African forest elephants in an unprotected region, highlighting the importance of this habitat for conservation efforts.
After landing in South America, monkeys forged their own niches, evolved new forms, and spread to Caribbean and Patagonia. The study reveals how primate migration and evolution in the Americas were influenced by ancient climates, geology, and geography.
A new study by Aarhus University reveals the optimal locations for carbon-stocking projects in Africa, prioritizing regions with high carbon potential, biodiversity conservation, and feasibility. The research identifies areas such as the Upper Guinean rainforests of West Africa and the Lower Guinean rainforests along the coast of Niger...
A new study analyzed the diet and digestion of cows, chickens, and pigs to determine their impact on climate change. The research found that animal diets vary greatly depending on the region, with some animals requiring more food to produce a kilo of protein than others.
A new study found that antiretroviral therapy has saved 2.8 million years of life in South Africa since 2004, with projections of an additional 15.1 million years saved by 2030. Aggressive HIV testing and treatment strategies could further increase these benefits.
A large-scale study found that government grants in South Africa significantly reduce the risk of sugar daddy relationships among teenage girls, which is a major cause of HIV infection. The study suggests that providing financial security to girls through child support grants can empower them to make safer choices.
Researchers have found that a population of fruit bats covering central Africa is infected with two deadly viruses. The African straw-coloured fruit bat was previously known to be a reservoir for these viruses, and its homogeneity and extensive movement make it easy for the viruses to spread.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that new guidelines for starting anti-AIDS drugs in young children may increase treatment access, but do not significantly impact mortality rates. The study analyzed data from over 3000 children with HIV and found that deferring treatment until CD4 counts and percentages fell below certai...
A new study reveals a genetic mutation that makes certain people sensitive to bitter compounds appeared advantageous for African populations, with potential roles in immune response and metabolism. The research found strong correlations between specific gene variants and increased bitterness sensitivity in East Africans.
A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that syphilis screening and treatment in pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa could be a cost-effective use of resources, preventing up to 25,000 newborn deaths and 64,000 stillbirths each year. The intervention could also prevent 2.6 million DALYs annually.
Scientists at UC Riverside are using DNA marker-assisted breeding to accelerate the development of new cowpea varieties with desirable traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, and high yield. The research aims to improve crop yields in several African countries, supporting USAID's Feed the Future initiative.
The Xpert test improved same-day diagnosis and reduced treatment drop-out rates in a real-life clinical setting. However, it did not reduce the severity of TB-related illness or overall number of cases treated.
A new relative of the most widespread ant genus Paratrechina has been discovered in Africa, challenging previous understanding of its native range. The newly found species, P. zanjensis, is potentially specialized to miombo woodlands and may provide insights into the biology of Paratrechina longicornis.
African lions in Uganda have decreased by over 30% in the past decade due to poisoning and human-related conflicts. The species' decline poses a significant threat to the country's tourism industry and ecosystem balance.
New research reveals that African buffalo are a key source of the SAT 2 virus responsible for foot and mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The study shows that the virus can spread over relatively short distances through infected hosts, highlighting the importance of genetic tracking for predicting future outbreaks.
A complete skull from early Homo has been discovered in Georgia, combining features like a small braincase with large teeth. The finding suggests that all Homo species may have belonged to the same evolving lineage.
The discovery of Dmanisi's unique skull sheds light on early human evolution, suggesting that Homo erectus was a single species with diverse individuals. The analysis of five well-preserved skulls reveals that the variation within the species is more significant than previously thought.
Dr. Pedro Sanchez predicts significant increases in African food production due to the convergence of policies, subsidies, credit guarantees, and agronomic improvements. Key to this success is the implementation of agricultural technologies.
South Africa has made significant progress in reducing child mortality rates, mainly due to improved HIV/AIDS care. The country's under-five mortality rate has decreased by six to 10 percent per year since 2006, with the proportion of deaths due to AIDS falling from 39% to between 11 and 24%.
Researchers from Argentina, Bangladesh, Philippines, South Africa and Egypt have been honored by TWAS for their work in popularizing science. Diego Andres Golombek and Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan are among the winners, who employed various media to engage the public and advocate for science education.
The NIH has awarded $17 million to support genomics research in Africa, enhancing the continent's research capacity and training African genomic scientists. The new grants will study various health conditions important in Africa, including neurological disorders and respiratory diseases.
A lack of awareness about rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in low-income countries is a major concern. Raising awareness that untreated sore throat caused by group A streptococcal infection can lead to acute rheumatic fever (ARF)/RHD is crucial for prevention and control.
Researchers used a simple questionnaire and existing hospital staff to gather data on diarrheal disease outbreaks in the Chobe District of Botswana. The study found that environmental factors, such as water shortages and dirty water, are important drivers of outbreaks, and can inform immediate action.
Researchers found strong selection for MC1R gene variants in South Europeans, associated with fair skin and increased melanoma risk. The V60L allele variant has been linked to both benefits and drawbacks, highlighting evolutionary trade-offs.
The PsA-TT vaccine has been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94% and eliminate serogroup A meningococcal meningitis in vaccinated regions. Carriage of the disease-causing bacteria was also significantly reduced.
The partnership aims to develop a new generation of social scientists trained to address the HIV epidemic in South Africa. The collaboration will focus on areas such as gender, antiretroviral therapy adherence and prevention for women, youth and families.
Biologists have discovered that a part of the Southern Hemisphere humpback whale population spends its entire winter in Antarctic waters. The whales use ice-free areas to survive the harsh winter months.
The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme will receive £14 million over five years to continue its focus on infectious diseases and training local doctors. The program will also investigate the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases in Africa, including diabetes and chronic lung disease.
Researchers from the University of York and Czech institutions discovered five new species of Vesper bats in Senegal, showcasing unexpected genetic diversity. The discovery confirms that West Africa may represent a bio-geographic hotspot with many more species to discover.
A large-scale analysis of nearly half a million death records in South Africa reveals that the death rate from tobacco is more than twice as great in the coloured population. Smoking causes one in four deaths among middle-aged men and one in six deaths among middle-aged women in this group.
NASA detects hundreds of fires in central Africa on August 21, 2013, suggesting deliberate agricultural burning to manage land and clear unwanted plants. The fires produce smoke degrading air quality and pose threats to species extinction.
A new study found that early temporary ART for HIV-infected infants can delay the need for life-long treatment and prevent damage to their immune system. Infants who received short-term ART delayed the start of long-term treatment by 33 weeks, while those who received longer-term ART delayed it by 70 weeks.
The study found that between 2006 and 2010, HIV/AIDS deaths increased in 98 countries, with a growing share of the burden shifting from Eastern Africa to Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, countries where HIV/AIDS is not the leading cause of disease burden saw a larger share of the overall burden.
The WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) was adapted for Nigeria to address the substantial treatment gap. The adaptation process involved a multi-step approach, including situational analysis, focus group discussions, and pilot testing, to contextualize the guide for the Nigerian context. The resultin...