Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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...
Scientists have found new evidence to indicate that early humans migrated into Europe after the Last Glacial Maximum but before Neolithic times. This discovery provides a clearer picture of how early humans were developing during this period.
The UNC-Malawi cancer pathology laboratory has provided invaluable service to patients and built capacity at a national teaching hospital. The lab, which assessed over 3,600 specimens, is now helping to relieve diagnostic delays and provide essential diagnostic services to Malawians suffering from cancer.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics found new genetic variants that protect against human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, also increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. These variants were most common in Fulani pastoralist groups living in western and central Africa.
A new weevil genus, Thunbergapion, has been discovered in a 1.8mm specimen collected by Carl Peter Thunberg in the Cape Colony of the Dutch East India Company. The species is thought to be relict, with its populations now limited to South Africa.
Researchers have found a virus in South African bats that is genetically more closely related to MERS-CoV than any other known virus. This discovery suggests that African bats may play a role in the evolution of MERS-CoV predecessor viruses, potentially leading to human infection through intermediate hosts such as camels.
The study warns that current hunting trends in Central African forests could lead to complete ecological collapse. The authors emphasize the need for sustainable hunting management plans to avoid an environmental catastrophe. Protecting megafauna like elephants and apex predators is crucial to maintaining intact ecosystems.
A study by the University of Edinburgh reveals that deforestation in south-central Africa is driven by population growth and agriculture demands. Sustainable fuel alternatives and reduced burning practices can mitigate this loss, while forest cover north of the Congo basin shows a contradictory trend.
A new study warns that climate change will significantly reduce water flows in the Volta River Basin, depriving countries of water needed to drive turbines and feed farms. The Volta Basin is expected to face severe water shortages by 2100, posing major challenges for agriculture and food security.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society establishes a conservation roadmap for Tanzania's 27 primate species, identifying priority areas for protection. The most vulnerable species, including the kipunji and Zanzibar red colobus, require adequate protection to prevent extinction.
The IFAD-ICRAF Programme will develop and scale up pro-poor, sustainable biofuel production models in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It aims to create energy, food security, livelihood, and income-generating opportunities for poor households.
The study identifies regions with severe climate impact changes in various sectors, including water availability in the Mediterranean. It reveals that locations with strong model agreement are more reliable hotspots than those identified by a single projection, highlighting the need for risk management.
The practice of carrying loads on the head has significant biomechanical, maternal, and psycho-social impacts. Load-carrying is linked to poor school attendance and time budgets for women, affecting gender relations.
A 250-million-year-old burrow in South Africa's Karoo Basin has yielded a remarkable discovery: an injured amphibian, Broomistega, and its aestivating therapsid companion, Thrinaxodon. The fossilized remains suggest that short periods of dormancy and burrowing behavior helped mammal ancestors survive the Permo-Triassic extinction event.
The study found that intimate partners were responsible for 38.6% of all female murders and 13.5% of all homicides globally. The rates varied widely across regions, with southeast Asia having the highest rates of murder of women by intimate partners.
Researchers link climate changes to bursts of technological innovation and population growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The study suggests that sudden climate shifts led to the emergence of modern human culture, symbol expression, and agriculture.
A survey of adult South African men found that approximately one in 20 reported consensual sex with a man, while one in ten reported being sexually assaulted by another man. The study highlights the need for targeted HIV prevention messages and addressing male-on-male sexual violence.
A new statistical analysis projects the world population could reach nearly 11 billion by 2100, driven by fertility in Africa. The current African population is expected to nearly quadruple to 4.2 billion by 2100, with Nigeria experiencing the largest increase.
A UGA study found that despite varied legislations, outcomes were similar across four African countries. Poorly done consultations often led to displacement of indigenous communities and loss of livelihoods.
Dozens of agricultural fires in central Africa were detected using NASA's MODIS satellite, highlighting the widespread use of slash-and-burn agriculture methods. These practices threaten biodiversity and air quality, producing smoke that can lead to deforestation and erosion.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that some hominids added grasses or sedges to their diets around 3.5 million years ago, marking a significant change in their survival and evolution. This shift likely contributed to the emergence of human-like species.
A new study links rapid climate change in South Africa to surges in cultural innovation among early modern humans, with evidence of symbols and personal adornments. The research suggests that population growth fueled cultural changes through increased human interactions.
Researchers have found evidence of the 'Bd' fungus among African Clawed Frogs in the US, which has led to the decline or extinction of 200 frog species worldwide. The study suggests that these frogs may be responsible for introducing a devastating disease to amphibians in the US.
Researchers found that the banded mongoose in Botswana carries Leptospira interrogans, the pathogen that causes leptospirosis. The study highlights the widespread but neglected disease as a significant public health risk in Africa.
A recent study suggests that empowering women farmers with knowledge of improved agricultural practices and modern storage methods can significantly increase food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This approach has been shown to reduce poverty and post-harvest losses, leading to a more stable food supply.
Researchers found that older Africans face significant functional limitations, with women expected to spend 58% of their remaining life with limitations. Investing in health could boost economic growth by enabling older people to contribute to rural agriculture.
The Cassava Brown Streak Disease has been identified as the most serious threat among various cassava viruses, with outbreaks reported in several countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The disease is caused by a highly infectious virus that can claim 100% of a farmer's harvest without their knowledge.
The AfriCoLeish project aims to test new treatments for kala-azar and co-infection with HIV in Ethiopia and Sudan, providing a shorter combination treatment option. The project will also determine appropriate treatment strategies for co-infected patients to prevent relapses.
A mathematical model developed by Yale researchers predicts that combining multiple interventions could prevent up to two-thirds of future HIV infections and reduce prevalence from 19% to 10% in 10 years. The study suggests increasing male circumcision, more frequent screening, and antiretroviral therapy as the most effective strategies.
Randall White, a renowned volcano seismologist, has been recognized by the Seismological Society of America (SSA) for his dedication to public service and seismic forecasting. He has saved countless lives through his work in predicting volcanic eruptions, sharing his techniques with international partners.
Researchers analyze fossilized teeth of Australopithecus sediba and find it shares common dental traits with early humans. The study suggests that sediba is a close relative to humans, but its position in human evolution remains uncertain.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals unique social interactions among great white sharks while scavenging on dead whales in South Africa. The team observed 40 different sharks feeding on a carcass over a single day, suggesting that shark populations may rely on scavenging to supplement their regular feeding activities.
The study reveals a severe decline in African forest elephant populations due to poaching and habitat loss. The findings highlight the urgent need for a coordinated global effort to protect this critically endangered species.
Fossil finds in Africa have shed light on the evolutionary past of penguins, revealing that four species coexisted on the continent five million years ago. Rising and falling sea levels are believed to be responsible for the decline of African penguin diversity.
The Third Global Forum on TB Vaccines brings together researchers and stakeholders to review progress and discuss strategies to advance the field. New research suggests that novel vaccines for adolescents and adults could significantly reduce TB cases and deaths in high-burden countries by 2050.
African experts argue that immunization systems are failing due to issues with vaccine supply, financing, and sustainability. The authors call for strengthened programs to address regional and country-specific problems and develop precise strategies to overcome challenges.
A new study reveals that male lions use dense savanna vegetation to hunt prey successfully, often ambushing them from behind vegetation. The findings suggest that changes to vegetation structure could impact the balance of predators and prey.
A study projects that over 230 million women worldwide will have an unmet need for modern contraceptive methods by 2015. Global contraceptive prevalence has increased from 55% in 1990 to 63% in 2010, while unmet need for family planning decreased from 15% to 12% during the same period.
A new study by Michigan State University found that young people with epilepsy experienced significant reductions in stigmatization after participating in regular peer support groups. The research, published in Epilepsy and Behavior, suggests a potential solution to the debilitating stigma surrounding epilepsy in developing countries.
Conservationists and representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda have joined forces to highlight the plight of threatened wild cheetahs due to the illegal pet trade. The CITES Conference of the Parties has accepted a proposal for a study on the cheetah trade, which could impact the survival of cheetah populations in Africa.