Articles tagged with Africa
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Michigan State University will lead a new global food security effort using a $7.3 million federal grant. The program aims to strengthen agricultural research institutions and train researchers in Africa and Asia, focusing on plant breeding, food science, and food security.
Researchers developed an online mapping tool analyzing how climate and other forces interact to threaten African community security. The tool ranks regions based on four sources of vulnerability, including physical exposure, population size, resilience, and governance effectiveness.
A global analysis of sleep problems found that 16.6% of adults in developing countries experience insomnia and other severe sleep disturbances, close to rates seen in developed nations. The study highlights a growing public health issue in low-income settings, particularly among older women.
A new report concludes that commercial 'wildlife encounter' operations promoting captive lion reintroduction do little to conserve African lions. Wild-born lions are better equipped for survival and release compared to captive-bred ones. These programs divert critical resources from projects addressing declining wild lion populations.
A recent study has pushed back the estimated emergence of the Later Stone Age in South Africa to approximately 44,000 to 42,000 years ago. This finding suggests that early humans inhabited the region during this time period, coinciding with the migration of modern humans from Africa to Europe around 45,000 years ago.
A team of international researchers has dated and directly analyzed organic artifacts from Border Cave in South Africa, revealing evidence of San material culture dating back 44,000 years. This finding pushes the timeline for the emergence of modern human culture earlier than previously thought.
A clinical study in Uganda found that adults with high CD4+ counts can work 30% more hours and have children with higher school enrollment rates compared to those with low CD4+ counts. Early HIV treatment may prevent economic decline, improve education outcomes, and maintain them at levels seen among HIV-negative peers.
A large clinical trial testing a vaginal ring containing dapivirine, a potent antiretroviral drug, is underway in Africa to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission among women. The trial aims to enroll 3,500 women across several African countries.
A community health campaign in Uganda tested 4,343 people for HIV and offered testing, treatment, and prevention services for malaria, tuberculosis, diabetes, and hypertension. The campaign demonstrated the feasibility of rapid testing and linkage to care in resource-poor settings.
A new combination of drugs to treat tuberculosis shows promise, killing over 99% of patients' TB bacteria within two weeks. The treatment could also be used for patients infected with drug-resistant forms of the disease.
A new study assessing HIV drug resistance shows rising rates in some areas of Africa since antiretroviral therapy roll-out. The prevalence of drug resistance has increased significantly, mainly driven by non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) resistance in East and Southern Africa.
A new diagnostic tool has been found to significantly improve clinical practice among veterinary and animal health officers in Uganda. The tool, a low-cost decision support card, was introduced to 15 clinical participants and led to an increase in the number of clinical signs recorded, suggesting improved examination skills.
The ONR Rough Rhino system tracked over 600 vessels of interest during the recent AMLEP operation, culminating in 24 boardings by maritime security teams. The system provided a comprehensive maritime domain awareness picture for dark and light targets.
International experts warn of SA's unhealthy eating habits linked to big food corporations, urging gov action to make healthy foods more accessible and restrict high-calorie products. The authors suggest policy responses including public education and regulation of the industry.
Research funded by ESRC finds that Avon Representatives in South Africa earn enough to cover household expenditures, placing them in the top half of black females in their community. The study highlights the benefits of entrepreneurship training, financial autonomy, and self-confidence for women.
Researchers found striking similarities between Ethiopian and non-African genomes, suggesting a 3,000-year-old genetic exchange. This discovery supports the legend of the Queen of Sheba and her companions, providing insights into human evolution and cultural diversity.
Researchers reveal evidence of dairy farming in prehistoric Saharan Africa around 7,000 years ago, based on fatty acid analysis of ancient pottery. This finding confirms the early presence of domesticated cattle and milk in the region.
The Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI) assesses a country's wealth by including manufactured, human and natural capital, providing a more comprehensive picture of sustainability. The report reveals significant natural resource depletion in key economies, highlighting the need for a revised definition of wealth to secure future generations.
Research team studied genetic diversity of coelacanths in Africa, revealing low genetic diversity but specific patterns in certain regions. The study shows that coelacanths can continue to develop and adapt to new conditions despite their slow evolutionary rate.
Indiana University's Kelley School of Business is hosting 100 college students from across the Middle East and North Africa for a four-week program. The students will develop business plans, social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, and other topics before competing in a team business plan competition upon their return home.
A new approach, seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), has been found to have significant public health benefits if implemented in high-risk areas. Researchers estimate that up to 11 million malaria cases and 50,000 deaths could be prevented annually with full implementation.
The 37-million-year-old Afrasia fossil closely resembles Afrotarsius libycus, indicating that early anthropoids colonized Africa shortly before these animals lived. This discovery supports the idea that Asian anthropoids are the source of earliest human ancestors.
Researchers developed a program to screen and treat pregnant women for mental health disorders, achieving high uptake and acceptability rates. The model demonstrates the feasibility of stepped care approaches for primary healthcare settings.
A systematic review found high prevalence rates of malaria and STIs/RTIs among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled prevalence estimates indicate that 32% of peripheral malaria and 25.8% placental malaria were present, while bacterial vaginosis affected 50.8% of the population.
The Office of Naval Research has launched an initiative to develop a web-based application, ICODE MDA, to enhance maritime domain awareness and combat piracy, drug smuggling, and other threats. The project partners with Chilean researchers to create software for automation, small-target detection, and intent detection.
A University of Iowa researcher has discovered a new species of crocodile, the largest known true crocodile, which lived between 2 and 4 million years ago in Kenya. The species, Crocodylus thorbjarnarsoni, is estimated to have measured up to 27 feet in length, making it significantly larger than the present-day Nile crocodile.
A new research published in The Lancet reveals that coordinated efforts across multiple sectors in Millennium Village sites in sub-Saharan Africa have led to a third reduction in child mortality rates under 5 years old. The study found that integrated interventions, including agricultural inputs and basic improvements in water and sani...
Researchers from Durham University found that the probability of fractures extending beyond 0.6 kilometers is exceptionally low, with only one per cent risk beyond 350 meters. This analysis has implications for setting minimum distance requirements for fracking operations to prevent contamination of groundwater.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that climate change over millions of years shapes the composition of species assemblages in the tropics. The study reveals distinct differences in palm species diversity between South America and Africa, with South America boasting higher biodiversity due to its relatively stable climate.
A recent study found that infants in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of snail fever infection, which can cause impaired memory, thought, and internal organ damage. The study suggests that a common drug, praziquantel, can safely cure the infection in a single dose.
A global study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology reveals that patients with rheumatic heart disease are not receiving necessary surgery or secondary prevention treatments. In Africa and India, only 41% of patients enrolled had received surgery, highlighting a dire lack of surgical services available in most centers.
The study estimates the total volume of groundwater in Africa to be around 0.66 million km3, sufficient for hand pumps to supply drinking water in many populated areas. However, high-yielding boreholes are limited to specific regions, and a careful approach is needed to ensure successful development.
African-led initiative calls for increased research and advocacy on rectal microbicides to address the growing issue of unprotected anal intercourse in Africa, which is 10-20 times more likely to result in HIV infection than unprotected vaginal intercourse.
Researchers have found a partial foot skeleton that belongs to an early human ancestor, distinct from Lucy's species and Ardipithecus ramidus. The Burtele foot shows unique characteristics, including an opposable great toe, suggesting the presence of multiple hominin species during the late Pliocene era.
Researchers at the University of Toronto and Hebrew University have identified evidence of controlled fire use by human ancestors dating back to one million years ago. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that Homo erectus may have begun using fire as part of their way of life.
A new study published in Malaria Journal found that malaria prevention measures saved 850,000 child deaths in Africa between 2001 and 2010. The Lives Saved Tool model used by researchers estimated the impact of interventions such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and pregnant women's malaria prevention.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that the Eastern branch of the East African Rift system is approximately 25-30 million years old, nearly doubling its previously estimated age. This discovery has important implications for understanding climate change models, faunal evolution, and the development of Africa's unique l...
Researchers have redefined the timing of the Great Rift Valley's formation in Africa, suggesting it occurred around 25 million years ago. This new evidence has significant implications for understanding climate change models and animal evolution.
The BRICS nations are injecting new resources and momentum into global health efforts, challenging traditional donor approaches with innovative models of cooperation. The GHSi report highlights the significant contributions of BRICS countries to multilateral health initiatives and their emphasis on South-South partnership.
A recent genetic study has found evidence of prehistoric gene flow between Africa and Europe, dating back to 11,000 years ago. The research suggests that more than 35% of sub-Saharan African lineages arrived in Europe during this time period, likely via coastal routes.
A new assessment reveals large areas in Europe and Africa with insufficient freshwater resources, exacerbating water scarcity issues. The report emphasizes the need for improved water management and forecasting to address future challenges.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grants Aeras up to $220 million to develop safe and effective TB vaccines amid rising drug-resistant strains. The funding aims to accelerate global efforts to eliminate the airborne threat.
Women farmers produce a lower yield on their crops than male farmers by an average of 25 percent. A recent report shows differences in yield in the same household, with female farmers facing restrictions on access to labor and basic farm inputs.
Tropical Storm Irina is making a unique cyclonic loop in the Mozambique Channel, driven by weather systems pushing it in different directions. NASA satellites have been tracking rainfall and cloud top temperatures, showing heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms in the southern half of the storm.
A Purdue University study reveals that hermetic grain storage bags work by depriving weevils of water through metabolic processes, not just oxygen deprivation. The bags' effectiveness in reducing insect infestations has saved West and Central African farmers hundreds of millions of dollars.
African scientists are being enabled to partner on new research programs focusing on animal and crop health, with the goal of improving productivity under challenges like diseases and abiotic stresses. The BecA-ILRI Hub has set up a capacity building fund called the Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF) for African scientists.
Experts discuss ways to modernize livestock production in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on technology implementation and high-quality veterinary services. The session aims to improve animal welfare, increase protein quality, and address food security challenges.
Linguist Michael Cysouw disputes Quentin Atkinson's claim that the cradle of language is in southwest Africa, citing inconsistent results from comparative linguistics analysis. The study's findings suggest the site of language origin may be located in eastern Africa or the Caucasus, rather than supporting an 'Out-of-Africa' model.
Research suggests that men in sub-Saharan Africa receive fewer HIV services, leading to worse health outcomes. Efforts to engage men in HIV prevention and care are crucial to addressing these disparities and ensuring a more balanced approach to gender in the fight against AIDS.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that decreasing the time spent walking to fetch clean water can help reduce under-five mortality rates and prevent nutrition-depleting diarrhea. Cutting walking time by just 15 minutes can lead to an 11% reduction in child mortality and a 41% decrease in diarrhea prevalence.
New research published in The Lancet reveals that malaria kills an estimated 1.2 million people globally each year, nearly twice as many as previously thought. Most malaria deaths occur in children over 5 years old, but the study also shows a significant number of deaths among adults in Africa and other parts of the world.
A new study sheds light on the earliest stages of human migration, suggesting that modern humans first settled in Arabia on their way out of Africa. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA genomes provides evidence for an ancient ancestry within Arabia.
Researchers analyzed genetic data to find clues about human migration over 60,000 years ago. They found evidence for an ancient ancestry within Arabia, suggesting it was the first staging-post in the spread of modern humans around the world.
A 190-million-year-old dinosaur nesting site has been found in South Africa, providing significant insights into the evolution of reproductive behavior in early dinosaurs. The discovery includes clutches of eggs, embryos, and tiny footprints, shedding light on the complex behaviors of these ancient creatures.
A large regional hospital in Ghana saw a 34% reduction in maternal mortality and a 36% reduction in stillbirth after QI initiatives were put into place. The study highlights the importance of leadership, staff morale, training, patient flow, and basic equipment in improving healthcare standards.
A study published in The Lancet shows that a single dose of oral azithromycin is non-inferior to injectable penicillin for treating yaws disease, avoiding equipment and medically trained personnel needs. This finding supports the potential elimination of neglected tropical disease through mass drug administration programs.
A new snake species, Matilda's horned viper, has been discovered in a remote area of Tanzania with unique horn-like scales above its eyes. The species is estimated to have only a few square miles of habitat and is expected to be classified as critically endangered due to severe degradation from logging and charcoal manufacture.
Climate change and global trade are expected to increase demand for drought-tolerant plants from Africa and the Middle East, increasing the risk of new invasive species. Ecologists recommend proactive management practices, including pre-emptive screening of nursery stock before imports.
A comprehensive supply chain map reveals challenges in accessing anti-malarial drugs in Africa due to economic, political and infrastructural barriers. Local transport options like donkey carts and bicycles should be considered for rural areas.
A new study published in Journal of Arid Environments found that climate change is causing widespread tree mortality and species loss in the Sahel region of Africa, with one in six trees dying between 1954 and 2002.