Articles tagged with Africa
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A mosquito-borne virus that infected monkeys may cause human outbreaks if it adapts to urban mosquitoes, warns a new study. The 'fever from the forest' dengue virus has spread globally, causing 100 million cases annually and 50,000 deaths.
A new study using satellite observations and high-resolution images found that brief changes in soil moisture can affect storm generation in the Sahel region of West Africa. This could lead to improved predictive modeling for crops, which are crucial for the people affected by droughts in the area.
A new collaborative research center aims to study the diversity of Arabic manuscripts from a historical and comparative perspective. The project, led by Prof. Dr. Tilman Seidensticker, will analyze nine layout characteristics to understand their functions in everyday transcriptions.
Scientists have launched a major push against Striga, a parasitic weed causing up to $1.2 billion in damage to maize and cowpea crops in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to introduce proven technologies for fighting the weed, resulting in 50% higher yields for farmers.
Researchers have rediscovered four new species of purse-web spiders in South Africa, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts due to habitat loss and urbanization. The study provides valuable insights into the biology and evolution of these unique spiders.
Research sheds light on origins of Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal infection that causes meningitis in HIV patients. The study reveals the pathogen evolved and spread from Africa to Asia over 7,000 years ago.
The project aims to develop a Microbial Fuel Cell-based charger that can increase access to healthcare via mobile applications in sub-Saharan Africa. The charger would cost around $1 and could charge a phone in 24 hours, making it a low-cost solution for households lacking power.
A proposed Emergency Surgery Coalition aims to prevent supply delays and duplication of services after natural disasters. The coalition, involving experienced surgical humanitarian agencies, could support improved surgical delivery.
A new study in South Africa found that HIV-positive individuals take almost as much risk in their sexual behavior when they know their partner is HIV-negative or don't know their status, as when they know their partner is already infected. Couples-based HIV counseling is recommended to address this issue and reduce transmission.
The human super-brain is believed to have emerged in Africa no later than 75,000 years ago, fueled by the development of bipedalism and tool-making. This collective mind enabled the creation of complex thoughts, language, art, and technologies.
The Lancet Series on Stillbirths reveals over 2.6 million stillbirths annually, with 98% in low-income countries, and explores causes and actions to halve this devastating event.
The US is expanding its 20-year-old program to secure and destroy Cold War-era nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in East Africa. The Cooperative Threat Reduction Program aims to counter the threat of bioterrorism in volatile regions where deadly diseases like Ebola and Marburg viruses occur naturally.
Researchers at IITA and CIFOR found that widespread deforestation in West Africa's tropical forest region is driven by low-input farming practices. Increasing fertilizer use could have spared 2 million hectares of forest from being cleared, instead promoting sustainable agriculture and higher yields.
Research from Concordia University reveals that wisdom has an impact on how people cope in situations and whether they are more or less satisfied with life. Hallmarks of wisdom include knowledge, deep understanding of human nature, empathy, and the flexibility to see issues from others' perspectives.
Research reveals high concentrations of carcinogenic PCBs in West Africa's coastal regions, with possible sources including illegal waste dumping and ship graveyard pollution. The study collected air samples from ships and land-based stations, pointing to the large ships' graveyard in Mauritania as a significant source of contamination.
A research study has found the first green frog fossil in Murcia, confirming the presence of the green toad in south eastern Spain at the end of the Early Pleistocene. The discovery provides key osteological clues and sheds light on the reasons behind its local extinction.
A new study predicts significant changes in arable land globally and regionally due to climate change. Regions like China, Russia, and the US are expected to see an increase in farmland area, while Africa, Europe, India, and South America may lose land.
The Government of Canada has announced a breakthrough in producing an affordable and reliable malaria treatment, expected to treat 200 million cases and prevent over one million deaths annually. The new technology is the result of a public-private partnership led by OneWorld Health and will be made available on a not-for-profit basis.
A new study using Africa's historical crop yield data reveals that corn production will decline by at least 20% for 1 degree Celsius of warming under drought conditions. The research also highlights the importance of combining existing knowledge and data from climate and agriculture communities to improve crop forecasting.
Scientists discovered a link between ancient human sites and tectonically active landscapes in southern Africa. The research suggests that early humans were attracted to habitats created by tectonic movements near rivers or lakes, which provided food, shelter, and drinking water.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that intensive adherence counseling significantly reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure in patients with HIV. Patients receiving counseling were 29% less likely to experience poor adherence, and those receiving early counseling had a 59% lower risk of viral failure.
A randomized controlled trial found that intensive adherence counseling reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure by up to 59%. Counseling also had no significant effect on mortality or CD4 counts. The study suggests that adherence counseling should be implemented in HIV clinics caring for large numbers of patients.
The University of Illinois team produces animated educational videos on topics like insect control and water treatment to reach a larger audience at a fraction of the cost. The initiative uses cell phones as a platform to distribute the content, targeting viewers in both developing and developed countries.
A four-year USDA-funded grant will improve agricultural productivity and nutrition in Mozambique through a trilateral cooperation between the US, Brazil, and MSU. The initiative aims to create economic opportunities for low-income farmers by training them on technology and marketing fresh produce.
An international team of scientists has compiled paleoclimate records revealing an extreme megadrought in the Afro-Asian region 17,000 to 16,000 years ago. This drought, known as the H1 megadrought, had significant consequences for Paleolithic humans and raises questions about the potential severity of climate change.
New research suggests prevention of unwanted births may be a larger factor in fertility decline in developing countries. Contraception's success has played a significant role, especially in low-income countries, where meeting unmet demand could reduce population growth by 250 million by 2050.
Deep saline groundwaters in the Witwatersrand Basin show unique chemical signatures that differ from ocean and surface waters, suggesting isolation for a long time. The discovery adds to our understanding of a unique environment with microbial ecosystems that thrive on chemical energy from rock.
African fossil sites between six and five million years ago show signs of a distinct history of increasing isolation, which may have been caused by global climate change. The modern African sub-Saharan mammalian community is believed to be the vestige of a once-wider-ranging fauna.
A meta-analysis of 13 studies found that using cloth or paper to clean the vagina and intravaginal cleaning with soap increase the risk of HIV infection. The study also linked these practices to bacterial vaginosis and disrupted vaginal flora, which can lead to increased susceptibility to HIV.
A new conservation index helps policy-makers deal with the effects of climate change on birds in Africa, suggesting that international cooperation is essential to protect species. The study predicts that one-third of protected areas will undergo significant changes due to climate change.
The tobacco industry is expanding its sales in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with Imperial Tobacco and Phillip Morris reporting increases in cigarette sales. The Lancet Editorial criticizes the companies' 'selling, addicting, and killing' business model, describing it as 'morally repugnant'.
The LRC will test LED-based off-grid lighting products, evaluating performance and reliability criteria. The results will help manufacturers and buyers identify good quality products and prevent market spoiling.
New research predicts increased frequency of drought in eastern Africa, exacerbating existing food shortages and population growth. Scientists link warming Indian Ocean temperatures to decreased rainfall in the region.
The SUNRAY project aims to identify new ways to address malnutrition in Africa, prioritizing research led by African researchers. The initiative will integrate nutrition research with other sectors to address root causes and avoid 'technical fixes'.
A new study has found that modern humans may have reached the Arabian Peninsula as far back as 125,000 years ago. This discovery challenges current estimates of human migration out of Africa and sheds light on the technological innovations that allowed early humans to thrive in the region.
A new study reveals that a subspecies of grey wolf, previously thought to be a golden jackal, is actually a distinct species found in Africa. Genetic evidence confirms that the Egyptian jackal belongs to the grey wolf species complex.
In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 32 million pregnant women are at risk of malaria every year. Despite national policies to reduce and control malaria during pregnancy, coverage rates of two key interventions, insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive treatment, remain inadequate.
The study reveals that industrial and traditional fishing activities are putting the monk seal and Atlantic hump-backed dolphin at great danger due to over-exploitation of resources. The researchers call for stricter regulation and monitoring of fishing practices to protect these species.
A new nomogram developed by Matthias Egger and colleagues corrects mortality rate biases in HIV treatment programs, allowing for more accurate estimates of patients lost to follow-up. This method provides a valuable tool for programmatic mortality estimates, helping to keep the HIV treatment effort on track.
Researchers have found that seismic noise from storms in the South Atlantic Ocean and 'footquakes' from soccer matches can be detected by broadband seismometers. The discovery was made using cross-correlation analysis, which reveals a signal that varies with storm intensity.
Recent research reveals significant genetic differences between Asiatic and African cheetah populations, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts. The few remaining Asiatic cheetahs in Iran require urgent attention to prevent extinction.
A University of Liverpool-led consortium will analyse Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1, a major cause of invasive pneumococcal disease in Africa. The project aims to develop a protein-based vaccine enhancing or replacing current Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines.
A University of Florida study using lice DNA sequencing found that modern humans started wearing clothes around 70,000 years before migrating into colder climates. The research suggests that clothing played a crucial role in human evolution and survival.
Archaeologists have found evidence of Homo sapiens in the Qesem Cave in Israel dating back to 400,000 years ago. The discovery challenges the long-held theory that modern man emerged from Africa 200,000 years ago and may indicate significant evolutionary changes in human behavior during this period.
African savanna and forest elephants are two separate species, differing in size and genetic diversity. The study used DNA analysis to prove their separation over millions of years, with implications for conservation efforts.
A comprehensive analysis of Africa's fossil rodents provides valuable insights into the continent's paleoecology and sheds light on human evolution. The study documents over 130 genera, underscoring the diversity of habitats in ancient Africa.
The Penn State researchers will implement HealthWise, a curriculum that teaches youth how to utilize their free time, and provides information on safe sexual practices. The program aims to reduce substance use, risky sexual behavior, and violence among South African youth.
Studies detail the successes of African entrepreneurs creating affordable technologies to address local diseases. Despite challenges, some organizations have cleared major hurdles to finance and commercialize their products, offering hope for improved health in sub-Saharan Africa.
African leaders are set to adopt a new strategy for transforming the continent's agriculture and economy. The plan calls for increased investment in modern technologies, infrastructure expansion, and improved education, with a focus on women's empowerment and rural prosperity.
A team of geologists discovered that an ancient wind brought life to the region and preserved the dead in South Africa's Soom Shale. The unique structures found in the shale layers suggest that fierce glacial winds carried nutrients into the surface waters, fuelling prolific life.
A University of Gothenburg study finds that China's plastic bag charging policy reduces consumption by half, with 60% still not complying. The ordinance allows store owners to price bags and keep profits, but competition remains fierce.
A Michigan State University study suggests that rotating corn with shrubby legume mixtures, such as pigeonpea, can increase nutrient-enriched grain productivity. This approach has the potential to enhance food and environmental security in Africa by reducing reliance on starchy cereals and expensive fertilizers.
University of Alberta researchers found a mysterious link between an ancient African lizard and the Komodo dragon. The unique vertebrae shape suggests a shared ancestry, challenging prevailing theories about migration patterns.
A new citizen scientist initiative is expanding regional climate modeling efforts, exploring southern Africa, Europe, and the western US, using idle computers of thousands of volunteers. The project aims to fine-tune future climate models by comparing simulations with real data and analyzing changes over the past 50 years.
A strong link has been found between depression and risky sexual behaviors in South African youth, with depressed individuals more likely to engage in transactional sex and experience relationship violence. Researchers recommend routine screening for depression to reduce HIV risk in the region.
The Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation has received an additional €11.7 million grant from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop new vaccines against tuberculosis.
Elsevier will donate 10% of its revenue to MSF for all subscriptions to MD Consult, purchased between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, 2010. This campaign aims to provide medical assistance and support to people around the world affected by war, natural disasters, and other crises.
A Hebrew University-developed insect control method, applied in Mali, demonstrates a significant decline in malaria-bearing mosquitoes. The Attractive Toxic Sugar Bait Method (ATSB) significantly reduced mosquito populations and is considered a powerful tool for controlling malaria vectors.
The 'malaria map' has shrunk by over 150 years, with 32 countries nearing elimination and many more in controlled low-endemic states. The fight against malaria involves two main parasite species, <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> and <i>Plasmodium vivax</i>, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic tests and radical treatment options.
Researchers used mathematical models and maps to estimate malaria elimination feasibility in countries with the deadliest form of the disease. The data suggest that Plasmodium falciparum malaria could be eliminated in most areas in 10-15 years if transmission is reduced by 90%.