Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
African children suffer from an estimated 656 million fevers annually, with many cases likely due to non-malarial causes. A new study estimates that only 60-103 million of these fevers are caused by the most dangerous form of malaria.
The study found that stroke incidence rates in urban Tanzania were almost three times higher than in rural areas, with crude yearly rates of 94.5 per 100,000 in rural Hai and 107.9 per 100,000 in urban Dar-es-Salaam. The authors suggest that undiagnosed or inadequately treated hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke i...
Key findings from a PLOS Medicine series highlight the need to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and policy-making in Africa. The authors emphasize developing innovative approaches and investing in local adaptation of global MNCH evidence to address regional constraints.
Diabetes prevalence is set to double by 2030 in sub-Saharan Africa due to rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes. Implementing national diabetes prevention programs involving multiple sectors is crucial to address this public health issue.
The Human Heredity and Health in Africa project will utilize genetic, clinical, and epidemiologic screening tools to identify hereditary and non-hereditary components of risk. The effort aims to build research capacity on the continent and create strong collaborations between African researchers and those globally.
Two new articles analyze the current status of maternal, newborn, and child health in Africa, identifying interventions that hold the greatest potential for preventing maternal and child deaths. The studies conclude that prioritizing high-impact outreach interventions could save millions of lives and cost an estimated $1.21 per capita.
A recent study published in Current Biology reveals that malaria is tens of thousands of years older than previously thought, evolving alongside anatomically modern humans. The research found a clear correlation between the geographic spread of malaria and human migration patterns, suggesting a shared origin and route of spread.
A diet rich in aquatic foods may have driven brain development in early humans. The discovery provides evidence that consistent amounts of fish were part of the human diet, around two million years ago.
A longitudinal study found that women in relationships with low equality had a higher incidence of HIV compared to those with medium or high relationship power, highlighting the importance of addressing gender-based abuse and inequity in preventing HIV infection.
A randomized trial found that trained nurses can safely and effectively manage antiretroviral treatment, similar to doctor-monitored care. The study adds evidence to the success of 'task-shifting' in HIV care, which could help ease healthcare worker shortages and expand access to ART for millions in need.
Researchers will monitor infectious disease threats from countries participating in the tournament and cities with high air travel to South Africa. They aim to predict potential outbreaks of diseases like mumps, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Rift Valley Fever, and more.
Despite achieving parity by 2015 in only 18 countries, the MDG 3 target for eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education remains unmet. The Editorial emphasizes that political discussions around MDGs 4, 5, and 6 have excluded gender equity.
Researchers at University of California - Berkeley have identified four distinct species of the secretive Hemidactylus fasciatus gecko in West African rain forests. The discovery was made using new DNA analysis techniques that distinguish different species even when they appear similar.
A Durham University researcher has developed a new notation system for African drums, allowing people to learn and perform unique rhythms worldwide. The system is used in a song called 'Vuma! Unity, harmony, goal!' promoting rhythm and unity for World Cup success.
A study combining genetic, archaeological, and linguistic data reveals that genetic variation in Africa is structured geographically and linguistically. The research provides a clearer picture of the continent's history and highlights the importance of independent lines of evidence in interpreting genetic and genomic data.
A new assessment tool, the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT), has been developed and evaluated for use in rural African settings. The tool accurately identified children with neurodisability and demonstrates high reliability and accuracy, making it a valuable resource for researchers and healthcare providers.
Researchers used tree-ring data to reconstruct northwest Africa's climate history, finding frequent and severe droughts during the 13th-16th centuries and late 20th century. The region's 20th-century drying trend matches climate models' predictions, while regional drought patterns differ across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
The study reveals that global child under-5 deaths have declined by 60% since 1970, with neonatal mortality dropping by 57%. Many poorer countries are making accelerated progress, while high-income countries like the UK and US are lagging behind. Only 31 developing countries are on track to meet MDG4.
The Lancet series highlights the need to assess interventions for social and economic determinants of TB, including malnutrition, alcohol use, and poor housing. Community engagement is crucial to overcome this community disease, and a progressive model is needed to harness community participation.
The global burden of tuberculosis remains significant, with 11 million active cases in 2008, despite progress made since the start of DOTS era. Rapid expansion of TB diagnosis and treatment has saved up to six million lives, but further efforts are needed to eliminate the disease by 2050.
The lake's surface waters have warmed by 3 degrees F since 1900, driving a decline in productivity and impacting the fishery. The research provides a detailed record of temperature and its impacts on a tropical African ecosystem.
The need for longitudinal cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa is highlighted due to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. These studies can investigate multiple complex diseases and risk factors over an individual's lifetime.
A study found that south-south collaborations between biotech firms in developing countries are increasing, enabling the production of affordable health products. These collaborations have already led to successful vaccine development and distribution, such as the Brazil-Cuba collaboration during Africa's meningitis outbreak.
Dr. Mandalakas will analyze social and economic barriers to implementing Isoniazid preventative therapy in children with latent tuberculosis infection in South Africa. She aims to promote the practical implementation of preventive therapy to improve child health outcomes.
Researchers have sequenced the complete Neanderthal genome, discovering that up to 2% of present-day human DNA originated from Neanderthals. The study reveals genetic differences between humans and Neanderthals, including variations in genes related to cognitive development and skin morphology.
The study reveals a significant increase in inequality in adult mortality, with men in Swaziland facing a nine-fold higher probability of premature death than Cyprus. The United States has fallen behind other countries in reducing deaths, ranking 49th for women and 45th for men by 2010.
Researchers discovered that birds use complex patterns and color to detect foreign eggs, but surprisingly, they don't rely on the unique scribbles found only on host eggs. This finding offers insights into a 20 million-year-old evolutionary arms race between cuckoo parasites and their hosts.
The global biofuel drive poses a significant risk of eviction for African farmers as their lands are allocated for crop cultivation. Research highlights the need to consider the impact on food security, particularly in countries where food is scarce already.
Catalan researchers have found a new species of primate, Pliopithecus canmatensis, in the Vallès-Penedès basin. The discovery sheds light on the evolution and dispersal of this extinct family of primitive Catarrhini primates from Africa to Eurasia.
A study in Canadian Medical Association Journal found new immigrants, especially women and those of South Asian or African descent, have a higher risk of diabetes than long-term residents. Lifestyle interventions and targeted educational programs for recent immigrants are recommended to mitigate this risk.
Researchers will integrate data from climate modelling and disease forecasting systems to predict epidemic risks up to six months in advance. The project aims to give decision makers time to deploy intervention methods to prevent large-scale disease spread.
A growing body of evidence suggests that global phosphorus reserves are declining, threatening food security. The Arizona State University Sustainable P Initiative aims to develop solutions through technological innovation, conservation strategies, and recycling measures.
New strains of Salmonella are emerging in HIV-infected individuals in Africa, causing severe disease by invading blood and bone marrow cells. These multi-drug resistant strains can lead to death in one in four cases due to the loss of immune cells in HIV patients.
The discovery of Australopithecus sediba, a 1.9 million-year-old human ancestor, has shed new light on human evolution. The fossilized remains, found in South Africa, exhibit features of both earlier bipedal apes and more recent Homo species.
A new study found that developing countries spend more on healthcare than they receive in foreign aid, with sub-Saharan Africa being an exception. The researchers recommend improving transparency and accountability in financial reporting to strengthen the effectiveness of health aid systems.
A team led by Dr. Lee Berger and Darryl de Ruiter of Texas A&M University discovered two well-preserved skeletons in South Africa, believed to be between 1.78 and 1.95 million years old. The fossils are thought to be a direct ancestor of Homo, with human-like skulls but smaller bodies.
An international team of scientists has described a new fossil find and the new species Australopithecus sediba, thought to be at least 2 million years old. The fossils are exceptionally well preserved, revealing unique insight into the period when the earliest members of the genus Homo evolved.
Researchers have uncovered two partial skeletons of a new Homo species, Australopithecus sediba, dating back to around 2 million years ago. The fossils are exceptionally well-preserved and provide significant insights into the evolutionary history of our genus.
A team of scientists, including Indiana University's Kristian J. Carlson, announces the discovery of a new species of early man, Australopithecus sediba, which shares attributes with Homo but also retains some characteristics of earlier ancestors like Australopithecus africanus.
The newly described Australopithecus sediba hominid species has a long arms like an ape, a very advanced pelvis and short powerful hands. The fossils are estimated to be around 2 million years old, with the adult female weighing about 33 kilograms.
Scientists have found that blindsnakes, a group of worm-like snakes, are one of the few organisms that inhabited Madagascar when it separated from India 100 million years ago. The study reveals that continental drift played a crucial role in their evolution, with populations separating as continents moved apart.
Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis halves mortality in severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected adults, with benefits lasting at least 72 weeks. It also reduces malaria incidence, with no significant effect on opportunistic infections.
In Ghana, large-scale intervention programs have convinced people to trust medical explanations for diseases like HIV/AIDS, overcoming traditional beliefs in witchcraft. The success of long-term health initiatives in Northern regions has shown that education and community engagement can lead to better health outcomes.
A new analysis of elephant trade data highlights the failure of law enforcement in Central and West Africa and South-east Asia, where large domestic ivory markets openly sell ivory illegally. Urgent law enforcement action is crucial to addressing the illicit ivory trade.
International conservationists warn that allowing Tanzania and Zambia to sell their stockpiled ivory could lead to increased slaughter of elephants throughout Africa. The team argues that the two countries have not met the necessary criteria to demonstrate their elephant populations are secure and law enforcement is effective in combat...
A UBC researcher warns that allowing one-off sales of ivory could stimulate the illegal market, leading to increased poaching in Africa. The researcher emphasizes the need for robust monitoring and enforcement of the ivory trade before permitting such sales.
Two papers investigate surgical provision in eight African district hospitals, revealing low levels of care, few beds, and no specialist surgeons or anaesthetists. The findings highlight a shocking lack of surgical capacity in these settings, with significant implications for healthcare planning in Africa.
A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been shown to prevent 74% of recurrent cases of pneumonia and meningitis in HIV-infected adults in Africa. The vaccine was particularly effective in patients with low CD4 counts, a group previously considered ineligible for vaccination.
The United Nations University has released a report highlighting the growing e-waste problem in developing countries, with sales of electronic products forecasted to rise sharply over the next decade. If left unaddressed, this could lead to hazardous waste mountains with serious consequences for the environment and public health.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre is developing a new Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) system to facilitate the response to food crises. Satellite observation and early warning tools will enable real-time monitoring of more countries, while identifying times and places where aid is required.
The Rockefeller Foundation has awarded a grant to support the initial implementation of a global e-Health training program in sub-Saharan Africa, designed for primary care providers and health policy-makers. The program aims to provide low- or no-cost training to community health workers in developing countries.
Maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa is largely preventable due to a lack of basic healthcare measures. The main causes of death are haemorrhaging, infection, pre-eclampsia, and obstruction during birth. An effective health system and access to clean drinking water are crucial for reducing maternal deaths.
The AAAS Fellowships for Science Reporters from North Africa provide recipients with a front-row seat at the unveiling of new research and opportunities to mingle with fellow science writers. The fellowship program supports excellence in communicating science worldwide, fulfilling AAAS and EurekAlert! mission goals.
The Transport and Environment – Science Technology (TEST) Network aims to strengthen scientific and technological support for sustainable transport policies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The three-year project will enhance research capacity, share knowledge, and improve road safety, air pollution, and traffic congestion.
Researchers at Tulane University aim to evaluate antibodies from patients infected with the Lassa virus to develop a vaccine or treatment. The goal is to better understand how these antibodies neutralize the virus and ultimately prevent or treat the deadly disease.
A study found that nearly a third of HIV-infected women experiencing antiretroviral therapy became pregnant over a four-year period. Pregnancy rates increased over time for those on ART, while remaining low for those not yet receiving treatment.
Researchers estimate forced marriages occur in many countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Eastern Europe, where they are often used to obtain citizenship or settle debts. Despite limited data, a new study aims to shed light on this taboo issue, with plans for comparative research and interviews with victims.
Studies in Mexico and Africa demonstrate a significant reduction in diarrheal disease deaths following rotavirus vaccine introduction. The findings highlight the importance of vaccination in reducing severe rotavirus infections among children in developing countries.
A new study estimates that over 125 million global pregnancies are at risk from malaria every year, representing 60% of all pregnancies globally. The study provides a reliable estimate of the numbers at risk globally and will inform policy decisions for research and control efforts.
A study confirms the long-standing idea that animals such as lemurs and flying foxes arrived in Madagascar via natural rafts blown out to sea. The research, published in Nature, uses a three-year computer simulation of ancient ocean currents to support the theory, which was previously introduced by George Gaylord Simpson.