Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
The NSF-funded project will create a long-term index of Agulhas Current transport using in situ measurements and satellite data. This will provide valuable insights into seasonal to decadal variability and its impact on global climate patterns.
A new drug combination, nifurtimox-eflornithine therapy (NECT), has shown to be non-inferior to the best current treatment in curing sleeping sickness and is better tolerated, with fewer major adverse events. NECT's safety advantages and ease of administration make it a suitable option for resource-poor settings.
Scientists tracked white shark hunting patterns using geographic profiling, revealing that sharks refine search patterns with experience and concentrate efforts in prime hunting areas. The study expands knowledge of large predator hunting behavior and has implications for understanding marine communities.
Researchers found evidence of a massive 4,500-year-old drought in Africa and Asia, as well as a rapid 5,200-year-old cooling event that accelerated tropical glacier growth. The findings suggest that similar changes are currently occurring globally.
Researchers warn that African farmers lack access to climatically suitable crop varieties due to neglect of genebanks, threatening food security. Six countries face unique challenges as temperatures rise beyond historical experience, highlighting the need for immediate action to develop new crop varieties.
The Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) urges G8+5 countries to invest in rebuilding universities and research centers in Africa. NASAC also calls on the international community to support young African scientists seeking postgraduate and postdoctoral training.
A new study suggests that high population density catalyzed the emergence of modern human behavior, driven by increased exchange of ideas and skills. This skill maintenance, combined with a greater probability of useful innovations, led to the appearance of modern human behavior at different times in different regions.
Climate change models project 500,000-1 million sq km of marginal African farmland will no longer support crop cultivation by 2050. However, livestock production could be a sustainable alternative for millions of poor farmers in Africa.
Scientists have identified a new arenavirus, Lujo virus, linked to a fatal hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Zambia and South Africa. Genetic analysis confirms the utility of high-throughput sequencing for pathogen discovery, enabling rapid detection and response to emerging viral diseases.
Researchers at Tulane University are developing detection kits for Lassa viral hemorrhagic fever, which affects 300,000-500,000 people annually in West Africa, causing 5,000 deaths. The $7.07 million NIH grant will help complete the development and commercialization of these kits to aid public health and bioterrorism defense.
A network of wildlife conservation areas can save up to 90% of bird species in Africa affected by climate change. The research team found that protected areas will provide new habitats for birds forced to move due to changing temperatures and rainfall.
Despite growing demand for democracy, only 47% of Africans believe they have a democratic government, and 46% are satisfied with its functioning. The survey found that demand for democracy varies widely among countries, from 18% in Burkina Faso to 71% in Zambia.
A study found that healthcare workers in South Africa are at risk of developing XDR-TB, a potentially untreatable strain of tuberculosis. The researchers emphasize the need for stringent TB screening policies and rapid diagnostic testing to minimize the spread of drug-resistant TB.
A new study finds that charcoal grilling has a significantly larger carbon footprint than propane grilling, with a difference of almost three times. The main reasons behind this disparity are the efficiency and production methods of LPG versus charcoal.
The study reveals startling diversity in Africa, shared ancestry among geographically diverse groups, and traces the origins of Africans and African Americans. The research team mapped ancient migrations and determined that modern humans exited Africa near the middle of the Red Sea.
Scientists use DNA barcoding to identify mosquito species spreading lymphatic filariasis, a disease causing permanent disability worldwide. The technique reveals menace species habitats and range, aiding understanding of environmental factors influencing their breeding.
Researchers used Google Earth to locate a quarry site in Egypt where they discovered fossilized remains of small mammals from the early Miocene Epoch. The finds may provide insights into the migration of animals from Asia to Africa and the evolution of African wildlife.
Research published in PLOS Medicine found that mortality among HIV-infected people starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) is comparable to non-HIV related mortality in four sub-Saharan countries. The study analyzed data from over 2 million people with HIV and found moderate excess mortality, similar to that associated with diabetes.
The Malaria Elimination Group provides a roadmap for countries pursuing malaria elimination, reviewing operational, technical and financial decisions. The guidance aims to support countries in achieving universal coverage of preventive and treatment measures by 2010.
Infertility has serious consequences for women in Nigeria, particularly those with patrilineal descent structures. In Amakiri, infertile women face marginal living conditions and limited social status.
A new study reveals that droughts in West Africa can last for decades, with some droughts lasting up to four times longer than the current Sahel drought. The research suggests that changes in Atlantic Ocean sea surface temperatures play a key role in sustaining these long periods of drought.
Researchers have developed an almost year-by-year record of the last 3,000 years of West Africa's climate, revealing that catastrophic droughts occurred every 30 to 65 years. The new research suggests that global warming may exacerbate the normal climate pattern, producing even more severe and prolonged droughts.
The fourth round of data from the Global Project on Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance shows a significant regional variation in drug-resistant TB prevalence. The majority of MDR-TB burden falls in China and former Soviet states, with the highest prevalence reported in these regions.
A study published in the Journal of Biogeography found that climate change may lead to longer bird migrations, with some species facing journeys of up to 250 miles longer. This could have significant consequences for birds' survival and ability to adapt.
Researchers have discovered different resistance mutations in east and west Africa, suggesting varying effectiveness of sulfadoxine as an antimalarial drug. Coordinating malaria control efforts across socioeconomically linked areas may be more effective in reducing the malaria burden across the continent.
Resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine has emerged independently in multiple sites across Africa over the past decade. The study suggests that coordinated control campaigns may be more effective in reducing the African malaria burden by addressing regional differences in parasite strains and levels of resistance.
The study reveals that African Pygmies and their farmer neighbors diverged approximately 60,000 years ago. Genetic analysis indicates a common origin for all Pygmy populations, with distinct physical traits possibly inherited from a shared ancestor.
A Kansas State University research team is exploring the use of native southern African plants in veterinary medicine. They have documented 18 regions where these plants are used to treat various animal health issues, including intestinal parasites and wounds.
Increased schooling across sub-Saharan Africa may lower new HIV infections among younger adults, contradicting previous views of education as an AIDS risk factor. Formal education appears to reduce the risk of HIV infections by up to 34 percent in some countries.
A groundbreaking partnership between Einstein College of Medicine and the University of KwaZulu-Natal will focus on developing faster diagnostic tools and better chemotherapies for TB, MDR-TB, XDR-TB, and HIV. The institute aims to train a new generation of scientists in Africa and bridge the gap between bench and bedside research.
Researchers are assessing changes in African grasslands due to climate change and land use, examining the impact of fire, grazing, and soil fungi. The study aims to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable management practices for these critical ecosystems.
The CANTAM network, the first EDCTP-funded regional Network of Excellence, aims to build research capacity in Central Africa. Partner institutions from Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Tanzania, and Germany will collaborate to conduct clinical trials under best practices.
A study found a 13% incidence of major depression disorder and a 21% incidence of other depressive disorders among HIV/AIDS patients in Kenya. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) screening tool was shown to be reliable and valid for assessing severity and diagnosis in this population.
A NASA study successfully predicted the 2006-2007 Rift Valley fever outbreak in northeast Africa using a blend of climate measurements and satellite data. The prediction gave public health officials up to six weeks' notice, allowing them to implement disease mitigation measures and lessen human impact.
AfricaArray trains masters and doctoral students in geophysics, supports research on the African superplume. The program combines student education with research and field schools, aiming to improve understanding of the continent's geological phenomena.
A new study identifies 33 countries that will suffer most from climate change's impact on fisheries, including those in Africa, Asia, and South America. These nations face unprecedented hardship due to their high dependency on fish as a source of protein and income.
A RAND Corporation study recommends that the US and its allies in East Africa address radical Islamist groups beyond al Qaeda to create long-term stability. The report highlights existing counterterrorism programs as a starting point for stronger regional collaboration.
Researchers studied the San Andreas fault system, Africa's ancient crustal blocks, and the High Plains aquifer using gravity, magnetic, and seismic data. The results show that Africa is a collage of ancient cratons with mantle roots extending deep into the Earth's interior.
A recent study suggests that the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda could support a large lion population, with estimates suggesting up to 905 individuals. The research, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Adrian Treves, used aerial surveys and prey data to predict lion abundance.
African HIV patients achieve near-perfect adherence rates due to prioritizing treatment to maintain social relationships and ensure future support. This contrasts with North American rates, where individualistic values may hinder adherence success.
A study of over 2,500 pregnant women in Africa found that spousal violence increases the risk of single and repeated fetal loss. The strongest association was with emotional violence, which linked to a 33% reduction in preventable excess recurrent fetal loss if prevalence of abuse is eliminated
A team of scientists found distinct subspecies of rabies virus in African countries, indicating limited movement between localities. With a progressive strategy, neighboring countries can work together to eliminate rabies from sub-Saharan Africa.
The current policy in South Africa allows individual schools to decide whether or not to distribute condoms, leading to limited access for adolescents. The researchers argue that making condoms available in schools would increase access and prevent HIV transmission among the country's youth, who account for 34% of new HIV infections.
Researchers have created a family tree of 2,000 protea plant species, revealing that two regions – South Western Australia and the Cape Floristic Region – are experiencing accelerated speciation rates. This surge is linked to climate change approximately 10-20 million years ago, which led to hotter, drier conditions and vegetation fires.
Researchers have found that men outnumbered women in the ancient African exodus, tracing variations in X chromosomes and non-sex chromosomes to support their conclusion. The study's lead author notes that these findings align with anthropologists' teachings on hunter-gatherer populations.
Researchers have discovered two giant plumes of hot rock deep within the earth linked to plate motions that shape the continents. The superplumes, one beneath Hawaii and the other beneath Africa, are surrounded by a wall of plates from Earth's crust that have sunk into the mantle.
Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History have identified three distinct species of African dwarf crocodiles through genetic analysis. The study reveals that these animals are diagnostically distinct and have been on their own evolutionary trajectory for a long time.
A new study explores the lived experience of Rwandan women who were raped during the 1994 genocide, highlighting themes unique to these survivors. The research reveals a loss of dignity, identity, and hope for the future, as well as social isolation and stigma surrounding rape and its aftermath.
A new study found that a fractional dose of a commonly used meningitis vaccine is as effective as the full dose, allowing for more efficient use of scarce vaccine resources. The research was conducted in Uganda and suggests that using 1/5 doses could be an alternative in mass vaccination campaigns during epidemics.
The African AIDS Vaccine Programme (AAVP) is a network of African HIV vaccine stakeholders working towards an AIDS-free continent. The programme, established in 2000, supports and represents diverse communities involved in HIV vaccine research and development.
Experts warn that cuts in funding for agricultural research and programs could be catastrophic for millions of smallholder farmers in Africa. Targeted investments in areas like controlling stem-rust infections and boosting small-scale fisheries could greatly boost crop yields and lift families out of poverty.
The initiative aims to develop an institution-building relationship between the two universities, focusing on aligning educational and research capacity with national health goals. The project will also test effective teaching, research, and practice strategies, translating research into policy implementation.
The UCAR project aims to provide long-term weather forecasts to medical officials in Africa to target vaccination programs and reduce meningitis epidemics. The forecasts will be used to focus on regions most at risk, pulling back from areas that are about to get rain, and helping vulnerable populations.
Bed net usage has increased six-fold since 2000, but 90 million children remain unprotected, with Nigeria accounting for a quarter of all unprotected children. Free distribution of nets has led to higher coverage rates, highlighting the need for targeted funding and efforts.
Insecticide-treated bednet coverage increased from 1.8% in 2000 to 18.5% by 2007, leaving 89.6 million children unprotected, with 25% in Nigeria alone.
A recent discovery in Ethiopia's Gona region has challenged previous estimates of Homo erectus infant head size, indicating a possible increase in brain capacity. The findings, published in Science, suggest that the ancient human ancestor may have been born with brains comparable to those of modern humans.
The US Agency for International Development has awarded a $1 million grant to Virginia Tech to enhance agricultural productivity and trade barriers in Africa. The project aims to increase yields, reduce crop risks, and promote long-term productivity growth through science-based methods.
Between 1999-2007, malaria incidence and mortality declined significantly in The Gambia thanks to increased funding and targeted interventions for pregnant women and young children. Proportions of malaria-positive slides decreased by up to 82% and deaths attributed to malaria fell by 100% in some hospitals.
The incidence of malaria has fallen dramatically in The Gambia over the past five years, with significant decreases in malaria-positive slides and admissions. Improved measures to prevent malaria, including increased use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, are believed to be major contributors to this decline.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that roads in Central Africa's Congo Basin are creating 'siege mentality' among forest elephants, forcing them to become isolated and confined. This reduces their ability to find suitable habitat and increases the risk of poaching.