Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
A new study has identified key factors to build food resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, including diversifying suppliers, empowering local farmers, and promoting sustainable practices. The proposed blueprint aims to enhance self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external sources.
Researchers analyzed ancient genomes from the Oakhurst rock shelter in southern Africa, finding that the oldest genomes are genetically similar to San and Khoekhoe groups living today. The study reveals a long history of relative genetic stability until around 1,200 years ago when newcomers introduced new cultures and languages.
A recent clinical trial found that an IV iron treatment called ferric carboxymaltose works faster and better than oral iron tablets in treating anaemia during pregnancy. The study showed improved haemoglobin levels and iron correction with the IV treatment, with comparable side effects.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that South African rock art from the 19th century may be inspired by an extinct species of tusked animal called a dicynodont. The artwork, created by the San people, features a long-bodied animal with downward-turned tusks that is comparable to fossilized remains found in the region.
The NIH has released an update on its priorities for mpox research, focusing on understanding the virus's transmission, vaccine development, and treatments. The agenda aims to improve detection and prevention strategies for the disease, which is most severe in people with compromised immune systems.
A recent study presented at the Future of Dementia in Africa conference reveals genetic differences between African and Caucasian populations with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that a lack of diversity in genomic studies may limit the effectiveness of targeted therapies across diverse populations.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality. High temperatures were associated with a 34% higher risk of perinatal death, which doubled during the six hottest months of the year.
A novel low-dose 3-in-1 blood pressure pill (GMRx2) significantly reduces blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. After six months treatment, the GMRx2 group achieved a 5.8mmHg lower systolic blood pressure compared to standard care.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health finds that slow growth in health sector spending is projected in Sub-Saharan Africa until 2050. The decline is driven by tepid growth in government spending and reductions in development assistance for health.
A new study suggests treating all children under 5 with azithromycin in Africa can significantly reduce child mortality. Treating older kids protects younger children from respiratory and lethal infections.
Research reveals that deforestation in Africa's montane forests has induced a higher warming and cloud level rise than climate change alone, leading to decreased water supply. The study found that air temperature increased by 1.4°C and cloud levels rose by 230 meters over the last 20 years.
A study examining tecovirimat's effectiveness on mpox in the DRC found the drug safe but showed no significant impact on lesion duration. The trial, sponsored by the NIH and co-led with the DRC, resulted in lower mortality rates among participants compared to reported cases.
A recent review by Imperial College London suggests that Nigeria's high infant mortality rate could be addressed through the adoption of existing scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. The review highlights several low-cost advances in neonatal care developed by Nigerian clinicians and researchers, including adaptive ...
A new study reveals disturbing practices in South Africa's captive lion industry, including evading detection and animal welfare violations. The research calls for the government to implement a comprehensive plan to transition away from current practices and end the industry.
The 19th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology will convene in Cape Town, bringing together over 1,500 scientists from 50 countries. The event aims to understand the relationship between microorganisms and their environment.
A recent study maps landscape connections to optimize elephant movement corridors and reduce genetic isolation, addressing a major conservation priority in southern Africa. The research provides insights into how elephants navigate their vast home ranges and identifies key routes to maintain gene flow across protected areas.
A new study reveals that Maasai women are gaining access to household decisions through livelihood diversification, education, and secure land tenure. This research contributes to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality, highlighting the value of empowering decision-making for women in pastoralist communities.
Researchers found the woman was embalmed with costly imported ingredients, contradicting traditional beliefs about mummification. The study also revealed she suffered from arthritis and had a unique facial expression that may be attributed to a cadaveric spasm caused by intense pain.
A study using genomic data and artificial intelligence has revealed that the Imazighen and Arab populations of North Africa have distinct genetic origins. The research found that these two populations separated more than 20,000 years ago, shedding light on the region's complex demographic history.
The 'Indigenous People of West Africa' project aims to examine the consequences of colonial era resettlements and promote indigenous governance. Climate change exacerbates agricultural problems and land use conflicts with semi-nomadic groups in West Africa.
The PrEPVacc HIV vaccine trial found no significant reduction in HIV infections among participants. The study reported more infections in the vaccine arms compared to the placebo groups, but the results are inconclusive due to wide statistical confidence intervals.
Researchers found that chimpanzees' gestures follow a rapid-fire pattern of turns, similar to human conversations, with short pauses between gestures at around 120 milliseconds. This suggests shared underlying rules in communication and may indicate that human language is not unique.
Households in Liberia that participated in forest-based activities reduced their food scarcity by 84 percent. The research also found that forests can capture carbon and advance sustainability goals for low- and middle-income countries, reducing hunger and improving well-being.
Research found that smoking decreases life expectancy of HIV patients by 3-6 years, but smoking cessation can regain up to 5 years. Integrating tobacco cessation interventions into HIV care could substantially improve life expectancy for this population.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early plant farming in east Africa, revealing a pattern of gradual introductions of different crops that originated from different parts of the continent. The study found domesticated cowpea, sorghum, and finger millet seeds dating back to around 2,300 years ago.
Researchers analyzed genomic data and human travel patterns to understand the spread and evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The study found that a pneumococcal vaccine reduced antibiotic resistance but allowed non-targeted strains to gain a competitive advantage, suggesting short-lived protection.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University and citizen mycologists describe two new Psilocybe species, Psilocybe ingeli and Psilocybe maluti, found in southern Africa. The discovery brings the continent's total to six indigenous species, with potential for more undiscovered species.
Lenacapavir has shown 100% efficacy as PrEP among cisgender women in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The twice-yearly injection offers improved feasibility of PrEP for those experiencing barriers to daily pill-taking. NIAID looks forward to additional data and regulatory decisions.
A study found that smallholder farmers in Tanzania used more fertilizer and had higher crop yields after an intervention, but the benefits did not last. The researchers attribute the lack of long-term adoption to liquidity constraints and structural factors such as fertilizer availability.
Researchers have discovered ancient termite mounds in Namaqualand, South Africa that date back a staggering 34,000 years. The mounds, which are still inhabited by termites, provide valuable insights into prehistoric climate conditions and natural carbon sequestration processes.
A lifesaving package of interventions to objectively identify and treat post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) has been found to be highly cost-effective, incurring minimal additional cost. The intervention resulted in over 1000 fewer PPH cases compared to usual care, with an estimated average additional cost of $0.30 per patient.
A study led by Andrea Migliano from the University of Zurich has discovered previously unknown links between culture, language, and genes among different hunter-gatherer populations in Central Africa. The team found that musical instruments were exchanged long before agricultural populations arrived in the region, suggesting extensive ...
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London reveal that baobab trees originated in Madagascar before traveling to Africa and Australia, where they evolved unique pollination mechanisms. The study provides new insights into how climate change has influenced baobab distribution and speciation patterns over millions of years.
A new study predicts climate change will lead to an overall decrease in areas suitable for malaria transmission from 2025 onwards. The research used several climatic and hydrological models to create a more in-depth picture of malaria-friendly conditions on the African continent.
Scientists have found an effective treatment for spitting cobra snakebites by blocking one of the major dermonecrosis-causing toxins with varespladib. The study suggests that this repurposed drug can prevent tissue damage and may become a valuable treatment against black-necked and red spitting cobra venoms.
A new study by University of Colorado Boulder primatologist Michelle Sauther found that smaller animals like the lesser galago face extra challenges adapting to climate change. The research highlights the importance of protecting these small and nocturnal species, which are often overlooked in conservation efforts.
The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, found that active fires in west and central Africa's wet, tropical forests increased by up to 400% over 18 years, primarily caused by hot and dry conditions and human impact on forests.
A research team from Southern Methodist University has found evidence of the splitting of South America and Africa in ancient rocks and fossils in Angola. The study provides a clear visual representation of the continents moving apart and the formation of the South Atlantic Ocean, offering insights into Earth's past.
A. Sonia Buist has donated $400,000 to the American Thoracic Society, making her the organization's highest lifetime donor. The gift will support the ATS/MECOR Women's Leadership Program, which aims to enhance leadership capabilities in African women.
Researchers compared HIV reservoirs between patients with early and late treatment initiation. Early treatment was associated with faster decay of virus reservoirs, indicating a more effective immune clearance mechanism. This study supports the potential for early interventions to combat HIV by enabling an eventual cure.
Researchers emphasize that field stations studying primates contribute to biodiversity conservation by deterring poaching, deforestation, and natural resource extraction. The authors call for increased funding and support for red colobus conservation efforts.
A recent study reveals that ancient hunter-gatherers in Morocco consumed a significant amount of plant foods, including Mediterranean species, which predates the advent of agriculture in the region. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution and subsistence strategies.
Scientists propose a transformative approach to resolve the Nile conflict by increasing electricity trade between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. This study reveals that energy-water system simulation can alleviate tensions and promote win-win situations for all parties involved.
A rapidly spreading virus is attacking cacao trees in Ghana, resulting in harvest losses of between 15-50%. Researchers have developed a new strategy to combat the spread of the disease using mathematical data to determine safe planting distances for vaccinated trees.
Researchers identified alterations in the monkeypox virus genome that correlate with increased transmissibility, shedding light on the 2022 outbreak. The study's findings may help develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers have discovered life-threatening quantities of lead pollution from improperly managed battery waste in off-grid solar technologies in Malawi. The study found that common informal recycling activities for lead-acid batteries release toxic lead pollution, equivalent to more than 100 lethal oral doses per single battery.
A study from the Max Planck Institute found that storks choose routes with high densities of other storks, especially for young birds. As they gain migration experience, their preference decreases, suggesting a shift towards independence.
Significantly reducing trans fat levels in the Nigerian food supply can prevent approximately 67,000 cases of heart disease within ten years. The policy also generates net savings, with total healthcare savings estimated at around $520 million over a population's lifetime.
Entomopathogenic nematodes can parasitize and kill fall armyworms without environmental risks. The nematode gel technology, developed by Patrick Fallet and colleagues, outperforms commercial formulations and yields significant yield increases in Africa and Asia.
Professor Leith Zakraoui was awarded the 2024 IOF CNS Medal for his dedicated work in advancing musculoskeletal health at both national and international levels. He has been a key figure in strengthening IOF activities in Africa and promoting education and awareness within the region.
A new study reveals that wildebeest populations which no longer migrate are less genetically healthy and more prone to decline. The loss of migration routes due to fencing and roads leads to lower genetic diversity, increased inbreeding, and reduced fertility.
Rising water levels in East Africa's soda lakes are reducing the main food source for lesser flamingos, leading to declining populations. The birds may be pushed into new unprotected areas in search of food, threatening their survival.
Research highlights the association between iron deficiency and obesity in children and adolescents, with potential links to inflammation and brain function. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing micronutrient deficiencies in childhood growth and development.
A recent study reveals that the demand for critical minerals in Africa is putting African Great Apes at risk due to deforestation and habitat destruction. The study estimates that more than 180,000 gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees are at risk, with West African countries like Guinea being the most severely affected.
The University of Leeds says Africa needs significant investment in scientific infrastructure and science careers to adapt to climate change. Gaps in understanding the science behind tropical weather systems hinder African weather forecasting, leaving half the population without early warnings.
Researchers are evaluating two prototype placebo rings in a study to determine their safety and usability for women. The goal is to inform the final design of a dual-purpose ring that can prevent both HIV and unplanned pregnancy for a month at a time.
A new study finds that extreme tropical cyclone rainfall is increasing across the continental US, while climate warming restricts 'outdoor days' for people living in developing countries. Additionally, air pollution increases mortality risks from heat, especially when combined with other factors like wildfires and reduced aerosols.
By 2100, over 97% of countries will have fertility rates below replacement level, leading to huge shifts in global livebirths and significant challenges for economies. Low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa are expected to continue driving population increases despite declining fertility rates globally.
Researchers found high genetic diversity in Cape lions prior to their extinction, contradicting colonial descriptions. The study suggests that the species exhibited significant phenotypic variation, including diverse mane coloration.
The discovery of a new orchid species in Madagascar has shed light on the country's biodiversity crisis. Solenangis impraedicta boasts an extraordinary nectar spur and is threatened by mining activities and poaching for the orchid trade.