Science and research news from Africa. Covers Congo Basin wildlife, maternity care, malaria resurgence, and drug-resistant parasites.
The discovery of burned flint at Gesher Benot Ya'aqov site pushes back the accepted date for man's fire-making ability by half a million years, indicating that early humans controlled fire from 790,000 years ago. This skill enabled ancient humans to leave their surroundings and populate new environments.
The study estimates that more than 330,000 lives were lost to HIV/AIDS in South Africa between 2000 and 2005 due to the delay in implementing antiretroviral treatment. The researchers also found that an estimated 35,000 babies were born with HIV during this period due to the lack of a mother-to-child transmission prophylaxis program.
Researchers found that most cases of strangulation occurred early in the morning, often in homes, and were more common among victims who had consumed excessive alcohol. The study revealed a significant correlation between sexual violence and female strangulation rates in South Africa.
The SAPIT trial shows that integrating TB and HIV treatment saves lives, reducing mortality among co-infected patients. The study found that providing antiretroviral therapy at the same time as TB treatment significantly reduces mortality, especially in South Africa where 70% of TB patients are infected with HIV.
A study published in the journal AIDS found that HIV-infected patients taking efavirenz had higher treatment adherence and lower rates of virologic failure and death compared to those taking nevirapine. This suggests a more favorable clinical outcome for efavirenz-based therapies.
Researchers find fossil river channels in Libya with a distinctly volcanic signature, supporting the theory that monsoon rains fueled rivers to the Mediterranean. The discovery provides an alternative route for early human migrations out of sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers will analyze staple food and horticultural markets, focusing on maize, cassava, sorghum, cotton, and vegetables. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity and create efficient, sustainable markets for small farmers.
A recent study confirms the importance of primary health care in addressing maternal and child deaths, HIV, and chronic diseases. The authors emphasize the need for community participation, intersectoral collaboration, and equitable access to healthcare. To achieve universal health coverage, reviving Alma-Ata's core values is crucial.
The latest child mortality figures show a 27% decrease in global mortality rates for children under five since 1990. Despite progress in some low-income countries, many are not on track to meet the target of reducing child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015.
African countries are grappling with a growing number of chronic infectious and non-communicable diseases due to scale-up of antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Mortality from all-cause diseases increased by 87% between 1992 and 2005, primarily due to rising deaths from infectious disease affecting both sexes.
Task-shifting from doctors to nurses and lay providers can improve primary health care coverage. Effective supervision and alternative financing structures are key to success.
A Brown-led research team has discovered that the Lake Tanganyika area's climate is linked to ocean and atmospheric patterns in the Northern Hemisphere. The region's rainfall sensitivity is high, with small changes triggering significant precipitation fluctuations.
A 'dodgy dossier' of faulty intelligence and tactics contributed to the failure of the war against malaria in tropical countries. Dr. Colin Sutherland explains that a one-size-fits-all approach was miscalculated, and the parasite is now at its strongest in these regions.
A national study found 27.5% of married or cohabiting men report perpetrating physical violence against their female partner. Men who witnessed parental violence as children were almost 4 times more likely to be violent.
The University of Houston has trained its first class of 'homegrown' oil geophysicists in Africa, addressing a critical shortage in the petroleum industry. The program, in collaboration with the University of Cape Town, provided a comprehensive education in petroleum geophysics and prepared students for jobs in the oil industry.
Researchers have identified how maize streak virus (MSV) became a serious pest in Africa's most important food crop, potentially saving millions of lives. By comparing MSV genomes to its less harmful relatives, scientists discovered that recombination led to the emergence of a more severe disease strain.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Institution have discovered a new species of olive-backed forest robin in Gabon, Africa. The bird was found to be a separate and distinct species through DNA analysis, bringing the country's total known bird species to 753.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has discovered a significant increase in western lowland gorillas, with a census showing over 125,000 individuals in the Republic of Congo. The census data revealed high densities of gorillas in some areas, indicating successful conservation efforts and a food-rich habitat.
A new study identifies a link between warming Indian Ocean and declining rainfall in eastern Africa, impacting food security. The team found that human-caused warming of the Indian Ocean leads to increased rainfall over the ocean, reducing onshore moisture flow and resulting in dry air over Africa.
A new study suggests that male circumcision can overcome cultural and safety concerns, increasing penile sensitivity and reducing risky behaviors. Implementing circumcision programs in eastern and southern Africa could prevent an estimated two million HIV infections over the next decade.
Researchers used a genetic technique pioneered at Stanford to analyze Y chromosomes from men in Tanzania and southern Africa. They discovered a novel mutation shared by some men in both locations, implying a common ancestor, and found that pastoralists first tended sheep and cattle in southern Africa around 2,000 years ago. This new ge...
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) enrolled over 12,000 patients in 43 studies across 18 countries, providing extensive evidence on malaria medication efficacy. These studies played a crucial role in shaping treatment policies in conflict-affected regions.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic affects nearly 2 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean, with most transmission through unprotected sex. The region faces unique challenges due to socio-economic disparities, homophobia, and lack of access to healthcare and education.
A three-year international scientific outreach program has been funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York through the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) to bring modern cell biology concepts to sub-Saharan Africa. The first stage of the program, a 'short course' on protozoan parasites, was held in Morogoro, Tanzania, and wil...
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a public-health approach to HIV treatment in South Africa is equally effective as an individualized approach used in Switzerland. Treatment initiated early greatly reduces HIV levels and viral rebound, but higher mortality rates were observed in South Africa.
Scientists at the University of Bristol developed an intelligent, visual surveillance system to track African penguins' population dynamics and social behavior. The 'Penguin Recognition Project' uses unique biometric identifiers to monitor large numbers of species cheaply and automatically.
Researchers found a strong association between human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection and ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2) in persons from sub-Saharan Africa. HHV-8 antibodies were present in 87.7% of patients with DM-2, compared to 15.1% of those without the condition.
The Human Health and Food Security Research Programme aims to improve the nutritional value of African crops while minimizing environmental damage. The programme, funded by £2.8 million, will enhance research capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa and develop partnerships with African universities and institutes.
Sub-Saharan Africa faces frequent stock interruptions of essential drugs for managing non-communicable diseases. Implementing standardized approaches to NCD management, as seen in TB control, can improve patient care and outcomes. A five-point framework called DOTS provides lessons for NCD control.
Unsafe abortions are common in Latin America and Africa, with 3.7 million and 4.2 million reported annually, respectively. The lack of access to safe abortion services exacerbates maternal mortality and social injustice. Feminist groups and civil organizations advocate for decriminalization, but conservative positions hinder progress.
A study published in PLOS Medicine highlights the significant impact of surgical conditions on global health in Africa. The authors propose innovative strategies to improve access to essential surgical care, including donation programs and public-private partnerships.
A team of Harvard students and alumni developed a microbial fuel cell-based lighting system suitable for Sub-Saharan Africa. The innovative technology harnesses energy produced by naturally occurring microbial metabolism, generating electricity from organic-rich materials like soil or food scraps.
Researchers argue that male circumcision and reducing multiple sexual partners are more effective HIV prevention strategies than condom promotion, HIV testing, and other approaches. Studies have shown significant reductions in HIV risk with these interventions, particularly in west Africa and Uganda.
A team of researchers analyzed 600 complete mtDNA genomes from indigenous populations across Africa to discover the early demographic history of human populations before they moved out of Africa. The study reveals that these early human populations were small and isolated for tens of thousands of years.
Key findings from The Lancet report show that Ethiopia and Rwanda reduced malaria cases by 51% and 64%, deaths by 60% and 66% between 2005-2007 through expanded access to bed nets and artemisinin-based combination therapies. An ambitious campaign is proposed to expand access to malaria control interventions, targeting everyone at risk,...
Researchers in Uganda have discovered a new orthopoxvirus in red colobus monkeys, similar to those causing monkeypox and cowpox. The finding highlights the potential for unknown pathogens to emerge in wildlife and pose risks to human health.
The freshwater herring of Lake Tanganyika have a marine invasion origin dating back 25-50 million years. Their DNA analysis suggests that they colonized the lake during its early formation, leading to their unique diversity.
The new report 'Every Death Counts' analyzes data on maternal, neonatal, and child deaths in South Africa, highlighting five major health challenges contributing to the high mortality rates. The authors emphasize the need for national leadership and fully implementing recommendations to reduce mortality rates.
The Wellcome Trust has announced a £20 million investment in research and training in Africa. Four major programmes will be established, focusing on strengthening social sciences research, clinical trials, and institutional infrastructure. This funding aims to support local researchers in tackling pressing problems in their region.
A study suggests that accelerating efforts to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa could prevent over 1.2 million AIDS-related deaths by 2012, with full access reducing projected deaths to 800,000. Current treatment capacity would lead to 2.4 million deaths.
A recent study found that infection with a mutated HIV strain is linked to improved survival in people who are newly infected. The researchers identified two specific mutations, A146X and T242N, which were associated with lower viral loads and higher CD4+ counts.
In Kenya, ethnic violence linked to land tenure claims has led to a fierce situation of fire and fighting, particularly in the Rift Valley. The Majimbo ideology, built on regional homogeneity, justifies political supremacy and local land tenure, leading to xenophobic feelings.
The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Africa is increasing, with a significant increase in advanced conditions among black African patients. The study found that 46% more black Africans were diagnosed with heart failure than the rest of the cohort, while women represented a greater proportion of those with obesity.
Researchers developed a mathematical model estimating asymptomatic infections in malaria transmission. The model predicts that regions of moderate transmission can be eradicated below a threshold, making industrialized nations highly unlikely to experience re-emergence.
A $30 million grant will fund research to improve malaria control and treatment in pregnancy across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The initiative aims to reduce maternal anaemia and low birth weight, potentially saving the lives of up to 100,000 children every year.
Research found that airborne bacteria are globally distributed and may cause freezing at warmer temperatures, leading to the formation of rain. The bacteria can multiply and form groups on plants, creating a cycle of precipitation that could help reduce drought.
Countries in sub-Saharan Africa need to optimize their health worker mix by addressing financial constraints, irregular payments, and varying length of service benefits. Non-financial incentives, such as improved job satisfaction and career progression, are also crucial for retention and motivation.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the need for richer countries to stop exploiting health resources from poorer nations. The crisis in sub-Saharan Africa requires a top-down and bottom-up approach, with local solutions such as task shifting and public-private partnerships being tested.
A £500,000 project will use biotechnology to develop pest-resistant plantains to combat losses of up to half of the crop due to nematode worms. The initiative will also provide a reliable source of nutritious crops for impoverished communities.
Task shifting of HIV antiretroviral treatment delivery in sub-Saharan Africa can increase coverage and improve outcomes when paired with other measures to expand the health workforce. However, it must be accompanied by adequate supervision, support, and fair compensation for lower-cadre workers.
High-income countries like UK, USA, and Australia sustain their high physician-to-population ratio by recruiting medical graduates from developing regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Over half of these African countries do not meet the minimum acceptable PPR, with Tanzania having just 0.02 doctors per 1000 population.
A recent Lancet study reveals that there is a lack of evidence to guide policies on human resources for health in middle- and low-income countries. The authors analyzed published literature from 1979 onwards and found that only a few studies included data from these countries, highlighting the need for more systematic reviews and resea...
Climate change is projected to cause significant crop losses in the world's poorest regions, including Southern Africa and South Asia, with potential losses of up to 30% and 10% or more respectively. Adaptation investments are crucial to mitigate these impacts.
Scientists have developed a new tool to analyze corn's genetic makeup, enabling the identification and increased cultivation of high-vitamin A precursors. This method is designed to tap natural genetic diversity, significantly simplifying the task of finding high-vitamin corn strains.
A study in rural South Africa found that young people in school reported fewer sexual partners and engaged in protective behaviors, leading to lower HIV infection rates. The researchers suggest that increased access to education can play a critical role in HIV prevention.
A study finds that HIV prevalence falls more consistently among highly educated groups than less educated ones in sub-Saharan Africa. The research suggests that while HIV education campaigns led to a decline in infections among the well-educated, they had little impact on the least educated populations.
A new study from Yale University suggests that preventing half of new XDR TB cases can be achieved through inexpensive infection control measures, including reducing hospital overcrowding and improving ventilation. This could potentially save millions of lives globally.
Researchers argue that the accelerated uplift of mountains and highlands in East Africa blocked ocean moisture, favoring human ancestors who adapted to walking on two feet. The 'Wall of Africa,' spanning from Ethiopia to South Africa, played a significant role in shaping climate and vegetation.
Millions of satellite television users in North Africa and the Middle East now have access to accurate atomic time, thanks to a custom-built time signal generator from NIST. The device provides both time data and audio reports, including Daylight Saving Time corrections and leap year warnings.
A $13 million AGRA grant establishes agro-dealer networks in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania to provide rural farmers with affordable farm supplies, training, and financing. This initiative aims to increase smallholder incomes by 30%, reduce travel distances, and decrease input prices.