Articles tagged with Africa
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...
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,...
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.
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 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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research by Marina de Regt reveals that migrant women from the Horn of Africa are driven to improve their families' lives, but often endure low status, long hours, and abuse in Yemen. The documentary sheds light on the resilience of these women and promotes awareness about their living and working conditions.
Researchers are studying the safety and effectiveness of African plants used by traditional healers for treating various ailments, including AIDS and respiratory infections. The study aims to uncover the medicinal properties and potential benefits of these plants, with a focus on South Africa's vast botanical diversity.
The Gates Foundation has launched a $13 million program to support the careers of at least 360 African women in agricultural research. The initiative aims to address the 'leaky pipeline' of women in sub-Saharan Africa, with goals including increasing women's participation in research teams and leadership roles.
Research from University College London found that some of our closest extinct relatives had more in common with gorillas than previously thought. The study discovered that males continued to grow well into adulthood, leading to a significant size difference between males and females, similar to what is seen in gorillas.
The November issue of Reproductive Health Matters reports a decline in global maternal mortality rates, with significant reductions in North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania. However, sub-Saharan Africa's maternal death rate has increased despite declining access to quality healthcare.
Scientists reveal that the closure of the Rheic Ocean created the supercontinent of Pangaea and the Appalachian Mountains, marking a significant event in Earth's history. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of these geological features and their impact on climate change.
UC Riverside scientists will use genomic technology to develop new and improved cowpea cultivars with drought tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases. The goal is to benefit resource-poor African farmers by increasing yields and income generation.
The study highlights key constraints affecting sweetpotato productivity in developing countries, including control of viruses, improvement of planting material, and development of high-yield cultivars. Small-scale farmers are expected to benefit from emerging technologies based on research, with potential impact within 5-10 years.
A lack of civil registration systems in Africa and Asia hinders policymakers' ability to make informed public health decisions. Affordable solutions exist to collect vital statistics, which must be implemented urgently to address the 'scandal of invisibility'.
Women in Botswana and Swaziland who lack food are more likely to sell sex or engage in other risky behaviors. Nearly one in three reported food insufficiency, which increased the likelihood of inconsistent condom use and intergenerational relationships.
A study found that a strain of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa developed resistance to multiple drugs due to inadequate drug susceptibility testing. The authors emphasize the need for increased use of drug resistance surveillance programs to prevent further development of XDR TB.
Researchers found that prioritizing the poor in nutrition and sanitation improvements leads to greater health gains, with potential reductions of 31% in sub-Saharan Africa and 1.47 million fewer child deaths annually
Researchers have discovered fossilized cashew nuts in Germany, dating back 47 million years, which suggest that the genus Anacardium was once distributed in Europe. This finding indicates that Europe may be an important biogeographic link between Africa and South America, challenging previous theories.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered the earliest evidence of modern human behavior in South Africa, dating back 164,000 years. The findings suggest that early humans expanded their diet to include shellfish and other marine resources, likely as a response to harsh environmental conditions.
The Lancet study found that maternal mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa are not decreasing fast enough to meet the MDG5 target, with a yearly rate of decline required to achieve the target being 5.5%. The authors conclude that a huge emphasis on improved pregnancy and delivery care is needed throughout the developing world.
Researchers discovered extreme droughts in tropical Africa between 135,000 to 90,000 years ago, which may have led to the Out-of-Africa hypothesis that all humans descended from a few people living in Africa. The study also found that fish evolution in Lake Malawi was altered due to these megadroughts.
Researchers found that 96% of Nigerian consumer paints contained higher than recommended lead levels, with bright-colored paints posing the greatest risk. The study highlights the need for international regulations to supplement local efforts and eliminate lead from paint globally.
Researchers discovered that female Evarcha culicivora spiders prefer larger mates before mating, despite the risk of cannibalism. Once mated, females opt for smaller males, a finding that challenges traditional assumptions about spider mating behaviors.
A new study published in The Lancet found that global under-5 mortality rates have fallen from 110 per 1000 in 1980 to 72 per 1000 in 2005. However, the target of a 67% decline by 2015 is unlikely to be met due to slow progress in sub-Saharan Africa.
A team of researchers has determined that human ancestors outside of Africa were more primitive than previously thought, based on analysis of 1.8 million-year-old fossils found in Dmanisi, Georgia. The species had a small stature and brain size similar to earlier African species, with some modern aspects of lower limb morphology.
A mathematical model predicts that daily PrEP pills could prevent 3.2 million new HIV infections in southern sub-Saharan Africa in 10 years. The strategy is most effective when targeted towards high-risk individuals.