Articles tagged with Africa
A new study reveals that tropical deforestation affects rainfall in the US and around the globe, with significant changes observed in various regions. Deforestation in Amazonia influences precipitation in Mexico to Texas, while Central Africa affects the US Midwest, and Southeast Asia alters rainfall in China and the Balkan Peninsula.
The SALT Telescope will provide unparalleled views of the southern Milky Way and nearby galaxies like the Magellanic Clouds. The telescope's Prime Focus Imaging Spectrograph will capture high-resolution pictures and spectra, enabling scientists to study star formation and galaxy evolution.
The Abuja Declaration endorses a five-point strategy to support capture fisheries, develop aquaculture, improve fish market chains, increase benefits from fish trade, and provide decision makers with information. African fish and fishery products have an annual export value of $2.7 billion.
A study found that HPV16/18 vaccine effectiveness varies significantly across regions, with higher rates in Europe and North America compared to sub-Saharan Africa.
The discovery confirms a long-term association between people and livestock in southern Africa, challenging the view that the Kalahari was isolated. The findings provide insights into the spread of domestic livestock throughout Africa, highlighting the role of diseases such as tripanosomiasis in delaying their introduction.
A practical screening tool was developed to diagnose severe acute malnutrition in children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. The tool uses a combination of clinical signs and laboratory results to identify at-risk children, enabling timely intervention and improving survival rates.
A recent study found that HIV therapy success rates are similar between developed and non-developed countries, with a general success rate of 60% after 12-18 months on treatment. People in developing countries who received free ART drugs showed a 30% higher rate of success than those who had to pay for their medication.
The discovery of a 190 million-year-old Massospondylus embryo provides a rare glimpse into the life of an early dinosaur. The delicate bones of most dinosaur embryos were destroyed over time, but this well-preserved skeleton offers detailed anatomy insights into the earliest known dinosaur embryo.
Researchers found cheaper combination of drugs equally effective as artemisinin-based treatment in preventing recurrent malarial infections. In sites with high transmission rates, the cheaper combination worked better, highlighting cost as a major concern.
A team of NASA scientists, led by Dr. Michael King, traveled through Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Eritrea to find locations for AERONET sunphotometers. They identified several ideal sites in East Africa to study aerosols and their effects on climate change.
A new study published in Virology suggests that some strains of monkeypox are more virulent than others, depending on their origin in Africa. The 2003 US outbreak was caused by a West African virus, which may have been less deadly due to its strain.
The coelacanth genome provides insights into its evolutionary relationships with other animals, particularly in embryonic development and immunity. The study sheds light on how the species' genes differ from those of other fishes and tetrapods.
Global HIV/AIDS cases are increasing worldwide, with Africa being only one of the regions affected. The Lancet study highlights the need for international cooperation and resource allocation to address this growing epidemic.
A study in South Africa found that a new treatment approach, including isoniazid and cotrimoxazole, reduced tuberculosis incidence among HIV-infected employees by 32%. The intervention was part of a clinic established in 1999 to provide specialist care for HIV-infected employees.
The Johannesburg Sustainable Development Summit identified halving water deprivation by 2015 as a priority; today, 300 million Africans lack access to drinking water. Investments in science and technology are seen as key solutions.
The UK's chronic need to recruit health professionals from overseas is exacerbating the brain drain in English-speaking sub-Saharan Africa. Experts suggest increasing training of doctors and nurses in the UK and providing practical assistance to African countries affected by loss of health professionals.
A new study links drought in southern Africa to the warming of the Indian Ocean, contradicting earlier research that connected it to the Sahelian region. The analysis suggests a late 20th-century cooling of the North Atlantic Ocean was key to Sahelian drought, with recent warming leading to increased rainfall in the area.
A new long-haired forest primate, named Highland Mangabey, has been discovered in Tanzania's Southern Highlands. The critically endangered species is characterized by a distinctive call and adaptation to the cold climate, with an estimated population of between 500-1,000 animals.
A research team has used genetic techniques to determine the geographic origin of leprosy, a disease that has been stigmatized for centuries. The study found four distinct types of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which are linked to specific regions and continents.
The 3 by 5 program faces challenges in achieving its goal of treating 3 million people with HIV/AIDS, mainly due to insufficient financial resources (US$163 million vs US$174 million) and inadequate WHO staff deployment. Three countries, India, South Africa, and Nigeria, are crucial in addressing the issue, especially in Africa where o...
Proconsul, a 18 million-year-old creature, holds the key to human and ape origins. The book provides an insider's view on fossil discovery and interpretation, exploring Proconsul's anatomy, diet, and habits.
AESEDA aims to entice minority students to enroll in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, with a focus on Africa connection. The program involves partnerships with HBCUs and Nigerian universities to develop natural resources and energy management in Africa.
The Roll Back Malaria partnership, which includes WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, has failed to achieve its aims of reducing malaria mortality. Despite a seven-year initiative, malaria rates have increased, making it unlikely that the 2010 target to halve deaths will be met.
Researchers have discovered two new species of giant amphibians in Africa, which are similar to crocodiles in shape. The findings suggest that climate change over 250 million years ago had a dramatic effect on species survival and evolution.
Research links seasonal climate variations to meningitis outbreaks in Sahelo-Sudanian Africa. The study suggests that Harmattan winds drive the transmission of meningococcus bacteria, leading to epidemic cycles.
A study published in Science found that charcoal use in Africa contributes to premature deaths and greenhouse gas emissions. The authors suggest transitioning from biomass fuels to cleaner alternatives could prevent millions of premature deaths.
A study by Harvard researchers suggests promoting cleaner charcoal production can prevent up to 2.8 million deaths and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45-66%. Transitioning from biomass fuels to petroleum-based fossil fuels offers the biggest health benefits, but is unlikely due to economic and infrastructure constraints.
Researchers found evidence of the first elephant shrews' presence in North America, suggesting a greater animal migration than previously thought. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of mammalian evolution and the history of continental breakups.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a new vaccine against childhood pneumonia reduced the first episode of pneumonia diagnosed by chest x-ray by 37% and overall child mortality by 16%. The vaccine also lowered disease caused by pneumococcus bacteria types by 77%, providing promising results for global health.
Researchers analyzed data from a three-year study in rural Zimbabwe and found no correlation between contaminated needle use and increased HIV transmission. The study collected data from over 1,800 participants and excluded injections as a major transmission route.
A recent study reveals that HIV/AIDS deaths were likely three times as high as reported by the government in 2000-01, due to misclassification on death certificates. The South African Government must acknowledge and tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis, which has been slow to progress in providing antiretroviral treatment.
Researchers reconstructed climatic conditions in western Egypt 130,000 years ago, finding a humid event that supported human presence and wildlife. The study provides new insights into the dispersal of humans out of Africa and the impact of climate change on ancient societies.
Researchers have developed coating technologies to improve the environmental persistence of biopesticides, increasing their resistance to UV radiation. This technology could make other biopesticides more effective as well.
The AAAS has selected five science reporters from Africa to receive fellowships and training at the 2005 Annual Meeting. The program aims to encourage outstanding young science journalists and support their coverage of science and health topics in developing countries.
Scientists have found that climate change is a major contributing factor to droughts' increasing frequency and severity, with rising temperatures accounting for almost half of the global trend. The study used a unique analysis to estimate how much of the global trend in soil moisture was due solely to warming-induced evaporation.
The University of Georgia has received a grant to promote trade between the US and Uganda, with the goal of creating jobs and economic growth for both countries. The project is part of the Africa Initiative on campus and aims to build capacity in international trade.
Key findings highlight the need for renewed public health strategies, especially in high-risk groups, to prevent sexually transmitted HIV. Experts emphasize the importance of abstinence, fidelity, and condom use, as well as providing contraception to women on antiretroviral drugs, particularly in Africa.
A new fossil discovery in Spain reveals a 13-million-year-old ape species, Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, that shares key features with modern great apes. The species' unique adaptations for climbing and its relatively complete skeleton suggest it may have been the last common ancestor of all great apes.
UBC researchers found a direct link between fish supply and the demand for bushmeat in Ghanaian villages, with bushmeat contributing to a 76% decline in mammal biomass since 1970. The study suggests that EU fishing fleets may be to blame for reduced fish stocks.
The Lancet publishes a series of articles on public health in complex emergencies, highlighting progress made in responding to health consequences of such events. Despite improvements, renewed focus is required on major causes of death in conflict-affected societies, including acute respiratory infections and malnutrition.
A 30-year study suggests that declines in fish supply in Ghana lead to increased hunting, trade, and human consumption of wildlife. The researchers propose establishing alternative protein supplies and increasing protection of wildlife reserves to conserve biodiversity.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about chimpanzee tool use and termites in the Congo basin. The study reveals intricate connections between these behaviors, providing new perspectives on ape intelligence.
Fran Balkwill, a researcher and children's author, receives the EMBO Award for Communication for her efforts to educate children about HIV/AIDS and promote science literacy. Her books, such as Cells Are Us and Staying Alive: Fighting HIV/AIDS, have been widely acclaimed and have helped raise awareness about critical health issues.
A University of Utah study shows that a now-extinct species of early human came into direct contact with our species about 25,000 years ago and spread parasites to our ancestors. The analysis of lice genes confirmed key developments in human evolution, including the 'out of Africa' theory.
Scientists warn of international spread of antimalarial drug resistance, tracing mutations to South East Asia and recommending screening of passengers from affected regions. Artemisinin-based combination therapy may help slow the spread, but a coordinated global response is needed.
A new study found that three mahogany species require specialized soils with specific plant nutrients, limiting their distribution. The research has significant implications for forest management and 'green' certified timber.
The Lancet editorial criticizes WHO/AFRO's ineffective leadership and political ties with African governments, advocating for decentralization and a technical approach. The new leader has the opportunity to transform the agency.
A meteorite from Oman has been precisely dated to 3.9 billion years ago, revealing its lunar origins and providing new insights into the moon's history. The discovery sheds light on the moon's evolution, including a key impact event that formed the Imbrium basin.
The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership has opened an African office in South Africa, aiming to boost the continent's medical research capacity. The partnership will fund clinical trials for new treatments and vaccines against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Young men in rural Malawi associate HIV with masculinity and engage in risky behavior to demonstrate virility. This misunderstanding of AIDS risk has significant implications for future research and HIV prevention education.
A six-month study found that providing primary care to nearly 2,000 HIV-infected patients costs an average of $30 USD per visit. The breakdown includes staff salaries, laboratory tests, and medications.
Researchers at Michigan State University have devised new ways to understand the impact of AIDS on families in rural Africa. The study shows that the disease is not always devastating, but rather cripples some families while leaving others with a better chance of enduring.
A team of researchers found that domesticated donkeys originated in northeastern Africa approximately 5,000 years ago. Genetic analysis revealed two distinct lineages, indicating two separate domestications, which occurred between 303,000 and 91,000 years ago.
Fossils of Rugops primus and Spinostropheus gautieri reveal that Africa separated from southern continents around 100 million years ago. The discoveries provide fresh evidence on the timing of continental drift, shedding light on how dinosaurs like Rugops and other animals used narrow land bridges to colonize adjacent continents.
HIV-positive individuals in sub-Saharan Africa exhibit high rates of dementia (11%) and painful sensory neuropathy (51%), with those with low CD4 counts showing even more severe impairment. A rapid screening test may help identify these conditions in resource-limited settings.
A multinational team of scientists has found microscopic life colonized in ancient volcanic lava dating back nearly 3.5 billion years. The discovery was made in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, a location that was previously thought to be inhospitable for life.
Researchers found that salt-tolerant rice varieties can be accurately predicted using DNA markers and a crop growth model, allowing breeders to select the best varieties for specific conditions. This is crucial for increasing yields in areas with sub-optimal conditions, such as those affected by salinity.
Archaeologists discovered ochre pencils, bone artifacts, and ostrich egg shell beads at a site in the Serengeti National Park, indicating early development of modern cultural behavior. The findings suggest that symbolic thinking may have emerged earlier than previously thought, around 280,000 years ago.
A new multi-million dollar grant from Conservation International aims to save the eastern lowland gorilla by strengthening conservation efforts in the region. The investment will increase protection of over 3 million hectares, preserving a high degree of biological richness and species endemism.
Studies of rural communities in Cameroon found that people exposed to blood or body fluids from primates during hunting have a higher risk of simian retrovirus infection. Genetic analysis revealed three geographically independent human infections, acquired from different primates.