Articles tagged with Africa
Fossils from Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa reveal nearly four million years of hominin evolution. The new ages of Australopithecus-bearing deposits place the South African hominins as contemporaries of other early species, like Australopithecus afarensis, in east Africa.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that African wild dogs, a highly endangered species, shifted their breeding dates later in response to changing temperatures, leading to reduced pup survival rates. The study highlights how large predators can be vulnerable to climate change and its impact on life history events.
Three African vulture species have significantly larger home ranges than existing protected areas, increasing exposure to human-related food sources and environmental toxins. Conservation efforts require addressing challenges outside protected areas.
A team of researchers has discovered a property of light that remains unchanged in complex media, allowing for distortion-free communication and sensing. By applying a novel quantum approach, they showed that all light has this invariant property, which can be exploited to correct distortions without losing any light.
A new study reveals that population declines have been greatest among species that migrate to areas with more human infrastructure, habitat degradation, and climate change. The research identified 16 human-induced threats to migratory birds, including infrastructure associated with bird disturbance and collisions.
A study by the INGENIO Institute finds that prolonged temperature and precipitation increases cause conflict beyond affected areas, affecting populations up to 550km radius. Climate change adaptation strategies must consider each territory's particularities to mitigate conflict risks.
Two fossil skulls of a 12- to 15-million-year-old hyena from China suggest the animal was on its way to becoming an insectivore, like the modern aardwolf. The fossils show characteristics intermediate between those of bone-cracking hyenas and termite-eating aardwolves.
African countries face a growing cancer burden, with an estimated 2.1 million new cases and 1.4 million related deaths expected by 2040. Insufficient healthcare resources and infrastructure will likely overwhelm capacity levels, delaying screenings and limiting treatment options if action is not taken.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that patients in Tanzania faced barriers to accessing rehabilitative care following an injury, including difficulty finding transportation or childcare. The research highlights the need for improved patient education and increased access to outpatient services.
Researchers observe fruit bat migration patterns mirroring seasonal landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting a unique role in plant pollination. The study reveals the ecologically underestimated fruit bats transport plant seeds along the 'green wave', potentially affecting local ecosystems.
A new species of large-bodied meat-eating dinosaur, an abelisaurid theropod, has been found in the Bahariya Oasis of Egypt's Western Desert. The discovery provides the first known record of this group from a middle Cretaceous-aged rock unit, and sheds light on the biodiversity of Cretaceous dinosaurs in Egypt and northeastern Africa.
A new multicenter study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa have a significantly increased risk of needing intensive care and dying compared to uninfected hospitalized pregnant women. The study also highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccination as part of prenatal care to improve mother and infant outcomes.
Researchers have re-evaluated chicken remains from over 600 sites worldwide, revealing that domestication occurred around 1,500 BC in Southeast Asia. Chickens were initially regarded as exotica and only later used as a food source.
A team led by University of Utah Health has improved the quality and consistency of care in emergency situations in Rwanda. The project, which began a decade ago, provided advanced training for emergency responders and hospital staff and established standardized checklists for patient care.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki used new techniques to observe tree hyraxes in Kenya's Taita Hills, finding that they are social animals with specific habitat preferences. The study estimated a population size of no more than 2,000–4,000 individuals, shedding light on the behavior and conservation of these unique mammals.
A new retrospective study analyzed seven patients with monkeypox in the UK between 2018 and 2021, suggesting potential benefits of antiviral medications like tecovirimat. However, brincidofovir showed little clinical benefit and raised concerns about liver toxicity.
The polyphagous shot hole borer is estimated to cause $18.45 billion in economic losses over the next ten years if left unchecked. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to stressed trees and non-native species.
The current monkeypox outbreak is more widespread than previous ones outside of Africa, with significant cases reported in Europe, the UK, and North America. A notable increase in cases among men who have sex with men has been observed, although the cause remains unclear.
Conservation efforts have made progress along the African east coast, but tens of thousands of sea turtles still die each year. The study highlights the importance of local knowledge and community engagement in turtle conservation.
The Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration has captured the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. The image reveals a dark central region surrounded by a bright ring-like structure, indicating the presence of a massive object four million times more massive than our Sun.
Researchers documented traditional wooden boats in the Zanzibar Channel, showing continued use despite modern transportation developments. The study highlights innovations such as outboard engines and portable generators, which have transformed fishing methods.
A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improving market access has a positive impact on nutritional status in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, increasing crop diversity had little effect on children's growth and nutrition. Diversifying animal production, however, showed positive effects.
Cancer incidence is projected to double in SSA by 2040, with 1.4 million cases per year expected without rapid interventions. Women are more affected by cancer than men in the region, with breast and cervical cancers among the most common types.
A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of traditional farmer crop varieties are already represented in genebanks, but conservation gaps persist for key crops like pearl millet and potatoes. The analysis highlights areas with high diversity in landraces, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India.
Researchers at University of Exeter discovered engravings in Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago made by soldiers on guard duty, revealing ships that sailed on the western Indian Ocean during the 19th century. The graffiti depict various vessel types, including European-style frigates and settee-rigged ocean-going vessels, providing valuab...
Researchers have identified over 2.4 million households in 49 countries as being below a certain economic threshold, based on the percentage of unlit settlements detected using nighttime light satellite images. The study found a clear association between increasing percentages of unlit communities and decreasing economic wellbeing levels.
A new online portal developed by UKCEH enables forecasters to provide communities with more reliable warnings about large storms in the Sahel region. The portal uses state-of-the-art weather forecast models to predict storm behavior, taking into account factors such as land surface temperatures, soil moisture, and atmospheric humidity.
A new study highlights the importance of addressing Africa's unique media landscape in combating misinformation. Pavement media, including discussions in marketplaces and social spaces, play a key role in spreading false information.
A study found that B12 deficiency is widespread among young children in low-income countries, leading to poor motor development and anaemia. Daily B12 supplements are crucial for brain development, but food relief programs often fail to provide sufficient amounts.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification's Global Land Outlook 2 report warns that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded, threatening half of humanity and roughly 1/2 of world GDP. The report offers hundreds of practical ways to restore land and ecosystem health.
A recent study found that community-based rangeland management projects in Namibia improved resource governance but had limited impact on environmental and economic outcomes. The projects aimed to increase household incomes and improve rangeland conditions through coordinated land use practices, but ultimately failed to achieve signifi...
Researchers found a simulated annual downward trend in surface PM10 concentrations in Senegal and Cabo Verde after the 1980s. However, there was an increase in dust over the Western Sahara transported to Cabo Verde, suggesting Eastern Atlantic dust continued on toward the U.S. and Caribbean.
A randomized controlled trial of 2,275 women in Kenya found a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to be highly effective. The study results support the adoption of a single-dose HPV vaccination, which could increase accessibility in low- and middle-income countries.
Research by Sightsavers and others estimates that blind people are nearly four times as likely to experience anxiety and depression as those with no vision impairment. The study highlights the need for governments and organizations to be aware of this issue and design health services to address it.
A recent study combining climate data with fossil records of large mammals in Africa found that times of erratic climate change do not lead to major evolutionary changes. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that environmental variability and species turnover may not be closely related.
Researchers used GPS data from 65 bird tracking studies to identify areas where migrating birds are more sensitive to onshore wind turbine or power line development. These 'collision hotspots' are concentrated along important migration routes, coastlines, and near breeding locations in Europe and North Africa.
A new study by Radboud University reveals that birth registrations in Africa are hindered by contextual factors such as rural-urban differences and centralized registration systems. The research suggests addressing these broader factors to increase birth registrations and ensure essential human rights for unregistered children.
A CABI-led study has developed the first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval populations in Africa to assist farmers in making management interventions and prevent damage. The models were validated using real-time earth observation data and pest occurrence within a farmer's field, resulting in a reduced population of FAW ...
A decade-long study of over 17,000 South Africans found a significant link between community disasters and depression onset. Vulnerable groups showed the greatest risk increase, underscoring the need for targeted support.
A study found that climate change could lead to significant economic losses of $15-40 billion annually for livestock farmers, especially in poor, tropical countries. Adaptation measures such as breeding heat-stress tolerant cattle and relocating animals to suitable regions can mitigate these losses.
A new study found a significant association between adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and intimate partner violence among women in informal settlements in Uganda. Women who remained adherent to measures were 3.87 times more likely to experience IPV, highlighting the need for integrated violence prevention strategies.
A comprehensive study of 8,000 birds in Israel found significant changes in bird morphology over the past 70 years, likely due to global warming. Some species became lighter while others gained size, increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio to facilitate heat loss.
A new study provides strong evidence that periodic volcanic activity in the Karoo province triggered multiple Jurassic extinctions. The research reveals that volcanism occurred over a longer period than previously thought, with three distinct stages of activity, and had a significant impact on the environment.
The RAMPAO network in West Africa covers vital habitats for green turtles, with most key migration corridors falling outside protected areas. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitats.
Research by University of South Australia found that knowing the 'right' people is crucial for securing a job, while African migrants often struggle due to systemic discrimination and racism. The study highlights the importance of anti-racism work and social networks in migrant labor market integration.
Researchers assess development and performance of tailored approaches to fertilizer application in SSA, highlighting scalability and technical challenges. Solutions to overcome barriers to widespread adoption are outlined, including investment in soil capacity estimation and farmer-friendly digital tools.
Researchers found that an intranasal application of oxytocin could make lion interactions less life-threatening. After the treatments, lions displayed reduced vigilance towards other lions and became more tolerant of their presence.
A novel class of bed net that kills mosquitoes resistant to traditional insecticides by making them unable to move or fly significantly reduces malaria infection in children. The study found a 43% reduction in malaria prevalence and 44% reduction in clinical episodes over two years.
A worldwide analysis of over 2 million women in 161 countries found intimate partner violence affects 27% of women before age 50. The study also revealed high levels of violence against young women and regional variations in prevalence rates.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that giving Malawi high school students limited internet access to quality online sources improved their English and biology scores. The intervention provided smartphones with restricted online access to Wikipedia, leading to significant gains among lower-achieving students.
Historians note a shift in Eurocentric conceptualizations of science, leading to the emergence of civilization-specific alternatives. John Augustus Abayomi Cole's work on astrological geomancy sought to elevate African knowledge practices and critique European imperialism.
Researchers have identified a key gene that confers stripe rust resistance in bread wheat, providing hope for improving crop yields and ensuring global food security. The discovery was made possible by the assembly of the highest-quality genome to date for bread wheat using advanced DNA sequencing techniques.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that heat stress on cattle could lead to financial losses of $15-40 billion annually by the end of the century. This would particularly affect producers in tropical regions, including South America, Asia, and Africa.
A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that groundwater levels in Sub-Saharan Africa frequently increased over time, with most aquifers replenishing their water supply during rainy periods. The research tracked long-term water storage gains and losses across Africa's major aquifers using NASA's GRACE satellites.
New research reveals how medieval East African farming societies altered their island habitat through intensive land use, impacting shoreline modification and community decline. The study examines the effects of urban growth, trade, and waste on coastal sediments, shedding light on early globalization and maritime trade networks.
A recent field study examines the 2006 Abuja Declaration's effects on N fertilizer use, yield potential, and soil fertility. The study found that partial N balances exceeded optimal ranges, highlighting insufficient N input and elevated risk of soil depletion.
A new analysis of human remains provides the earliest DNA from sub-Saharan Africa, outlining major demographic shifts between 80,000 and 20,000 years ago. The study reveals people moved and settled in other areas, developed alliances and networks to trade and share information.
A new €1.4 million research project will examine how to regulate the collection and migration of health data in Africa to protect privacy and prevent exploitation. The project aims to develop legal mechanisms to protect health data, co-create guidelines with app developers, and test their feasibility with stakeholders.
A CABI-led study has ranked nearly 200 potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana that could have a detrimental impact on agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity. The top-ranked arthropod and pathogenic species include the pink hibiscus mealybug, melon thrips, cassava brown streak virus, and maize lethal necrosis disease.
The REACH study found that nearly all adolescent girls and young women accepted the option of using a monthly dapivirine vaginal ring or daily oral PrEP. Most preferred the ring, but most were able to use their chosen product some or most of the time. The study suggests that choice is crucial for adherence in HIV prevention.