Everlasting African wildfires fueled by aerosol feedback
Africa is on fire. It has been for thousands of years. The continent contains more than 50% of the total area on Earth that is burning, on average, and there is no sign of it stopping; indeed, the migrating, hemisphere-hopping African wildfire season.....»»
African migrants can drive growth in their home countries, but three barriers stand in the way
The idea that migration is closely linked to development has long been pervasive on the African continent......»»
"Forever chemicals" are polluting African waters
Every week seems to bring a new report about where "forever chemicals" have been found: in soil, drinking water, our bodies and marine animals. Their proper scientific name is perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). But they're more com.....»»
960 million dirty diapers are a big waste problem—what can be done with them
The use of disposable diapers (nappies) is growing in African countries. The disposable diaper undoubtedly makes it easier for many parents to work or spend time on other things, including their own and their child's well-being......»»
Presidential term limits help protect democracy—long ones can be dangerous
The purpose of presidential term limits is to protect democracy and ensure democratic competition. In recent years, however, many African presidents have attempted to amend constitutions to pursue extended mandates. For example, in Kenya, a motion wa.....»»
Satellite evidence points to climate-induced poisoning of over 300 African elephants
A study led by King's College London has provided further evidence that the deaths of 350 African elephants in Botswana during 2020 were the result of drinking from water holes where toxic algae populations had exploded due to climate change......»»
Authorities disrupt major cybercrime operation, 1000+ suspects arrested
Authorities across 19 African countries have arrested 1,006 suspects and dismantled 134,089 malicious infrastructures and networks thanks to a joint operation by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL against cybercrime. Results of the operation (Source: INTERPOL) Ope.....»»
Study discovers formation of Criegee intermediates from photochemical oxidation of alkenes
Organic peroxy radicals (RO2) and Criegee intermediates (CI, carbonyl oxides) are key reactive species in atmospheric chemistry and play crucial roles in the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA)......»»
Confidence drives feedback-seeking behavior: Insights into learning and motivation
A new study from co-lead author Christopher J. Cagna, Ph.D., of the Kessler Foundation examines the determinants of feedback-seeking behavior and their impact on learning. In collaboration with fellow co-lead author, Jamil P. Bhanji, Ph.D., of Rutger.....»»
Aquaculture researchers decode the genome of the African catfish to advance modern breeding approaches
Scientists at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf have decoded the genome of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), in collaboration with international partners......»»
Illegal mining clampdown in South Africa: Treating desperate people like criminals is an injustice
Illegal artisanal gold mining in South Africa is in the spotlight again. Under Operation Vala Umgodi ("plug the hole"), South African authorities have since December 2023 been trying to disrupt the illicit gold mining economy by cutting off water, fo.....»»
Mathematical modeling study demonstrates gene drives could boost malaria control when added to intervention package
The Target Malaria UK modeling team at Imperial College London has published their latest study in Nature Communications, titled "The potential of gene drives in malaria vector species to control malaria in African environments.".....»»
Delaware River water levels at 60% as salt front increases amid drought
Parched farms, wildfires, and browned vistas are highly visible signs of this fall's drought......»»
Collaboration uncovers mechanisms of an African plant with anti-HIV potential
A collaboration between The Wistar Institute and the University of Buea in Cameroon has uncovered the mechanisms for a medicinal plant with anti-HIV potential in Croton oligandrus Pierre & Hutch, a species of African tree that has been used in tradit.....»»
Flies carry bacteria, and some are resistant to antibiotics—evidence from three South African hospices
Houseflies live close to humans and domesticated animals and because they are so mobile they can easily spread bacteria that make people sick......»»
More logging is proposed to help curb wildfires in the US Pacific Northwest
U.S. officials would allow increased logging on federal lands across the Pacific Northwest in the name of fighting wildfires and boosting rural economies under proposed changes to a sweeping forest management plan that's been in place for three decad.....»»
"Critically endangered" African penguins just want peace and food
Mashudu Mashau says it takes about two minutes to catch a penguin, a task he does weekly to investigate sightings of injured or sickly seabirds......»»
A new way to detect daisy worlds
The daisy world model describes a hypothetical planet that self-regulates, maintaining a delicate balance involving its biogeochemical cycles, climate, and feedback loops that keep it habitable. It's associated with the Gaia Hypothesis developed by J.....»»
Extreme heat weakens land"s power to absorb carbon, analysis finds
A new European Space Agency-backed study shows that the extreme heat waves of 2023, which fueled huge wildfires and severe droughts, also undermined the land's capacity to soak up atmospheric carbon. This diminished carbon uptake drove atmospheric ca.....»»
Decline in West African coastal fish stocks threatens food security and livelihoods
Small-scale fisheries play a vital role in providing food and livelihoods for millions of people around the world, particularly in low-income countries in Africa. However, there is limited statistical data on the composition, abundance, and distribut.....»»
Let African Communities Manage Their Climate Adaptation Plans
Outside groups often offer their solutions for climate adaptation in Africa. But the best people to manage the climate crisis are the people in those communities themselves. For climate adaptation to succeed in Africa, let communities and local leade.....»»