Discriminating three lab scale dark chocolate bars from fine Cameroon cocoa hybrids using sensorial evaluation and organic acid content.

Previous studies have shown a correlation between chocolate sensory profile and certain (bio)chemical components. The aim of this study was to examine the sensorial profile and organic acid content of three lab scale chocolate brands produced from different cocoa genotypes. The sensorial evaluation was examined by a team of 12 panelists and evaluation of aroma volatiles was done by means of HS-SPME-GC-MS.

Establishing African genomics and bioinformatics programs through annual regional workshops.

The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) Open Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics aims to overcome barriers to capacity building through its distributed African regional workshops and prioritizes the exchange of grassroots knowledge and innovation in biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics. In 2023, we implemented 28 workshops on biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics, covering 11 African countries across the 5 African geographical regions. These regional workshops trained 408 African scientists in hands-on molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics techniques as well as the ethical, legal and social issues associated with acquiring genetic resources.

Floristic surveys of some lowlands polluted of a tropical urban area: the case of Yaounde, Cameroon.

This study presents original results for field surveys in lowland sites polluted in Yaounde-Cameroon. The screening of 11 polluted lowlands compared to a natural lowland (unpolluted), made it possible to identify species which may exhibit the best capacities to adapt to environmental changes and to develop in contaminated areas, in particular heavy metals. This work can be a preliminary study around the species growing in contaminated lowlands.

Floristic surveys of hydrocarbon-polluted sites in some Cameroonian cities (Central Africa).

Soils pollution with hydrocarbons is on the increase, especially in developing countries like Cameroon. Identifying plant species capable of growing on hydrocarbon-polluted soils remains an essential step in phytoremediation, a low cost, solar energy driven clean up technique in which living green plants are used. Here, we report floristic surveys conducted in 4 cities of Cameroon to identify plants with phytoremediation capacities.