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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences


Diet, microbiome, and stress

Researchers found that a diet enriched with ω-3 PUFAs and vitamin A can normalize gut microbiome composition and hippocampal protein levels, leading to improved emotional and memory performance in stressed rats. The study also suggests long-term links between diet and cognitive function.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Household pollution and air quality in India

Reducing household fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in India could decrease mean annual ambient PM2.5 exposure by over 17%, averting premature mortality and meeting the national air quality standard for 103 additional districts. Complete mitigation of emissions from cooking alone would be necessary to achieve this goal.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Kin relationships in megalithic burial sites

A study found kin relationships among people buried in Neolithic megalith tombs, indicating a societal role for these enigmatic structures. The genomic data revealed affinity to farming groups with past admixture with hunter-gatherer groups, highlighting a previously unknown role for megaliths in Neolithic societies and families.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Severe haze in China

A recent study synthesizes research on severe haze pollution in Northern China, highlighting its complex interaction between human activities and atmospheric conditions. The findings suggest that improving haze prediction and developing effective regulatory policies require additional knowledge and public awareness campaigns.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Early agricultural strategies in southern Polynesia

Researchers discovered fossil evidence of early taro cultivation in southern Polynesia, suggesting a history of taro production on the islands. The study indicates that fire was used for clearing forest cover during early cultivation, followed by a decrease in fire and an increase in short-lived plants as production intensified.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

Global warming and systems thinking

A survey of US adults found a positive correlation between systems thinking and climate change beliefs, suggesting that a systemic mindset promotes environmentally conscious attitudes. The study suggests that systems thinking can help both conservatives and liberals address climate change, regardless of their political views.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

Phasing out air pollution emissions

A recent study suggests that rapidly phasing out air pollution emissions can prevent approximately 3.6 million avoidable deaths each year, while also increasing rainfall in drought-prone regions and limiting global warming. The researchers found that removing fossil fuel-related and all anthropogenic emissions could achieve the 2°C tar...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

Deforestation and drinking water quality

A study by Hisahiro Naito and Annie Mwayi Mapulanga found that deforestation in Malawi is associated with lower safe drinking water usage, despite increased runoff. The authors estimate a 9% decrease in precipitation equivalent to a 14% loss of forest area, highlighting the importance of preserving forests for water source protection.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019