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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences


Genetic legacy of state centralization

A study analyzing genome-wide data from 693 individuals in the Democratic Republic of Congo found that present-day Kuba are genetically diverse and similar to neighboring groups, suggesting historical unification during state centralization. This research underscores the potential of genomics to reconstruct societal histories.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018

Climate change and electricity consumption in China

Climate change is projected to significantly impact electricity consumption in China's Yangtze River Delta, with daily consumption increasing by 14.5% for every 1°C rise in temperature above 25°C. By the end of the century, annual mean and peak consumption are expected to increase by approximately 9.2% and 36.1%, respectively.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018

Magnesium isotopes reflect early lunar history

Researchers analyzed magnesium stable isotopes in lunar rock samples, finding they match the Inner Solar System's bulk composition before fractionation occurred. The results suggest the initial Moon impact did not separate isotopes and instead indicate a lunar magma ocean that re-melted and affected later basalt formations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Implicit perception of gaze

A study involving over 800 participants found that unconscious assumptions about extramission theory led to different force estimates when a person gazed at an object. The results suggest the brain constructs a social model with an invisible energy beam from others' eyes, influencing perception.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Economic climate feedbacks

Researchers found that climate-driven economic losses can offset natural warming feedbacks, but this comes with increased inequality and reduced resources for mitigating climate change. The study suggests that climate-related economic activity slowdowns can temporarily reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Geomagnetic record of South Atlantic Anomaly

Researchers report a high-resolution geomagnetic field record spanning 1,500 years from Brazilian caves, indicating recurrent periods of rapid directional change consistent with westward migration and expansion of reversed flux patches. The study provides insights into the core-mantle boundary dynamics and Earth's magnetic field evolut...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2018

Sea level rise and climate variability

A recent study analyzed climate simulations and found that sea-level rise trends are largely driven by external factors such as aerosols and greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers used satellite altimetry data to calculate the forced response in sea level, which showed significant correlation with internal variability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Hydraulic fracturing and water quality

A study in central Pennsylvania found chemical and isotopic evidence of upward methane migration from the Marcellus shale, suggesting geochemical indicators for distinguishing recent methane contamination. The research also identified geological features facilitating methane migration near hydraulically fractured shale gas wells.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018