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From southeast Asia to the sewers: Study determines new geographical origins of brown rats

A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution reveals that brown rats originally migrated from southern East Asia about 3,600 years ago, spreading rapidly across the globe. The research team identified several genes involved in the immune response that have adaptively evolved under natural selection in wild rats.

An extraordinary cave animal found in Eastern Turkmenistan

A team of scientists has discovered a new species of cave-adapted animal in Eastern Turkmenistan, specifically in the Kaptarhana cave. The newly described genus and species, Turkmenocampa mirabilis, is a pale and eyeless insect-like creature that represents a unique adaptation to underground environments in Central Asia.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalSubterranean Biology·DateSep 21, 2017

CityU sets out to reveal impact of Arctic amplification on East Asian winter climate

A research project led by CityU aims to understand the relationship between the East Asian Winter Monsoon and blocking events, and how Arctic amplification may impact the region's climate. The study hopes to provide valuable insights for policymakers evaluating the risk of cold extremes in East Asia.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 19, 2017

Toward ending an environmental nightmare

A team of Stanford researchers is using satellite data to track and identify brick kilns in South Asia, which are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative aims to raise public awareness and incentivize kiln owners to switch to cleaner technologies.

Anyone for crispy jellyfish?

A new method for drying jellyfish has been developed to make them crunchy and paper-thin, reducing processing time from 30-40 days to just a few days. This innovation also increases the efficiency of Asian processing plants.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalInternational Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science·DateJul 27, 2017

Native leech preys on invasive slug?

Invasive giant slug <i>Limax maximus</i> has spread to Hokkaido, Japan, where it is preyed upon by microphagous leech <i>Orobdella kawakatsuorum</i>. The study reveals that the invasive species feeds on various crops including cucumber and sweet potato.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateJul 20, 2017

Too many bats are being killed for research

A study highlights the need to limit bat collection for scientific research due to their slow reproduction rates and dwindling populations. Modern technology can often replace killing bats, allowing for the preservation of these species.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateJul 19, 2017

Does religion protect against suicide?

New research by Michigan State University scholar Ning Hsieh finds that religious participation is related to higher suicide rates in Southern Europe, Western Europe, and East Asia. In contrast, countries in the English-speaking region, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Northern Europe have seen protective effects of religious partici...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 28, 2017