Articles tagged with Asia
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite passed over Tropical Depression Haikui on Nov. 12 as it was fading, capturing a visible image of the storm as a weak swirl of clouds in the South China Sea. The depression had maximum sustained winds near 25 knots and was waning under strong vertical wind shear conditions.
NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals (IMERG) analysis indicates Tropical Storm Damrey caused deadly flooding in Vietnam with over 580 mm of rain reported near the coast. The IMERG data also shows that the heaviest rainfall was in south central Vietnam, where more than 500 mm of rain was common.
Tropical Depression 29W rapidly decayed after forming from remnants of Tropical Cyclone 28W. The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured a poorly organized low-level center near the Malay Peninsula, with maximum sustained winds near 20 knots.
Typhoon Damrey strengthened as it approached Vietnam with coldest cloud tops reaching minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of generating heavy rainfall. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 75 knots, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects strengthening before weakening from land interaction.
Tropical Storm Damrey formed as a depression on Nov 1 and strengthened into a tropical storm on Nov 2, moving west at 9 knots towards Vietnam. It is expected to peak at 80 knots on Nov 3 before weakening and making landfall in southeastern Vietnam on Nov 4.
A new study analyzes genetic material from people in Western Asia, identifying DNA sequences inherited from Neanderthals. The research suggests that this region is the most likely spot where humans first encountered Neanderthals, with implications for human health and well-being.
Daily calcium intake among adults varies widely around the world, with many areas at risk of bone health due to low intakes. Regional patterns show Southern and Eastern Asia having the lowest average intakes, while Northern Europe registers higher intakes.
Tropical Depression Khanun began dissipating in the Gulf of Tonkin on Oct. 16, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing its fading circulation. The storm had weakened to 25 knots (28.7 mph) and was moving southwest at 3 knots.
A 40,000-year-old man's genome provides insights into human genetic diversity in East Asia. The study reveals a complicated separation for ancient Europeans and Asians, suggesting multiple genetically distinct populations existed in Asia until the present.
NASA's Aqua satellite found strongest storms in Tropical Depression 23W near northern Vietnam and northeastern Laos. Cloud top temperatures reached as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms with heavy rain capability.
The durian tree relies on the pollination services of the island flying fox, which is critically endangered. The discovery has significant implications for Southeast Asia's tropical ecosystems and the lucrative durian industry.
A new study estimates that nearly half of all abortions worldwide are unsafe, with the majority occurring in low-income countries. The study highlights the need for safe access to abortion and replacing unsafe methods with safe ones.
A new study found that women exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War had higher levels of hormones in their breast milk, which were then transferred to their babies. The research revealed a nearly three-fold increase in DHEA in babies from dioxin hotspots compared to non-contaminated regions.
Tropical Depression 22W formed in the South China Sea on Sept 23 and moved across Hainan into northern Vietnam before making landfall. The depression was short-lived, existing for only two days before dissipating over the next day or two.
A team of scientists has developed a modelling system to predict the spread of devastating wheat rust disease, identifying Yemen as a potential hub for long-distance dispersal to India and Pakistan. The research highlights the risk of global economic loss from wheat stem rust, currently estimated at $1 billion annually.
A new study finds that weak states of the high-altitude wind circling the Arctic have become more persistent, causing extreme winter chills in parts of the Northern hemisphere. The weakening of the polar vortex is linked to cold winters in regions like Russia and Europe.
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.
A study by WWF and UCF found that more than 47% of rangers selected 'I have no other job option' as the most motivating factor, highlighting the need for better work environment and compensation. The research aims to bring policy changes to improve ranger conditions and ultimately protect wildlife and forests.
Research monitored wildlife acoustic activity before, during and after major forest fires in Southeast Asia, revealing a 37.5% decline during the haze. The damage was likely greater near fires, where air pollution levels were 15 times higher.
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.
Typhoon Doksuri made landfall in eastern Vietnam, with maximum sustained winds near 80 knots. The storm was centered near 17.9 degrees north latitude and 106.0 degrees east longitude, about 174 miles northwest of Da Nang.
Typhoon Doksuri appeared well-rounded and organized on satellite imagery as it moved through the north central South China Sea toward Vietnam. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 85 knots (97.8 mph) and was expected to make landfall south of the city of Vinh on the coast of Vietnam on September 15.
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.
Tropical depression 21W strengthened into tropical storm Doksuri, exhibiting fragmented feeder bands of strong thunderstorms. NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of the storm as it moved west in the South China Sea and intensified over the next day and a half.
New research reveals that true frogs' rapid global dispersal was not associated with an increase in net-diversification, contradicting long-held scientific expectations. The study found that the origin of these frogs was Indochina, and their diversification occurred over millions of years through a steady accumulation of species.
The study found that breakout songs conform to current musical preferences while infusing individuality. Songs with a 'typicality' score below average tended to do better on the Hot 100, indicating a balance between familiarity and novelty.
A recent study reveals that the Gobi Desert is a significant contributor to East Asian dust concentrations, with approximately 35% of its emissions transported to remote areas. In contrast, the Taklimakan Desert's dust particles are less likely to be transported due to its geographical location and wind patterns.
Researchers at Georgia State University are developing cellphone messaging programs to help smokers quit in China and Vietnam. The five-year project aims to adapt culturally effective interventions for cessation, utilizing mobile phones and texting technologies to reach millions of smokers.
A large-scale study of 135,335 individuals across 18 countries found that a moderate intake of fruit, vegetables, and legumes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The study's findings indicate that consuming an average of 3-4 servings per day is as beneficial as higher amounts in reducing total mortality.
Research reveals citrons and lemons were first citrus fruits to arrive in the Mediterranean, prized for their rarity and symbolic value. The study highlights the crucial role of Muslim traders in dispersing cultivated citrus across Northern Africa and Southern Europe.
A vast ancient trading network operating in Vietnam from 4,500 to 3,000 years ago has been uncovered by archaeologists. The network included specialist tool-makers and technological knowledge, with items manufactured and circulated over hundreds of kilometres.
Researchers have discovered evidence of modern human presence in West Sumatra, dating back to 73,000 years ago, suggesting a possible early migration to Australia. The findings, published in Nature, shed new light on the origins of humans in Southeast Asia and challenge the current timeline.
Researchers have discovered the oldest Asian fossil of a hesperornithiform, a group of diving birds that adapted to ocean life. The specimen, named Chupkaornis keraorum, provides new insights into the early evolution of these birds and their adaptation to marine environments.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that George W. Bush and Barack Obama's military interventions between 2001-2016 set a precedent for Donald Trump to go to war unilaterally, expanding executive authority
A recent study found that air travel is significantly linked to the spread of dengue viruses in Asia. The analysis of genetic sequences revealed that three serotypes were most associated with air traffic.
The study found that 36 million people worldwide are blind, with the greatest burden in developing countries in south, east, and southeast Asia. By 2050, this number is projected to increase to almost 115 million, highlighting the need for increased efforts to alleviate vision impairment.
A new study predicts that South Asia, home to one-fifth of the world's population, will experience extreme heat waves with high humidity by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced. The region's poor and agricultural communities will be disproportionately affected.
By the late 21st century, South Asia is projected to experience deadly heat waves, with wet-bulb temperatures surpassing human survivability limits. Climate change mitigation efforts could reduce population exposure by up to 70%, according to new research.
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.
Tropical Storm Sonca made landfall in Vietnam, bringing maximum sustained winds near 40 knots and heavy rainfall to the region. Infrared data from NASA's Aqua satellite revealed an area of strong storms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tropical Storm Sonca is forecast to strengthen to 57 mph before making landfall in central Vietnam on July 25. The storm appeared elongated due to wind shear but is expected to make landfall just south of the city of Vinh.
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.
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.
Asia and the Pacific face severe impacts from unmitigated climate change, including increased temperatures, extreme weather events, and declining agricultural productivity. The region is projected to experience a 6-degree Celsius temperature increase by 2100, leading to significant economic losses and human suffering.
A new registry study highlights the unique characteristics of heart failure patients in Asia, including younger age and higher co-morbidity rates compared to Western populations. The study also reveals underutilization of potentially life-saving implantable cardiac defibrillators in Asia.
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...
A significant warming trend is observed globally since the mid-1990s, with Europe-West Asia and northeast Asia experiencing the most pronounced warming. This warming has led to increased casualties from hot events, with a 23-fold increase in deaths between 2001-2010 and 1991-2000.
Modern domestic cats are derived from the African wildcat, with genetic analyses tracing back to ancient Egypt and the Near East. The study reveals that both lineages contributed to the genomes of European cats.
The UW-led Malaria Evolution in South Asia research center is one of 10 NIH-supported International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research. Researchers are studying the genetic diversity of malaria parasites in India, which shows more variation than elsewhere globally, making standard laboratory tests less accurate.
A plant compound, patentiflorin A, has been discovered to be more effective against HIV than the widely used drug AZT. The compound inhibits an enzyme needed for HIV to replicate, making it a promising candidate for development into a new HIV treatment.
A new study has identified human factors that could be targeted by elimination interventions for 'monkey malaria', a complex and potentially life-threatening parasite. Adult male farmers in the Sabah region are more likely to contract Plasmodium knowlesi malaria due to their outdoor work on plantations.
A devastating combination of El Niño and global warming led to extreme temperatures in April 2016 in Southeast Asia, breaking all previous records. Long-term warming has played an increasing role in rising April temperatures, exacerbating energy consumption, crop production disruptions, and human discomfort.
Researchers propose that a storm or internal navigation 'compass' malfunction led to the bird's off-course journey. The near-perfect condition of its feathers suggests it wasn't trapped in a plane's wheel well, making ship or plane transport unlikely.
Scientists from Granada and Almería discover a new species of plant in the Málaga region, previously misclassified as Linaria salzmannii. The plant, Linaria becerrae, has distinct flower characteristics and is found in sandy substrates in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes natural area.
Herpetologists have discovered a new amphibian species, Ophryophryne elfina, in the highlands of Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam. The smallest known species of horned mountain toad, it has distinctive small horn-like projections above its eyes and inhabits wet subtropical evergreen forests at high elevations.
A mutation in an immune system gene rapidly rose in frequency in Southeast Asia approximately 50,000 years ago, likely conferring protection against leprosy. The HLA-B*46:01 protein binds to molecules derived from the bacterium that causes leprosy, presenting foreign molecules to the immune system and destroying infected cells.
A recent study by Dr. YAO Yao and Prof. LUO Dehai found that Arctic warming strengthens Ural blocking, leading to more widespread Eurasian cold events. The study suggests that the large BKS warming since 2000 weakens the meridional temperature gradient, increasing persistence of the UB.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered that ancient ground squirrels in the Indigirka river basin are closely related to present-day Beringian ground squirrels in Kamchatka. The study revealed that these animals have a complex migration history, with multiple colonization events in Eurasia.
The number of fatalities in organized violence decreased to 102,000 in 2016, a decline of over 20% from the peak year of 2014. However, conflicts with external involvement remain a major concern for researchers, who note that these conflicts are more likely to escalate into larger wars.
Researchers have identified the origins of Indian populations by analyzing genetic evidence from people alive in the Subcontinent today. The study reveals that hunter-gatherer groups arrived from Africa more than 50,000 years ago, while later waves of settlement came from Iran and Central Asia.