Articles tagged with Asia
A study found that rural areas have a higher risk of dengue fever due to higher mosquito populations, while urban areas contribute significantly despite fewer cases. Improving water supply and vector control can increase the efficiency of control efforts.
A new survey of the deadly fungus chytridiomycosis in Asia has found very low levels of infection among amphibians, with only 2.35% prevalence across 15 countries. However, researchers warn that this could be a sign of emerging disease or other factors preventing invasion.
Researchers have created a new candidate vaccine to protect against chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that causes intense pain and chronic arthritis. The experimental vaccine, a recombinant live-attenuated vaccine, has shown promising results in lab mice, offering a potential solution to this debilitating infection.
Tropical Storm Nock-ten's intense convection is intensifying as it moves through the South China Sea, feeding on warm waters. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, local flooding, gusty winds, and rough surf along coastal areas in Hainan Island and Vietnam.
The Institute on Asian Consumer Insight (ACI) will provide insights into Asian consumers' needs, wants, and preferences. It aims to help firms innovate brands, products, and services for the Asian market, capitalizing on Singapore's strategic location and multicultural environment.
The study found that risk factors for PTSD among OEF/OIF male veterans were similar to those observed in Vietnam veterans, but identified novel mechanisms of risk for OEF/OIF female veterans. Family relationships during deployment played a more prominent role in explaining PTSD in female veterans than in male veterans.
The International conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South East Asia marked the launch of a revolutionary South Asia Autism Network. The network aims to identify common challenges and form partnerships to develop solutions for autistic individuals in South Asian families and countries.
A Czech University of Life Sciences team identified four new species of jewel beetles from local people in Southeast Asia. The discovery expands the genus Philanthaxia to 65 known species, emphasizing the need for biodiversity inventory and conservation efforts.
Tropical Storm Haima is expected to bring heavy rains to Vietnam this weekend. The storm has regained minimal tropical storm status with powerful thunderstorms south of its center, moving west through the Gulf of Tonkin in the South China Sea.
Tropical Storm Meari is a stronger storm with maximum sustained winds near 55 knots, expected to make landfall in southwestern North Korea on June 26. Forecasters anticipate rough surf and heavy rainfall along the Yellow Sea as Meari tracks through.
A mosquito-borne virus that infected monkeys may cause human outbreaks if it adapts to urban mosquitoes, warns a new study. The 'fever from the forest' dengue virus has spread globally, causing 100 million cases annually and 50,000 deaths.
An alarming new article in Respirology issues a serious warning of massive rises in deaths from asbestos-related lung diseases in Asia. The region accounts for 64% of global asbestos use, with Cyprus, Israel, and Japan having the highest age-adjusted mortality rates.
Scientists have discovered a new species of birch mouse ancestor, Sicista primus, which is 9 million years older than previously known and originated from Asia. The tiny fossil teeth found in sediments in Inner Mongolia provide evidence of the genus' persistence over time without significant morphological changes.
Researchers and clinicians face challenges in diagnosing and managing occupational lung diseases in veterans returning from Southwest Asia deployments. Key findings include a unique pattern of fixed obstruction in half of cases and clinically-reversible new-onset asthma in most, as well as rare interstitial lung disease.
Researchers develop new method to unreel silk from wild cocoons without damaging strands. The technique allows for long, strong fibers, opening up the silk industry to new regions with wild silkworm populations.
Scientists have identified a single amino acid change in the chikungunya virus' exterior protein that enables it to infect Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, allowing for rapid spread across India and Southeast Asia. The discovery sheds light on why outbreaks occurred despite previous strains being present in the region.
The US EPA is collaborating with the United Nations University to develop strategies for managing electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa and Asia. The five-year agreement will support research, tracking, data collection, analysis, and information sharing to improve e-waste refurbishment and disposal.
A study found that extending the HPV vaccine dosing schedule to every 3 months was comparable to the standard schedule in terms of antibody concentration levels. This alternative schedule may provide a more feasible option for expanding vaccine use in developing countries.
Researchers confirm it is possible to make complex bamboo tools with simple stone tools, but find that prehistoric people preferred crudely made stone flakes instead. Bamboo knives were efficient for cutting meat but not hides, suggesting a preference for simpler tools.
The Northwestern Pacific experienced its first tropical cyclone of the new season after March, forming Tropical Depression One W on April 2. The system had strong thunderstorms dropping heavy rainfall and high cloud tops before dissipating by April 4.
Tanya Rautian is a pioneer in seismology, recognized for her work on earthquake source, seismic coda, and nuclear explosions. She will be honored with the Seismological Society of America's Reid Medal for her contributions to science and society.
Global reinsurance company SCOR is establishing a research centre at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to conduct applied research on insurance risk and related issues. The centre aims to produce research that will help the insurance industry meet growing protection needs in Asia.
Scientists have isolated two chemicals from an ancient herb that can block melanin production, making it a promising alternative to toxic skin whitening creams. The chemicals are 100 times more effective in reducing melanin pigmentation than common skin whitening agents.
Researchers have discovered thousands of human artifacts in Texas that predates Clovis culture by 2,500 years, expanding evidence for earlier cultures in North America. The pre-Clovis toolkit includes biface and blade technology, which may have later been adapted by the Clovis culture.
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has awarded four new grants to improve HBV and HCV awareness, prevention and care in China and India. The grants aim to reduce hepatitis-related health disparities in Asia, with a focus on mobilizing local communities' healthcare armaments.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a report listing 25 most endangered turtle species, many of which are found in Asia and are threatened by illegal hunting for food and the pet trade. The report calls for better enforcement of trade laws, habitat protection, and captive breeding to prevent extinction.
The tobacco industry is expanding its sales in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with Imperial Tobacco and Phillip Morris reporting increases in cigarette sales. The Lancet Editorial criticizes the companies' 'selling, addicting, and killing' business model, describing it as 'morally repugnant'.
A new genetic study has found that the DNA of current Polynesians can be traced back to migrants from the Asian mainland who settled in islands close to New Guinea around 6,000 years ago. The research challenges previous theories on human migration, suggesting a 'voyaging corridor' between Southeast Asia and the Pacific
A new study suggests that Asian tiger reserves can support over 10,000 wild tigers if managed as large-scale landscapes with connected core breeding sites. This strategy is crucial to doubling the tiger population by 2022, but it requires a global effort and proper design of infrastructure projects.
The Lancet series on health in Southeast Asia examines the region's diverse health systems, shifting disease burdens, and emerging infectious diseases. The series proposes increased regional cooperation for better maternal and child health outcomes.
Recent research reveals significant genetic differences between Asiatic and African cheetah populations, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts. The few remaining Asiatic cheetahs in Iran require urgent attention to prevent extinction.
The Making It Happen programme, supported by UK's Department for International Development and UNICEF, trains healthcare providers in Africa and Asia to reduce maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. The programme has already trained over 3000 health care providers, leading to improved clinical practices and reduced deaths.
NTU has received a S$3 million gift from the Bakrie Center Foundation to establish an endowment for a new Professorship in Southeast Asia Policy at RSIS. The Bakrie Graduate Fellowship Scholarship Fund will provide four scholarships worth S$30,000 each year to deserving young scholars from the ASEAN region.
Researchers have identified two essential genes that control the accumulation and detoxification of arsenic in plant cells, providing a promising basis for reducing arsenic levels in crops from polluted regions. By controlling these genes, plants can be developed to prevent toxic metal transfer, limiting entry into the food chain.
The Himalayan region's glaciers are retreating, but the impacts of climate change will still be felt, with programs integrating health, education, and social organizations needed to address these effects. The report highlights the need for international collaboration to gather more information on glacier ice balance.
The 1510 influenza pandemic originated in Asia and spread quickly to Africa and Europe via trade routes. New scientific and public health advances have improved our ability to plan and prepare for seasonal and pandemic influenza.
Elsevier will donate 10% of its revenue to MSF for all subscriptions to MD Consult, purchased between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, 2010. This campaign aims to provide medical assistance and support to people around the world affected by war, natural disasters, and other crises.
Scientists have found that large volcanic eruptions tend to dry up central Asia but bring more rain to southeast Asian countries. This contradicts climate models' predictions and highlights the complex interactions between natural and manmade forces.
Enterovirus 71, closely related to poliovirus, causes major outbreaks in Asia-Pacific region. Rapid evolution and family transmission facilitate severe cases of neurological disorders like meningitis and paralysis.
A new species of snub-nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus strykeri, has been discovered in Northern Myanmar with distinctive characteristics. The species is critically endangered due to increasing hunting pressure from logging road construction by Chinese companies, threatening its survival.
A team of researchers has uncovered well-dated human fossils in southern China, pushing back the known emergence of modern humans by at least 60,000 years. The discovery indicates that early modern humans co-existed with late archaic humans for tens of millennia across Eurasia.
A vast amber deposit from western India has revealed a new light on the history of the sub-continent, challenging the assumption that India was an isolated island-continent. The discovery indicates that tropical forests are older than previously thought and have close evolutionary relationships with fossils from other continents.
Researchers will analyze climate change and human-driven changes in hydrology's effects on agricultural production and land use in Asia. The study aims to estimate how climate change affects downstream water resources and food production.
A study by Dr. David Lohman suggests the Philippines could have more unique bird species due to its high biodiversity and geographic isolation. This could have significant implications for conservation efforts in the country.
Confirmed speakers from top biopharma companies and regulatory experts will discuss dealmaking, commercial strategy, outsourcing, and regulatory risks in Asia. The summit will also explore China healthcare reform, U.S. FDA actions in China and India, and opportunities for pre-competitive collaboration.
The study reevaluates Cobitis longipectoralis, a Miocene-era fish with well-preserved specimens. Key findings include the presence of nine pectoral fin rays and distinctive suborbital spine features.
The latest global under-5 mortality rates show significant declines in many regions, with reductions of at least 50% in most areas except sub-Saharan Africa, southern Asia, and Oceania. However, the planet is not on track to meet MDG4's goal of reducing child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015.
Eric Lambin's research integrates remote satellite imagery with door-to-door interviews to understand the complex conditions giving rise to land-use challenges. He has uncovered the political, economic, and social forces driving deforestation and reforestation trends worldwide.
Tropical Storm Mindulle made landfall in central Vietnam on August 24, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm's center was located near Vinh city, with maximum sustained winds near 46 mph.
A new study found that rising temperatures in Asia will slow rice production, with daily minimum temperature increases cutting yield growth rate by 10-20 percent in several locations. This could lead to food insecurity and poverty for the over three billion people who rely on rice as their staple food.
A genetic analysis of 24 spiny frog species reveals their evolutionary history, which correlates with the rise of the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau. The study supports a minority theory of the India-Asia collision, suggesting that Southeast Asia was pushed aside towards the Pacific Ocean.
Trials in Asia and Africa have demonstrated the rotavirus vaccine's ability to prevent severe gastroenteritis and save thousands of lives. The vaccine has shown promise in reducing disease incidence, especially among infants.
Indiana University has been awarded $9.2 million from the National Science Foundation to lead two high-speed international network services: TransPAC3 and ACE. These connections will facilitate direct U.S.-Asia research interactions and provide significant economies of scale in trans-Atlantic connectivity.
Three unusual cases of patients with listerial meningitis were presented, highlighting that Listeriosis in developing countries does not follow the usual pattern. The cases did not match the typical profile of newborns or elderly individuals, suggesting a different risk factor profile in these regions.
Researchers have found that the wild populations giving rise to melons and cucumbers originated in Asia, contrary to previous assumptions. The study analyzed genetic material from over 100 species of Cucumis, revealing a close living relative of the cultivated melon is native to Australia.
A recent theme issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery highlights groundbreaking research from Asia that can improve facial plastic surgery outcomes globally. The issue focuses on innovative techniques and materials in double-eyelid procedures, nasal augmentation, and complications of nose lengthening.
NASA's infrared satellite image shows strong thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Conson. The storm is being pushed southwest due to a subtropical ridge over China, forcing it to take a more southern route and eventually make landfall in northern Vietnam.
Penn State's Liwang Cui leads a seven-year, $14.5 million project to combat malaria in Southeast Asia. The center will address research needs in regions with high malaria morbidity and mortality rates.
Case Western Reserve University has been named an International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, a $7.9M seven-year grant to accelerate malaria control and elimination worldwide. The research will focus on regions where malaria is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Latin America.
A simple diagnostic tool predicts type 2 diabetes in Vietnamese individuals based on high systolic blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio. The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes is estimated to be around 11% for men and 12% for women, with approximately 350,000 people affected in Ho Chi Minh City.