Articles tagged with Asia
A new international study suggests that conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves in Southeast Asia can mitigate more than 50% of the region's land-use carbon emissions. These ecosystems store significant amounts of carbon, making them crucial natural carbon sinks.
Filipino researchers have discovered that Taal volcanic ash can be used as a sustainable and lightweight alternative to expensive materials like concrete and lead. The natural presence of iron-rich minerals in the ash gives it strong radiation attenuation properties, making it effective for shielding against harmful X-rays and gamma rays.
A new study reveals that India's successful tiger recovery is driven by factors such as protection, prey availability, peace, and prosperity. The country has managed to double its tiger population since 2010, thanks in part to the establishment of protected areas and conservation efforts.
Research reveals that Eurasian Steppe grasslands are more susceptible to drought than North American Great Plains due to lower plant diversity. The study found a 43% reduction in annual productivity in Eurasia compared to a 25% reduction in North America under similar extreme drought conditions.
Hainan Island's unique floristic division is a result of its southeast movement since the Oligocene. The island's phylogenetic patterns support an anti-clockwise rotation during this movement, influenced by land bridge connections with China mainland after the Middle Miocene.
A new 6D pose dataset has been introduced, providing high-quality RGB and depth images with annotated 6D pose data. This dataset achieves state-of-the-art accuracy rates of 97.05% and 98.09% for robotic grasping and automation applications.
Researchers from McGill University and colleagues found that stunted children had lower levels of antibodies against measles by age five. The study suggests that combatting child hunger could help prevent measles outbreaks globally, as undernutrition may affect vaccine protection.
BGI Genomics has launched a National Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Program in Brunei, utilizing HPV DNA testing for large-scale screening. The initiative aims to increase accurate and reliable early detection methods, aligning with the WHO's global strategy of cervical cancer elimination by 2030.
The University of Texas at Arlington's Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center (ARDRC) has expanded its library with a donation of over 10,000 rare items, including books, scientific journals, and reports. This addition will provide scientists worldwide with access to a wealth of literature on reptiles and amphibians.
The National University of Singapore's HRPC has been designated as the GHHIN Southeast Asia Hub, aiming to mitigate extreme heat risks through research, policy, and partnerships. The hub will focus on addressing unique regional challenges such as high humidity, urbanization, and socioeconomic disparities.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University discovered that durian plants bloom approximately 50 days after a 15-day dry spell, affecting both grafted and seed-grown varieties. This study sheds light on the tropical ecosystems and can inform effective agricultural practices to predict flowering and manage harvests.
A study by MIT economists suggests that industrial policy has a relatively limited impact on GDP growth, with average long-run gains of 1.08% in favorable circumstances. The research indicates that local consumer demand can curb the impact of industrial policy, putting a ceiling on directed growth.
The CEDITRAA project investigates the impact of digitalization on cultural production, focusing on Asia and Africa. It explores how platforms like TikTok shape cultural formats and how globally active online communities emerge in music production.
BGI Genomics strengthens ties with Saudi Arabian partners to advance public health development through genomics technology. The company aims to apply its expertise in precision medicine to support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.
The partnership aims to improve disease screening and prevention, as well as talent training and medical infrastructure development in Punjab Province. BGI Genomics will focus on localized innovation and genetic technology applications to support precision medicine services in Pakistan.
Professor Minh Nguyen and Professor Carsten Sauer have received ERC Consolidator Grants to investigate financialization in Asia and gender-based wage differentials in Europe. Their projects aim to understand the impact of financial markets on working lives and labor market practices.
The Southwest Research Institute is recruiting residents and visitors from around the world to participate in an international oil sampling program. Participants will be paid for purchasing prequalified oil samples and shipping them to SwRI's headquarters, with payment amounts varying by location and type of sample.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University discovered a large cavern in Manot Cave that was used as a gathering space for rituals, possibly enhancing social cohesion. The site features an engraved rock with a turtle-shell design, contemporaneous with some of the oldest cave paintings in France.
Gaia clinched the top award after making the shortlist with five other world-class university buildings. NTU is a pioneer in sustainable building technologies, advancing the use of Mass Engineered Timber (MET) for tropical climates and inspiring a global shift toward eco-conscious building technologies.
The ESMO Asia Congress 2024 will focus on multidisciplinary oncology in the Asian region, featuring novel treatment modalities, management of specific cancer types and pan-Asian trials. Key highlights include insights into genetics, biology and practice differences between West and Asia.
A new study suggests that a cancer peer support program called Stronger Together improved psychological outcomes, as well as overall quality of life, among patients with breast and gynecological cancers in Vietnam. The program showed promise for providing critical social support in low-resource settings.
A new IHME study reveals significant progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, with sub-Saharan Africa leading the way in cutting new HIV infections and deaths. However, the world is not on track to meet UNAIDS 2030 targets, with a quarter of people living with HIV not receiving treatment.
A new study highlights the pressures human activities place on tropical marine ecosystems, with fishing techniques and tourism posing the greatest threat. The research provides insights into the impact of various activities on different habitats, shedding light on how to ensure sustainable management.
Residents of Senboku New Town in Japan transformed vacant buildings into supportive housing, community restaurants, and group homes to address aging population challenges. The Senboku Hottokenai Network Project showcases the importance of community-led co-creation in creating Healthy New Towns.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is collaborating with leading cancer centers in China to improve cancer treatment and outcomes. NCCN Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive care, guiding high-quality care globally.
New research links ancient Jomon hunter-gatherer genetic signature to higher body mass index (BMI) among individuals in modern Japan. The study found strong support for the tripartite ancestry model, suggesting a significant influence of Jomon ancestry on BMI across populations.
A recent study highlights that over one-third of Vietnam's 329 mammal species are threatened with extinction, with around 40% lacking ex situ conservation programs. Iconic species like the saola and silver-backed chevrotain are among those at risk.
The partnership aims to co-develop innovative technologies for enhanced health and economic outcomes. Key findings include the need for collaborative research to counter emerging challenges presented by tropical ID, and inform pandemic preparedness strategies.
A new strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, ST164, has been spreading widely across Asia, posing significant challenges to global public health. Researchers discovered that 80.9% of A. baumannii bacteria found in patients were CRAB, with ST164 accounting for 40.2% of samples.
A nationwide study in Japan reveals an increasing trend of overweight and obesity among patients with incident end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), mirroring the global obesity epidemic. Underweight individuals remain prevalent, presenting a dual challenge for public health strategies.
Archaeologists have uncovered a multi-layered archaeological site in the Zeravshan Valley, central Tajikistan, revealing crucial evidence of early human migration and development. The site, known as Soii Havzak, dates back to various periods between 20,000 and 150,000 years ago and offers valuable clues to ancient climate and environment.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has joined forces with the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital to create Harmonized Guidelines for Vietnam, a framework for improving and standardizing cancer care in the country. The guidelines are based on NCCN's Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, with modifications to reflect local needs.
A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of cardia gastric cancer in Asian countries, with stronger associations observed in East Asia. The study suggests that H. pylori infection is a major risk factor for CGC in this region.
The discovery sheds light on early human behavior and diet in India, providing the first direct evidence of humans feeding on large animals. The fossils belong to an extinct genus of elephants called Palaeoloxodon, with only one set of bones found previously.
A study of a 2000-year-old Yayoi individual's genome found that the majority of Japanese immigration came from the Korean Peninsula during the Yayoi and Kofun periods. The discovery provides new insights into the details of ancient immigration patterns to Japan.
A new study has uncovered the hidden diversity of wild banana relatives in mainland Southeast Asia, showcasing their potential as future crop varieties. The research emphasizes the urgent need to preserve these genetic resources to ensure global food security.
A new study reveals that many Vietnamese orchid collectors are unaware of the dire status of endangered species and the harm caused by over-harvesting. The researchers suggest targeted awareness campaigns and collaborations can transform these collectors into key conservation allies.
Researchers have discovered microplastics in all three parts of coral anatomy, including surface mucus, tissue, and skeleton. This finding may explain the 'missing plastic problem' and suggests that corals could be sequestering plastic waste from the ocean.
New research reveals ancient dingo fossils are most similar to Japanese dogs, 'singing dogs' of New Guinea, and highland wild dog of Irian Jaya. Modern dingoes have evolved to become larger and leaner over 3,000 years.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have identified a new species of fanged frog, Limnonectes cassiopeia, found in the Philippine island of Luzon. The species was overlooked due to its similarity to the well-known Luzon Giant Fanged Frog. Key differences include smaller toe discs and unpigmented toe pads.
A joint international study found that tropical cyclones in Southeast Asia are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying rapidly, and lingering longer over land. This can lead to unprecedented threats from longer-lasting and more intense storms for tens of millions in coastal areas.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has established a flagship partnership with Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU), expanding its global presence in the region. The partnership aims to tackle major challenges in Southeast Asia through collaboration on quantum sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and other key areas.
A large-scale study confirms the rising incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in Japan, with a significant increase in cases between 2005 and 2022. The study found an incidence rate of 2.82 per 100,000 person-years and a prevalence rate of 10.68 per 100,000 people.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that early-onset El Niño leads to warm winters in East Asia due to anomalous warming of the tropical Indian Ocean. Late-onset El Niño, on the other hand, results in colder winters. This study aimed to improve climate modeling and prediction during El Niño events.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of Japanese professional football clubs are at risk of bankruptcy, with many struggling to maintain financial stability. The research highlights the need for financial reforms and monitoring in the J-League, particularly among clubs with high levels of debt.
A large international study reveals that most Asian and European adolescents do not seek professional help despite having high levels of mental health problems. In middle-income countries, less than 1% of adolescents with severe mental health issues sought formal help.
A new species of medium-sized venomous snake, Ovophis jenkinsi, has been discovered in Yunnan, China. The snake is dark brownish-grey with trapezoidal patches on its back and is generally slow-moving but shows great aggression when disturbed.
Intensive wire snare removal efforts reduced snaring by almost 40% in protected areas of Viet Nam, according to an 11-year study. The effectiveness of snare removal was mainly achieved within the first 6 years, but its impact alone is unlikely to protect wildlife due to ongoing snaring threats.
New research from the University of Notre Dame reveals that protest movements against political parties can inadvertently empower politicians who use them to disrupt the status quo. The study analyzed 12 case studies across Europe, Asia, and North and South America between 2008 and 2016, finding varying outcomes including factional cha...
The Kobe University study traced the HIV variant CRF01_AE to Thailand, where it emerged around 1977. The virus then spread through Southeast Asia and was introduced to Indonesia at least three times, with an Indonesian strain moving to Iran. Understanding these transmission trends is crucial for developing effective treatments.
The research group found that the Japanese population can be divided into three clusters, with different concentrations in Okinawa, Northeastern Japan, and Western Japan. They also identified genetic variants associated with hereditary breast cancer and provided insights into gene sequences derived from Neanderthals and Denisovans.
A new study revises the age of human fossils in southern China, determining they date back to 33,000-23,000 years ago. This finding provides insight into human dispersals and adaptations in Eastern Asia.
Research finds that the Arctic warming is causing a decline in dust levels across India, the Persian Gulf Coast, and the Middle East. The study suggests that addressing dust reduction should be done in tandem with efforts to curb emissions and mitigate climate change.
A study modeling Siberian wildfires' effects found significant impacts on air quality, climate, health, and economies in East Asia. The research suggests a cooling effect globally and worsened air quality in downwind regions.
Volunteers collected nearly nine tonnes of marine litter from beaches across the Seychelles between 2019 and 2023. The clean-ups, led by the University of Plymouth, demonstrate the potential of citizen science to address marine pollution challenges.
A new international study reveals that fluctuating coffee prices have a significant negative effect on the mental well-being of Vietnamese farmers. The study found that price volatility leads to increased stress, anxiety, and reduced social capital among farmers.
The study found that reductions in deaths from chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, lower respiratory infections, and cancer led to the largest net gain in life expectancy between 1990 and 2021. The super-region of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania had the largest net gain, while South Asia had the second-largest increase primari...
Archaeologists and biomolecular scientists found evidence of chicken domestication in Central Asia, dating back to 400 BCE. The study suggests that chickens were widely raised for egg production and lost their seasonal egg-laying ability, driving dispersal across Eurasia.
Researchers have discovered the first orchid species pollinated by gall midges, a tiny fly species. The study found that the flowers of Oberonia japonica are specifically adapted to attract female gall midges, which then transfer pollen and access structures, solving a mystery in plant-pollinator relationships.