Articles tagged with Asia
Oil palm expansion in the Brazilian Amazon is likely to occur at the expense of natural forest, according to William F. Laurance and Rhett A. Butler. The proposed revision to Brazil's forest code would allow up to 30% of reserved forests to consist of oil palm plantations.
The study provides a comprehensive map of global malaria endemicity, revealing areas where malaria control can be improved and areas where elimination may be possible. The map uses model-based geostatistics to incorporate data from local surveys, providing an important resource for policymakers and researchers.
Scientists propose that rapid sea level rises over the past 5 million years led to habitat compression, causing species extinction locally. A study of 325 mammal species mapped their ranges across the peninsula, revealing a 600-kilometer gap with 30% fewer species than expected.
The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) aims to provide invaluable research and data on environmental threats such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and climate change in Southeast Asia. The centre will also embark on outreach and education programmes to spark interest in earth sciences among students.
Springer has partnered with Education Research Institutes in Seoul and Taiwan to publish the Asia Pacific Education Review journal, further expanding its education research portfolio. The partnership aims to enhance the journal's reputation and make it available to a worldwide audience.
The report finds that climate change is the primary threat to coral reefs worldwide, with bleaching and acidification expected to cause significant declines. However, some reefs have shown recovery, particularly those in protected areas or with minimal human impact.
A rectal application of artesunate may be the key to saving lives from severe malaria in remote areas. The study found that pre-referral rectal artesunate significantly reduced mortality and permanent disability among patients with suspected severe malaria who could not receive oral treatment.
Bui Chi Buu, director general of the Institute of Agricultural Science for Southern Vietnam, has been awarded the Senadhira Rice Research Award for his outstanding work in developing popular rice varieties in Vietnam. His efforts have led to the certification of many rice varieties grown by farmers throughout the Mekong Delta.
A recent RAND Corporation study suggests that the US is still a vital security and economic partner in East Asia, with nations seeking to maintain ties with both the US and China. The study found that none of America's East Asian allies want to choose between the two, as they prioritize cooperation over competition.
A new study reveals a steady increase in East Asian monsoon intensity from 23 to 10 million years ago, followed by a weakening until about 4 million years ago. This pattern is correlated with Himalayan erosion rates and suggests a complex system between the hydrosphere and atmosphere in mountain building.
A study published in Nature Geoscience suggests a connection between Himalayan erosion and monsoon climate over 23 million years. Geochemical data from sediment cores reveal an increase in East Asian monsoon intensity from 23 to 10 million years ago, followed by weakening until 4 million years ago.
A comprehensive assessment of the world's mammals reveals that 25-36% of species are threatened with extinction, with habitat loss and overexploitation being major drivers. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent further species losses and protect biodiversity.
A new study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that ad placement influences consumer perception, with experts reacting differently to positive and negative context. The researchers discovered that knowledgeable consumers evaluate products more favorably when presented with relevant context ads.
Despite political instability and low income, these countries have made significant strides in child mortality reduction through comprehensive PHC packages, district management systems, and investment in primary care. Cuba's unique approach to preventive care has led to a lower child mortality rate than the US despite having a much low...
Research shows Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange have increased risks of prostate cancer and aggressive forms of the disease compared to those not exposed. The study, conducted on over 13,000 men in their 60s, found twice as many exposed veterans developed prostate cancer.
A study has found that several people in South and Southeast Asian countries have been infected with simian foamy virus, a primate virus that has not been shown to cause human disease. Researchers tested about 300 people who live or work closely with monkeys and found eight participants positive for the virus.
A PhD study found that foreign wives in Taiwan often suffer low mental and physical health, as well as domestic violence and enter prostitution to make ends meet. The women, mostly from Vietnam and Indonesia, were difficult to reach due to their husbands' efforts to hide them from public view.
A major international study found that many South-East Asian hospitals still employ worrying health care practices, including improper use of antibiotics and episiotomies. The study aims to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes by identifying gaps in knowledge and implementing evidence-based interventions.
A Geisinger study found PTSD increases likelihood of heart disease death by 2x in Vietnam veterans, similar to smoking 2-3 packs/day for 20+ years. Chronic stress from PTSD causes inflammation and cardiovascular damage.
Researchers analyzed the genetic status of six Adi subgroups using microsatellite markers, finding low genetic differentiation among them. The study also reveals a closer relationship between the Adi tribe and neighboring Tibeto-Burman-speaking tribes in India.
Researchers found that Asian brands use a 'global, urban, and multicultural' image in their advertising campaigns. The study demonstrates how Asian corporations are redefining globalization with a more contemporary vision of Asia.
Genetic evidence reveals a significant shift in the timeline of human migration into Island Southeast Asia, forcing a reevaluation of existing theories. The research suggests that climate change and sea-level rise drove population expansions across the region, rather than agriculture-driven 'Out of Taiwan' model.
Researchers traced flu samples from around the world to determine migration patterns, finding Asia is the breeding ground for new strains. The study's 'antigenic map' shows relationships between viruses and helps predict future outbreaks.
A pilot study will be conducted in Vinh City, Vietnam, to screen people at high-risk for pre-diabetes and diabetes. The screenings will be coupled with community awareness and healthy living programs to promote a lifestyle modification program over three months.
A study published in The Lancet finds that 4 out of 5 high blood pressure-related deaths occur in the developing world. The research estimates a worldwide burden of disease attributable to hypertension, with 7.6 million premature deaths and 92 million disability-adjusted life years attributed to HBP.
Researchers analyzed gene sequences of seasonal influenza virus samples collected from temperate regions and found that new strains emerge annually from the tropics. This understanding can help public health officials develop more accurate flu vaccine strategies.
Researchers found that the probability of bird migration errors increases with species abundance in Asia, while body size has no effect. The scientists suspect an error in the genetic migratory programme as the cause, rather than weather or other factors.
The Academy's Asia Center aims to study, protect, and sustainably use environmental resources in Asia. Researchers will train faculty and students to monitor Lake Tai in China and apply knowledge to address climate change and water quality issues.
In Northern Vietnam, a significant disparity between reported and actual neonatal mortality rates has been discovered. The discrepancy highlights the need for robust health statistics to guide national and international health initiatives.
A new NASA study uses satellite data to estimate the amount of pollution from East Asian forest fires, urban exhaust, and industrial production that reaches western North America. The study estimates that 15% of local US & Canada emissions are offset by pollution aerosols coming from East Asia.
A recent study found a narrow corridor of habitat in Mongolia threatened by herders and increased traffic, posing a migration bottleneck for the endangered saiga antelope. The species, known for its distinctive nose, has seen its numbers plummet by 95% due to poaching and competition with livestock.
A fossilized giant rhino bone found in Anatolia reveals animal migrations between Europe and Asia during the Oligocene epoch. The discovery confirms that Anatolia was not geographically isolated, but rather connected to continental Asia by an isthmus.
New research suggests the Americas were colonized by approximately 1,000-5,000 people, with a 20,000-year layover in Beringia, where population size remained relatively stable. This three-stage colonization model provides a more complex scenario than previous theories, shedding light on the timing and scale of the initial migration.
Researchers found Plasmodium knowlesi, a monkey malaria parasite, is widely distributed in Malaysia and sometimes fatal. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent rapid onset of complications and death.
The journal has added several Asian researchers to its Editorial Board, including Professor Huan-Yao Lei as the first Asian Editor. An Asian office will open at NCKU Medical Center in Taiwan, increasing visibility of EBM and SEBM throughout Asia Pacific scientific communities.
A new study found that certain brain injuries, such as damage to the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, may reduce the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in combat-exposed veterans. The findings suggest that drugs or pacemaker-like devices targeting these areas might be effective treatments for PTSD.
A UW researcher found that dust from the Gobi and Taklimakan deserts in China and Mongolia is routinely present in the air over the western United States during spring months. Particles of 2.5 microns or less, which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, increase in concentration in years with large Asian dust storms.
A new book on fauna and flora in the ALMA region has been published, showcasing unique observations of local species and key initiatives to protect them. The book is a valuable educational resource for students and teachers in northern Chile.
The Wildlife Conservation Society's study found that 21 reserves have the potential to support between 58% and 95% of South Asia's tiger capacity, estimated at 3,500-6,500 tigers. Improvements in protected area management, including better funding and enforcement activities, could lead to a doubling of tiger numbers.
A study by Dr. Philip Setel highlights the need for comprehensive civil registration in developing countries to track vital statistics, benefiting individuals and societies. The authors argue that affordable remedies exist to overcome stagnation, but their implementation is crucial for policy formation and accountability.
The WHO Counts? Series exposes the scandal of invisibility, where millions are born and die without record. The Lancet's editor Dr Richard Horton calls for robust national statistics systems, strong government ministries, and civil society pressure to act.
A team of researchers proposes a new hypothesis on human migration from Asia to the Americas, suggesting that ancestors remained isolated in Beringia for 15,000 years before entering the continent. The study's findings contradict previous theories and provide insights into the peopling of the New World.
The report highlights the devastating impact of habitat loss, hunting, and climate change on primates, with 114 species threatened with extinction. The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates list reveals that these animals are crucial to maintaining ecosystem balance, making their survival critical for the health of our planet.
Researchers found that prioritizing the poor in nutrition and sanitation improvements leads to greater health gains, with potential reductions of 31% in sub-Saharan Africa and 1.47 million fewer child deaths annually
A multi-cultural study found that European-Americans are more easily made less happy by negative events and recover at a slower rate than their Asian counterparts. On the other hand, Koreans, Japanese, and Asian-Americans are less happy in general but recover their emotional equilibrium more readily after a setback.
Human migration out of Africa and into Asia occurred in at least four pulses, driven by climate and sea level changes. The initial migration was thwarted, but subsequent pulses took advantage of stable climates and sea levels to expand into eastern Asia, Australia, and Melanesia.
The international rice research community is addressing the problems facing irrigated rice farmers, including land loss, water competition, labor shortages, and increased pest and disease issues. IRRI research has shown that farmers can increase production by up to 15% through better fertilization timing and reduced water usage.
A genetically engineered eggplant has been developed to resist the fruit and shoot borer, a highly destructive pest causing up to 40% of crop losses in India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The Bt eggplant is expected to reduce insecticide use by 30% while doubling yield, benefiting farmers and consumers in South Asia.
A study published in The Lancet found that daytime and nighttime blood pressure are both predictive of cardiovascular events, with nighttime blood pressure predicting mortality. The study suggests recording ambulatory blood pressure during the whole day for accurate prognosis.
The Asia-Pacific region is being called upon to conduct thorough research on the benefits, risks, and impacts of biofuels on agriculture and food security. Key findings include the need to balance food and biofuel production to avoid competition for resources and ensure poverty alleviation.
A new study published in The Lancet found that global under-5 mortality rates have fallen from 110 per 1000 in 1980 to 72 per 1000 in 2005. However, the target of a 67% decline by 2015 is unlikely to be met due to slow progress in sub-Saharan Africa.
A RAND Corporation study suggests that unofficial diplomatic discussions, known as Track Two diplomacy, can have a positive effect on shaping attitudes in the Middle East and South Asia. These long-term strategies focus on socialization and generating new ideas, rather than immediate policy change.
A global struggle to provide adequate and safe blood supplies in the developing world is highlighted by The Lancet Editorial. Many countries are making progress in implementing strategies to reduce unnecessary transfusions, test for compatibility, and establish voluntary donor programs.
Researchers found that only Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) played a significant role in the immune response to Burkholderia pseudomallei, a gram-negative bacterium causing melioidosis. This discovery suggests that inhibiting TLR2 may be a potential treatment strategy for this severe infection.
Eating uncooked fish dishes is associated with an increased risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma, a type of liver cancer caused by the SE Asian liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini. In Thailand alone, 6 million people are thought to be infected with the parasite.
Scientists used satellite images to show a link between rapid city growth and changes in rainfall patterns, including decreased precipitation in winter months. The study found that urbanization can lead to desertification and deforestation, threatening wetland health.
A team of scientists from WWF and Conservation International has discovered the world's largest known population of grey-shanked doucs, increasing chances that the endangered monkey can be saved from extinction. The population is estimated to have over 180 individuals, with significantly more potentially living in adjacent forest areas.
A new study examines how consumers in different cultural backgrounds categorize products. Researchers found that individuals from collectivist societies pay more attention to context when making decisions, while those from individualistic societies focus solely on product features.
Researchers have found that monoclonal antibodies from avian flu survivors in Vietnam are effective in preventing infection and neutralizing the virus in mice. The treatment could potentially provide a clinical benefit to humans with H5N1 infections, especially if administered early after symptoms onset.
A recent Geisinger Health System study reveals a clear connection between combat veterans' mixed handedness and the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research found that extreme mixed handedness increased PTSD risk by nearly five times.