Articles tagged with Asia
A new study from the University of Sheffield found that around 32% of the global population is at risk of serious health issues due to high levels of arsenic in drinking water. The majority of these countries are in Asia, where rice is a staple food and exposure can be exacerbated by cooking with contaminated water.
Scientists find that increased Asian aerosol emissions slow the AMOC's movements, reducing solar heating and cooling the Earth's climate. Reducing these emissions can help stabilize the AMOC, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
Research on over 600,000 TB cases reveals 80% have no persistent cough, delaying diagnoses and transmission, with high infection rates among symptomless individuals. The study suggests rethinking current diagnostic practices for more effective TB identification.
Researchers found that land-atmosphere coupling has a significant impact on Asian monsoons, but its effect varies greatly from year to year. The study suggests that better modeling of land conditions may be crucial for improving seasonal forecasts in the region.
Conservationists have initiated a breeding program in Vietnam to recover the spotted softshell turtle population threatened by overconsumption and habitat loss. The species is critically endangered, with no populations found in protected areas, highlighting the need for further conservation efforts.
A study found that weedy rice's promiscuity allows it to crossbreed with wild rice, enabling it to adapt and outcompete cultivated rice. This process, called adaptive introgression, has contributed to the evolution of Southeast Asian weedy rice.
A study published in Environmental DNA analyzed seawater samples from the Ogasawara Islands, detecting 124 unique fish species and 38 coral genera. The research highlights the importance of monitoring biodiversity in remote regions using efficient methods like eDNA sequencing.
A study analyzing ancient DNA from 33 individuals found two separate farmer-associated ancestries in the region, connected to China's Yangtze River valley and Yellow River valley. The genetic results mirror cultural differences between regions, suggesting separate influence spheres and connections to distinct initial migration routes d...
Research by Utrecht University reveals that a significant portion of European plastic sent to Vietnam is not recyclable and ends up in nature. The study highlights the need for a systemic approach to tackle human and environmental harm throughout the value chain.
A new iguana species has been discovered in southern China and northern Vietnam, characterized by its orange tongue. The species, Calotes wangi, is found in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests and tropical monsoon forests, and is estimated to be non-threatened for now due to its widespread distribution.
A new study led by the Smithsonian identifies five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia, using DNA analysis and physical characteristics. The two new species, Hylomys vorax and H. macarong, are endemic to the endangered Leuser ecosystem in North Sumatra and Southern Vietnam.
A new species of pit viper, the Ayeyarwady pit viper, has been discovered in central Myanmar, exhibiting a blend of characteristics between its sister species. The discovery reveals that this species is highly variable, with varying degrees of morphological features.
Child marriage declined nationally in India, but one in five girls and nearly one in six boys remain married as children. The practice has become more prevalent in some states/union territories, with a significant increase observed between 2016 and 2021.
Researchers found evidence of domesticated yak dating back 2,500 years in the southern Tibetan Plateau, revealing insights into animal domestication pathways and human adaptation to high-altitude environments. The discovery was made using a combination of ancient DNA sequencing and zooarchaeological analysis.
The Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi is spreading drug and diagnostic resistant malaria in Africa, increasing the risk of malaria infections by 270%. Its unique ecology and resistance to insecticides make it challenging for conventional mosquito control tools.
A new study analyzing lice genetic diversity found that head lice arrived in the Americas twice – once with early human migrants and again during European colonization. This discovery supports existing theories on human migration and provides insights into how lice have evolved alongside humans.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found that non-European individuals in Sweden have a higher prevalence of eating disorder symptoms, but limited access to specialist care. The study reveals a significant gap between those with disordered eating and those receiving specialized treatment.
Researchers from China University of Geosciences have clarified the extent of Greater India, a single plate of 2,000 to 3,000 km, before it subducted under Asia. This finding resolves questions surrounding the age of the collision and the emergence of geological structures in the region.
Geologists at Utrecht University reconstructed the history of lost continent Argoland, which was fragmented into microcontinental shards. The team found that Argoland is still present, albeit in fragments, beneath the islands of Indonesia and Myanmar, revealing a puzzle that fits seamlessly between neighboring geological systems.
Research reveals Eurasian otters in Hong Kong were once more widespread and common, but have declined drastically since the 1930s due to lowland wetlands destruction. The species' critical habitat, Deep Bay wetlands, is under threat from government-led mega development plans.
A Dartmouth-led study found that tweets featuring K-pop group BTS generated 111 times more virality than similar tweets without the artist's name. This highlights the power of entertainment in driving public health messages and bridging cultural divides.
A study showed that yoga therapy can improve heart failure patients' endurance, strength, balance, symptom stability, and overall quality of life. Additionally, echocardiographic parameters revealed improved left ventricular systolic function in the yoga group compared to the non-interventional group.
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
A new study in Science Advances uses pollen data to tell a compelling story of early human migration across Europe and Asia. The research suggests that warming temperatures supported forests that expanded into Siberia, facilitating human migration there around the same time as other regions.
A Texas A&M University team, led by historian Dr. Daniel Schwartz, is working to preserve the 2,000-year-old Syriac language, deemed endangered due to conflict and persecution in the Middle East. The project, Syriaca.org, aims to safeguard cultural heritage and make it accessible to expat communities worldwide.
A new University of Kansas genomic investigation has rewritten the evolutionary history of the Homalopsidae, a group of unique mud snakes found in Southeast Asia. The study combined genetic analyses of older museum specimens with fresher field collections to reconstruct the family tree and shed light on their evolution.
Scientists have discovered a new technique to analyze stalagmites for insights into seasonal rainfall patterns in Southeast Asia over thousands of years. The study reveals potential to refine climate models' predictions on winter monsoon rainfall, which can inform policies to mitigate intense rainfall impacts.
Philip Low, a Purdue University researcher, is working on validating a previously successful malaria treatment by reducing the number of days required for therapy. His goal is to prevent drug-resistant strains from proliferating and save lives in developing countries.
A new study analyzing over 220,000 people's sleep data shows that those in Asia have shorter sleep duration and lower quality, with more variable sleep timing on weekdays. In contrast, people in other regions tend to have longer weekend sleep extension, suggesting a cultural impact on sleep habits.
Scientists have analyzed satellite data to better understand the pre-monsoon season's microphysical features, including larger rain droplets and more heavy ice precipitation on land. Their findings could improve weather prediction and mitigate damage from adverse climate events.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a sustainable method to produce lactic acid using discarded jackfruit seeds. The new process is cheaper and more efficient, reducing waste and environmental impact while addressing rising production costs.
Researchers uncover charcoal drawings at Gua Sireh Cave, dating back to the 1600s and 1800s AD, depicting Indigenous resistance to frontier violence. The site's unique artwork sheds light on the region's complex history of colonization and territorial violence.
New research suggests the Bidayuh people of Borneo created rock art depicting resistance to frontier violence in the 1600s and 1800s. The cave's large human figures have been dated using direct radiocarbon ages, providing valuable insights into this period.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals the devastating impact of gold and mineral mining on tropical rivers worldwide. Mining operations have doubled suspended sediment concentrations at 80% of affected rivers, altering river ecosystems and threatening human health.
Researchers from Kyushu University discovered intentional cranial modification among the Hirota people on Tanegashima island, characterized by a flattened back of the skull. The practice, which predates written history, was likely used to signify group affiliation and preserve social status.
Scientists have identified two new mole species in eastern Turkey, belonging to the Talpa genus, which has been living undiscovered for up to 3 million years. The study, using cutting-edge DNA technology, confirms their biological distinctness from other moles in the group.
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
The study warns that Asia's pollinators, including native bees and bumble bees, are under threat due to major habitat loss and human forces. The authors call for conservation efforts to curb declines and prioritize habitat restoration and trans-border partnerships.
A new study revealed that people in the UK have facial skin with more DNA damaged from the sun than those in Singapore, leading to a higher risk of developing keratinocyte skin cancers. This is despite lower UV light exposure levels in the UK.
Research highlights an unexpected disparity in survival for Asian adults compared to white adults in the US, with lower survival rates despite comparable bystander CPR rates. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from nearly 279,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Researchers have discovered fossils of a group of spurges in Argentina that date back 52 million years, suggesting these plants migrated from South America to Asia and beyond. The findings provide the first direct fossil evidence of spurges in Gondwanan South America, contradicting previous assumptions about their Asian origins.
Researchers found that the annulated sea snake possesses four intact copies of the opsin gene SWS1, two with ancestral ultraviolet sensitivity and two with evolved sensitivity to longer wavelengths. This suggests that sea snakes have regained color discrimination to distinguish predators, prey, and mates in their marine habitats.
A team of researchers from the University of Cologne has successfully decoded a previously unknown ancient script, known as the Kushan script. The breakthrough was made possible by analyzing inscriptions found in caves, bowls, and clay pots in Central Asia, which provided key clues to deciphering the writing system.
A new study by Washington University researchers identifies primary organics as the main drivers of high PM2.5 concentrations over South Asia, attributing 1 million deaths to residential combustion and industry emissions in 2019.
A team of conservation researchers warns that Indonesia's tropical rainforest and endangered species are under threat from government interference and corporate interests. The researchers advocate for data transparency, online 'safe houses', and anonymized journals to protect environmental research and promote nature conservation.
A new fish species, Garra panitvongi, has been discovered in Myanmar's Ataran River basin, shedding light on its unique biology and habitat. The species, previously unknown to science, was identified by researchers who encountered it during fieldwork in the region.
The Ngoc Linh Crocodile Newt is a newly discovered species of crocodile newt found in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The species is considered Endangered due to its small population size and limited geographic range.
Researchers identified evidence of 39,000-year-old plant technology at Tabon Cave in the Philippines, revealing that prehistoric communities used fiber technology for textiles and cordages. This study pushes back the antiquity of fiber technology in Southeast Asia, highlighting the technological skill of prehistoric groups.
A recent study analyzing data from 63 foraging societies worldwide reveals that women hunt in at least 79 percent of these societies, targeting game of all sizes. Women's involvement in teaching hunting practices and employing diverse weapon choices also challenges the long-held perception of men as primary hunters.
Researchers link Kawasaki disease to ultrafine aerosols rich in metals from intensive farming and urban pollution. Exposure to high levels of metals is associated with increased incidence of the disease.
The EU project Remote XUAR uses remote research methods to analyze the situation in Xinjiang. Researchers use internet-based document analyses, discourse analysis on social media, and satellite-based remote sensing to study everyday changes in the region.
A global observational study found high mortality among infants with culture-positive sepsis, highlighting the need for effective antibiotics. The study developed tools to identify at-risk newborns and inform WHO guidelines on treatment.
Experts at the Global Research Council's annual meeting emphasize the need for equal opportunities and local context-specific challenges to address climate change impacts. The assessment highlights the importance of global research collaboration, tailored solutions, and partnerships between countries to mitigate and adapt to climate ch...
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights the rapid spread of avian influenza viruses worldwide, affecting wild bird populations and mammals. The authors warn that human infections with A(H5N1) can be severe and increase the risk of reassortment with mammalian viruses.
A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that immigrant adults with liver cancer have a significantly higher five-year survival rate compared to those born in the US. The study identified disparities in survival rates across different racial and ethnic groups, with immigrants demonstrating better outcomes.
A unique analysis of 205 fossil pollen records provides insights into past ecosystem dynamics in Asia during the Holocene. The study finds that vegetation change has been generally heterogeneous across space and time, but has become more homogeneous due to human activity.
Research highlights unique effects of Asian American subgroups on heart disease and Type 2 diabetes risk. Variations in cardiovascular risk among Asian Americans indicate the need for individual subgroup data to better understand health risks.
Since 1700, habitats suitable for Asian elephants have decreased by over 64%, resulting in a loss of 3.3 million square kilometers of land. The study suggests that historical land-use patterns and agricultural intensification in South Asia have contributed to this decline.
More than 3 million sq km of Asian elephant habitat has been lost in 300 years, with suitable habitats cut by nearly two-thirds. The study suggests that the remaining elephant populations may not have adequate habitat areas, setting up a high potential for conflicts with people living in those areas.
A study of working men in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea found that alcohol-tolerant individuals do not earn more than their intolerant colleagues. Despite the cultural pressure to drink, better social drinkers did not experience a wage premium in terms of working hours or earnings.