Articles tagged with Asia
A new study in Nepal reveals that the desire for a son can lead to shorter breastfeeding durations for girls, resulting in a greater risk of infant mortality. The research found that girls with only older sisters had the shortest breastfeeding duration.
The discovery of a 164,000- to 131,000-year-old Denisovan tooth in Laos provides significant insights into the species' geographic range. The ancient tooth's shape and similarity to teeth found on the Tibetan Plateau suggest that Denisovans inhabited Southeast Asia, particularly northern Laos.
A team led by Flinders University archaeologist Dr Martin Polkinghorne is reuniting ancient ceramics with their ships of origin, developing a narrative of ancient global trade. The research project will also promote cultural value and awareness among communities in Indonesia and Australia.
A new study suggests that the world's first farmers did not originate from a single group but from the mixing of two groups of hunter-gatherers. The research team used deep sequencing to analyze ancient DNA and found evidence of population divergence, expansions, and admixture dates, providing a more detailed understanding of the demog...
A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of traditional farmer crop varieties are already represented in genebanks, but conservation gaps persist for key crops like pearl millet and potatoes. The analysis highlights areas with high diversity in landraces, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India.
A new study reveals that future super cyclones will disproportionately affect populations in South Asia, particularly India, with increased exposure to extreme flooding. If greenhouse gas emissions continue at current levels, over 250% of India's population may experience flooding exceeding 1 meter by 2050.
The Mekong delta, Southeast Asia's most productive agricultural region and home to 17 million people, is at risk of disappearing by the end of the century due to subsidence. Sediment loss from upstream dams and poor water management exacerbates the issue, threatening food security and livelihoods.
Researchers have identified over 2.4 million households in 49 countries as being below a certain economic threshold, based on the percentage of unlit settlements detected using nighttime light satellite images. The study found a clear association between increasing percentages of unlit communities and decreasing economic wellbeing levels.
A new study reveals that Asia and Africa have a similar aging burden to the West, with a Health-Adjusted Dependency Ratio (HADR) that indicates the impact of ill-health on dependency ratios. The HADR metric suggests that demographic age is not the only factor determining dependency, and that health levels play a significant role.
Researchers propose a dual water and energy storage scheme to resolve the temporal mismatch between resources, reducing CO2 emissions while guaranteeing water supply. The scheme utilizes seasonal pumped hydroelectric systems to store water for irrigation during summer and hydropower generation in winter.
The study maps the extent of threats to highly valuable Asian rosewood species in the Greater Mekong Subregion, proposing conservation actions. Three key species - Siamese rosewood, Burma blackwood, and Burmese rosewood - face significant risks from overexploitation, fire, habitat conversion, and climate change.
A recent study on the Maniq population found they exhibit high levels of genetic differentiation, similar to other isolated populations. The researchers also discovered that the Maniq retain a unique hunter-gatherer lifestyle and Hòabìnhian-related ancestry, setting them apart from other Southeast Asian groups.
Adults with a history of allergic disorders are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Asthma is the primary contributor to this risk, particularly among Black male adults.
A new study reveals rapid degradation in air quality and increases in urban exposure to hazardous pollutants in tropical megacities. The research found significant annual increases in pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, attributed to emerging industries and residential sources.
The American College of Cardiology is partnering with the Korean Society of Cardiology to host ACC Asia 2022 Together with KSC Spring Conference. The conference aims to critically examine emerging trends in cardiovascular care and share evidence-based strategies for improving heart health.
A comprehensive study of 8,000 birds in Israel found significant changes in bird morphology over the past 70 years, likely due to global warming. Some species became lighter while others gained size, increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio to facilitate heat loss.
Researchers found that an appreciation of the US dollar leads to higher stock returns, while a decline in local currency stock returns accompanies a weaker dollar. Emerging market economy stocks with high dollar beta tend to have higher average returns.
A worldwide analysis of over 2 million women in 161 countries found intimate partner violence affects 27% of women before age 50. The study also revealed high levels of violence against young women and regional variations in prevalence rates.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that heat stress on cattle could lead to financial losses of $15-40 billion annually by the end of the century. This would particularly affect producers in tropical regions, including South America, Asia, and Africa.
A study reveals that new bird species arise in lowland habitats before moving higher into mountainous areas, where genetic differences accumulate. The research suggests that climate fluctuations, particularly during the Pleistocene era, contributed to the evolution of these high-altitude populations.
A new species of stegosaur, Bashanosaurus primitivus, has been discovered in China, dating back to the Middle Jurassic period, around 168 million years ago. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of stegosaurs and suggests that they may have originated in Asia.
New research from the University of Reading found that changes in air pollution levels in Asia and Europe may have driven prolonged European summer extremes and Central Asian dry spells. The study revealed that air pollution reductions in Europe strengthened the jet stream, while increases in Asia weakened it.
The University of Huddersfield and Vietnam's ULIS are conducting a research collaboration to ensure fairness and inclusivity in English language assessments. The project aims to develop an online toolkit and community of practice for teachers, improving student outcomes across Vietnam.
Only 1.9% of Chinese children and adolescents exhibit ideal cardiovascular health status, with socioeconomic factors impacting behavior. Researchers recommend strategies like household smoking control and physical activity promotion to improve cardiovascular health in young generations.
Research reveals that approximately 3 out of 4 Fusarium infections of northern Vietnamese bananas are caused by F. tardichlamydosporum and F. odoratissimum, with wild bananas potentially acting as a sink for the disease. The study's findings suggest that concrete measures can be taken to control the future spreading of the disease.
A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals Arctic warming causes temperature anomalies and cold damage thousands of kilometers away in East Asia, leading to reduced vegetation growth and smaller harvests. The warmer Arctic winters also trigger extreme winter weather events in the region.
A new analysis predicts climate change will decline suitable regions for coffee arabica, cashews, and avocados in major producing countries. Suitable areas may expand at higher altitudes and latitudes, particularly for cashews and avocados.
Researchers analyzed 23,000-year-old fisher-hunter-gatherer camp remains near the Sea of Galilee, finding a diverse diet and lifestyle that defies previous expectations. The site's abundance of animal bones reveals a robust subsistence strategy that utilized varied food sources.
A team of researchers describes a novel flight style in the smallest free-living insects, beetles of the featherwing family. They found that these insects use a bristled wing style and rowing movements to excel at flight, defying conventional wisdom about insect aerodynamics.
A study highlights the importance of cohesive, cross-sectoral strategies to promote nature-based solutions in Asia. The research emphasizes the need for national and international governance frameworks to effectively implement NbS for climate security, socioeconomic development, and eco-sustainability.
The Feed the Future Insect-Resistant Eggplant Partnership will accelerate the application of biotechnology to enhance food and nutritional security in Bangladesh and the Philippines. The project aims to reduce pesticide use and improve farmers' livelihoods through the development of locally adapted eggplant varieties.
A new study reveals that the US has played a significant role in the trafficking of tiger parts, with San Francisco, Dallas, and Atlanta emerging as major entry points. The research suggests that the scale of trade may have been underestimated, with seizures of illegal tiger products totaling 292 during 2003-2012.
A study found that the first day of quitting smoking is harder for women than men, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Women also have more difficulty maintaining long-term abstinence, with larger health warning labels on cigarette packs associated with reduced odds of one-day relapse among them.
A global study found that death rates for people with type 2 diabetes are declining in high-income countries, including Asia. The study showed a narrowing life expectancy gap between those with and without diabetes in many jurisdictions.
A study of temperature and mortality in Pune found that cold causes more deaths than heat, challenging authorities' focus on heatwaves. The research suggests that public health strategies should reflect this finding to better prepare for extreme weather events.
A survey of 17,302 healthcare workers in 57 countries found that male participants and nurses had higher preparedness scores than women and doctors. Preparedness varied across national wealth and sociodemographic characteristics, with East Asia and the Pacific having significantly higher scores.
Banana Blood disease has arrived in mainland Malaysia, spreading rapidly across the country and potentially threatening food security. The disease, first reported in Indonesia in 1905, has already devastated banana plantations in many parts of Southeast Asia.
A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals that thousands of tigers are bred on farms and used to produce illegal traditional medicines. Buyers in Vietnam prefer wild tigers' bones over farmed ones due to perceived potency, while also seeking high tiger bone content.
A research team from India identified a previously unknown species of kukri snake, Oligodon churahensis, found in the Churah Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The discovery was made possible by an Instagram photo shared by Virendar K. Bhardwaj, which caught the attention of a herpetologist and led to further investigation.
A recent study by NTU Singapore has found a strong link between increasing air pollution and the rise of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. The study also discovered that declining smoking rates are associated with lower incidence of lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Researchers have identified a common genetic component among speakers of Transeurasian languages, tracing their origin to the beginning of millet cultivation. The 'Farming Hypothesis' suggests that early farmers spread these languages across Northeast Asia, with speakers later admixing with other populations.
A new study found that unique names increased in Japan between 2004 and 2018, with a greater rate of change for girls than boys. This suggests that parents increasingly valued their daughters' uniqueness and independence, highlighting sex differences in sociocultural changes.
A record-breaking summer of flooding in eastern Asia prompted an international team to research and submit findings on the event to a special journal issue. The studies highlighted unusual behavior of an anti-cyclone and its connection to the Indian Ocean's warming, leading to persistent extreme rainfall.
A new study has catalogued all possible genetic variations in over 3,000 chickpea plants to improve the crop's yield and resilience to climate change. The research proposes a breeding model using genomics-assisted breeding to enhance agriculturally valuable traits.
New study traces common ancestry of Japanese, Korean, and Tungusic languages to millet cultivation and early Amur gene pool in West Liao River region. The Farming Hypothesis is supported by linguistic, archaeological, and genetic evidence showing early farmers' spread across Northeast Asia.
Researchers from Wellesley College discovered that honey bees (Apis cerana) produce unique sounds, including 'antipredator pipes', to warn fellow bees of giant hornet threats. These signals result in increased bee activity and defense actions against the attackers.
A study quantifying Nigeria-linked seizures of pangolin products suggests levels of trafficking are far greater than previously thought. Researchers found 190,407 kilos of scales taken from at least 799,343 animals, with 77 seizures analysed revealing connections to ivory-smuggling networks.
A survey of 1,000 people in five Southeast Asian countries found that more than half were against nuclear energy development. The study suggests that trust in entities and risk perceptions are key factors influencing public opinion on nuclear energy.
Researchers led by NUS found that climate change is increasing fluvial sediment loads in the high mountains of Asia, with implications for hydropower, food, and environmental security. The study reveals that sediment fluxes could more than double by 2050 under an extreme climate change scenario.
A new approach to measuring financial and digital literacy is proposed by a team of researchers led by Angela Lyons. The study finds that while promoting literacy is important, it may not be enough to ensure resilience, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and those living in poverty.
Researchers have established that the Pontic-Caspian steppes and northern Caucasus are the center of horse domestication in Eurasia. The study reveals that domesticated horses spread throughout Asia at the same time as spoke-wheeled chariots and Indo-Iranian languages.
A study of cross-cultural differences in COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes found that people in Europe and the US had the lowest knowledge and adherence to safety measures. In contrast, people in the Middle East and Asia were more aware of COVID-19 and took greater precautions.
A VUB researcher analyzed US foreign policy towards Europe over the past two decades, finding that Europe is increasingly seen as a tool for achieving American interests elsewhere. The study highlights the shift in US priorities and the impact on European policymakers.
Research shows that people with disabilities were disproportionately excluded from pandemic planning and relief efforts, but representative disability groups provided life-saving support. Disability organisations worked tirelessly without funding to plug gaps, highlighting the need for inclusive disaster responses.
The project aims to digitize three million plant specimens from US herbaria and combine with data from Asia and Europe, accelerating research on endangered species and plant biodiversity. The Harvard University Herbarium will lead the effort, connecting institutions in the US, Europe, and Asia.
A new study found that global light pollution has increased significantly over the past 25 years, with the true increase potentially being much higher. The study, led by the University of Exeter, reveals that the transition to solid-state LED technology has masked the impact of light pollution in many regions.
A new study quantifies the contribution of agricultural and forest fires to poor air quality in Southeast Asia, finding that preventing these fires could reduce premature deaths by an estimated 59,000 annually. The region's poorest communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution from these fires.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to longer dry spells in tropical regions, causing important global crops like coffee and cocoa to suffer. This could result from hotter temperatures, increased number of dry days, and longer dry spell lengths, particularly during the dry season.
A comprehensive review found that site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) increases yield by 12% and profitability by 15%, while saving 18 kg N/ha and reducing environmental risk. SSNM can detect and correct long-standing nutrient input inadequacies, improving outcomes.
A systematic review of 169 conservation projects worldwide reveals that Indigenous and local communities are crucial for successful nature conservation. The study found that equitable conservation approaches, empowering local communities, yield positive outcomes for both humans and the environment. However, complex factors such as comm...