A new study calculates the pre-colonial Indigenous population was up to 2.22 million, significantly higher than previous estimates. The research also estimates 2.06 million excess deaths between 1788 and 1861, highlighting the devastating impacts of colonization.
A new Global Burden of Disease study found that people are spending more years living with chronic disease and disability as global life expectancy increases. The analysis revealed that high-income countries face the widest morbidity gaps, while women consistently live longer but spend more years in poor health.
A new study estimates that by 2100, only 38% of the world's population will live in large cities, with 450 million fewer people projected to reside in cities over a century than current trends suggest. Urban growth slows as countries urbanize, with smaller cities growing faster than larger ones initially.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that landback returns of Indigenous lands are occurring rapidly across the country. The findings show that over 75 distinct tribal nations have received lands, with private landowners, nonprofits, and corporations being among the most frequent returners.
A recent study of over 1,800 infants in Sweden found that most young children have sufficient vitamin D levels, but intake was too low for some. The research also explored the climate impact of foods providing vitamin D, concluding that plant-based alternatives are a climate-friendly source.
A major European study found that loneliness affects the memory of older adults, but does not speed up mental decline over time. Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on initial memory tests, but their ability to recall information declined at a similar rate as those with lower loneliness levels.
A new study uses an AI model to predict type 2 diabetes risk based on behavioral and psychosocial information. The digital twin model found that loneliness, insomnia, and poor mental health substantially raise a person's future risk of developing the disease.
Researchers found that long-standing mating preferences led to sex-biased interbreeding, resulting in the loss of Neanderthal DNA on X chromosomes. The study reveals a complex social history of human evolution, challenging the idea that survival of the fittest drove human migration.
A new Cochrane review suggests that intermittent fasting may not be an effective strategy for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study found no meaningful difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice or doing nothing, highlighting the need for more research into this area.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 15, 2026
A new study published in Nature found that hunter-gatherers in Belgium and the Netherlands adopted farming thousands of years later than elsewhere in Europe. The research suggests that migrant women played a pivotal role in introducing farming practices, bringing their knowledge and genes to the local communities.
A recent genomic study by Dr. Mayana Zatz and colleagues reveals that Brazil's admixed population may hold the key to understanding exceptional aging. The study identifies over 8 million novel genetic variants in the Brazilian population, with potential protective mechanisms against age-related diseases.
Researchers argue that widely used proxies for aging may conflate genuine modifications with simpler effects on physiology. Targeting specific pathologies can extend lifespan without slowing aging process. Historically, increased human lifespan was primarily driven by reduced infectious disease mortality, not a fundamental slowing of a...
A new UTA study investigates the effectiveness of the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) program in addressing healthcare disparities between rural and urban areas. The research reveals that despite initial enthusiasm, five hospitals have converted to REH status but one closed entirely just nine months later due to financial challenges.
A novel study shows that US counties with limited digital tools, weaker support systems, and fewer healthcare resources exhibit poorer cognitive, mental, and physical health. The researchers found that counties with high resilience had significantly better outcomes, and that healthcare infrastructure is a key modifiable factor.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2025
A new study suggests that coyotes are more likely to overlap with humans in areas with high levels of open space, such as parks and golf courses. The analysis found that coyotes were attracted to areas with moderate levels of open space, like parks or golf courses, where they could find food and shelter. In contrast, coyotes may be les...
Scientists study ancient oyster populations to guide present-day restoration efforts. By analyzing shell size and breakage, researchers can interpret how intensively communities harvested oysters, shedding light on the challenges of rebuilding depleted reef ecosystems.
Researchers analyzed ancient teeth from 71 people in modern Syria to reconstruct mobility patterns of Neolithic farming villagers. They found that most people stayed local, but women were more likely to move between communities, suggesting complex social dynamics.
A genomic analysis of over 1,200 people from across South Africa reveals how colonial-era European, Indigenous Khoe-San peoples, and enslaved people contributed to the modern-day gene pool. European genes were more common in males, while Indigenous genes were more common in females.
A study by University of New Hampshire reports a significant increase in childless women, with 5.7 million more women of prime child-bearing age than expected in 2024. This shift has contributed to 11.8 million fewer births than expected over the past 17 years.
A study reveals how extremist groups exploit video games to recruit and radicalize impressionable users on gaming-adjacent platforms. The research highlights the challenges faced by moderators in detecting and reporting harmful content, and emphasizes the need for better understanding of these platforms and their subcultures.
Researchers warn that declining response rates and concerns about data accuracy are causing a 'quiet crisis' due to foreign aid cuts and COVID-19 disruptions. The lack of census data compromises public administration and can lead to inadequate resource allocation, resulting in pernicious effects.
Researchers found that humans increased their ability to exploit different habitat types in Africa around 70,000 years ago, paving the way for a successful dispersal into Eurasia. This ecological flexibility allowed human groups to adapt to challenging climates and overcome geographic barriers.
A comprehensive study found dementia rates were 25% higher in the Southeast compared to the Mid-Atlantic. The Northwest and Rocky Mountains had 23% and 18% higher rates respectively. These differences remained even after accounting for factors like age, race, and cardiovascular disease.
A groundbreaking NTU Singapore-led study has identified the earliest known Asian migrants who traveled over 20,000km from North Asia to South America. The GenomeAsia100K study reveals that these ancient humans arrived in the Americas approximately 14,000 years ago, diverging into four major groups and adapting to diverse environments.
Researchers found that a fertility rate of at least 2.7 children per woman is needed to reliably avoid eventual extinction in small populations. A female-biased birth ratio can reduce extinction risk, helping more lineages survive over time.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2025
A study analyzed per capita municipal expenditures and their correlation with population changes in small and medium-sized cities in Japan. The results revealed that prioritizing child welfare expenditures is a key strategy to sustain populations, while city planning expenditures on street maintenance and construction were also effective.
A new study from Aalto University found that global population datasets may underestimate rural populations by as much as 53% to 84%, revealing a systematic and profound extent of the bias. The findings have far-reaching consequences, suggesting that the needs of people living in rural areas have been under-represented in decision-maki...
A new study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic cost Europe 16.8 million disability-free years of life between 2020 and 2022. The study found that more than half of these lost years would have been lived without disability, highlighting the pandemic's long-term impact on older populations.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that Swiss women had more children at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to better work-life balance and reduced economic uncertainty. However, birth rates have since fallen back, with young people being cautious about having children during the pandemic.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that babies born to teen mothers weigh less and are smaller for their gestational age. The study highlights the role of social, geographical, and educational factors in teen pregnancy prevention.
The We-ID project aims to understand the conditions for resilient democratic communities and develop practical recommendations for local stakeholders. Researchers will analyze the effects of migration on host communities and explore strategies to utilize the potential of a diverse population.
The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.
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.
The World Medical Association's revised Declaration of Helsinki sets new standards for human participants in medical research, emphasizing informed consent and minimizing risk. The updated principles aim to protect vulnerable populations and promote transparent research practices.
A recent study published in Nature Aging suggests that life expectancy gains are slowing down due to the detrimental effects of aging. The study found that life expectancy has increased only an average of six and a half years since 1990, contradicting some scientists' expectations.
A new study using a mammal model suggests that fitness loss through spontaneous mutations will not significantly affect human populations. The research indicates that even without natural selection, the rate of fitness decline is not a cause for concern, providing reassurance about human viability in the near future.
A new study reveals that palaeolithic hunter-gatherers on Cyprus are responsible for the disappearance of two species of megafauna: dwarf elephants and hippos. The research suggests that these small human populations could have driven both species to extinction due to their hunting practices.
A new study finds that pollution levels significantly impact households' decision to relocate within the US, with poorer families being priced out of healthier areas. Richer households, on the other hand, opt for cleaner environments, earning more than average in their new communities.
A new study suggests that climate change and ageing populations will widen regional disparities in death risk from hot and cold temperatures in Europe. By 2100, heat-related deaths are projected to increase significantly, mostly in southern regions, while cold-related deaths are expected to decline slightly.
Researchers studied the association of 12 immune cell types with epigenetic age acceleration in healthy and diseased populations. Their work sheds light on the complex interplay between immune cell composition and epigenetic aging.
The number of semaglutide prescriptions filled reached 2.6 million in 2023, with Wegovy accounting for most fills since its approval in June 2021. Most Wegovy fills were among commercially insured populations, despite the disproportionate burden of obesity in Medicaid and Medicare Part D.
A recent study found that 'gene misbehaviour' is a common phenomenon in the healthy human population, with over half of inactive genes showing misexpression. The researchers used advanced techniques to analyze blood samples from 4,568 healthy individuals and identified mechanisms behind these gene activity errors.
A population-level study found no increase in neonatal and infant mortality rates during the initial COVID-19 pandemic period. However, social distancing measures were linked to higher preterm birth rates with a lag period.
A study of nearly half a million women found that endometriosis was associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was particularly elevated among women with ovarian endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis, with a 19-fold increased risk for certain types of ovarian cancer.
A new study from the University of Birmingham and Keele University found that people with Long COVID symptoms lasting over 28 weeks are three times more likely to leave employment. The research highlights the significant impact of Long COVID on individuals' employment outcomes, particularly for those who leave work.
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that migrants are at an increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, experiencing severe disease courses, and having higher mortality rates. Systemic barriers such as overcrowding, precarious working conditions, and limited access to healthcare contribute to poorer health outcomes.
New research suggests that the plague may have contributed to the population decline of Stone Age farmers in Scandinavia and Northwestern Europe. Analysis of ancient DNA from bones and teeth found that 17% of individuals were infected with the plague, indicating its common presence during the late Stone Age.
The NTU team created a compact and flexible light-based sensing device, like a plaster, to provide highly accurate biomarker readings within minutes. The device detects glucose, lactate, and urea levels in sweat with ultra-high sensitivity and dynamic range.
A sociological study found that most young adults experience confusion in choosing life-partners, with women more likely to report this than men. The pervasiveness of social media and digital dating can distort the reality of available candidates, leading to impulsiveness and decreased in-person interactions.
Researchers used modern technology to estimate the number of rock gardens on Easter Island and food production, revealing that the island couldn't sustain a large population. The study's findings contradict the long-held notion of an ecological catastrophe and instead suggest a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
Research by Osaka Metropolitan University suggests that converting vacant homes in old new towns into healthcare facilities can slow population decline. This urban transformation can enable older adults to remain in their communities, promoting healthy and connected living.
A Pusan National University study finds that heatwaves significantly impact public health among individuals with disabilities, increasing the risk of hospitalizations by 1.07 times. This results in a substantial economic burden, highlighting the need for well-informed public health policies to address these vulnerable groups.
A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the Complexity Science Hub shows how diaspora size affects migration flows. The study reveals that people migrate to smaller destinations if their diaspora is present, highlighting the importance of social influence in shaping migration patterns.
Researchers found that Pleistocene hunter-gatherers settled in Cyprus around 14,257 to 13,182 years ago, suggesting the island was attractive for early human habitation. The rapid expansion of the population coincided with increased temperature, precipitation, and environmental productivity.
A study of hand sanitizer sales before, during and after the H1N1 swine flu pandemic found that supply and demand balances quickly, with retailers adapting to stockpiling behaviour. The research suggests there is no need for panic-buying and price gouging.
The prevalence of lung cancer mutations varies significantly across different ethnic groups in Latin America, highlighting the need for region-specific medical interventions. Enhancing molecular diagnostic and research efforts is crucial for effective management of cancer in this population.
Researchers analyzed data from over half a million UK participants to develop individualized estimates of ambient UVB levels, revealing key predictors of vitamin D status. The study highlights the need for personalized vitamin D supplementation guidelines based on ethnicity, age, sex, and other factors.
Researchers found better-than-expected life expectancy in two disadvantaged English areas, which is likely due to population changes. Local residents and professionals attribute the gains to factors such as increased housing affordability and town centre improvements, despite rising costs for existing populations.
Middle-aged and older adults believe that old age begins later in life, with increased life expectancy contributing to this shift. The study found that participants born in different years reported a later perceived onset of old age, but the trend has slowed in recent years.
A study in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases found that disease-modifying gene therapy treatments improve motor function, bulbar function, and pulmonary function in infants with spinal muscular atrophy. The real-world data from a large patient registry confirms improved safety profiles for early treatment opportunities.