Articles tagged with World Population
A recent study found a three-fold increase in obesity-related heart disease deaths in the US between 1999 and 2020. The study highlights racial disparities, particularly among Black women, who faced the highest rates of obesity-related cardiovascular mortality.
A new study found that voluntary collective isolation alone was ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among the Amazonian Tsimané. The researchers used a computer model and serological testing to confirm their predictions, showing nearly identical infection rates across communities.
Researchers investigated SARS-CoV-2 responses in 222 donors from Central Africa, Europe and East Asia. They found disparities in immune responses due to blood cell composition, latent cytomegalovirus infection and human genetic factors. These population differences may help improve patient management in future epidemics.
European societies prefer to accept younger, female, Christian asylum seekers who exhibit desirable attributes. Support for refugees has remained stable over time, with no apparent increase in polarization between left-wing and right-wing respondents.
The American Heart Association policy statement outlines strategies to shift towards value-based healthcare and payment models, prioritizing equity, patient and clinician experience, and individual and population health. The recommendations include person-centered, equitable, coordinated care that improves outcomes and controls costs.
A new study found consistently high TB case rates among incarcerated people, but low detection rates. Nearly half of TB cases were not detected, highlighting the need for increased efforts to reduce TB spread in prisons.
A new global study published in the leading cancer journal finds that funding for cancer patient navigators improves medical outcomes, increases screening rates, and reduces healthcare costs. Navigators provide personalized care, support patients with diagnosis, treatment options, and relevant medical information.
A new study using satellite data from over 7,000 global reservoirs found that total storage capacity has increased, but the filling rate is lower than anticipated. The analysis suggests that addressing future water demands cannot rely solely on constructing new reservoirs, highlighting the need for novel management strategies.
A study by McGill University found that humans spend approximately 9 hours on human-centered activities, such as sleep, eating, and personal care. Economic activities, including work and trade, account for only about 2.6 hours of the average day.
A study of almost 65,000 children aged up to 5 found that nearly 27% are infected with malaria, with older under-five children and those from large families or rural areas being most vulnerable. Insecticide-treated bed nets and improved housing are promising means to prevent malaria infection among children.
Researchers investigate whether pregnant mothers' exposure to toxic metals affects kidney development in their babies, which may set the stage for chronic kidney disease. The team aims to identify key combinations of metal mixtures that could have detrimental effects on developing kidneys.
A new study maps French Canadian populations using a unique dataset of over five million records spanning 400 years, revealing the complex relationship between human migration and genetic variation. The research shows that the genetic structure of French Canadians is encoded within its genealogy.
A new study suggests that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could save five times more people from dangerous heat than if warming reaches 2.7°C by 2100. Currently, over 60 million people already live outside the 'climate niche' where humans have thrived.
A new study using ancient DNA from northern and central Mexico reveals population continuity despite drastic environmental change, providing new insights into the region's demographic history. The research also identifies two 'ghost' populations contributing to pre-Hispanic populations, revealing a complex demographic landscape.
Researchers have developed a glycine-based tripeptide that successfully treats nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in non-human primates and mice. The compound, DT-109, reverses fat buildup and prevents scarring by stimulating fatty acid degradation and antioxidant formation.
Researchers found that infected mosquito saliva contains molecules called sfRNAs that can blunt the body's immune response. These molecules are injected during the mosquito bite, making it more likely for people to become infected with dengue virus.
Researchers from the Earth4All initiative project that global population could peak at 8.5 billion people by mid-century with unprecedented investment in poverty alleviation. The team's analysis also suggests that extreme poverty can be eliminated in a generation, leading to a decline in global population trends.
A new study estimates the global economic cost of 29 cancers from 2020 to 2050 to be $25.2 trillion, with significant variations in burden across countries and regions. The study highlights the need for global efforts to address rising cancer burdens.
The ENIGMA Initiative aims to bridge knowledge gaps on brain aging factors in developing countries, particularly in India. The study will collect comprehensive data on risk and protective factors through clinical interviews, bloodwork, and brain MRI to identify universal and population-specific predictors of dementia.
A Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of epilepsy across China, finding significant increases in incidence and prevalence rates between 1990 and 2019. The study also showed a general decrease in age-standardized DALY rates with increasing socio-demographic index.
A large-scale observational study from China demonstrates a strong link between ideal cardiovascular health and lower mortality rates. Individuals with higher scores on behavioral and medical factors had approximately a 50% lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and respiratory mortality compared to those with lower scores.
Researchers develop eRapid sensor technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, enabling fast and multiplexed testing at the point-of-care. The device distinguishes between antibody types targeting different viral proteins with high sensitivity and specificity.
A new study by the University of East Anglia finds a significant association between low literacy and poor mental health outcomes across multiple countries. People with lower literacy skills are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of addressing literacy as part of mental health services.
The number of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the US rose significantly between 2019 and 2020, with Asian, Black and Hispanic populations most affected. The largest single-year increase since 2015 was seen in CVD deaths among these populations, highlighting structural and societal disparities.
A new book argues that the belief in human exceptionalism contributes to environmental degradation. The authors contend that this mindset is analogous to racism and has led to the extinction of many species. They propose a more inclusive approach, valuing all life forms equally and recognizing our place within the natural world.
A new study published in The Lancet HIV reveals that women experiencing recent intimate partner violence are three times more likely to contract HIV. The research highlights the intersectional epidemic of IPV and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, where women face increased risk of HIV acquisition and less frequent viral load suppression.
A new, non-invasive malaria detection tool developed by a University of Queensland-led team can quickly identify entire villages or towns suffering from the disease. The device uses infrared-light and is chemical-free, needle-free, and detects malaria through the skin.
A new report showcases perennial rice strains that can thrive in various climate conditions, offering labor and cost savings for farmers. The research emphasizes the need for large-scale localization of perennial rice to tailor it to local climates, with potential applications in Africa and other regions.
A new book by Aston University financial regulation expert Dr Daniel Cash proposes a temporary change to the way credit ratings are decided to help poorer countries avoid downgraded ratings and borrow money for vital improvements like healthcare and infrastructure.
A study by Max Planck Researcher Jonas Schöley and colleagues found that life expectancy continued to decline globally in 2021, with differences between Eastern and Western Europe widening. However, vaccination efforts helped mitigate mortality shocks in some countries, particularly those with robust healthcare systems.
Growing onshore algae in seawater-fed aquaculture systems along the Global South's coasts could increase food production by 50% and feed 10 billion people by 2050. Algae provide high protein content, essential amino acids, and minerals found in meat, making them a sustainable solution to climate change.
A new scoring tool prioritizes countries with higher vaccination rates and vulnerable populations, aiming to allocate Covid-19 vaccines more fairly. The tool considers a broader range of factors than current global COVAX facilities, which have been criticized for insufficient access.
A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.
A 1g reduction in daily salt intake could prevent nearly 9 million cases of heart disease and stroke in China by 2030, saving 4 million lives. This is based on a modelling study that estimates the impact of reducing salt intake across the nation.
A new study predicts that climate change will cause a significant rise in mortality rates due to excessively hot nights, with an estimated 60% increase by the end of the century. The researchers used climate modeling scenarios to estimate the impact on 28 cities across three countries.
A statistical analysis of 200 years of data across all continents reveals that between 25-50% of men outlive women, particularly in developed countries. The study highlights the impact of education, marital status, and external factors on sex differences in lifespan.
The article highlights key health considerations for Ukrainian refugees in Canada, including timely access to care and trauma-informed approaches. Key gaps in the Canadian healthcare system include lack of universal access to interpreters and coordinated care across services.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 39 publications found a global association between COVID-19 measures and reduced breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screenings. This could lead to an increase in avoidable cancer deaths.
A new study found that water insecurity is strongly linked to food insecurity, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The research suggests that improving access to water could be key to addressing food insecurity, as water scarcity affects cooking, hygiene, and farming.
A massive global study of social distancing motivations has yielded new insights into the effectiveness of different styles of messaging. Autonomy-supportive messages that encouraged personal agency were found to be more effective in influencing individuals' behaviors than controlling or shaming messages.
A pooled data analysis reveals that 14.5% of the global population may have had tick-borne Lyme disease, with higher prevalence in men aged 50+, rural areas, and Central and Western Europe. The study suggests that improvements to antibody detection methods could enhance public health response policies.
A new modeling study found that reducing excess prevalence of low birthweight, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in low- and middle-income countries could lead to substantial long-term human capital gains. The study estimates potential gains of 20.3 million school years and $68.8 billion in lifetime income per birth coh...
Researchers at Princeton and Northwestern universities developed a computational model of the pyrenoid, identifying key features needed for enhanced carbon fixation in plants. The study suggests that engineering a pyrenoid-like ability could improve crop growth rates and mitigate food insecurity.
A recent study reveals that approximately 48% of existing bird species worldwide are undergoing population declines, with only 6% showing increasing trends. The study identifies key threats including natural habitat loss, direct overexploitation and climate change.
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.
Research by Kerim Can Kavakli and Valentina Rotondi finds that restricting US foreign aid for NGOs providing abortion information leads to higher maternal and child mortality, as well as increased HIV incidence. The study estimates that this restriction may be responsible for up to 27,000 deaths per year.
A new study estimates the national economic burden of PTSD at $232.2 billion for 2018, with civilians accounting for 82% of the total costs. The study calls for increased awareness, effective therapies, and expanded evidence-based strategies to reduce the clinical and economic burden of PTSD.
A new review estimates that 52% of the global population experience a headache disorder each year, with significant variations in prevalence rates across different age groups and regions. The study also highlights differences in diagnostic methods and their impact on estimated rates.
A new study assesses wastewater infrastructure in 129 countries to explore community-wide health indices using Wastewater-based Epidemiology (WBE). The technique detects factors influencing health, including disease biomarkers detectable in wastewater.
The study reveals a narrowing gap between cancer profiles in China and the USA, with converging trends in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. China's cancer burden is expected to rise, while the US has seen reduced rates since the 1990s due to effective prevention strategies.
Researchers found that urbanization increases hydrogen cyanide production in white clover as a defense mechanism against herbivores. The study, published in Science, reveals adaptive evolution due to urbanization is driving global-scale changes in plant species.
A study in rural Ethiopia found that community-based rehabilitation, supported by local health centers and medication, reduced symptoms and improved functioning for individuals with schizophrenia. Community-based rehabilitation workers also helped participants access healthcare services and support their families.
Scientists developed a powerful new tool called Giraffe to improve genomic research by leveraging global genetic diversity. The tool allows for the use of a diverse pangenome reference point, enabling faster and more sensitive comparisons of short-read human genome sequences.
A study examining subnational policy responses to COVID-19 in Latin America found high variation in adopted measures among countries. The authors conclude that governments should focus on evidence-based national policies while coordinating with subnational governments for tailored local responses.
The Academic Freedom Index 2022 reveals that academic freedom has decreased substantially in nineteen countries and territories, affecting nearly two in five people worldwide. This decline affects some of the world's most academically advanced nations, including Mexico, Poland, and the USA.
A new study reveals that climate had a significant influence on diet in the Central Andes between 400 and 7,000 years ago. The researchers found that population size had little impact on dietary variation, except during the Late Horizon (~480-418 yBP), when diets became more similar due to the Inca Empire's centralized power.
The ESMO-WHO collaboration developed an evidence-based methodology for evaluating national medication formularies, helping Kazakhstan update its list of essential cancer medicines and treatment protocols. The approach resulted in increased budget allocation to cancer care and improved access to high-quality treatments.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 500,000 adolescents across 80 nations and found consistent sex differences in career aspirations, with boys dominating 'things-oriented' occupations and girls preferring 'people-oriented' roles. The study also revealed larger differences in gender-equal countries, such as Finland, Norway, or Sweden.
Limpets played a significant role in global culture, medicine, and innovation, with uses dating back tens of thousands of years. They have contributed to the evolution of human brain development and feature in many place names and traditions.
Despite low vaccine uptake, West Africa needs to boost vaccination efforts to achieve population-level immunity. To reach 50%, 60%, and 70% coverage after 9, 12, and 18 months, vaccination speeds must increase by 4, 7, and 10 times the current pace.