Articles tagged with World Population
A large international consortium study found over 5,000 genetic mutations affecting blood characteristics worldwide. Researchers identified specific mutations linked to increased lymphocyte levels in South Asian populations, highlighting potential risks and treatment targets.
A study of over 2,000 species reveals that common animal populations are rising and falling at a rate similar to rare species due to global change. Amphibians, however, experienced declines, while birds, mammals, and reptiles showed increases.
A UK survey of over 800 adults found that most struggled with weight management during the pandemic, citing increased snacking and reduced exercise. However, those who received weight-management support continued to lose weight and reported higher wellbeing.
A new study projects that 3.1 billion people will still lack effective health service coverage in 2023, falling short of the WHO goal. Sub-Saharan Africa showed accelerated gains in performance since 2010.
A new study suggests that coastal flooding events could impact up to 287 million people and assets worth US $14.2 trillion globally by 2100. The areas predicted to be most affected are north-west Europe, south-east and east Asia, and northern Australia.
A global survey of 371 coral reefs found that reef sharks are virtually absent from many ecosystems due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices. However, countries with strong governance and conservation efforts, such as Australia and the Bahamas, show promising results.
A global study found sharks are functionally extinct on nearly one in five of the world's reefs. The survey, published in Nature, covered 371 reefs across 58 countries and revealed that sharks were rarely seen on close to 20% of those reefs.
Thanks to a decade-long collaboration, the global population of the critically endangered Chinese crested tern has more than doubled, from fewer than 50 adults to over 100. The project used social attraction techniques to lure adult seabirds to restoration sites with suitable nesting habitat.
Researchers propose using an equivalency criterion to determine the old age threshold based on a fixed remaining life expectancy, which is consistent with the equivalency criterion. This approach highlights the need to reevaluate traditional measures of aging and provides a more nuanced understanding of population aging.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that physical activity prevents approximately 3.9 million early deaths globally each year, with a greater proportion of these deaths averted in low- and middle-income countries. This finding highlights the significant health benefits of regular physical activity.
A recent study published in Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that half of the world's population is exposed to increasing air pollution. The research highlights that air pollution constitutes a major threat to public health, with an estimated four million deaths annually attributed to outdoor air pollution.
A study estimates that 22% of the world population, around 1.7 billion, have at least one underlying health condition increasing their risk of severe COVID-19 if infected. The share is highest in countries with ageing populations, African countries with high HIV/AIDS prevalence, and small island nations with high diabetes prevalence.
A new study suggests that disease outbreaks, civil unrest, and war can lead to large-scale movements of people. The researchers used theoretical modeling to show how small changes in individual decision-making can trigger significant population resettlement.
A new study provides valuable insights into the importance of reducing genetic load in conservation breeding programs, particularly for endangered species like the Pacific pocket mouse. The research suggests that introducing genes from healthier populations can increase fitness and prevent inbreeding.
A new study from UC Riverside asserts the world population may have much more in common than it has differences. The research, which included data from 15,318 members of university and college communities, found that people within countries are more similar than expected, while those across different countries exhibit smaller differences.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric arsenic concentrations from 2005 to 2015, finding the highest levels in Chile and eastern China. The study highlights the growing health risks posed by airborne arsenic in India, surpassing China's levels by 2015.
A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to soap and clean water, increasing their risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. The study highlights the need for long-term solutions to protect against the virus and its devastating impact on public health.
The International Society of Hypertension has released the first global practice guidelines for managing hypertension, developed by a world-wide panel of experts. The guidelines aim to simplify treatment approaches in resource-poor settings, addressing the challenge of accessing cutting-edge medical equipment and technology.
A global study is being conducted to examine the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing, involving a survey of 30 countries. The research aims to provide evidence-based guidance for policymakers to address population-based emergencies and foster growth after crises.
A newly published study suggests that the forest elephant population size is smaller than believed, leaving the species in an even graver position. The research provides insights into a revised population count and social behavior of the forest elephants.
The special issue discusses the uneasy dilemma of saving lives now versus preserving them for the future, drawing parallels with previous pandemics. Research papers examine the role of globalisation, technological shifts, and income inequality, highlighting the need for micro- and meso-institutions to find ways out of the crisis.
A new study provides alternative method for monitoring endangered lions, estimating an overall density of 8.53 lions per 100 square kilometers. The researchers found that prey density does not influence variations in lion density within the study site, and baiting lions for tourism perturbs their natural density patterns.
Scientists have engineered mosquitoes that can't spread all four types of the dengue virus, a major breakthrough in controlling the disease. This development has the potential to limit human suffering and mortality from dengue, which affects over 390 million people annually.
A study published in Science Bulletin finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C would reduce precipitation extremes in China, particularly in southeastern regions. The research highlights the social impacts of climate change, with heavy rainfall events intensifying across the country and dry extremes increasing in South China.
A new study calculates replacement level fertility based on actual rates, revealing countries with fertility levels above 2.1, often due to high mortality and gender inequality. The findings show that many countries have a higher replacement rate than commonly assumed, highlighting the need for policy adjustments.
A new project aims to create a smartphone app that helps manage life-saving devices for people with diabetes, focusing on the senior citizen population. The app will consider factors such as visual setup, font size, and user experience to make it easy to use, potentially improving quality of life.
A study published in PLOS ONE finds a strong correlation between the decline of the youth population and international homicide trends. As people ages 15-29 make up 21% of the global population, their shrinking numbers correlate with a decrease in homicides worldwide.
Researchers found elevated selection and increased mutational burdens in wild emmer wheat under global warming, but also more beneficial mutations. Genetic responses vary by temperature and rainfall, with high temperatures associated with lower mutational burden and reduced selection.
A study predicts that global warming may reduce the availability of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a crucial brain-building nutrient. The authors found that 96% of the global population may not have sufficient access to DHA by 2100, particularly in countries with large fish production and relatively low populations.
A new study analyzed Zambia's cause of death patterns and found that eliminating HIV/AIDS in the adult age group could gain notable years of life expectancy. The study also revealed a correlation between level of education and HIV/AIDS prevalence, as well as regional variations in cause of death patterns.
Researchers found that highland and lowland populations had distinct craniofacial variations, with adaptations to climate and altitude contributing to the differences. The study suggests a complex interplay of environmental factors, rather than just genetic drift, in shaping human diversification in the New World.
The study found a significant decline in global freshwater megafauna populations, with large fish species like sturgeons and salmonids facing the highest threats. Conservation efforts have shown some success, but monitoring and protection remain inadequate for many species.
The article highlights the need for a new contraception revolution to provide options for populations not currently served by modern birth control. New concepts like male contraception and multipurpose prevention technology are being developed to fill the gap.
New estimates from the World Health Organization reveal that one in five people living in conflict-affected areas has a mental health condition, including depression and anxiety. The prevalence of severe mental health conditions is 5%, with moderate conditions affecting 13% of the population.
Researchers say education is primary driver of true demographic dividend, regardless of changing age structures. A new model proposes that a strong demographic dividend can be gained from more working-age individuals who are better educated.
Richard Horton, Lancet editor-in-chief, will receive the $100,000 Roux Prize for his relentless advocacy on global health issues. The honor recognizes his commitment to advance health internationally and challenge the medical profession.
Low-density areas transmitted plague faster than high-density areas due to reduced contact rates, while temperatures below 20° C slowed transmission, while increased precipitation accelerated it. Climate changes may alter the dynamics of plague transmission.
Researchers have cataloged over 200,000 ocean viruses, expanding our understanding of their impact on the environment and climate change. The study found high viral diversity in the Arctic Ocean, which may serve as an 'unrecognized cradle' of biodiversity.
Researchers found that a diet high in antioxidants from foods like citrus fruits, capsicum, and dark green vegetables can delay the onset of age-related cataracts. The study suggests that such a diet could halve the number of people requiring cataract surgery.
A new scientific study found a 30-year gap between countries with the highest and lowest ages at which people experience health problems equivalent to those of an average 65-year-old. The United States ranked 54th, between Iran (69.0 years) and Antigua and Barbuda (68.4 years).
A recent study found that climate change is disrupting the complex systems underlying global fisheries, with 8% of fish populations experiencing significant negative impacts. The greatest losses in productivity were seen in regions such as the Sea of Japan and North Sea, while the Labrador-Newfoundland region saw significant gains.
A new study forecasts changes in fisheries productivity due to ocean warming, with some species expected to thrive and others decline. The research evaluated 235 marine species and found that temperature-driven changes will affect different species differently.
A recent study published in BioScience analyzed international food trade data from 1986 to 2010 to assess its impact on equitable access to food. The researchers found that trade plays a significant role in distributing food more equitably across the planet.
A new study found that disruptions in women's education in sub-Saharan Africa are partly responsible for the stall in declining fertility rates. The research used detailed data on over two million births and found that cohorts affected by educational discontinuities in the 1980s tend to have higher levels of fertility.
Research estimates that approximately 1.2% of the global population migrates every five years, resulting in up to 87 million people moving each year. Notably, around one-quarter of all migrations involve return journeys to individuals' countries of birth.
Researchers have developed a new statistical method to estimate migration flows between countries, revealing higher rates of migration and return migration. The pseudo-Bayes approach provides more accurate estimates than previous methods, with rates fluctuating between 1.1 and 1.3 percent of global population from 1990 to 2015.
The Global Burden of Disease study reveals that global mortality rates for adults stagnated or worsened in some countries in 2017, with fertility rates declining globally. The report also highlights a shortage of healthcare workers, with half of countries facing a shortfall and only 41 having sufficient physicians to serve their popula...
Ancient Andean populations adapted to high-altitude environment with distinct genetic changes, including a co-evolution between the potato and humans. The study suggests that these adaptations allowed them to thrive in extreme conditions.
The study found that Andean populations adapted to agriculture and high-altitude environments differently from other global populations. They experienced significant population reduction after European contact, while also showing selection for immune-related genes.
A study found up to 13 galliform species populations have been extirpated outside protected areas in Sundaland, a region with high biodiversity but biologically degraded landscapes. The researchers argue that effective management of protected areas and connectivity between habitats are crucial for long-term conservation.
Scientists developed an updated international approach to identifying a healthy diet by analyzing data from large global studies involving over 240,000 people from more than 50 countries. The new guidelines suggest higher amounts of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and fish in the diet to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
A growing global population contributes to rising greenhouse gas emissions, while nearly 85 million unintended pregnancies annually exacerbate the issue. Including population information in future IPCC assessments could facilitate more effective climate policies.
A study published in Nature Communications found that reducing global warming by half a degree Celsius could significantly decrease extreme precipitation events, resulting in lower exposure to flooding and landslides. The research suggests that limiting warming to 1.5°C could robustly benefit the populous global monsoon region.
A new study found that 24 countries, including the USA and India, experienced a decline in democratic qualities between 2017 and 2023. Non-electoral aspects of democracy, such as media freedom and freedom of expression, are under increasing threat.
Holistic thinking patterns can make consumers more susceptible to advertisements for unhealthy foods. In experiments, holistic thinkers showed increased cravings and desire to buy unhealthy food options when viewed with context. Researchers hope their findings can inform strategies to help countries battling obesity epidemics.
A study of US PATH data from 2013-2015 found that nearly 60% of adult smokers believed e-cigarettes were as or more harmful than smoking, up from 43% in 2013. This misconception threatens the potential benefits of vaping as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.
Agriculture arose from moments of environmental surplus and improving conditions, where populations lived in greater densities. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, reveals common patterns across 12 centers of origin, with maps predicting global population densities dating back thousands of years.
A recent study finds that a 2°C global temperature rise could expose nearly half of the world's population to multiple climate change risks, compared to a 1.5°C rise. The areas most at risk are densely populated and located in south Asia alone, with Africa facing greater challenges due to high social inequality.
A study by Université de Montréal researchers found that 38% of countries' populations are exposed to methylmercury levels higher than safe for foetal development, with high-risk areas including the Maldives and South Korea. Industrial fishing has increased mercury exposure, especially in coastal and island nations.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that mass azithromycin treatment significantly decreased yaws among schoolchildren in Ghana. The provision of a single oral dose reduced both seropositivity and skin lesions consistent with yaws one year later.