Articles tagged with World Population
Researchers at the University of Southampton are using satellite imagery, geolocation technology, and small area surveys to create high-resolution national population estimates. These approaches have already helped combat the spread of malaria and assist in disaster relief planning in countries such as Nepal and Haiti.
The report ranks Canada as the seventh happiest country in the world, with immigrants reporting higher life evaluations compared to locals. The countries with the happiest immigrants have balanced social and institutional supports, such as Canada which ranked fourth most accepting for migrants.
A new study has confirmed that Cambodia's last breeding population of leopards is at immediate risk of extinction due to increased poaching and habitat loss. The population has declined by 72% over the past five years, with only 20-30 reproductive individuals remaining in eastern Cambodia.
A study predicts that King penguins will face massive population crashes due to increased food travel distances, potentially leading to extinctions. However, the birds' ability to adapt and find new breeding locations may help them survive.
The new database shows that the world has become more urbanized than thought, with population growth doubling in Africa and Asia. The database also tracks environmental factors like greenness, soil sealing, and air pollution, revealing promising signs for sustainability.
A UCSB ecologist reconstructed the story of the missing foothill yellow-legged frog, finding a link to chytridiomycosis. The amphibian declined rapidly between 1960s and 1970s due to disease spread by the fungal pathogen.
Experts warn that the World Health Organization's new plan fails to address the growing burden of disease and healthcare needs among older populations. Despite making up over 12% of the world's population, older people are overlooked in the draft General Programme of Work.
Researchers found that climate-related primary productivity, biodiversity, and pathogen stress influence global pattern of population densities of ethnographically documented hunter-gatherers, showing cultural evolution did not free humans from environmental forces.
A large international study found that primary care consultations last less than 5 minutes for over half the world's population, with significant variations between countries. Shorter consultation times have been linked to poorer health outcomes and burnout among doctors.
The study reveals that climate change and insufficient international protection are endangering the North Atlantic right whale population, which has made modest gains in recent years. The lack of adequate policies in northern waterways increases the risk of ship traffic and commercial fishing gear harming the whales.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that injured patients in LMICs are disproportionately HIV-seropositive compared to matched national estimates. These patients also face a significantly increased risk of death, especially when HIV-seronegative.
A study of Peruvian populations reveals genetic adaptations to high altitude living and chronic mountain sickness. The researchers identified 11 regions containing 38 genes that were under positive selection, suggesting a molecular adaptation mechanism that regulates gene expression in response to environmental challenges.
A large international study found that any physical activity can prevent heart disease and death, with 38% of participants meeting the 150 minutes a week guideline through activities like commuting or household chores. The study showed significant benefits from incorporating physical activity into daily life, regardless of intensity.
A new study reveals a majority of sea turtle populations are increasing, thanks to conservation efforts since the 1950s. Despite six species still listed as endangered, population trends show significant upward growth in most regions.
The global prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is estimated to be about 8 per 1,000 in the general population, with 1 in every 13 pregnant women delivering a child with FASD. Higher prevalence rates are observed in special populations, such as Aboriginal populations and children in care.
A University of Utah-led team analyzed archaic DNA to reconstruct the early history of humans, revealing an evolutionary story that challenges traditional views. The study found that Neanderthals and Denisovans nearly went extinct after separating from modern humans, but later diverged and grew into tens of thousands of individuals.
A new University of Washington study using statistical tools shows only a 5 percent chance that Earth will warm 2 degrees or less by the end of this century. The study suggests major, sustained effort on all fronts over the next 80 years is needed to achieve the goal of limiting warming to 2 degrees.
The study analyzed three current methods of mixed population capture and found serious quality problems with all three approaches. It suggests continuing 'multi-ticking' in the US and Canada with clearer instructions for respondents as a potential alternative to 'exact combinations' method.
A study of historic whaling records reveals early warning signs of global population collapse up to 40 years before the event for four whale species. The research provides a potential tool for predicting which species are at risk due to environmental pressures such as overfishing and climate change.
A new study assesses the global impact of human interventions on water scarcity, finding that large-scale water management actions can aggravate water scarcity downstream. The research highlights the importance of considering upstream-downstream linkages in water policy decisions.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists predicts that dispersal among Emperor penguins will not prevent population decline due to climate change. Despite the ability of penguins to migrate to locations with better sea ice conditions, projected accelerated melting in Antarctica makes for a challenging dynamic.
A study suggests that increasing women's access to education, reproductive health services, and contraceptive technologies is crucial for achieving sustainable development. Empowering women can help slow down population growth, reduce consumption of resources, and protect biodiversity.
Zoologists at the University of Basel and Lund University found that spiders kill an enormous number of insects worldwide, with estimates ranging from 400-800 million tons per year. This has significant implications for maintaining ecological balance in nature.
Climate change research needs to focus on how changing population structures will affect future human wellbeing. Global scenarios already include demographic data, but this is not being fully utilized. A new conceptual model, 'demographic metabolism,' can account for the replacement of generations and their impact on vulnerability.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $279 million to the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) over the next decade. This investment will enable IHME to provide critical data on global health trends, informing policymakers' decisions and improving population health worldwide.
Researchers estimate that up to 76 percent of the world's population is overfat, including normal-weight individuals with increased risk factors for chronic disease. The study suggests a new pandemic has quietly overtaken the world, and argues for a change in global health efforts against chronic and metabolic diseases.
A new study by Dr. Jan Blustein reveals China's cesarean rate is substantially lower than the WHO's reported figure of 46.2%, with a rate of 34.9% in 2014. The study highlights geographic variations in cesarean rates across different regions of China.
A new study reveals that ice age vertebrate species in the eastern US responded to glacial cycles and global warming in different ways. The research found that about 75% of animals expanded their populations, while 25% contracted, suggesting additional complexity in climate change impacts.
New research from York University and Xi'an Jiaotong University finds that vaccinating against dengue fever can increase the spread of Zika. The study used mathematical modeling to investigate the effect of dengue vaccination on Zika outbreaks.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that integrated neighborhoods, where black, white, Asian, and Hispanic residents coexist, are becoming more common in the US. This trend is seen in both diverse and less diverse metropolitan centers, with global neighborhoods emerging as a result of Hispanic and Asian immigration.
Researchers have discovered a new earthquake hazard in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, revealing that the Ghazaband fault is accumulating more than half of the relative motion between tectonic plates. This increases the potential for a high-magnitude earthquake and poses a significant threat to cities like Quetta.
A new study found that current climate models may be too simplistic in their predictions, as the spatial distribution of shade plays a crucial role in an animal's ability to regulate its body temperature. The research uses lizards as test subjects and found that smaller patches of shade allowed for more efficient thermoregulation.
The world population is projected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050, with significant regional differences, including Africa's population doubling and Europe experiencing declines. The population of the United States is expected to rise by 23 percent to 398 million.
S Jay Olshansky, a renowned gerontologist, has been awarded the 2016 Donald P Kent Award by the Gerontological Society of America. The award recognizes his exceptional contributions to the field of aging, including his work on estimates of human longevity and the health implications of population aging.
A recent survey led by UMass Amherst researcher Zulmai Moheb confirms the existence of a small population of Bactrian deer in northern Afghanistan, a sub-species believed to have been extinct since the 1970s. The animals urgently need conservation due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Climate change is projected to lead to a 60% decline in Adélie penguin populations by the end of the century, with some areas already experiencing population declines. The study suggests that refugia, or areas with relatively unaltered climate, may exist beyond 2099 and buffer a species-wide decline.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that emergency surgery patients in lower-income countries have a significantly higher mortality rate. The study monitored 10,745 patients and found death rates were three times higher in low-income countries despite adjustment for prognostic factors.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals explosive increases in male population numbers on five continents between 50,000-55,000 years ago, likely due to first peopling of vast continents. Later expansions may have resulted from advances in technology such as wheeled transport and metal working.
A new study reveals that despite the availability of lung cancer tests and treatment to 70% of the world's population, large discrepancies exist in patient access. The study found that many poorer countries lack access to essential tests and treatments due to high costs and low HDI scores.
The global population has more than doubled since 1960, with over 20% of people aged 60+ in developed countries by 2030. Healthcare systems must adapt to cope with the impact of ageing populations, including reducing hospital beds and reallocating budgets.
A new study led by Stanford University researchers found that the number of surgeries performed worldwide has grown, yet there remains a huge gap in surgical care between rich and poor nations. The most frequently performed operation in poor countries was cesarean section, suggesting other significant surgical needs are being given low...
A global analysis reveals that intentional killing by humans is a major cause of bat mortality, but collisions with wind turbines and white-nose syndrome are now leading causes. Climate change is expected to increase mortality from storms and other abiotic factors.
Researchers Warren Sanderson and Sergei Scherbov propose new measures to replace the old-age dependency ratio, providing a more nuanced understanding of population aging. The new measures take into account factors such as health care costs and pension payouts, offering a more accurate assessment of future consequences of aging.
A new analysis found that global maternal mortality rates declined by 43.9% between 1990 and 2015, with the largest decreases seen in Eastern Asia, where the rate fell from 95 to 27 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, the decline was lower in other regions, falling short of the UN's 75% goal.
Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology suggests that climate change could have a positive impact on Swedish sand lizard populations by allowing them to lay eggs earlier. This shift enables the females to better adapt to warming temperatures and improve the fitness of their offspring.
A new study found that deforestation in Borneo's forests leads to a decline in frog species richness, with only 20% of primary forest species remaining in young oil palm plantations. The study highlights the need for rigorously enforcing riparian buffer zones to mitigate the impact of industrial monocultures on amphibian populations.
A proposed article in Environmental Justice advocates for basic energy rights for low-income populations, addressing energy insecurity and environmental health risks. The author compares two US communities: Dimock, PA, and Detroit, MI, highlighting the disproportionate burden vulnerable communities bear in energy supply and demand.
Economist Edward Barbier calls for international cooperation to protect the world's most at-risk nations from hurricane damage and long-term climate change impacts. He advocates for coastal protection plans, economic diversification, and restoration of natural barriers to safeguard vulnerable populations.
A newly identified and highly infectious tadpole disease has been discovered in diverse frog populations across the globe. The study reveals a previously unidentified microbial group that infects tadpole livers, contributing to the decline of amphibian populations.
A global study found that seabird populations have dropped by 69.6% since the 1950s, equivalent to a loss of about 230 million birds in 60 years. This decline is largely attributed to human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that temperature changes are the primary environmental influence on bird species distribution in Mexico. The researchers analyzed historical data and current distributions of 115 bird species to find that only temperature change had significant impacts on avifaunal turnover.
The Macy Foundation has awarded a grant to create a comprehensive curriculum on refugee health education at Georgetown University Medical Center. The curriculum will focus on culturally competent care for patients from around the world, addressing key issues such as cultural practices, risks and conditions affecting refugees.
Two species of dengue and chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes are spreading rapidly across the globe, with new areas identified as suitable for their survival. The expansion threatens communities worldwide, particularly in Africa where records are sparse.
A major new analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 reveals that nearly 20 people in 100 worldwide had no health problems in 2013. Over 2.3 billion individuals experienced more than five ailments, with low back pain and depression ranking as top contributors to disability.
A global study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that psychotic experiences are relatively rare in the general population, affecting approximately 5.8 percent of adults worldwide. The study also revealed significant differences in prevalence rates between countries and demographics.
A new Commission estimates that 5 billion people worldwide cannot afford proper surgical care, leading to millions of deaths from treatable conditions. Investing $420 billion in surgery by 2030 could scale up access to life-saving procedures, according to the report.
A new book reveals that nearly a quarter of the global population, 1.6 billion people, are compelled to pay bribes for everyday public services. The surveys conducted across 119 countries highlight differences in bribery rates between countries, public services, and individuals.
New research reveals that established HIV epidemics conserve 'founder effects', slowing the spread of secondary strains. This means the dominant strains may not be the most transmissible, but rather lucky to have been picked up early in the pandemic.
The ORNL model provides unprecedented county-level predictions of future US population growth, with implications for urban planning and climate change adaptation. The study finds that counties in California and Arizona are projected to experience high levels of sprawl growth by 2030 and 2050.
A study found that beaver populations have grown dramatically, damming up 42,000 square kilometres of aquatic pond areas and increasing methane emissions by 15 percent each year