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Can you pick an MMA winner by studying fighters' faces?

Czech researchers used 360-degree headshots to assess fighters' perceived fighting ability. Despite this, ratings were not linked to actual MMA score or physical characteristics. However, heavier fighters with higher anaerobic performance were judged as more successful based on their facial features.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 23, 2019

£20 million to tackle nitrogen pollution

The UK Government has committed £19.6 million to a research project addressing nitrogen pollution in South Asia, with potential solutions for sustainable agriculture and industrial recycling. The project aims to form a coherent picture of the nitrogen cycle and support progress towards meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

What happened 4,000 years ago in the Urals?

Researchers are studying Bronze Age activity in the Urals to understand demographic processes and settlement structures. They are analyzing palaeogenetic techniques, archaeological excavations, geophysical surveys, material culture, and archaeobotany to find answers about population genetics, cultural transformation, and demography.

New research confirms US Fed right to hold news conferences after every meeting

A new study from the University of Toronto found that holding news conferences after every FOMC meeting may have done the opposite, setting markets up for unnecessary surprises. The research highlights the potential risks of treating meetings differently, which could reduce transparency through delayed information release.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateJan 16, 2019

Fish farmers of the Caribbean

UC Santa Barbara researchers estimate the Caribbean can produce over 34 million metric tons of seafood annually, exceeding current production by two orders of magnitude. The region's vast ocean space makes it an attractive location for offshore mariculture, with some areas showing promise for commercial farming.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 10, 2019

New study looks at costs and benefits of paying for ecosystem services

A recent study by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientists evaluated the economic viability of PES programs in the PCW, finding that reforestation efforts have a significant impact on ship transits and dry-season water flow. The researchers also identified market clearing equilibriums for such programs, highlighting their pot...

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2019

Satellite images reveal global poverty

Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a method to map economic living conditions using high-resolution satellite data, capturing household-level information with 62% accuracy. This approach makes space-based monitoring a promising technology for effective poverty tracking and achieving the UN's sustainable development goals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Senescent cell research moves into human trials

Researchers have conducted a safety and feasibility clinical trial on removing senescent cells from patients with pulmonary fibrosis, showing clinically meaningful improvement in physical function. The study used a drug to clear senescent cells and found benefits in gait speed, walking speed, chair rise test, and physical function tests.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJan 7, 2019

One-third of Americans consider living abroad

A new study reveals that approximately one-third of all US-born US citizens living in the US are considering leaving to live abroad. The main motivations cited are exploration, retirement, and dissatisfaction with their current situation. National identity and networks played a significant role in shaping these aspirations.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Migration Review·DateDec 17, 2018

Economic climate feedbacks

Researchers found that climate-driven economic losses can offset natural warming feedbacks, but this comes with increased inequality and reduced resources for mitigating climate change. The study suggests that climate-related economic activity slowdowns can temporarily reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Changes in agriculture could cut sector non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 percent

Researchers found that changing agricultural practices and shifting diets away from meat and dairy products could reduce sector emissions by up to 50% by 2050. Dietary changes in overconsuming countries could contribute additional reductions of 23%, with the beef and dairy industries having high greenhouse gas intensities.