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Americans flocking to fire: national migration study

A national study found that Americans are moving to regions with the greatest risk of wildfires and significant summer heat, despite climate change projections. The top migration destinations were cities in the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Southwest, Texas, Florida, and the Southeast, which already face significant wildfire risks.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalFrontiers in Human Dynamics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2022

Flocking to fire: wildfires don’t deter Americans from moving to at-risk regions

A team of scientists found that Americans are moving to regions prone to wildfires, defying expectations that natural hazards would deter migration. The study suggests that economic factors play a larger role in migration decisions in metropolitan areas, where people are drawn to desirable landscapes with higher year-round temperatures.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Dynamics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2022

New study shows higher death toll among Puerto Ricans following Hurricane Maria than reported following 2017 disaster

A new University of Toronto study finds an additional 514 deaths should be added to the official Hurricane Maria death toll due to displaced Puerto Ricans in the US. The study suggests undercounting and highlights the need for equitable disaster preparedness and cross-jurisdiction data sharing.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

Global spread of powdery mildew through migration and trade

A research team uncovered the secret of powdery mildew's success by comparing genetic compositions of 172 strains from 13 countries on five continents. The pathogen was introduced to new regions through human migration and trade, undergoing hybridization with local species to form better-adapted hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

New genetic research on remote Pacific islands yields surprising findings on world’s earliest seafarers

Genetic analysis of ancient individuals from remote Pacific islands yields findings on family structure, social customs, and ancestral populations. The study suggests that matrilocal population structures were the rule among the world's earliest seafarers, with women often remaining in their communities after marriage.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022

Extreme genetic drift in the Maniq hunter-gatherers of southern Thailand

A recent study on the Maniq population found they exhibit high levels of genetic differentiation, similar to other isolated populations. The researchers also discovered that the Maniq retain a unique hunter-gatherer lifestyle and Hòabìnhian-related ancestry, setting them apart from other Southeast Asian groups.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 18, 2022

An electronic registry system to improve the health of the migrant population

A study by ISGlobal used an electronic personal health record system to collect data on migrant populations arriving in southern Europe between 2016 and 2019. The results showed a young and healthy population with acute respiratory infections, HIV/TB, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. The system proved useful for collecting effe...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJournal of Travel Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

Research: Partnership between humanitarian organizations and governments is essential for providing cash assistance to refugees

Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Exploring Indian genetic heritage in present-day Thailand

A new genetic study found evidence of South Asian genetic admixture in several mainland Southeast Asian populations influenced by Indian culture. The researchers also discovered close genetic links between languages from different families, supporting an earlier hypothesis about their common origin.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Open for single workers only? Point-based immigration increases poverty risks for migrant families

A new study by the University of Southampton finds that skilled overseas workers with families face a higher risk of poverty than UK workers and their net incomes are lower under the UK's points-based immigration system. The researchers warn that this could make the UK less attractive for overseas workers who could fill skills gaps.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Poverty and Social Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2022

Cultural similarities may play key role in successful immigrations

Researchers studied evacuees from Finland during WWII and found that cultural similarities, such as language and social networks, were crucial for successful migrations. Being younger, male, educated, and linguistically similar to the host population also increased the likelihood of staying in a new home.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2022

K-12 experience, population density among factors that support rural ‘brain gain’

Researchers found that college graduates between 34 and 43 years old are more likely to return to their hometowns if they had a strong attachment to their public K-12 schools. The study also revealed that rural communities with lower population densities and fewer postsecondary degree holders were more attractive to returning graduates.

SourceIowa State University·JournalRural Sociology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2022

Nits on ancient mummies shed light on South American ancestry

Scientists have developed a new technique to extract DNA from the 'cement' head lice that attached eggs to hairs of ancient humans. This method reveals clues about pre-Columbian human migration patterns in South America, allowing for the study of unique samples from mummified remains where bone and tooth samples are unavailable.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

Ephemeral evidence of Mediterranean mobility

The article examines modern migration in the Mediterranean by analyzing abandoned fishing boats and their contents, revealing the impact of policy decisions on displacement. The study provides a nuanced narrative of human experiences during these journeys, highlighting inequalities and varying degrees of preparation among those onboard.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2021

Human history and migration of disease: Study tracks spread of young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents

A new study tracked the spread of a genetic mutation that causes young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents over centuries. The research found that the mutation was passed down from Northern Europe to other parts of the world through migration, and identified a specific gene, KCNQ1, as the cause of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2021

Change in vaccination strategy averted outbreak of urban yellow fever in São Paulo State, scientists say

An updated vaccination strategy is credited with averting an outbreak of urban yellow fever in São Paulo State, according to research published in Scientific Reports. The study found that the virus spread rapidly, reaching cities never affected before, and that a high number of cases were reported in areas with low vaccination coverage.

Does environmental stress drive migration?

A comprehensive analysis of 178 countries reveals that social factors, such as income and education, play a more important role in explaining migration than environmental factors. The study found that income was the most important factor in some countries, while health was key in areas with high in-migration

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 5, 2021

Italian sailors knew of America 150 years before Christopher Columbus, new analysis of ancient documents suggests

Ancient Italian writings suggest that Genoese sailors were aware of North America 150 years before Columbus' famous voyage. The discovery, made by Professor Paolo Chiesa, refers to an area known as 'Markland'/ 'Marckalada', mentioned in Icelandic sources and identified as part of the Atlantic coast of North America.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTerrae Incognitae·DateOct 8, 2021

A call for research on food insecurity among migrants on the move

Food insecurity among migrants on the move is a pressing issue, with limited scientific literature documenting its prevalence and severity. A new study proposes a definition of migrants in active mobility and recommends interdisciplinary actions to inform policy and strategies guaranteeing access to food.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 23, 2021

Ancient DNA rewrites early Japanese history -- modern day populations have tripartite genetic origin

New study finds that modern Japanese populations have a tripartite genetic origin, with contributions from Jomon hunter-gatherers, Yayoi farmers, and Kofun peoples. The analysis reveals a complex history of population dynamics, including assimilation rather than replacement during the agricultural transition.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2021

New archaeological discoveries highlight lack of protections for submerged Indigenous sites

A new study highlights the need for a national policy to protect submerged Indigenous sites, which are at risk due to climate change, dredging, and seabed mining. Archaeological discoveries off the Pilbara coastline in Western Australia have uncovered ancient stone tools, rock art, and engravings dating back over 7,000 years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Archaeology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2021

What if our history was written in our grammar?

An international team reconstructed language families spanning over 10,000 years by combining genetics, linguistics, and musicology data. Grammar was found to reflect population history more closely than other cultural features, highlighting the importance of the grammatical factor in understanding human cultural evolution.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021