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Geography and culture may shape Latin American and Caribbean maize

A recent study published in PLOS ONE analyzed 194 native Latin American maize populations, revealing three distinct geographic groups of maize in Mexico and four groups in South America and the Caribbean. The findings suggest that genetic variation in maize populations may reflect human migration patterns and agricultural development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 12, 2017

Migrant values adapt over just 1 generation

A study by the University of Exeter has found that the children of migrants tend to think and reason like the wider UK population. This shift occurs despite retaining cultural similarities with their parents. The research suggests that communities can integrate over a single generation, contrary to common assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2016

The shape of a perfect fire

A study by Adrian Bejan at Duke University reveals that the ideal fire shape is roughly as tall as it is wide, facilitating efficient air and heat flow. This design enables humans to migrate and spread across the globe, a direct prediction of the Constructal Law.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2015

Snail genetic tracks reveal ancient human migration

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that Mesolithic humans transported banded wood snails from southern France to Ireland, based on genetically identical snails found in both regions. The research provides insight into the ancient human migration patterns and their impact on the local ecosystem.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 19, 2013

Physicists decipher social cohesion issues

A new study uses computer simulation to explore how directional migration influences cooperation levels and population structure. The results show improved cooperation among individuals in dense clusters resembling social cohesion.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 3, 2013

Louse genetics offer clues on human migrations

A new genetic analysis of human lice from around the world sheds light on their evolution, disease transmission, and resistance to insecticides. The study's findings suggest that lice can be used as a tool to understand human migration patterns and test ideas about human evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2013

The math of malaria

A mathematical model has been proposed to study malaria transmission, focusing on the reproduction number and its dependence on human travel rates. The research highlights the critical role of human movement in spreading the disease, suggesting that effective control measures may involve more rigorous border screening and regulation.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateJun 20, 2012

Unusual microbes could hitch a ride with travellers

Researchers discovered a rare yeast species, Saccharomycopsis fodiens, in geographically distant locations, suggesting its spread may be linked to human migrations. The novel strain is parasitic and unusual in using alternative growth methods, providing clues about global micro-organism dispersal.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateJun 12, 2012

Mother of all humans lived 200,000 years ago

A new statistical method confirms that mitochondrial Eve, the mother of all humans, lived around 200,000 years ago. The study compared 10 human genetic models and found that they produced similar estimates, suggesting that refining assumptions beyond a certain point is not crucial in capturing the big picture.

SourceRice University·JournalTheoretical Population Biology·DateAug 17, 2010

Wiping out the world's mass migrations

A recent study analyzes the impact of human activity on large-scale terrestrial migrations, revealing that up to a quarter of migrating species have gone extinct. Human activities such as fencing, farming, and water restrictions have altered habitats and reduced migration routes, leading to significant declines in animal populations.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateJun 1, 2009

Mountain caribou's ancient ancestry revealed

A study by University of Calgary researchers found that mountain caribou populations are remnants of a blending between two major subspecies of caribou during the last ice age. The analysis of DNA and tracking data showed that they are hybrids with genetic expressions of migratory behavior.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJan 28, 2009

Is it too late to save the great migrations?

The world's great animal migrations are experiencing steep declines and disappearances due to human activities such as dam construction, overfishing, and habitat destruction. The loss of these migrations not only disrupts the natural balance but also has significant effects on the ecology of surrounding landscapes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 28, 2008

New research forces U-turn in population migration theory

Genetic evidence reveals a significant shift in the timeline of human migration into Island Southeast Asia, forcing a reevaluation of existing theories. The research suggests that climate change and sea-level rise drove population expansions across the region, rather than agriculture-driven 'Out of Taiwan' model.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 23, 2008