Articles tagged with War
A new study in The Lancet uses WhatsApp to collect robust data on attacks against health care workers and facilities in Syria, identifying 402 incidents between November 2015 and December 2016. Nearly half of hospitals were attacked, and services were hit more than once.
Researchers at Drexel University have identified an enzyme inhibitor that could treat some of the neurological effects of Gulf War Illness, a disease linked to organophosphate nerve agents. The study found that correcting microtubule function may alleviate symptoms such as insomnia and cognitive problems.
The number of fatalities in organized violence decreased to 102,000 in 2016, a decline of over 20% from the peak year of 2014. However, conflicts with external involvement remain a major concern for researchers, who note that these conflicts are more likely to escalate into larger wars.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have found that man o' war sting first aid should be based on evidence, not traditional practices. Vinegar rinses and hot water treatments are effective in neutralizing venom and reducing pain, while seawater rinses can worsen stings.
A study by Aarhus BSS at Aarhus Universit found that people who perceive the world as conflict-ridden and are predisposed to aggressive behavior are more likely to support dominant leaders. This support is driven by a desire to escalate conflicts aggressively rather than fear or new situations.
A study estimates that 814 medical personnel were killed in the Syrian conflict, with nearly 200 attacks on health facilities in 2016. The authors call for greater accountability and protection for health workers, highlighting the need to address human rights law violations.
A new study found that nations with indirect alliances are less likely to engage in major conflicts. The probability of conflict between neighboring countries decreases as the degree of separation increases, reaching a low of 3-4% for those within three degrees of each other.
Researchers found a 39.4% increase in smoking prevalence among soldiers from 26.2% at recruitment to 36.5% at discharge. Former smokers were at greatest risk of relapsing to smoking during service, with nearly half of former smokers returning to smoking.
The World History Survey found correlations between historical beliefs and war willingness, with determinist views associated with higher aggression. Western countries tend to reject such views, while Asian nations and lower-developed countries accept them more. In contrast, developed countries with individualistic cultures oppose figh...
Veterans with Iraq-Afghanistan war-related epilepsy had substantially higher mortality rates than those without the condition. After controlling for comorbid conditions, IAVs with epilepsy were about 2.6 times more likely to die during a 5-year span.
VA researchers found certain HLA gene alleles offer protection from Gulf War illness, while lacking them makes veterans vulnerable to symptoms. The studies used MEG brain scans to track differences and found that such protection is manifested in the brain.
Two new species of lizards, Liolaemus janequeoae and Liolaemus leftrarui, have been discovered in the Andean highlands of Southern Chile. These species were named after courageous tribal chiefs who fought against colonial Spaniards during the Arauco war.
Researchers found a protein produced by yellow fever and Zika viruses that suppresses the mosquito's immune response, allowing the virus to evade detection. This discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases like Zika.
Military surgeons develop guidelines for treating devastating wounds, including massive blood transfusions and wound cleaning, to stabilize patients and prevent long-term complications. The review aims to improve trauma care in both military and civilian hospitals, reducing preventable deaths from injury.
The Arab uprising and subsequent wars have had a devastating impact on the region's health, with many countries experiencing downward turns in life expectancy. The study reveals that infant mortality rates are rising, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are becoming increasingly prevalent.
A new scientific study finds that wars and civil unrest are subverting improved health conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Conflicts have destroyed infrastructures, displaced millions of people, and slowed immunization campaigns, posing major obstacles to public health efforts.
Linguistic anthropologist Piers Kelly argues that the Philippines' 'golden age' war treasure myth is rooted in local folklore, not WWII-era plunder. The tale of hidden riches thrives during times of crisis to boost morale and challenge economic inequality.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that climate disasters like heat-waves or droughts enhance the risk of armed conflicts in countries with high ethnic diversity. The research analyzed data from the international reinsurance market leader Munich Re and a conflict dataset establishe...
A literature review found that deployed military service members are three times more likely to suffer non-combat musculoskeletal injuries than combat-related ones. Non-combat injuries common among service members include ACL injuries and ankle sprains, with 50% of surgical procedures on the knee or shoulder.
History professor María Bárbara Zepeda Cortés is searching 'The Gálvez Papers' at The Huntington Library in California to understand the impact of this wildy successful Spanish reformer. She seeks insights into how Gálvez empowered regional leaders, transformed borders and created surprising ways in the region.
Researchers found that belief in Iron Dome's success and resilience can mitigate PTSD symptoms. The study showed that even at high trauma exposure levels, resilient individuals with confidence in Iron Dome experienced reduced trauma symptoms.
A study of over 300 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans found that nearly 50% met the criteria for mild to moderate CMI, with common symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, and difficulty remembering. The study suggests a link between deployment and CMI, but notes limitations in the research and recommends further investigation.
Research by University of Sussex professor Constantin Blome found that industry collaboration and consumer pressure can make a big impact in the global drive to stop profits from mineral trade falling into the hands of armed groups. Simple measures such as sharing lists of certified smelters and refineries can help.
A teenage boy's liver injury from paintballing highlights growing pellet-related injuries. Black henna tattoos have also been linked to allergic reactions. A former WWII soldier's body revealed various war injuries, including shrapnel fragments.
The article discusses the recent declassification of documents on the USS Independence, a World War II aircraft carrier used as a target in the first atomic bomb tests. The documents provide insight into the ship's post-Bikini history, including radiation levels and decisions to remove contaminated fuel oil.
The ACS-Military Health System Partnership is developing a pre-deployment course for military surgeons to prepare them for combat and disaster scenarios. The goal is to ensure the military's trauma system remains intact between conflicts, building on the successful Joint Trauma Theater System.
A new RAND report finds that the US is insufficiently countering the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The report recommends more comprehensive training and advising of indigenous forces and forging political agreements to resolve key drivers of conflict.
An estimated 140,000 women die in conflict every year, with many more expected to die in pregnancy and childbirth due to inadequate protection and medical care. Doctors argue that a focus on women's health could provide an area of common interest between warring parties seeking political solutions.
A doctor warns that many Europeans are denied access to healthcare, with two-thirds of migrants having no access and four in five unable to see a GP. The doctor calls for governments to honour their humanitarian obligations and provide care to those in need.
The Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) has successfully recovered a bronze bell from the I-400, a World War II-era Imperial Japanese Navy mega-submarine. The recovery was made possible through a collaboration between HURL and other organizations, including NOAA and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum.
A Penn State historian explores how mutual mistrust fueled the UFO movement, which shares similarities with current denialism and conspiracy theory debates. The study finds that ufologists' distrust of scientists is a key factor in understanding the phenomenon.
Researchers discovered a link between prenatal stress and lower birth weight in children born to mothers experiencing trauma in war-torn regions. The study also found that stressful life experiences can affect genes involved in the body's response to stress, with long-term consequences for child development.
A new report by a Boston University School of Public Health researcher links Gulf War toxins to illness in veterans, citing pesticide and nerve gas exposure as causally associated with Gulf War Illness. The study found structural and electrical abnormalities in the central nervous systems of deployed troops with GWI.
The Syrian-American Medical Society has helped over two million people with $25-million in aid, providing 24/7 telemedicine consulting and training on portable ultrasound. The healthcare situation in Syria is grim, with 75,000 civilians dying from war injuries and life expectancy plummeting by 20 years.
A new study found that damage control resuscitation (DCR) practices originating in military settings have been widely adapted in civilian trauma care. The majority of responding Trauma Medical Directors reported routine use of a 1:1:1 blood product ratio, which increases patient survival rates.
A new report by Physicians for Human Rights documents 45 hospital attacks in eastern Aleppo, with two-thirds forced to close. The authors call for an international stance against violating medical neutrality, warning that such attacks could become the 'new normal' in armed conflicts.
A new study by Brown University found that HIV incidence rises significantly in the five years leading up to bloodshed in sub-Saharan Africa. The rate of new infections increases by 2.1 infections per 1000 people a year during this period, compared to times of peace.
A UT Dallas political science professor has received a grant from the NSF to extend coverage of the Correlates of War Projects' Militarized Interstate Dispute (MID) data through 2017. The project aims to collect data quickly and efficiently using new methods, including crowdsourcing.
A Dartmouth-led study analyzing satellite imagery of nearly 1,300 archaeological sites in Syria finds that the Kurdish YPG, opposition forces, and Syrian regime have also been major players in the devastation. War-related looting is most widespread in areas with weak centralized authority.
A 2009 mandate reduced time between critical injury and definitive care, resulting in improved survival rates. Decreasing transport time and increasing prehospital helicopter transport within 60 minutes or less led to a lower percentage killed in action.
A study analyzing civilian deaths in Syria from 2011 to 2015 found that explosive weapons had disproportionate lethal effects on women and children. Children were more likely to be fatal victims of air bombardments, shells, and ground level explosives than men or women.
Among 51 military service members who experienced severe acute kidney injury, 88% were due to blasts or projectiles, and 22% died within 60 days. Most survivors regained normal kidney function, but some developed chronic kidney disease or proteinuria, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring.
Researchers identified a mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana plants that allows them to break down the toxic and persistent explosive TNT. The MDHAR6-mutant plants exhibit enhanced shoot and root biomass when grown in TNT-treated soil, rendering TNT less toxic.
Researchers at Ohio State University challenge the widely-held theory that democracies are less likely to go to war with each other. Their new technique and model accurately predicted international conflict five and ten years in advance, outperforming existing models. The study highlights the importance of economic trade relationships ...
Reducing trade barriers between countries leads to a decrease in defence spending, as shown by researchers Roman Zakharenko and his colleagues. The study found that increased trade volumes can reduce defence spending globally, with significant reductions observed in countries participating in trade relations.
A study of over 1,800 Vietnam veterans found that approximately 271,000 have current full or subthreshold PTSD and major depressive disorder, with 4.5-11.2% prevalence rates among male and female veterans. The findings highlight the long-term impact of combat service on mental health.
A global study involving 6,902 university students found that Einstein and Mandela are consistently ranked as heroes, while Hitler is often considered the worst villain across cultures. The results highlight varying opinions on historical figures and events, reflecting cultural differences in perception.
A survey of 10,000 respondents across eight Arctic states reveals major differences on cooperation with Russia and military conflict. Majorities support diplomatic approaches over strengthening military presence in the region.
A new statistical analysis reveals that the Mexican government's war against drugs increased the average murder rate in regions subjected to military-style interventions. The study found an average increase of nearly 11 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants across 18 affected regions, with some experiencing a significant reduction and othe...
Archaeologists uncovered a complete camel skeleton in Tulln, Austria, dating back to the 17th century, shedding light on camel use in Central Europe. The hybrid camel, with a dromedary mother and Bactrian father, was likely used for military transportation, not food.
Institutions like King's College London are reviewing military medical advancements to improve civilian healthcare, focusing on low-resource regions where life-saving treatments can be adapted and implemented. The review calls for research and policy changes to transfer these innovations.
Research by Lasse Laustsen and Michael Bang Petersen suggests that competent leaders are often preferred for leadership roles but not necessarily as friends. In contrast, non-dominant individuals with cooperative traits are often chosen as friends regardless of political ideology or social conflict context.
A new study by University of Kansas professors found that partisanship among the most educated Americans can lead to a divergence in fact understanding. Well-educated respondents disagreed more along partisan lines than less-educated respondents on highly politicized issues, suggesting education alone may not be enough to create consen...
A study published in Population and Development Review found that adolescent fertility in Iraq increased by over 30% between 2003 and 2010. The trend was particularly pronounced among less-educated adolescents, highlighting the need for expanding access to secondary education and promoting security for young girls.
Researchers from HURL and NOAA team discover the USS Kailua, a historic cable ship that served in World War II, sitting upright in 2,000 feet of water nearly 20 miles off Oahu's coast. The ship was surprisingly intact for its age, with well-preserved upper deck structures and no signs of torpedo damage.
Yale psychologist Oriana Aragon's study reveals that people cry when they're happy to restore emotional balance. Individuals who express negative reactions to positive news can better moderate intense emotions.
A century on, researchers found WWI surgeons couldn't effectively treat amputation-related pain, despite advancements in prosthetic technology. Phantom limb pain, common among survivors, remains poorly understood and difficult to manage.
Researchers used the genetic data to learn about Shigella flexneri's resistance to drugs and its evolution over time. The study provides valuable insights into how the pathogen has changed since World War I and may help develop an effective vaccine for dysentery.
A team of researchers led by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries discovered two significant vessels from World War II's Battle of the Atlantic, the German U-boat 576 and the freighter Bluefields, approximately 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina. The discovery provides a rare window into a historic military battle and the...
First responders trained in simple integrative medicine approaches like acupuncture and biofeedback can provide adjunctive treatment to help relieve patients' pain and stress. The article highlights the potential benefit of modifying these techniques for use in natural disasters and battle zones.