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Research provides insights on World War II naval battle site

A new study provides detailed 3D models of the USS Emmons, a US Navy destroyer that sank in 1945. The mapping technique using multibeam echosounding and photogrammetry will aid in preserving this World War II battle site for future research and education.

SourceWiley·JournalThe International Journal of Nautical Archaeology·DateJun 12, 2018

Why Armenia's transition to democracy failed

A new paper by Arman Grigoryan attributes Armenia's stalled democratization to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict and subsequent political processes. The conflict undermined liberal aspirations and empowered a military establishment, leading to the failure of Armenia's transition.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNationalities Papers·DateApr 30, 2018

Neural fingerprints of altruism

Research elucidates the neural basis of complex altruistic behavior, discovering two brain circuits that govern moral decisions in war veterans. The study used CT scans and an altruistic decision task to map brain damage and behavior, finding correlations between specific brain areas and punishment or donation behaviors.

An Arctic example: How scientific collaboration can foster international stability

The Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation aims to improve movement of researchers and equipment, share data and metadata, and transfer traditional knowledge across territories. Effective implementation will balance national interests with common goals for the benefit of all stakeholders in the region.

The glorification of history may give rise to a willingness to fight in a war

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...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalAsian Journal Of Social Psychology·DateJan 19, 2017

The Lancet Global Health: Arab uprising has had long-term effect on health, lowering life expectancy in several countries

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.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 24, 2016

In search of a golden age

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Folklore Research·DateAug 10, 2016

Climate disasters increase risk of armed conflict in multi-ethnic countries

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...

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2016

Deployed US military service members more likely to suffer noncombat bone and joint injuries

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJun 1, 2016

Study: Symptoms of 'chronic multisymptom illness' may be common in Iraq, Afghanistan vets

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.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateMay 13, 2016

Underwater archaeology looks at atomic relic of the Cold War

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Maritime Archaeology·DateApr 28, 2016

HIV spreads faster as violent conflict looms

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 12, 2015