A new study finds that democratic leaders tend to be more aggressive in international conflicts due to public pressure and audience costs. However, exceptions exist, such as democracies with strong protections for a free press or those facing an existential threat from another nation.
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
Research is lacking on the effectiveness of early childhood development programs in humanitarian settings, which are plagued by war, disaster, and displacement. The article calls for further investigation into the implementation processes that lead to successful outcomes.
Researchers found that veterans tend to disclose wartime information on a strict need-to-know basis, and understanding these privacy rules can help therapists develop new techniques. Counseling strategies can be improved by emphasizing non-judgmental spaces and maintaining trust with clients.
The Sahara-Sahel region is experiencing a dramatic population decline of species such as African elephants and dorcas gazelles due to armed conflicts. The research highlights the need for greater emphasis on environmental factors in peace process initiatives to protect local wildlife.
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.
A new Yale study analyzed 14 million newspaper articles from 1900-2016 to find that each war brought a new term for what are now known as PTSD symptoms. This lack of clear terminology may have slowed clinical and scientific progress on the disorder.
Historian Prof. Dr Gerd Althoff argues that peace agreements have historically been successful when opponents establish genuine trust, rather than relying solely on confidence-building measures. This approach emphasizes forgiveness, mutual visits, and friendly conversation to create a foundation for long-term peace.
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.
A new study found that severe combat wounds and chronic PTSD can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. The research reviewed records of over 3,800 US service members who received intensive care for combat injuries sustained during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
A mass grave uncovered in Repton, Derbyshire, has been dated to the late 9th century, consistent with the Viking Great Army's presence in England. The graves contain a mix of men and women, including several with signs of violent injury, suggesting a possible ritual burial site.
Conflict-induced displacement of people in eastern Ukraine has been shown to drive the spread of HIV within the country. The largest exporters of viral lineages were regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, which then spread to central and southern regions, as well as cities like Kyiv and Odessa.
A new paper by Professor Inderjeet Parmar argues that the US-led liberal international order's founding values are incompatible with diverse international powers, causing inequality and political turmoil at home. The approach creates more instability as the US struggles to manage its rivalry with China.
A study published in International Studies Quarterly found that countries tend to behave more aggressively in international affairs after experiencing surges of nationalism from international sports. This includes cases such as the 1969 Soccer War and the 2016 English-Russian Euro riots, where military or political conflicts arose betw...
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.
Researchers found widespread disruptions in brain white matter across several regions, linked to higher pain levels and fatigue. The study suggests poor white matter health may contribute to persistent widespread pain experienced by Gulf War veterans.
A study by Dr Katherine C Cunningham found that shame and guilt predicted PTSD severity, with trauma-related shame accounting for more variance. Shame can lead to social withdrawal, while guilt motivates prosocial behavior.
A new ERC Grant project, ELWar, investigates how war influences electoral behavior in six postwar Balkan states over three decades. The study aims to identify the agents of postwar politics and their impact on societal decisions made after violence.
Historical analysis reveals significant changes in liberal foreign policy views from the 19th century to the present day. Modern liberals differ from their predecessors in rejecting active foreign policy and alliances, instead focusing on national interests and constitutional reforms.
A new study reveals that the British government's initial efforts to pay for World War One through loans from the public were a failure. The War Loan scheme raised less than a third of its £350 million target, with most funds coming from wealthy financiers and companies.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that George W. Bush and Barack Obama's military interventions between 2001-2016 set a precedent for Donald Trump to go to war unilaterally, expanding executive authority
A new study by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences found that U.S. Army soldiers who attempt suicide are more likely to do so again if their unit has a history of similar attempts. The study's results suggest that early postvention efforts can help prevent future suicide attempts.
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.