Articles tagged with War
The PLOS Medicine editors call for more research on approaches to preventing deliberate attacks on health care facilities and health workers during armed conflict. Despite increased international initiatives and conferences, attacks on healthcare have escalated, causing significant harm to populations.
The number of battle-related deaths remained relatively stable over the past decade, with 33 active conflicts causing at least 25 casualties in 2013. The deadliest conflict was Syria, accounting for 40% of the total estimated 38,000 casualties in 2012.
Researchers argue that young people from disadvantaged communities in Northern Ireland need safe spaces to express their views, aiming to prevent exploitation by extremist forces. The symposium's report recommends devising a strategy for deprived communities, ensuring equality of citizenship and legal protections.
A new theoretical review published in American Psychologist suggests that favoritism, rather than hostility, is the primary cause of discrimination in the US. The researchers found that most discrimination occurs as a result of ordinary, unintentional acts that benefit those similar to the person doing the favor.
A new study found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients have altered microRNA expression linked to chronic inflammation. The study suggests trauma may cause changes in microRNA, promoting inflammation and contributing to secondary medical conditions.
Rates of PTSD increased sevenfold and severe distress nearly tripled over six years, with persisting injustice linked to a quadrupling of risk for PTSD. Mental health services should be enhanced to meet increased needs in post-conflict settings.
Researchers found Gulf War veterans with impaired mitochondrial function had significantly delayed phosphocreatine recovery after exercise, a robust marker of mitochondrial dysfunction. Impaired mitochondrial function accounts for Gulf War illness symptoms like fatigue, cognitive challenges, muscle problems, and exercise intolerance.
A new study found an association between poor sleep quality and reduced gray matter volume in the brain's frontal lobe of Gulf War veterans. The study controlled for comorbid psychiatric conditions and found that poorer subjective sleep quality was associated with reduced total cortical and regional frontal lobe gray matter volumes.
Researchers explore different models of recovery after brain injury, highlighting the importance of combining clinical intuition with CRT theory. Studies also investigate the impact of pediatric CRT on intellectual functioning and nonverbal communication processing after TBI.
A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that smoking behavior in soldiers is linked to war zone stress and unit support. The study, which examined data from over 1,000 US Army soldiers, found that soldiers who started smoking while in war zones were more likely to consume alcohol and hold junior ranks.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that WWII had long-lasting consequences on health, education, and marriage among European survivors. Living in a war-torn country increased the likelihood of physical and mental problems later in life, including diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
Researchers discovered a mathematical law that explains a wide range of human confrontations, including child-parent struggles, cyber-attacks, and civil unrest. The 'power-law' formula can be applied to make quantitative predictions about future attacks and create intervention strategies.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that private contractors working in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other conflict environments report higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression than military personnel. Despite the challenges, many contractors struggle to access mental health resources.
Ancel Keys, a prominent nutrition researcher, has had a significant impact on American eating habits. The new biography aims to explore his life and work in the context of the evolution of American food culture and its effects on health status.
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that second-generation Holocaust survivors had consistently lower levels of post-traumatic growth than non-second generation survivors, contrary to expectations. The researchers suggest that this may be due to inherited trauma and guilt from their parents' experience.
A new study from the University of Washington estimates nearly 500,000 excess Iraqi deaths between 2003 and 2011, with 40% attributed to indirect war-related causes. The research used a national cluster sample survey to analyze mortality rates before and during the conflict.
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that approximately 405,000 Iraqi deaths were attributed to the 2003-2011 war and subsequent occupation. The research found that violent deaths were primarily caused by coalition forces and militia, with gunshots being the leading cause.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that lengthy military deployments increase the risk of divorce among US enlisted service members. Women are more likely to divorce than men, especially those deployed to combat zones. The risk is higher for couples married before the 9/11 attacks.
Indigenous groups from 17 countries deploy powerful mapping tools combined with traditional knowledge to mark and safeguard their lands. The technology helps document history, catalog natural resources, and bolster fights against destruction of forests, peatlands, and waterways.
A new study by Bear Braumoeller at Ohio State University suggests that while conflict may be less common, the ability of countries to wage war has decreased over time. The analysis found no clear trend indicating a decrease in nations' willingness to go to war.
Ruth Canning's research project explores the Nine Years' War, a 400-year-old conflict that shaped Ireland's identity and continues to influence its culture today. The grant will fuel her three-year study of this overlooked war, which could lead to a more nuanced understanding of present-day situations.
A new study suggests that suspending humanity through objectification can prevent war crimes, while dehumanizing others evokes disgust and disempathy. By understanding the brain's workings in these situations, researchers aim to develop a more effective military strategy that minimizes harm.
A study by Connie Svob and Norman Brown found that people are more likely to remember transitional moments from their life stories, such as promotions or pets. The researchers identified distinct elements or life markers that separated the two groups of participants, suggesting a positive predisposition to detect and remember change.
A study of 1123 WWII veterans found that those facing heavy combat attended church 21% more often if they claimed their war experience was negative, while those with positive experiences attended 26% less often. Religious involvement may be particularly meaningful for combat veterans with negative military experiences.
Soldiers at risk of PTSD if public support for war is low, social validation shapes distress from killing. Narcissists woo women more easily, while virtuous people's happiness varies across cultures, influenced by antisocial punishment and geographical distance in politics.
A new study from the University of Alberta suggests that public support for wars can lead to increased mental distress in combatants upon returning home. The research highlights the importance of considering public opinion when making decisions about military actions.
A study by CSIC researchers reveals two main types of behaviors in collaborative Wikipedia editing: clashes with rapid agreement, and interactions between three groups with varying levels of consensus. Despite initial disagreement, opposing opinions tend to converge over time through the article's content.
A Norwegian study examines the cases of soldiers convicted for sexual violence during the Bosnian War, highlighting three categories of perpetrators: romantic heroes, opportunists, and repentant sinners. The research emphasizes the importance of clear training and leadership to prevent such behavior.
A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science suggests that both pre-war psychological vulnerabilities and combat-related trauma contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The researchers analyzed data from 260 male Vietnam veterans, finding that those who experienced life-threatening ...
A recent study published in the journal Organization argues that the private security industry lacks transparency and accountability, leading to hidden costs of war. The industry's global worth is estimated to be billions of pounds, yet its activities are often shrouded in secrecy, hindering public debate.
A recent study from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy has found that Mexico's violent drug cartels have failed due to prohibition, and that shifting the government's approach from a war mindset to crime fighting is crucial. The report recommends strengthening civil service, law enforcement, and judicial systems to pre...
A systematic review of 14 studies and 1,600 participants found lasting decrements in neurological and cognitive function, particularly in memory and information processing speed. The study's findings suggest that low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides may be associated with impaired cognitive function.
When conflicts end, in-group solidarity in alliances rapidly disappears as former comrades fight over spoils. Economist experiments demonstrate that alliance members expend less effort when anticipating future distributional conflicts, highlighting the collective action problem faced by alliances.
A University of British Columbia study reveals that conservatives and liberals share a surprising level of common moral ground, particularly on issues of fairness and care for humanity. The research suggests that progress on divisive social issues is more likely when framed in these terms.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder team analyzed extensive climate datasets and violent conflicts in East Africa, finding moderate increases in temperature reduce conflict risk slightly, while very hot temperatures increase it. Socioeconomic factors have a much greater impact on conflict risk than climate change.
A study by Wayne State University researchers found that Iraq war refugees who fled after the Gulf War were 43 times more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea and later suffer from major chronic health issues. The research suggests a link between pre-Gulf War trauma, mental disorders, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
The Carlsberg Foundation has awarded two prestigious research prizes to professors from the University of Copenhagen, recognizing their groundbreaking work in cancer research and international politics. Kristian Helin's research on cell division and differentiation has led to important knowledge about what goes wrong in cells when canc...
Researchers found that majority of Wikipedia pages are peaceful, but edit wars are waged between strongly disagreeing editors. Consensus is generally reached in a reasonable time, even for controversial articles, except in cases of never-ending wars with multiple active editors.
A new study puts finishing touches on the history of the 'Bay of the Pirates' warship's beak-like weapon, identifying a major threat to preserving it. The analysis revealed that the ancient wooden marine treasure is made of pine with waterproofing agents and contains copious sulfur that can turn into corrosive acid.
Researchers suggest that older-looking candidates may have an advantage in wartime elections due to implicit biases towards leaders who appear older and more dominant. The study found that altered images of Barack Obama and John McCain showed a preference for the older-looking version of each candidate.
The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among troops is surprisingly low, thanks to new programs and treatments. The Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program and Battlemind training have helped soldiers build resilience and cope with stressors before deployment and after returning home.
Naval Postgraduate School professor Moshe Kress' article reviews quantitative approaches to modeling military operations and threat situations. The piece discusses historical, classical, present, and future conflict models, including dynamics of today's insurgencies.
The US Navy is conducting a multinational effort to clear the Baltic Sea of underwater mines, highlighting the importance of Undersea Medicine for national security. This field, designated a National Naval Responsibility, aims to protect America's undersea warriors from hazards like oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness.
Researchers found that people consistently judge pistol-packers to be taller and stronger than men holding other objects, even when hand size and appearance are similar. The study suggests an unconscious mental mechanism that gauges threat and translates it into size and strength dimensions.
The Brazilian Navy faced its worst enemy in WWI - the Spanish flu, resulting in over 100 soldier deaths. The research sheds light on the factors contributing to this tragic event, including weakened respiratory systems and lack of immunity.
A Rhode Island Hospital physician describes his experience caring for over 1,300 patients in a Libyan field hospital, highlighting the importance of strong logistical support and supply chain management. Community support was also vital to the project's success, with local staff and volunteers playing a key role.
Pregnant women exposed to armed conflict have a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies due to psychological stress. The study, conducted in the Israeli-occupied territories during the Second Intifada, found a positive association between conflict-related fatalities and low-birth weight children.
A new study in Armed Forces & Society explores how the US military contributed to the widespread appeal of college football. The research highlights the role of World Wars in bringing about issues like payment of college athletes.
A new study highlights the perspectives of 20 Israeli women soldiers who've served in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, introducing new themes into women's discourse of protest. The research shows that military service can be a source of symbolic capital for women to legitimize criticism of the military and its actions.
A new study published in Psychological Science explains how motivation drives groups to behave in a particular manner. The research found that a threat to American identity influences how Americans respond to the symbolic building of a mosque near Ground Zero.
A new study led by San Francisco State University's Daniel Bernardi aims to track rumors and identify those with the power to become weapons in counterinsurgency operations. The team will develop a database of rumors that could undermine efforts in Afghanistan.
The UN summit declaration on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is deemed underwhelming due to its lack of tangible targets and voluntary approach, reflecting national and industry interests. The Editorial calls for bold action from individual countries to tackle the biggest health challenge facing future generations.
A new study suggests that harboring overconfidence can be beneficial in various situations, including sports and business. The research reveals that accurate assessments are often outweighed by overconfident strategies when the rewards of conflict are high enough to justify the risks.
A study found that over 32% of veterans reported extramarital sex, compared to 16.8% of non-veterans. Veterans were also almost 10% more likely to have gotten divorced, and those who reported extramarital sex were 2.3 times more likely to have ever divorced.
A study evaluating a command-directed casualty response system found improved survival rates among U.S. Army Rangers, with 92% of casualties surviving despite severe injuries from explosions and gunfire. The system's success is attributed to its integration of Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines and prehospital trauma registry.
A new study finds that women in conflict-affected areas often want access to family planning but are unable to get it due to limited healthcare services. The research highlights the gap between what women want and what is available, with only a small percentage using modern contraception.
Researchers found WWII bombing raids in Europe impacted the English climate by suppressing morning temperature increases in heavily flown areas. The study provides a unique opportunity to assess the effect of modern aviation on climate.
A recent study published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution found that reducing unemployment does not decrease insurgent attacks against government and allied forces. The researchers tested this prediction in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines using survey data on unemployment and two newly available measures of insurgency.
Researchers discovered that wearing body armor fully protected mice brains from axonal nerve cell damage in critical parts of the brain. Body armor shielded mice from over 80% of axonal damage observed in the brain's visual pathways.
Researchers at WSU aim to uncover the biological cause of Gulf War Illness by studying genomic instability. High levels of chromosomal aberrations have been detected in GWI patients, similar to those found in cancer patients. The study may lead to a simple blood test for diagnosing GWI.