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.
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 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.
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.
Research by Professor Wendy Webster uncovers the mixed reactions to foreigners in Britain during WWII, from welcome for Black GIs to hostility towards civilian refugees. The Mixing It project results in a book and Imperial War Museum exhibition examining diverse experiences of war workers, soldiers, and refugees.
Researchers conducted life history interviews with 26 health workers who lived through conflict in Northern Uganda, revealing their resilience and coping mechanisms. The study proposes solutions to protect and motivate health workers during and after crises, including community support, formal promotion, and regular pay.
A Penn State researcher found that as U.S. casualties rose in Afghanistan, war coverage became increasingly negative towards the military and the war effort. Reporters who were embedded with troops reported more negative tones than those outside the country.
A new INFORMS study analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Israel's Iron Dome system, which saved lives during recent conflicts. The study found that Iron Dome may have prevented around 1778 Israeli casualties in 2012 and 525 in 2014, but its effectiveness is disputed due to imperfect rocket categorization.
A new study analyzing Saddam Hussein's private transcripts reveals a striking similarity between his public and private beliefs on international affairs. The researchers found that while public speeches were often straightforward, private discussions exhibited more complexity and nuanced views, particularly on the US, Iran, and Israel.
A Tel Aviv University study found Israeli youths exposed to terrorism and conflict suffer higher levels of anxiety, phobia, and depression than their US counterparts. Girls are particularly vulnerable, with more severe psychiatric pathologies reported than boys.
The study analyzed data from combat hospitals and found that damage control resuscitation policies led to a decrease in average crystalloid infusion volume and increased use of fresh frozen plasma. This shift resulted in better survival outcomes for severely injured patients, particularly those with severe head trauma.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateFeb 3, 2014
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.
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.
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.
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...