Articles tagged with War
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.
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.
A new therapy program using virtual reality and scents like smoke and spices helps servicemen recover from wartime experiences. Researchers seek to reduce flashbacks and anxiety in veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A study analyzing Iraqi civilian deaths between 2003-2008 found that unknown perpetrators inflicted most of the violence, including extrajudicial executions and suicide bombs. The 'Dirty War Index' highlights the impact on vulnerable subgroups like women and children.
A new study by Rice University researchers found that countries with defensive military alliances are less likely to be attacked, and these alliances do not increase the likelihood of aggression. The study analyzed defense agreements from 1816 to 2001 and suggests that such alliances can make war and militarized conflicts shorter.
A pivotal study finds a strong association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an increased risk of dementia in veterans. The research, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that PTSD may be an early marker of dementia or contribute to cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that 44% of veterans with a traumatic brain injury developed post-traumatic epilepsy, and in some cases, seizures didn't appear until over 14 years after the injury. The study strongly suggests that veterans with brain injuries will require long-term neurology care.
A study of non-fatal war injuries found that those affected had significantly lower quality of life compared to US and Turkish general populations. Men were four times more likely to be injured than women, with injuries from jet bombings being a major contributor.
Alfred R. Rives led the design and construction of the iconic bridge, but was denied recognition after joining the Confederacy. New research reveals his crucial role in the project's success.
A new study published in Conflict Management and Peace Science suggests that peace is a vital ingredient for trade to flourish, rather than trade leading to peaceful relations. The authors found that conflict reduces trade and that ignoring this relationship can produce biased estimates.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons emphasizes the need for better care for extremity war injuries, citing challenges in research, host nation care, and disaster preparedness. The symposium highlighted the importance of funding more research to improve treatment outcomes.
A new nationwide study suggests that people are more likely to support withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq if one or more soldiers from their home state were killed there recently. This localized factor outweighs other considerations, such as national casualties, in shaping public opinion.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that the Bush administration's 'investment frame' strategy increased support for the Iraq War among supporters, but decreased tolerance among opponents. The study used a nationally representative sample to gauge public opinion in September 2006.
A new study by Management Insights suggests that Iraq veterans may be experiencing a PTSD rate of up to 35%, doubling the expected rate due to delayed onset and subsequent deployments. The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences calls for increased mental health resources to care for returning troops.
NC State will offer intensive language training courses in Arabic, Chinese, Urdu, Persian, and Russian. The program aims to prepare military leaders for global conflict by providing them with hands-on experience in critical languages and cultures.
A Tel Aviv University study found that employees' faith in their tools significantly outperforms on exams by about five points. The study suggests that managers can strengthen workers' belief in the utility of their tools to promote successful performance.
A new study finds that low-income conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan and Somalia receive significantly less aid for reproductive health compared to non-conflict-affected countries. The researchers found that an average of just $509.3m (2.4%) was allocated to reproductive health out of a total of $20.8 billion annually.
A new article in Family Relations explores the concept of community capacity building to provide essential support to military families. The framework outlines a collaborative approach to connecting isolated families with support services, enhancing family strengths and preventing stressful experiences from becoming crises.
A recent study by George Mason University researcher Mona Ternus found that mothers' military deployment has a significant impact on their health as well as the health of their adolescent children. Deployment duration is associated with an increase in symptoms and risk behaviors among both mothers and teens.
A recent study highlights the importance of prompt medical intervention in combat injuries, where timely surgical care can significantly improve survival rates. Orthopaedic surgeons are at the forefront of this effort, providing treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage and promote optimal function.
Clostridium perfringens produces a potent toxin that promotes tissue damage, inflammation, and heart effects, posing significant risks to poultry and diabetic individuals.
A growing trend of outsourcing military labor to private contractors has led to a shift in accountability, with the human toll and costs being externalized. This raises concerns about holding foreign contractors accountable for crimes and protecting their welfare.
The OPT is experiencing a humanitarian crisis, with rising poverty rates, unemployment, and food insecurity. The country is also struggling to combat infectious diseases, with infant mortality rates stalled at 27 per 1000 live births, and tuberculosis and meningococcal meningitis on the rise.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals that a gene in the blind mole rat, which allows it to thrive in low-oxygen environments, is also active in human tumors. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-cancer drugs that 'suffocate' tumors.
A new editorial emphasizes the need to address the devastating impact of rape as a weapon of war, citing conflicts in the DRC, Burma, Sudan, and former Yugoslavia. The PLoS Medicine editors argue that medical journalists and editors can draw attention to this issue, influencing support for humanitarian organizations and advocacy groups.
The UN has failed to uphold its founding principle of protecting civilians and ensuring medical attention for those injured during conflicts. The Editorial suggests that the medical profession could play a crucial role in advocating for humanitarian health needs, calling on governments and international organizations to take action.
Researchers introduced the 'Dirty War Index', a tool linking prohibited outcomes to international humanitarian laws. The DWI ratio helps analyze and prevent harmful effects of armed conflicts on populations, with examples from the Colombian civil conflict showing paramilitaries had the highest civilian death rate.
The study aims to separate dysfunctional brain activity from 'noise' using spatial statistical modeling, a new technique that uses neighboring locations to strengthen weak signals. The research could help identify specific areas of the brain affected by the syndrome in Persian Gulf War veterans.
A new NC State University study reveals that ordinary people can work together to oppose the government's definition of a crisis and show how its actions undermine their American way of life. The study shows that defined as patriotic, common-sense citizens, opponents built a more credible connection to a patriotic American ethos.
Plastic surgeons are making significant advances in facial reconstruction using innovative technologies such as 3D modeling and prefabricated implants. These advancements benefit both wounded warriors and civilians hurt in inner-city violence or trauma.
Researchers found that individuals with lower physical sensitivities to sudden noises and threatening images tend to support liberal policies, while those with higher physiological reactions favor conservative policies. This discovery may help explain the stability of strong convictions and the prevalence of political conflict.
Research by Jürgen Scheffran suggests climate change could trigger wars and conflicts due to resource scarcity and environmental degradation. The expert recommends addressing climate change through international cooperation and national policy.
A new study published in the American Sociological Review found that individuals with personal connections to victims of the Iraq War or 9/11 terrorist attacks are less likely to approve of President Bush's performance, affecting both Republicans and Democrats. The pattern holds true across all demographics.
A new study by researchers at the University of Utah found that Colombian children living in war zones exhibited a complex moral understanding, with most rejecting theft and harm but accepting it as a means to an end. The study highlights potential vulnerabilities in children's moral lives during times of conflict.
The Deep Green program aims to create a system that can help future combat commanders anticipate enemy moves and adjust plans. The system uses anticipatory planning with adaptive execution, generating options for all sides in an operation and predicting the likelihood of multiple futures.
The May 2008 issue of Reproductive Health Matters explores the gendered dimensions of disaster in conflict and crisis settings. The article highlights the urgent need for a new humanitarian paradigm that prioritizes the needs and solutions of displaced communities, led by women, to survive and rebuild.
A new study by UC researchers suggests that cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) among soldiers who served in the first Persian Gulf War were caused by specific events, with a declining risk after 1996.
A nationwide study of 3,000 Lebanese adults found that one in four had a lifetime mental health disorder, with major depression being the most common. Exposure to war-related events significantly increased the risk of developing an anxiety or mood disorder.
The development of autonomous robot weapons is a growing concern, with the US DoD planning to spend an estimated $24 billion on unmanned systems technology. Professor Noel Sharkey warns that these robots could become a standard terrorist weapon, replacing suicide bombers.
A new study by Markus Giesler explores the seven-year conflict between music downloaders and corporate executives, revealing a four-act drama of market evolution. The research identifies a fundamental cultural tension between utilitarian and possessive ideals, influencing consumer behavior and producer statements.
A study by Indiana University found that veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War were 25% more likely to visit an emergency department than those who did not serve. The study also suggested that limited access to outpatient services or higher rates of accidents and injuries may be contributing factors.
A new study offers insights into Uganda's post-conflict reconstruction, highlighting the need for accountability, truth commissions, and economic development. The research suggests that a majority of respondents believe peace can be achieved in northern Uganda, but social infrastructures and livelihoods require rebuilding.
A new study reveals that long-term climate change can initiate conflict and lead to population decline. The researchers found a cyclic pattern of turbulent periods when temperatures were low, followed by tranquil ones when temperatures were higher, resulting in increased wars and population declines.