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Humans are evolved for nature, not cities

A new paper argues that modern life has outpaced human evolution, leading to chronic stress and health issues. The researchers suggest that societies need to rethink their relationship with nature and design healthier environments to mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 18, 2025

FAU historian traces the transformation of U.S. nursing homes into big business

A recent study by Willa Granger examines the transformation of nursing homes in postwar America, tracing the development of the modern nursing home industry through the lens of the Americana Corporation. The research reveals how federal programs and corporate models reshaped eldercare, prioritizing scale and replication over community ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of the Society of Architectural Historians·TypeCase study·DateOct 22, 2025

Revolutionizing the world of smell and olfaction: Highlights from the 8th Digital Olfaction Society World Congress 2024

The 8th Digital Olfaction Society World Congress highlights groundbreaking advancements in digital olfaction, from smart necklaces to drones equipped with olfactory sensors. The event showcases innovative applications of scent digitization technologies, including virtual reality systems and e-nose devices for early disease detection.

Understanding the impact of human activity on air quality: A look at aerosol pollution before and after the industrial revolution

A recent study found that human-made secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) contribute up to 53% of total SOA levels today, a significant increase from preindustrial times. This dramatic change is crucial to understanding the environmental impact of human activities on air quality and climate change.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 29, 2024

New Earth Science Frontiers study highlights achievements of the scientific drilling of Songliao Basin

A groundbreaking scientific drilling project has unearthed the world's longest geological record of the Cretaceous period, spanning over 50 million years. The project, led by Professor Wang Chengshan, has provided crucial insights into paleoclimate research and will continue to aid in predicting future climate trends.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEarth Science Frontiers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2024

Five grand challenges for the future at the interface of engineering and medicine

Researchers identify five grand challenges in biomedical engineering to address social needs, existing gaps, and technological limitations. The Convergence Revolution and Fourth Industrial Revolution are expected to shape the future of medicine, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaborations and next-generation training.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 26, 2024

Ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is already affecting the calcification of marine plankton

A recent study found that ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is already affecting the calcification of marine plankton, with negative consequences for marine ecosystems. The research suggests that anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are the main driver of this decline, while ocean warming may be mitigating this effect.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023

A 5G-enabled AI-based malware classification system for the next generation of cybersecurity

A novel AI-based malware detection and classification system has been developed for 5G-enabled Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems. The system achieved an accuracy rate of 97% on benchmark datasets, enabling the secure connection of applications such as smart cities and autonomous vehicles.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 8, 2022

Rise of the war machines: Identifying key drivers of the evolution of military technology in pre-industrial societies

A new analysis spanning 10,000 years of history and ten major world regions found that world population size, major technological advances, and geographical connectivity are key drivers of military technology evolution. The study's methodology employed a resource called Seshat: Global History Databank to empirically test prior hypotheses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2021

How religion can hamper economic progress

A recent study from Bocconi University found that Catholic schools in France during the Second Industrial Revolution hindered the introduction of technical education, leading to lower industrial employment. The research suggests that religion can have a negative impact on economic development when it hinders the adoption of economicall...

SourceBocconi University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateNov 13, 2020

Behavior of millions still shaped by Industrial Revolution

Researchers found that people living in former industrial heartlands are more prone to negative emotions, impulsive behaviors, and struggle with planning and self-motivation. This psychological adversity is thought to be the result of selective migrations during mass industrialization and its social effects on work and living conditions.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 14, 2017

Slavery in Yorkshire

This new book examines Richard Oastler's fight to limit working hours and prevent child labour in Yorkshire's industrial towns during the early 19th century. The book features contributions from six historians exploring Oastler's impact on British society.

Arctic pollution's surprising history

A University of Utah study reveals that polar explorers saw an aerosol 'dry haze' in the late 1800s, likely generated by smelting and coal combustion. The haze was found to contain metallic particles, including vanadium and cobalt, consistent with heavy oil and coal combustion.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateMar 18, 2008

From Green Luddite to Techspressive: The ideology of consumer technology

Four main ideologies governing tech consumption are outlined in a new paper, including the Techtopian ideology promoting social betterment through tech development. The study reveals that each promise offered by these ideologies is ultimately unrealizable, driving consumers to seek completion through ceaseless technology adoption.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 17, 2008

Wilson Center and Pew Charitable Trusts expand efforts to examine risks/benefits of nanotechnology

The Wilson Center and Pew Charitable Trusts are expanding their efforts to examine the risks and benefits of nanotechnology. The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies will provide objective, in-depth analysis and policy recommendations to manage environmental, health, and social impacts.