All articles tagged with #global trends
New research shows that several obesity-related cancers are increasing globally across all age groups, not just in the young, highlighting the widespread impact of obesity on cancer risk and the need for comprehensive prevention strategies.
Colon cancer rates are rising among people under 50 in 27 countries, with significant increases in both wealthy and middle-income nations. A study in Lancet Oncology highlights the role of modern diets and sedentary lifestyles in this trend, particularly in industrialized regions like North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and South America. While older adults see declining rates due to better screenings and reduced smoking, younger generations face increased risks linked to processed foods and lifestyle changes. Environmental factors and genetics also contribute to this growing health concern.
Bowel cancer rates are rising among younger adults globally, with a 3.6% annual increase in England, according to a study published in Lancet Oncology. While the disease predominantly affects older individuals, the rise in cases among those under 50 is concerning. Potential risk factors include poor diet, obesity, alcohol, and smoking, though improved detection methods may also contribute to the increase. Experts emphasize the importance of awareness of early symptoms, such as blood in stool and changes in bowel habits, and call for further research to understand the trend.
Incumbent parties worldwide, including the U.S. Democrats, faced significant electoral losses in 2024, reflecting a global trend of voter dissatisfaction with current governments. Despite the U.S. economy's relative strength, domestic issues like inflation and housing costs overshadowed positive economic indicators, contributing to the Democrats' defeat. However, compared to other countries, Democrats experienced a smaller loss in vote share, partly due to the U.S.'s economic resilience. Globally, security issues helped some incumbents retain power, a factor less prominent in the U.S. elections.
A new study by Dartmouth University reveals a significant shift in the traditional U-shaped happiness curve, showing that young adults, especially young women, are now the least happy demographic. This unprecedented downturn in youth well-being, which began around 2017, has been observed globally and is not attributed to COVID-19 or labor market conditions. The exact cause remains unclear, though some speculate the rise of cell phone usage may play a role.
A global review of mortality data from 1990 to 2010 suggests that the gender gap in life expectancy is narrowing, with women typically outliving men by about four or five years on a global average. Factors influencing mortality include biological, societal, and environmental elements. Researchers predict that by 2030, the gap between the sexes could diminish further, with notable declines in mortality rates among older individuals in regions like Australasia, Europe, and North America. However, the impact of factors such as drug use and COVID-19 on life expectancies should be considered, and future improvements in life expectancy will depend on various economic, social, and political developments.
Research from Spain's Universidad de Alcalá shows that humans are living longer worldwide, with the gap between male and female life expectancy narrowing. The study predicts that these trends will continue into the next decade, attributing the improvement to safer conditions for blue-collar jobs and healthier lifestyles. The data also reveals significant improvements in mortality indicators, particularly in Africa, and suggests a need to re-examine societal perceptions of old age as more people live into their late 70s, 80s, and 90s.
As 2023 comes to a close, various words have emerged around the world that capture the popular mood. While some consider "AI" as the word of the year, other contenders include "authentic," "rizz," "password child," "kitawaramba," "bwa kale," "spy balloon," "kuningi," "c'est la hess," "zei," "nones," "shan dao hou zi," "bharat," and "quoicoubeh." These words reflect a range of sentiments and cultural contexts, from slang terms in Australia and Kenya to expressions of frustration in South Africa and France.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that global exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution has decreased since 2011, largely driven by reductions in China and slower growth in other regions. The study highlights the effectiveness of PM2.5 mitigation efforts, with China's rigorous air quality management contributing to a significant reduction in global mean exposure. However, there is still an urgent need for further reduction in PM2.5 exposure, as millions of premature deaths worldwide can still be attributed to it. Continued monitoring and evaluation of mitigation efforts, especially in poorly monitored but highly populated regions, are crucial for improving air quality and addressing the health impacts of PM2.5 pollution.
Amnesty International reports a 53 percent increase in executions globally in 2022, with 883 people executed in 19 countries, excluding China where data is classified. Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt accounted for 90 percent of known executions outside China. Four countries abolished the death penalty for all crimes in 2022, bringing the total number of abolitionist countries to 112. Nine countries have abolished the death penalty for crimes not committed during times of war, while 23 countries still retain the death penalty but have not executed anyone in the past 10 years. 55 countries still retain and implement the death penalty.