Leading climate economist William Nordhaus advocates for carbon taxes as a means to achieve significant emissions reductions, citing economic inefficiency and ineffectiveness of cap-and-trade systems. A carbon tax could also provide a revenue source to curb budget deficits while meeting environmental objectives.
The latest issue of Index on Censorship highlights the vital role writers can play in supporting their colleagues facing persecution. Contributors, including Margaret Atwood and Lydia Cacho, share their experiences and emphasize the importance of protecting free expression.
Academic users must be aware of how search engines operate to ensure quality sources are chosen. José van Dijck argues that Google Scholar is a co-producer of academic knowledge, not just a neutral tool. Its algorithm prioritizes quantitative citation analysis over relevance and truth-value.
Research published in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists warns that US missile defense systems are not reliable and would not be effective in combat conditions. The authors propose a new drone-based system as an alternative, which could reliably intercept long-range ballistic missiles before they reach their targets.
Research in the Journal of Tissue Engineering reveals that stem cells detect surface features with mechanosensors, which modulate gene expression through biochemical signaling cascades. This understanding opens doors to develop improved clinical prostheses with topographies that directly modulate stem cell fate.
Researchers argue that economic analysis can inform more effective criminal justice policies by reducing incarceration rates and focusing on prevention. They suggest devolving budgets for custodial sentences to local authorities, with financial incentives to drive cost-saving measures.
A new study argues that synthetic life sciences require a global regulator to detect pathogenic agents and ensure approved purposes for DNA sequences. However, current technology is insufficient to create an effective clearinghouse, highlighting the need for improved screening software and procedures.
A new study published in Palliative Medicine reveals that German physicians do hasten death in some cases, against current ethical guidelines, and often without sufficient patient involvement. Physicians with extra qualifications in palliative care were less likely to report deliberate actions to hasten death.
A recent study suggests that individuals' core values and prior beliefs have a substantial impact on their confidence in scientific reports, particularly when it comes to environmental issues like offshore oil drilling. This finding raises questions about the influence of science on public policy debates.
The British Association for Psychopharmacology has released new guidelines to guide psychiatrists and physicians in treating sleep disorders. These guidelines recommend cognitive behavioral therapy as an effective treatment option for insomnia, which can be improved with specialist targeted therapy. The guidelines also address specific...
Research reveals that faith-based schools in the UK often fail to address LGBTQ+ issues, with teachers intimidated by power structures and unequal policies. The study calls for greater accountability from school leaders to challenge homophobic bullying and ensure equality for all students.
Research finds that ambient lighting in cars enhances space perception, perceived quality of materials and design, and makes drivers feel safer. However, excessive brightness leads to driver complaints of distraction and discomfort.
A study by Thomas Schielke found that altering lighting can significantly affect the perceived brand identity of a store, with subtle differences between global regions. The study suggests that using consistent lighting designs can facilitate sending a specific brand image globally.
Researchers found that relationships are a crucial factor in spirituality, with 87% of patients considering spirituality important in their lives. The study recommends focusing on presence, journeying together, and engaging in reciprocal sharing to improve spiritual care.
A completed clinical trial found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy significantly improved symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who had failed traditional treatments. Eighty percent of trial participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with notable improvements in workability and emotional regulation.
Researchers discovered that low-intensity ultrasound therapy can improve the survival and function of tissue grafts after surgery. The treatment increased cellular activity, reduced waste buildup, and enhanced molecular motion, leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing various surgical procedures.
A recent study by John Deering found that newly recruited probation officers in the UK value humanistic approaches to rehabilitation over punitive measures. The respondents emphasized the importance of addressing social and economic inequalities contributing to crime, rather than attributing it to individual failures.
Experts warn of a bleak outlook for social science due to funding cuts and an 'anti-research' mood in government. However, they also highlight the importance of social sciences in tackling complex challenges and propose solutions to strengthen their involvement in policymaking.
A study of over 5000 individuals found that people looking for romance online behave similarly to those in face-to-face dating. Relational uncertainty is a key factor in relationship satisfaction, with those experiencing more severe depressive symptoms reporting more distress and lower satisfaction.
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.
A new study suggests that recreational drugs like ecstasy and cocaine can affect users' memory functions, including prospective memory. The researchers found that ecstasy/polydrug users showed memory deficits in both lab-based and self-reported measurements of their prospective memory.
A study published in Palliative Medicine recommends improving communication strategies to enhance palliative care for UK patients. The authors suggest using special notes and electronic summaries to facilitate better care coordination.
Researchers developed a standard checklist to facilitate safe administration of sedation at home, finding that PS does not hasten death and is used more frequently in hospitals. The study's findings aim to ease concerns about using palliative sedation in home care settings.
Back-to-work policies are losing impact due to their 'gender blind' approach, neglecting the needs of teenage fathers and men working in childcare. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted support for young fathers to address gender inequalities and promote inclusive policies.
The special issue examines the role of intelligence within government, organisational structures, and coordination. It presents a fascinating analysis of historical and contemporary security and intelligence, highlighting the need for co-ordination and 'joined up' approaches.
The International Headache Society has published new research guidelines to stimulate more research into headache treatment and reduce health risks associated with treatment. The guidelines focus on episodic and chronic tension-type headaches, aiming to identify more effective treatments and improve clinical trial safety for patients.
Current UK guidelines limit postmenopausal women's treatment options due to bone mass T-score criteria. Alternative therapies are available but often require stricter conditions.
A French team has developed a computerized 3D model that predicts the movement of the heart as it beats, allowing robotic tools to move in concert with each beat. This innovation could enable less invasive surgical procedures with high precision and reduce complications.
Research published in Strategic Organization highlights micro-level underpinnings of macroeconomic events, arguing that traditional theories are inadequate. The authors propose a new approach based on heterogeneous resources and capabilities, which can help resolve the current crisis.
A new study published in Clinical Rehabilitation found that patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) who underwent painful physiotherapy experienced significant improvements in physical function, while those who avoided painful treatment saw further loss of function. The study suggests a 'full on' approach to physiotherapy m...
The Canon of Medicine, written by the Persian scholar Avicenna, contains detailed information on respiratory diseases remarkably similar to those used today. The article highlights Avicenna's work on respiratory diseases and conditions, including herbal and non-herbal treatments, which are still valid with modern science.
The global financial crisis has severe consequences on children's health, nutrition, and education in East Asia and the Pacific. Investments can be made to safeguard countries' future economic growth and human development.
The 2009 BERA/SAGE Practitioner Research Awards honored Lindsey Thomas and teams for innovative projects, including a virtual learning environment for poetry and academic induction guidelines. Winners receive £500 prize money and SAGE books, promoting high-quality research in education.
Researchers have discovered genetic biomarkers relevant to CRC, allowing for personalized medication and improved survival rates. The integration of conventional agents with novel targeted therapies has led to median overall survival exceeding two years in metastatic CRC.
Researchers have created a robot-controlled palpating device that detects tumors with 40% more accuracy than humans, reducing tissue damage by over 35%. The device applies consistent force in each step, producing a complete map of the tissue.
Research studies examining Academies in England reveal mixed results, with notable improvements to student performance but diversity between and within Academies. The Trinity Academy case study highlights the significance of private business sponsorship and core values in achieving improved GCSE attainment.
New research warns of increasing rates of hypertension in Latin America, which poses a mounting threat to economies if not addressed. To combat this, policymakers and healthcare providers must work together to implement core policy changes, including detection, diagnosis, treatment, and control of high blood pressure.
A study on quality improvement (QI) research found that most studies had methodological limitations, including inadequate study duration, selection bias, and poor implementation. The review highlights the need for longer-term results and improved intervention design to accurately assess QI effectiveness.
A recent study found that bloggers adhere to an ethical code based on standards journalists follow, with key principles including truth telling, accountability, and minimizing harm. However, the extent of their adherence depends on context and intended audience, highlighting the need for 'teeth' in ethics codes.
A new study published in Clinical Nursing Research found that marijuana use is common among HIV/AIDS patients in the US to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and nausea. The study suggests that therapeutic marijuana use merits further consideration among policy makers, despite potential risks associated with its use.
A new study estimates that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) costs the UK more than £27 billion a year, with £2.7 billion spent on children's support and £25 billion on adults. Researchers call for increased early intervention and policy review to address these significant economic impacts.
Two special peer-reviewed journals feature articles from a transatlantic meeting on strengthening global health promotion practice, including eight domains of core competency. The journals promote international collaboration in health education and health promotion.
The International Journal of Robotics Research is launching a new genre of research paper called 'data papers,' which will facilitate the release of high-quality, peer-reviewed datasets to the robotics community. The launch also includes revamped multimedia services with improved access and quality for supplementary data.
A study by Marianne Hirsch and Leo Spitzer explores the evolution of Holocaust Studies and Memory Studies, arguing that even a witness' silence can tell a powerful story. The authors examine how oral and video testimonies have redefined listening and the role of witnesses in shaping collective memory.
The new edition of Discovering Statistics Using SPSS provides an accessible guide to all aspects of statistics, using humorous real-world case studies. The book has been fully revised and restructured with updated materials and online resources, making it the only statistics textbook a student will ever need.
A study found that children who received music tuition showed superior cognitive performance in reading skills compared to non-musically trained peers. The research suggests that music education can enhance school performance in language and literacy.
A study published in Journal of Psychopharmacology found that MDMA, a pharmaceutical version of Ecstasy, can enhance the effectiveness of exposure therapy for PTSD. By increasing oxytocin levels and reducing fear responses, ecstasy may help patients overcome traumatic memories and reduce stress.
The 2008 financial crisis has radically transformed the business information landscape, with senior information managers seeking to add value and manage costs. The survey found that companies are pushing for more strategic management of their information services, with a focus on appraising how to add value and managing vendors.
The 'Besieged in Britain' report reveals the psychological damage caused by extreme denials of civil liberties, including severe mental health problems and suicide attempts. The policy has led to men being held under house arrest for long periods, subjected to random police searches, and forced to leave their families.
The UK economy is expected to contract in the second half of 2008, with a forecasted GDP decline of 0.9% in 2009 and consumer spending declining by 3.4%. The financial sector crisis will spread to the wider economy through credit rationing, caution among firms and consumers, and reduced equity prices.