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Too hot to handle? Study explores how heat is reshaping US population shifts

A new study from Florida Atlantic University challenges the narrative that rising temperatures will drive Americans away, finding that heat alone isn't driving large-scale out-migration. Instead, population shifts are shaped more by economic opportunity, housing affordability and local quality of life than climate conditions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2026

Saving lives, not raising birthrates, is Eastern Europe’s best hope against population decline

A new study reveals that reducing mortality through large-scale investment in public health is a more effective and ethically sound strategy than encouraging people to have more children. By focusing on lowering mortality rates, countries can slow population decline and maximize the return on investment in their existing population.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateDec 15, 2025

Americans want stronger safety net for older adults

A Cornell University-led study finds that Americans are increasingly supporting a stronger safety net for older adults, with nearly 58% backing increased Social Security spending. The survey also reveals growing demand for government-provided care programs, such as help with everyday household tasks like grocery shopping and cleaning.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Aging & Social Policy·DateJul 22, 2025

Rethinking the demographic race: What is the future economic potential of India and China?

A recent study by IIASA researchers explores the socio-economic potential of India and China, focusing on human capital and labor force quality. The findings suggest that China will maintain an economic lead for most of the next half-century due to its more educated and higher-participating labor force.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPopulation Research and Policy Review·DateJun 24, 2025

Long before the L.A. fires, America’s housing crisis displaced millions

A new USC study reveals that the US is facing a shortage of 4.5 million homes due to policy missteps in the early 2000s, which led to a historic housing bubble and subsequent Great Recession. The crisis has disproportionately affected millennials and people of color, with racial and ethnic disparities in homeownership widening over time.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalRSF The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2025

Threat of abrupt mortality events keeps endangered monkey population at risk, despite decades of growth

A new study suggests that the northern muriqui monkey population remains at risk despite being almost four times larger than it was in 1982. Habitat disturbances are thought to be a contributing factor to the population decline, with predation and environmental stressors such as climate change also playing a role.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2024

Global food yields have grown steadily during last six decades

A comprehensive study reveals that global crop yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s, offsetting any slowdown in specific crops or regions. The findings highlight the need for sustainable food production and affordability to address future food security challenges.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 27, 2024

Demand-side actions could help construction sector deliver on net-zero targets

A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

UK austerity politics correlated with increased frailty in the oldest adults

Researchers analyzed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and found that public spending cuts during austerity (2012-2018) led to a steeper increase in frailty with age compared to pre-austerity period. This association was observed across all population groups, but particularly among the oldest people.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Acorn production cycles influence wild boar populations

Research suggests that alternating years of low and high acorn production contribute to an increase in wild boar populations. Biennial episodes of acorn production coincide with the generation time of wild boars, leading to positive population growth.

SourceCNRS·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2023

Half century of protection pays off for sea turtles

Researchers have tracked green turtle populations at Aldabra Atoll and found a significant increase in clutches laid since the species was protected in 1968. The study reveals an overall 2.6% annual rise in clutch numbers, offering hope for marine conservation success stories.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

A gender dimension of energy: Modern cooking fuels connected to quicker demographic transition

Access to modern cooking fuels like gas and electricity improves health and frees up time for women to seek information and education, ultimately leading to reproductive rights. The study found a significant connection between modern energy access and lower fertility rates in countries with high initial fertility rates.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

No apparent shortage of prey for southern resident killer whales in Canadian waters during summer

A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateOct 12, 2021

Males help keep populations genetically healthy

A new study from Uppsala University reveals that males play a crucial role in maintaining genetic health by eliminating harmful mutations. The research found that selective pressure on males leads to the purging of deleterious mutations, resulting in healthier genes and increased reproductive capacity.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJun 27, 2021

Short-lived plant species are more climate-sensitive

Researchers found that plant characteristics like generation time can predict how sensitive species are to changing climates. Short-lived plant species were shown to be particularly vulnerable to climate extremes. The study highlights the need for new population ecology research on woody plant species and tropical plants.

New challenges for wolf conservation

The growing wolf population in Germany threatens legally binding nature conservation goals due to increased attacks on livestock. The researchers propose simplifying regulatory measures, actively managing the wolf population, and providing financial support for farmers to implement conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNaturschutz und Landschaftsplanung (NuL)·DateJan 7, 2021

Projected extreme heat and cold exposure in US cities

A new study projects that major US cities will experience significantly increased exposure to extreme heat and cold by the end of this century. The study's authors used a novel approach to account for urban development and its interactions with climate change to predict changes in population-weighted exposure to extreme temperatures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

Surgery patients are getting older every year

As the population ages, surgery rates are increasing, leading to a higher risk of complications and death for elderly patients. The BJS analysis reveals that more than one in ten people in England will undergo surgery at 75+, with estimated costs exceeding €3.2 billion by 2030.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateMay 22, 2019