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Gender pay gap linked to unpaid chores in childhood

A new study found that girls who spend more time on household chores in childhood are more likely to have limited future employment opportunities. The research suggests that unequal shares of household care work contribute to the gender pay gap, constraining girls' access to better-paid and higher-quality jobs.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFeminist Economics·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 21, 2022

CREATE CARES and NTU Singapore’s NTUitive launch the Accelerated, Manufacturing Platform for Engineered Nanomaterials (AMPLE)

The CREATE CARES and NTUitive initiative aims to accelerate the development of nanomaterials for various industries, reducing experimental workload and improving quality. The Accelerated Manufacturing Platform for Engineered Nanomaterials (AMPLE) project will utilize Industry 4.0 practices to scale up nanotechnology production.

Reduction of global inequalities in energy use necessary to stop climate change

A new study by ICTA-UAB reveals that existing climate mitigation scenarios perpetuate energy use inequalities between the Global North and South. To stop climate change, the Global North must reduce its energy consumption to sustainable levels while allowing for sufficient growth in energy use in the rest of the world.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022

Found: The ‘holy grail of catalysis’ — turning methane into methanol under ambient conditions using light

Researchers have developed a novel process converting methane into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure using visible light. The method uses a continuous flow of methane/oxygen-saturated water over a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst, achieving 100% selectivity with no by-products.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

Can robotics help us achieve sustainable development?

The study highlights opportunities for robotics to support human activities, foster innovation, and enhance monitoring. However, it also identifies potential threats such as exacerbating inequalities and diverting resources from tried-and-tested solutions. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification of negative impacts and ...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 22, 2022

Perspective on Saudi heritage tourism

Research at Al-Hijr Archaeological Site reveals local stakeholder perspectives on embryonic tourism development, highlighting concerns over cultural erosion and unsustainable growth. The study recommends introducing two-way communication platforms to address these concerns and mitigate potential impacts on communities.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Heritage Tourism·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2022

Scientists call for decision-making to be transformed to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises together

A new article in BioScience argues that incremental changes are insufficient to address planetary emergencies, and calls for broader system-wide changes to governing interactions between climate, biodiversity, and society. The authors hope their work will inform the setting of biodiversity objectives and targets.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalBioScience·DateJun 1, 2022

Albert Winsemius and Singapore

A team of NTU Singapore economists compiled a detailed study of Albert Winsemius' influence on Singapore's early economic development, analyzing his affinity with Singapore and his contributions to the country's economic growth. The book examines his synergy with pioneering leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Goh Keng Swee.

Springing people from the poverty trap

A field experiment in Bangladesh shows that the poor lack opportunities to gain wealth, but a one-time boost can make a major difference. The study suggests that poverty is not principally due to people's capabilities or attitudes, but rather an initial lack of resources prevents them from improving their circumstances.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateMay 11, 2022

Step toward a circular economy?

Researchers have discovered a zirconium-based metal–organic framework material that catalyzes the degradation of PET into its monomers. This process can be reused to make high-value PET products, enabling the development of a circular economy. The catalyst breaks down PET waste at 260°C with yields up to 98%

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Seashell-inspired Sandia shield protects materials in hostile environments

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a seashell-inspired coating that can protect materials from mechanical, shock, and thermal insults. The coating is made from thin layers of confectioners' sugar, silica, and carbon black, and has been shown to be lightweight, mechanically strong, and thermally stable.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalMRS Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

THE LANCET: Global child and adolescent health targets in jeopardy without urgent, comprehensive reform, experts warn

Experts warn that recent progress in child and adolescent health is under threat without comprehensive reform. A holistic approach that spans preconception to adulthood is needed to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes. Strong health systems must partner with social systems to support children's development.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 27, 2022

SMEs are likely to achieve higher environmental performance through circular economy adoption – new research

A new study by Aston University reveals that Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) can improve their sustainability performance by adopting circular economy practices. The research found that SMEs in all participating countries are likely to achieve higher environmental performance through CE adoption, with products, processes, and...

SourceAston University·JournalInternational Journal of Production Economics·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2022

The opportunity cost of conservation

Researchers from Arizona State University developed a study to balance biodiversity goals with limited economic resources in Colombia. The team created a prioritization map that targets conservation actions towards regions where ecological benefits are high and economic impacts are low.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·TypeCase study·DateApr 14, 2022

Optimizing the Mitigation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Biochar-treated Soils with Machine Learning

Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2022

Digitalisation and sustainability: how do DAX companies measure up?

A study by RIFS researcher Silke Niehoff analyzed DAX company sustainability reports and found that most prioritize customer demands and efficiency over environmental concerns. However, a few companies are using digitalization to promote sustainable development and serve as role models.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 28, 2022

Longitudinal data from India reveals that low-birth-weight infants experience lower test scores compared with normal birth weight infants

A study using longitudinal data from the Indian Young Lives survey found that low-birth-weight infants experienced lower test scores compared to normal birth weight infants. The study estimated a 10% increase in birth weight corresponds to a 0.11 standard deviation increase in cognitive test scores at ages 5-8 years.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalEconomic Papers A journal of applied economics and policy·DateMar 28, 2022

Taking context seriously

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on smallholder farmers in the developing world, with up to 80% reporting reduced food purchases and 50% suffering income loss. The study highlights the need for policymakers to balance disease containment measures with the food security needs of rural populations.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalAgricultural Systems·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2022

Research: Partnership between humanitarian organizations and governments is essential for providing cash assistance to refugees

Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

"Advanced" countries’ wealth depends on the appropriation of resources and labour from the global South

A study by Jason Hickel reveals that the global North appropriates vast resources and labor from the global South through price differentials in international trade, resulting in a net drain of $10.8 trillion in 2015. This unsustainable practice perpetuates global inequality and ecological breakdown.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

A new “truth” about the rainforest: How Bolsonaro’s supporters misuse satellite data

A new study reveals how Bolsonaro's supporters are misusing satellite data to promote economic development at the expense of environmental protection. The researchers found that far-right groups are creating alternative 'truths' about deforestation, questioning the validity of scientific findings and sowing confusion among the public.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalEarth System Governance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 16, 2022

AI helped protect businesses from COVID-19 risks

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that AI-powered apps reduced business risks during the pandemic by 3.1%. The use of AI apps was also linked to lower profits (2%) and overall business risk (1.2%). Only 26% of small enterprises are currently using these applications.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInformation Systems Frontiers·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2022

Controversial policy to reconcile mining and biodiversity conservation demonstrates success

A new study by Bangor University suggests that a biodiversity offsetting scheme at Ambatovy mine in Madagascar has successfully achieved 'No Net Loss' of the unique forest habitat destroyed by the mine. The study, which used state-of-the-art approaches to evaluate the impact of the mine's strategy, found that the offsets have saved nea...

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2022

Higher minimum wage may reduce rent defaults but raise rent payments

A new study found that a higher minimum wage was associated with fewer people defaulting on their rent payments, particularly among those at the lower end of the housing expense market. However, landlords responded by increasing rent payments, offsetting some but not all of the increased income.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Urban Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2022

Sustainable bioeconomy: Development of environmentally friendly bio-shampoos and plant protection agent technologies

A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Precious metal commodities can enhance investment portfolio performance, say Pusan National University researchers

A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

Water as a precious commodity: Competition for natural resources prevents sustainable development and excludes entire communities from water resources

A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals that large-scale land acquisitions for agriculture lead to increased water scarcity, impacting local users. The research analyzed 160 acquisitions and found that 105 resulted in competition for water, often at the expense of local communities.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2022

Is your seafood climate friendly? Scientists outline the benefits of marine aquaculture

Mariculture has the potential to deliver high-protein foodstuffs with a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to terrestrial products. The authors suggest various ways to improve mariculture's sustainability, including supply chain improvements and cofarming practices that can lead to net reductions in CO2 emissions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 25, 2022

Using videos and farmer-to-farmer learning to make agriculture more sustainable

A study by Göttingen University found that training methods combining farmer-to-farmer learning with educational videos significantly increased the use of productive practices among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This approach also promoted informal information transfer and improved adoption of complex technologies.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalThe World Bank Economic Review·TypeSurvey·DateDec 19, 2021

Extreme weather research shows household income impacts of Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy, need for more equitable climate resilience planning for cities

A new analysis found that low-income households in New Orleans lost nearly 35% of their income after Hurricane Katrina, while high-income households in NYC lost only 5.8%. The study highlights the need for diversified income sources to mitigate economic harm from extreme weather events.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Geography·DateDec 14, 2021

Digitizing the Natural History Museum London's entire collection could contribute over £2 billion to the global economy

The Natural History Museum's digital collection has been downloaded over 28 billion times, contributing to advancements in food security, biodiversity conservation and medicine discovery. The museum's digitisation efforts are expected to have a tenfold return on investment, with benefits exceeding £2 billion over 30 years.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·DateDec 8, 2021