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Nanoparticles could improve oil production

Researchers from Siberian Federal University found that nanoparticles can dramatically change rock wettability characteristics, leading to increased oil recovery. The study showed that even small amounts of nanoparticles added to the liquid improved oil production efficiency by weakening capillary forces and reducing interfacial tension.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·DateDec 22, 2020

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

A loan for lean season

Researchers found that small loans during the lean season led to higher quality of life, increased agricultural output, and greater wages. The study's results validated the importance of seasonal variability to rural farmers' livelihoods, highlighting the need for economic interventions that account for this factor.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateNov 2, 2020

Accounting for nature in economies

Researchers developed a new metric called Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) to measure the value of nature's contributions to economic activity. GEP accounts for benefits like clean water and climate security, informing investments in securing them and evaluating policy performance.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2020

Economic Development Quarterly announces a special issue on business incentives

A recent special issue of Economic Development Quarterly examines the impact of local and state financial incentives on business location decisions. Research suggests that simply expanding incentives may not be effective in creating jobs, while some types of incentives work better for specific industries in certain local economies.

SourceSAGE·JournalEconomic Development Quarterly·DateJun 2, 2020

All global sustainability is local

A new study assesses country and regional progress towards 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), revealing disparities between developed and developing regions. The study suggests that sustainability progress is dynamic and may involve tradeoffs, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to address these challenges.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateJan 1, 2020

Material demand in China's provinces

Research reveals significant differences in material footprints across Chinese provinces, with some having levels similar to those of medium-high income countries. Provincial development disparities highlight the need for targeted policy efforts to reduce material intensity and prevent outsourcing of resource extraction activities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

How much will we eat in the future?

Researchers at Göttingen University predict a significant increase in global calorie requirements by 2100, driven by rising Body Mass Index (BMI) and body height. This could lead to food shortages and exacerbate malnutrition among the poor if not addressed.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2019

Spirituality affects the behavior of mortgagers

Research by Olga Miroshnichenko found that household income and spirituality are linked, with mortgagers who prioritize morality tend to repay loans before maturity. The study analyzed data from the Russian bank sector between 2008-2018, concluding that economic growth and moral values influence mortgage behavior.

UK health service 'lagging behind' other high income countries

The UK National Health Service faces challenges in meeting growing demand while reducing costs. Key findings show that the NHS spent less on healthcare per person compared to other high-income countries and had lower numbers of healthcare professionals. However, it achieved better rates for certain health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 27, 2019

Mathematical model provides new support for environmental taxes

A new mathematical model developed by Fan et al. suggests that environmental taxes can stimulate economic growth, decrease emissions, and improve resource utilization in China. The model's findings support the use of carbon taxes as an effective strategy to promote environmentally friendly practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2019