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Solving computationally hard problems with 3D integrated photonics

Researchers have developed a reconfigurable three-dimensional integrated photonic processor specifically designed to tackle the subset sum problem, a classic NP-complete challenge. The processor operates by allowing photons in a light beam to explore all possible paths simultaneously, providing answers in parallel and demonstrating hig...

A national indicator for a just energy transition

The Energy Transition Vulnerability Index (ETVI) measures a nation's susceptibility to adverse effects of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Countries in the Global South face greater challenges than those in the Global North, with global vulnerability decreasing but interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 22, 2024

Towards vehicle electrification: A mathematical prediction of battery electric vehicle ownership growth in Turkey

A new study predicts Turkey's battery electric vehicle (BEV) ownership growth using the Gompertz model, aiming to aid policymakers in preparing for a smooth transition. The predicted BEV market saturation is expected to occur approximately 15 years later than Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Honey bees in demand: New contract strategies to support pollination services

A new study explores clauses in pollination contracts that could make them more appealing to beekeepers, including pesticide protection and cover crop options. Beekeepers valued these features, particularly those protecting against pesticide exposure, with discounts ranging from $6 to $8 per colony.

One out of every four employees of commercial organizations has withheld inventions from their employer

A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals that 27% of respondents withhold inventions due to reasons such as emotional attachment, fear of credit, or lack of trust in management. The study aims to shed light on this phenomenon and develop effective management tools to increase employees' willingness to disclose their inventions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalAcademy of Management Perspectives·DateSep 29, 2024

Study reveals shifting landscape of UN human rights discourse

A new study reveals a significant evolution in the UN's approach to human rights, with growing emphasis on disability and business-related rights. The research highlights the importance of corporate responsibility and suggests a move toward a more comprehensive understanding of human rights that encompasses economic and social rights.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalHuman Rights Law Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2024

Planting seeds for safer farming

Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.

Bringing electricity to the smallest villages is not likely to reduce poverty

A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that village size plays a crucial role in determining the economic impact of electrification. Villages with populations over 2,000 people experience significant benefits, including doubled household expenditure and growth in microenterprises. In contrast, smaller villages see litt...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Political Economy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

Smart researchers unveil study linking EV charging stations to increased local business activity

A study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology found that installing EVCS boosted spending at nearby establishments by 1.4% in 2019, leading to an overall increase of USD 6.7 million. Strategically placed EVCS also stimulated consumer spending in underprivileged areas, creating potential catalysts for economic growth.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

nTIDE September 2024 Jobs Report: Gains in employment for people with disabilities appear to level off after reducing gaps with non-disabled workers

According to the nTIDE September 2024 Jobs Report, employment and labor force participation trends for people with disabilities have leveled off after several years of growth. This decline in employment is similar to the trend observed between 2016 and 2018. The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities decreased from...

How can wealthy nations respond to the baby bust?

A new study analyzes demographic trends, patterns, and consequences of low fertility in high-income countries. Fertility decline poses economic challenges, but a strategic policy response can mitigate most adverse effects. The authors emphasize the importance of designing economies that allow individuals to freely choose their fertilit...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalAnnual Review of Economics·DateAug 27, 2024

Prioritize well-being over growth: new paradigm needed for climate-friendly lifestyles

A new EU study suggests that focusing on citizens' needs rather than economic growth is crucial for achieving sustainable lifestyles. The research identifies the economic growth paradigm as a major barrier to transformation, and recommends a needs-oriented approach to ensure well-being and sustainability.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalSustainability Science Practice and Policy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

Finding pearls in the mud: eco-friendly tungsten recovery from semiconductor waste

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have unveiled an eco-friendly method to extract rare metals from semiconductor waste, recovering precious tungsten and assessing its economic viability. The bioleaching process, using a fungus to dissolve metals, is found to be 7% cheaper than traditional methods.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateAug 7, 2024

In China, property rights take wrong turn

A new study by Kishore Gawande finds that China's nationwide protection of private property rights in 2007 turbocharged its business climate. However, the country is now reversing course, with potential investors pulling back due to weakening property rights. This could lead to lower economic output and tax revenues for local governments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Law and Economics·DateJul 18, 2024

Gender inequality across US states revealed by new tool

A new tool has been developed to compare gender inequality among different US states, revealing substantial gender disparities across the country. States with higher gender inequality scores tend to have lower measures of women's wellbeing and fewer tweets about the #MeToo movement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

iFAB awarded $51 million EDA Tech Hubs grant to propel Central Illinois as a biomanufacturing leader

The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub has been awarded a $51 million EDA grant to position Central Illinois as a global leader in biomanufacturing and precision fermentation. The grant will support the growth of biomanufacturing businesses, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

New regulations needed to limit impact of favouritism on country credit ratings

Research by economists at University of East Anglia and others found links between finance ministers and executives at biggest credit ratings agencies associated with higher ratings for countries without these connections, highlighting a conflict-of-interest problem in the credit ratings agency business model.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of International Financial Markets Institutions and Money·DateJul 2, 2024

Boosting biodiversity without hurting local economies

A new study by Duke University researchers finds that nearly half of protected areas can benefit both nature and people, with a balanced approach. The study suggests smaller, closer-to-market protected areas are more likely to achieve this balance, without harming local economic growth.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2024

38 trillion dollars in damages each year: World economy already committed to income reduction of 19 % due to climate change

The study projects significant economic losses globally, particularly in the tropics, with countries least responsible for climate change facing 60% greater income loss. A transition to renewable energy is crucial to mitigate catastrophic consequences and stabilize the planet's temperature.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2024

Global North energy outsourcing demands more attention

A new study reveals that Global North countries' outsourcing of energy-intensive industrial processes to the Global South leads to greater carbon emissions and environmental damage. The researchers urge both regions to work together to address this issue, promoting energy equity and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 15, 2024

Reducing production and consumption growth in high-income countries: is it good for tackling climate change?

Researchers analyze degrowth scenarios to reduce emissions, highlighting the need for lower energy demand and technological advancements. The study suggests that fast emissions reductions are possible even with reduced or zero economic growth, but also raises concerns about sociocultural feasibility.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEconomic Systems Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2024

Are universities connected to local sustainability? A new study suggests yes…and no.

A new study reveals a strong correlation between universities' sustainability performance and local innovation, while showing little connection to community environmental sustainability. The research suggests universities contribute to economic development, but struggle to drive broader sustainable transformations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries linked with IMF lending policies

A recent study suggests that IMF lending policies, especially structural loans, lead to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries. This effect is most pronounced with second or subsequent loans, which can result in immediate spikes in emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocio-Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Global ecosystem contribute trillions in its services with key synergies and trade-offs

A study estimates that global ecosystems provide USD 112-197 trillion to the economy, with forests and wetlands accounting for nearly 80% of this value. Strong synergies are found among oxygen release, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration services, while trade-offs occur between flood regulation and other services.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal study explores the health and economic burden of air pollution

A Chinese Medical Journal study examined the spatiotemporal features of disease burden due to air pollution across China between 2005 and 2017. The findings revealed a downward trend in premature mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution, but an increasing financial burden due to economic growth.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2024

Unprecedented success continues: 2023 employment gains for people with disabilities outshine those of counterparts without disabilities

The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities reached a record high of 37.1% in 2023, surpassing the pre-pandemic level and that of people without disabilities. This growth is attributed to significant employer trends, including labor shortages and increased wages, as well as accommodations made during the pandemic.

$6 million National Science Foundation award to Binghamton will accelerate research translation into broader societal benefits

Binghamton University will receive $6 million from the NSF to translate cutting-edge research into real-world applications and promote regional entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to increase the university's capacity for translational research, providing students with practical training and career development opportunities.

Assessing loan applicants’ credit risk via smartphone activities helps improve financial inclusion and business profitability

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that using alternative data from smartphones is more effective in improving financial inclusion (23% better) and business profitability (42% better) compared to social media data. This approach can help microloan companies adopt cost-effective solutions and offset potential economic loss.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 12, 2023